The best known name here, or at least the most familiar name, in 'Chance at Romance' is Erin Krakow. She isn't great in every film she's in but when she has characters that are written at least decently, likw in the 'Father Christmas' film series, she is very appealing. Ryan McPartlin is more take and leave and has never really properly stood out to me. The premise did sound quite cute, though was a bit unsure about everything with the son on paper, and this reviewer has a thing for good premises.
After a shaky start to Hallmark's 2014 output with 'Love in January', there is significant improvement seen with 'Chance at Romance'. Krakow and McPartlin both come over well as does most of the elements, even if it is pretty much exactly as one expect. What was making me a little apprehensive, something that would have made or broken the film if not done well, came over a good deal better than expected. When it comes to Hallmark's 2014 output, 'Chance at Romance' is one of the better faring ones.
'Chance at Romance' is not flawless. The final act is too rushed with the conflict forced and the prematurely easily foreseeable ending too neat. It is true that the film is very predictable, with many typical elements not done much new with.
Did feel as well that the usually watchable Kaitlyn Doubleday overdid her very stereotypical, one dimensional character horribly and came over as annoying.
However, 'Chance at Romance' looks good, especially the scenery. The scenery really does entrance and the photography doesn't cheapen it at all. The music at least fits tonally and in placement and has presence without being over-loud. The dialogue is sharp enough and flows naturally, while also having the right amount of sentiment (not too much in quality and quantity). The story is predictable, but also light hearted and charming with a good deal of heart.
Krakow and McPartlin are both immensely charming in their roles, with their characters also not being too perfect or with overdone flaws, and have a very sweet natural chemistry. Was expecting to hate the son from reading the synopsis, which makes him come over as bratty, but while not agreeing with what he did it is easy to see why he dislikes his father's manager so much (really did not see whatsoever what McPartlin's character saw in her). Most of the supporting cast are solid, with Patricia Richardson a class act.
Overall, nice film even with faults. 7/10.
