Seasoned with Love

For a memorable feast you need a selection of fresh ingredients, a simple to follow recipe and a pot of imagination and good fortune. This film has those items sprinkled throughout. For men like me it's reassuring to have an average looking man win the heart of a gorgeously vivacious woman, even after finding out in real life they've been married more than 10 years. And also for married men it's encouraging to see that a woman is willing to fall in love with that man again after that much time has passed. I became so involved with the passage of this romance I fretted over the director dropping the ball in the final minutes, only to be surprised by one of the most convincing and satisfying endings I've seen.

Those actors that supported the main story also supplied a warmth that left an after taste that was richly enjoyable. My mother told me to never criticise other peoples' cooking, but I so enjoyed the film that those little thoughts didn't come to anything. It's not a complicated story, but importantly it's an interesting story, like a favourite meal I can see myself sitting down to enjoy again and again.

I've done a small number of reviews for films that surprised and unexpectedly delighted me, such that I hope you may feel the same. A realistic 7.5 score feels understated but heartfelt.

When chef and restaurant owner winona ( julia benson) is invited to audition for a cooking show in new york, she packs up the car and heads to nyc. Along the way, thanks to car trouble, she meets up with adam, played by peter benson. Did you notice he has the same last name as julia? They are husband and wife! It's pretty solid. It does have a bit of a hallmark channel feel to it. How important is that audition? Will winona make it to new york? It goes exactly as expected... the traditional speed bumps along the way. I did say it runs like a hallmark channel movie. Directed by claude desrosiers. Written by gemma holdway. And yes, there really is a town called new holland, pennsylvania.

I really liked the film for several reasons; first, the cast, the main actress who is very good, the script especially about the bond between people thanks to the kitchen. However, the main actor is unnatural and there are a few clichés that kept me from appreciating the story more. Indeed, the same ideas are found in the majority of romantic comedies: the sudden appearance of a problem towards the end of the film, quickly resolved, an important statement interrupted, listening to someone speak which often triggers a series of events. It is a shame to fall for these clichés when the script is good and the story interesting even if it is not original: the way of telling the story matters a lot.

This is certainly an unusual picture to find being run today but a curiously refreshing one. At first, I thought I'd end up falling asleep (as some might) then found the theme somehow intriguing. With married-in-real life main stars Julia and Peter Benson performing so convincingly as strangers in a regional town who, against odds, gradually get to know and respect each other being so well done and natural, that it comes as a refreshing relief from the morose nastiness that all too often masquerades as 'entertainment'.

Their youthful co stars, Tori Barban and Kolton Stewart are equally natural and completely likeable, making this a surprisingly gentle and rather well-scripted experience. Recommended for those needing some respite from the ugly blues. Well produced and colorful.

I prefer the calmness that many of these pandemic-made movies offer - lots of scenes with limited number of characters. The plot is slightly more original ... sometimes - I'm really not a fan of food-in-the-face, even just a little here. There's nobody nasty - it is different perspectives that cause the tension. It is great to see this genre forget the Must-find-find-love-by-35 scenario and have the leads play their own ages - when we've watched the actors for a while, it's hard to buy into them being younger which sadly is often the casting.

They could do a fun sequel to this, focusing on the Inn rather than the festival.