Although it didn't sound particularly original story-wise, 'Sweet Autumn' was still seen because of the two leads. Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker very seldom disappoint, their filmographies are hit and miss and so are their characters, but they are often among the best things of the misses. Do consider them two of Hallmark's best regulars and ones that near-consistently deliver, and have also seen them together before (and liked them).
'Sweet Autumn' sadly really isn't one of their better works. Actually think they came off quite well, though both have been much better in other things individually and together, but the film itself was at best average and does very little with their talents. Personally didn't think that 'Sweet Autumn' was terrible or one of the worst Hallmark films that year and it had its good things, but it really isn't too great either. More a middling effort, that is not as good as 'Country at Heart' (the only good Fall Harvest film this year) but much better than 'Follow Me to Daisy Hills' and 'Falling for Lock Lodge'. This is not being said with malice by the way.
The good things will be mentioned first. Personally thought that DeLoach and Walker came off quite well and work hard in making their characters interesting. DeLoach gives her all without resorting to scenery chewing, despite a dull role, and Walker once his character relaxes has an easy going subtle charm and natural charisma that he brings to many of his roles, no overacting or underplaying. The supporting cast are better than average too.
While the romantic chemistry could have done with more spark, to me it was there and it didn't feel rushed or aimless. 'Sweet Autumn' also looks lovely, especially the scenery which is something that Hallmark nearly always delivers on (even in the bad films). Some pleasant moments in the music, which is not as ill fitted or intrusive as other Hallmark films.
However, the story just didn't grab me. It is very slow going, especially in the pretty uneventful early stages, and is very flimsy and done to death-like throughout. Everything has been seen before with every Hallmark story cliche present to the point of being too much like a retread, and the plot element that the film attempts to set the film apart a little (with the candy store) is badly done, far too sugary sweet to the point of nausea and the over-sentimentality is too much. The script on the whole is poor and perfunctory at best, with too much talk, especially that cloying and really awkward sounding advice. Everything has been seen before with every Hallmark story cliche present, and the plot element that the film attempts to set the film apart a little (with the candy store) is badly done, far too sugary sweet to the point of nausea and the over-sentimentality is too much.
Despite DeLoach and Walker's best efforts, neither of their characters are easy to connect with and DeLoach's is too much of a bore. With the film focusing too much on their flaws, like Walker's character's arrogance to begin with, and exaggerating them (though DeLoach's overall is particularly taken to extremes), which is a pet peeve of mine watching films etc. Neither grow all that much. The supporting characters are typical Hallmark cliches and nothing more. The conflict is thin, lacks tension and contrived and as to be expected the film ends too tidily. Charm and heart are lacking and cheese and contrivance are in abundance.
Overall, average at best regrettably. 5/10.
