Romancing the Birthday Girl

Nice is the favorit term, in my case, for define Hallmark romantic films. It this case , this word works not so well. First, because, except the drawing with elephant by Chloe, except Daphne. Hoskins herself , except the yoga with goat, nothing works . The chemistry between Clayton Jones and Emilie Ullerup is just...fiction. The single parent - a too used clichee. The challenge of late mother and the duties - not original or inspired used. Sure, it is only another Hallmark. Nothing to expect, nothing provocative, the perfect film after a very busy work day. But the poor viewer could desrve a better story.

I love Emilie Ullerup, but I had to warm a little to Clayton James who plays our male lead Josh opposite her Taylor, but warm to him I did. He was sweet, engaging and was a wonderful foil to Taylor who is an overly neurotic character.

A new neighbor moves in next door and it is Taylor's thirtieth birthday, which she plans to spend visiting her dad who is a local artist and gallery owner. Her dad surprises her with a treasure map to a time capsule buried for her by her late mother. Inside the time capsule is a series of challenges to be done one at a time, that challenge Taylor and push her out of her comfortable little bubble. She has to complete a challenge and document it with a photo before opening the next challenge. The first challenge is to meet someone new...this ends up being her new neighbor, a widower, and his daughter who begin to help Taylor complete her challenges in the spirit in which her mother meant them to be completed.

This was a wonderful story with an even better tie back in to Taylor's mom. I really enjoyed this for the story alone...and I am not sure I have ever said that about a made for Hallmark movie! The romance is there as well...so if you are just in it for the romance you won't be disappointed.

I am a little concerned however there seems to be a trend of Hallmark having lots of stories about widows and widowers...especially those who are parents. Why are you killing off all the parents Hallmark? Should we be concerned?

Bottom line this was a wonderful story and I highly recommend that if you are a hallmark fan that you give it a try.

Overall, this is worth watching. I like that the lead character has issues and quirks, which make her human. The story doesn't meander much or get distracted by unnecessary B-plots.

What I don't like is how the leads exude goofiness with each other throughout. I guess that's how they work the "com" into "rom-com," but to me it becomes annoying and detracts from any sense of romance. Having a laugh with each other is important, but these two would probably joke their way through wedding vows, all while pretending they aren't actually getting married.

Unlike the one reviewer who has posted so far, I like this film.

I find that so many reviewers criticize since they are expecting the same "chemistry" between the romantic couple, yet complain that the story is a "rehash" or "the same old", etc.

How contradictory and hypocritical!

Chemistry is not the same for everyone.

Everyone is unique, thankfully!

The eyes and other aspects of body language shows "true love".

Not the "fake love" that so many acting romantic couples show in films, that too many reviewers appear to like. Same old there ....

It is refreshing to see stories that are not too fake, and depict characters who act more realistic ... as realistic as possible ... they are actors and actresses after all.

I like the message that is left by the mom, who was not there in real life when the lead actress turns 30. The little humour between the two leads who possess many different characteristics is sincere warm and caring, which all sincere relationships should possess.

There are many great lines in the film that more people should watch and live by.

Enjoy the film!

Taylor is a type A kind of gal. She is very organised, she follows her routine everyday, she has everything scheduled. So, on her 30th birthday her parents lead her to a time capsule, in which there are 6 challenges she has to complete in order to get the real present.

I liked it, I thought it was nice. I may be biased because I really like Emilie and I always find something in her characters that I relate to (this was no exception). I thought she and Clayton had little chemistry, but still enjoyable.

So, this movie is about Taylor stepping out of her comfort zone, partly thanks to Josh. And isn't that lovely? Having someone who helps you overcome your fears and anxieties? I could see myself in Taylor but I wished it was that easy to make the next step.

Other than that, there is nothing to highlight about the movie. This was filmed during the pandemic, so there aren't many more characters. The Sara storyline was unnecesary and Josh's daughter was boring. (sorry)

An entertaining hour and twenty three minutes, but it won't go on my favourites list.