Love & Jane

I can't describe it any better really. It's just really strange.

I've seen these actors in other movies and I actually quite like them but there is no chemistry here. So that part of the romance movie gets scratched.

The story is imaginative, which I don't mind, but it doesn't work. I don't actually know why, I've seen this concept of someone seeing a ghost who acts as a life coach before but it doesn't work in this movie. It's distracting in a way. This is one of those concepts that you either leave untouched or you pull it off, otherwise it just makes the whole movie weird.

I feel like the relationship development between the two leads is lacking. For whatever reason, it felt dry. I didn't get the impression that they actually grew closer together on a personal level. They just "ran into each other" a bunch of times and started to be nice and civil towards each other. This makes the ending awkward. We all know how these movies end, it's a requirement for the genre, and therefore, the romantic storyline that came before has to at least work a little bit in terms of romance. They missed that boat with this movie because the romantic relationship between the leads is so dry.

In short, it's rare for me to say to skip a hallmark movie but this one is definitely not worth your time.

I really wanted to like this one but the magical realism stuff isn't for me. The script was very weak and lots of stuff required suspending belief. Ali Sweeney is 47 years old but this script felt like it was written for a 27 year old. Can we please match actors to more age appropriate stories? I know Hallmark wants more younger and new viewers but they also have a loyal and aging fanbase and need to find that balance that appeals to both groups. Ali Sweeney and Ben Ayres do have chemistry but I don't think they're good screen partners because they're too similar. The Chronicle Mysteries were an absolute snoozefest too. This may have worked better with different actors but still a weak script overall.

Also, the set design was horrible. The bookstore looked more like a university library and wasn't welcoming at all. I did like the message about the importance of bookstores and the community aspect but the policy change at the end was ridiculous.

The first time I watched this I thought it was a little choppy, I wasn't disappointed as much as not as satisfied as I thought I would be with a Hallmark Love-uary 2024 Austen inspired film starring Allison Sweeney, who I love, and Benjamin Ayers.

When I watched it the second time, I appreciated it much more...and I want to unpack that a little bit.

During my second viewing I wasn't distracted by thoughts of 'where is this story going?', because I already knew and it allowed me the freedom to appreciate all of the great classic literature quotes (not just Austen) and the references or imitation of Austen like a marriage obsessed mom who has multiple daughters and the matchmaking that Lilly does that is very Emma-esque. I also had more time to appreciate the quirky tech savvy male lead Trevor Fitzsimmons, played by Benjamin Ayers. He may be one of those socially awkward tech geniuses, often lost in their own thoughts and minds...I really appreciated that he was still well read, and how books have special meaning for him thanks to his librarian mother. This gave him a great interconnection with Allison Sweeney's Lilly. I also liked the discussion around change, that people have the ability to change...and like the lesson of Persuasion sometimes deserve a second chance.

The story itself is about Lily, who works for an advertising firm, and is the president of a Jane Austen book club. Seven years ago she won a literary award, but hasn't capitalized on her talent. One night she wishes she could ask Jane Austen herself for help and then she appears.

There is a whole subplot about confidence, which I appreciate but am not sure it was as fully fleshed out as they think it was.

I think this is still a recommendation from me to fellow romantics and fans of Jane Austen, but like me you might have to give it more than one viewing. I will say that my favorite character was the truck driver Barry, who was enjoying Austen on his longhauls via audiobooks!

There have been other stories where one of the leads sees and talks to a ghost, but this story is a bit different. This story is quirky. The flow is convoluted at times. But most of all it is filled with words and quotes and hero worship. I also assume there are general references to Jane Austen without quoting, but I am no expert on Austen. At times the story is nonsensical beyond the ghost, but I think it is meant to be. I never understood what Trevor was trying to do with the bookstore.

Regarding the flow, one example is how in the middle of Lilly's story, her struggles with the presentation, her book, and her relationship, everything pauses while she plays matchmaker to her best friend. Complete pause. Everything focuses on that. And then Lilly's story is back. Other movies have a subplot like that, but the complete pause for it was distracting.

Alison Sweeney and Ben Ayers had some chemistry. It is surprising that came through because they had so little screen time together given everything else going on.

I didn't like Lilly's character, but I suspect Austen fans might find her perfect. She lives in the clouds, not to mention has a relationship with a woman dead 206 years. (Not sure of the significance of the "just 206" line.) She worships Austen like some god. Austen's wisdom trumps all logic.

Some of the acting other than Sweeney and Ayers is not good, but perhaps the overacting is intentional. There is some dialogue that many will find witty. At least the Trevor's investment idea at the end got a laugh out me.

Two more weeks of Lovuary and Jane Austen stories on Hallmark.

Love and Jane is a sweet movie, with a very charming plot. Alison Sweeney is her usual upbeat, emotional self, a pleasure to watch in any film. This reviewer has only one concern about Love and Jane.

It refers to Benjamin Ayres' appearance. This actor is mature, serious, very gifted leading man. He is a pleasure to watch in any romantic story. However, recently there has been such a dramatic change in his appearance, it leaves one wondering what the reasons might be for such a strange physical presentation.

It was first noticed in a Christmas movie, A Miracle in Bethlehem, PA. Mr. Ayres was presented with a "grungy" unshaven face, his good looks altogether diminished by this new dark image, his hair was a disheveled mess, hanging into his forehead, in a strange uncombed style.

And, now, again, in Love and Jane, he appears in the same manner. Unshaven face, and messy uncombed hair.

Is there a new look being explored for this mature, very handsome actor? And what modern woman would be attracted to such a look in a man? Mr. Ayres deserves to be seen in his full, handsome, best way. He is a wonderful, emotional actor. He is a romantic lead with a mature presence and very appealing style. Why now present him in this grungy, messy manner?

If anyone has the answer to this question, please help. If anyone agrees with my confusion about the new "presentation" of Mr. Ayres, please contribute your feelings.

This viewer is left confused and very put off by the new look. Give us back a clean-shaven, combed hero. He is such a great actor, and deserves to be seen in his best handsome style.