My One & Only

Start with an experienced talented cast, add the perfect location, then add a brilliant but different story. Now you have the possibility of a ten star movie. This one does not deserve ten stars because of some missing ingredients. First is chemistry between the lead characters. It was almost absent partly because the makeup department failed in their job. No woman wants to spend time getting her makeup perfect then go kiss a porcupine. Sam did not have a beard, he had a dirty face with 3 days of stubble on it, so no kissing until a mandatory kiss at the end. The most important missing element was Love. She cared more about her job than she did him, and he loved his ranch more than her. That is not Love and therefore not a ten star movie.

"You might just have to do it scared."

Stephanie, played by Pascale Hutton, gets roped into participating as a contestant on a reality show called The One, where they hope individuals find their "one". For this season, they have paired Stephanie with a fellow LA city slicker named Oliver for two weeks at a Wyoming ranch called Aurora Ranch.

Unfortunately, while Oliver is nice and he and Stephanie get along well...she seems to have more chemistry with the Aurora rancher Alex. When they meet, assumptions are made involving some catchy slogan and a hashtag. When it came down to it they actually have a lot in common.

I loved Pascale's wardrobe and the ranch setting was lovely. It was fun to see them work in a reality show into a hallmark romance.

Sweet and easy going, I think romantics will love this sunny offering.

Firstly, I think pretty Pascale Hutton is one of a handful of Hallmark's great actresses. She played the part of Stephanie skillfully and believably. I also like that she 's got curves and that she wasn't playing a girl just barely out of college. As for the male lead, his part was so enjoyable and well-played! Regarding his look -I'm not sure the people criticizing go outside much but beards (from five o'clock shadows to five weeks worth of growth or more) are it nowadays and Sam Page worked it! There was great chemistry between him and Pascale. The fact that there were no advertising agencies or royal highnesses in sight made this a movie I will surely watch again. Go, Hallmark!

Did appreciate that 'My One and Only' tried to do something different to usual, though different doesn't always mean that it is immediately good. Pascale Hutton has always been a likeable performer and while Sam Page is not as consistent he's given charming performances too. Was very intrigued as to whether they would gel well together. Was mostly not particularly impressed by the 2019 Summer Nights films, with 'Love and Sunshine' being by far the best.

'My One and Only' is worth watching and it's charming enough, though it is uneven. With good things but also some things that didn't come off too great. Really appreciated what it tried to do and that it tried to not be too formulaic, but the differences don't always succeed. While it is a long way from being 'Love and Sunshine', it is much better than the previous Summer Nights film 'All Summer Long', which had a different setting but had too many typical elements not executed well.

There is a lot that is good here. It looks good, especially the scenery which is lovely. Other Hallmark films fare a lot worse when it comes to having ill fitting and intrusive music, neither of which were an issue really with me here. While the script is not Oscar worthy material, it at least has a natural flow and doesn't come over as too cheesy, schmaltzy or waffly.

Generally the story has a warm centre, is light-hearted and doesn't feel dull. The supporting cast all do solid work, especially for the mother courtesy of Susan Hogan. Hutton is the best thing about the film, she is so graceful and confident, while never coming over as arrogant or too perfect. Page is naturally easy going, though his character is not as interesting. Really liked the very relatable themes of facing and overcoming challenges, as someone who faces all that daily that resonated with me. The characters don't bore or irritate.

It is a long way from perfect. There are still familiar tropes that are not much done with that is new. The mystery date element comes over as very silly and forced, and any twist attempts come over as clumsy.

Really do have to agree with those that have panned the abrupt and incomplete feeling ending. Would have liked more chemistry between the leads, which seemed too cautious. Maybe it was an intentional choice for relationship development sake but it was so cautious and careful it came over as too distant.

Overall, uneven but decent. 6/10.

A really feelgood movie with a beautiful story and characters.