Love Takes Flight

Single working mom, Lizzie, who's daughter Quinn is insulin dependent gave up her OB-Gyn practice to be a hospital administrator to spend more time with her daughter. Lizzie has become a bit shut-off and distrusting since her divorce. Along comes former military EMS helicopter pilot, Charlie.

Charlie pushes Lizzie's limits...everything from her fear of flying to her overly conservative rules.

These two seem destined to be together from the very beginning.but the bigger story is the friendship between the grieving widow, Walter, and Quinn who is on a "find a friend" mission. If I knew you could pick up a sweet and kind older gentleman at the grocery store...I'd be spending more time there myself.

This movie was sweet and endearing and had a lot going on...big topics to tackle, but seemed to manage it in the end.

I agree with the other reviewers that the film is refreshingly character driven and the acting is realistic instead of the usual Hallmark "overacting". I do also agree that the chemistry is missing between the two leads and he has shown himself to be everything she doesn't want in a partner. The subplot with Walter and Quinn is well developed and sweet. Really enjoyed this one and there was no town to save or boyfriend to erroneously distrust at the last moment .... This is a tender story dealing well with worthwhile topics...grief recovery, trust, friendships, and relationships.

Set and filmed in Savannah, for us it revived pleasant memories of our long weekend there a few years ago. A noted surgeon has developed a new transplant technique, she is looking for a hospital where she can make it work. A missing piece at the moment is no helicopter pilot, the transplant material has a very short required transit time.

They find a pilot, former military, but he is also attracted to the pretty and capable doctor who has become the hospital administrator. The attraction turns out mutual but, following the Hallmark formula, something gets in the way. Only at the last possible moment are they able to get on the same wavelength.

My wife and I enjoy Hallmark movies, they are pleasant entertainment and always under 90 minutes. As this one is. We watched it at home on DVD from our public library.

I agree with the sentiments of MissM19 on this film. The heart-warming story surrounding Walter and his friendship with Nikki Deloach's daughter, Quinn was played beautifully. Nikki's relationship with her daughter - also good, as was Walter & Charley. The disappointment was the chemistry and growing attraction between the 2 leads. The acting was fine. I believe the writers came up short on developing their attraction for each other. They weren't close enough & Nikki's big speech at the end would've been great if only we felt them to love each other more ! I give a 7 but not for the romance.

Other than Hallmark film completest sake, my main reason for seeing 'Love Takes Flight' was Nikki DeLoach. While her filmography is hit and miss, her performances have always been consistent in a good way. Was also interested to see whether it deserved its spot on the Hallmark Hall of Fame and do appreciate it when any film explores real life family relationships and conflicts, while Hallmark can do well and has done.

'Love Takes Flight' on the most part does this aspect well. While not being sure whether it is Hallmark Hall of Fame worthy, it is (even with its flaws) one of the better 2019 Hallmark films along with 'Love on the Menu', 'Love to the Rescue', 'Love and Sunshine' and 'The Christmas Club' for example. Though not as good as those films. 'Love Takes Flight' is far from perfect, but its sincerity was never in doubt and its good intentions laudable.

Am going to begin with the not so good. It is at its weakest with the central romantic relationship, which is not developed enough, the other relationships had a lot more heart and development whereas this one is too drifting in and out with not much distinction. The chemistry between DeLoach and Jeff Hephner is far from non-existent, their relationship is too underwritten.

Did think that some of the film dragged, especially in the early portions where the set up takes too long. Some of the dialogue is too on the sappy side.

However, a lot is good. DeLoach is just great in a charming and heartfelt performance. Hephner has a subtly natural charisma and matches DeLoach in the charm factor. The supporting cast are more than up to their level, with the standout being adorable and affecting Skylar Olivia Flanagan (neither cutesy or bratty). Did like the development given to the characters and appreciated that they felt like real people in real conflicts rather than typical ciphers. Nobody comes over as too perfect or has flaws exaggerated.

Other than the romantic relationships, the family relationships are done very well. Very heart-warming and moving, without being too treacly or heavy. The Charley and Quinn relationship is especially beautifully done, with the mother and daughter one close behind (one that was quite relatable to me).

It is a good looking film, especially the scenery. Something that Hallmark often delivered on, even in their misfires. The music isn't over-scored or too constant. The script isn't awkward and has a few amusing moments amongst the many very sweet and touching dramatic ones while keeping sentimentality at bay. The story is not innovative but clearly knew exactly what it wanted to be and do, and has lightness, warmth and charm. As well as well meaning honesty.

Summing up, worth a look. 7/10.