To Barcelona, with Love

After a long week and my daughter in bed, it was nice to just lay back, have a snack and watch this sweet comforting movie. It was the same feeling I got when I watched Vicky Christina Barcelona. I want to go to Barcelona, drink wine, discover hidden places, and eat delicious food off the beaten path all the while doing it with a friend. I think both actresses are so genuine together. To be honest, I could watch this movie without the men and just pretend I'm on a girls trip with Ashley and Alison. I read some of the reviews prior to writing this and I have to say what world are we living in that women in their forties can't go and rediscover themselves all the while accusing them of having too much plastic surgery. Both women are adorable and look great, and frankly being a woman in my forties I don't need to watch a 20 year old find themselves in a romantic city in order for it be believable. Elizabeth Gilbert wasn't in her twenties when she traveled the world on her book advance for writing Eat, Pray, Love and that sold 30 million copies! Go watch this sweet feel good movie and ignore the haters.

I have loved both female leads in many previous Hallmark movies. But it is time for these two to move into different roles, unless the plot actually supports their ages. Both are within spitting distance of turning 50, yet these characters are supposed to be in their early to mid 30's. They just do not work in these types of roles anymore.

When AW was in her late 30's playing characters in their early 30's, it was believable. But now, the plastic surgery and over the top happy shiny manic behavior just doesn't work. The added distraction of terrible hair just makes this a tough sell.

The same goes for AS, who, while not as overboard in her acting, at 49, is just too old for this role. There is a conversation of wanting marriage and a family, part of which is not going to happen at 49 and 47.

Hallmark's loud background music has also become a horrible part of their movies now. Why?

To Barcelona, With Love is easily one of the best Hallmark movies of the year - and I say that as someone who watches a lot of them. The true standout here is the dynamic pairing of Ashley Williams and Alison Sweeney, two top-tier actresses who share the screen beautifully. Their chemistry is warm and effortless.

I've seen some comments calling out their age or their quirks - and honestly, that's missing the point entirely. These are accomplished women playing layered, funny, and yes, occasionally awkward characters in a way that feels authentic and earned. It's rare (and deeply appreciated) to see a Hallmark movie that allows its characters to be both vulnerable and vibrant without leaning on tired tropes.

The writing is another high point. It's smart, timely, and genuinely funny - balancing the scenic escapism of Barcelona with relatable emotional beats about friendship, purpose, and unexpected love. I found myself laughing out loud in moments and fully invested in the characters' journeys.

If you're tired of formulaic love stories and want something with a little more heart and humor, To Barcelona, With Love delivers. Looking forward to the second part!

I have very mixed feelings about this movie.

Let's start with the good: I adore Alison Sweeney. Ride or die fan since her soap opera days. Her character, Erica, was grounded, relatable, and honestly the only reason I stuck it out to the end. She brought her usual warmth and charm, and I genuinely enjoyed her performance. That said, I did side-eye her for going along with Anna's wild ideas. I expected better decision-making from a woman who clearly has a functioning frontal lobe.

Now onto Anna. Whew. Where do I even begin? Watching her was like biting into what you think is a chocolate chip cookie and realizing it's raisins. Her energy was dialed up to eleven the entire time, and not in a fun, quirky way. Her behavior toward Erica was toe-curling levels of cringe. I'm all for bold female characters, but not when they bulldoze with an endless parade of eye-roll-inducing antics.

As for Ashley Williams-look, I know she has her fans, but I'm not one of them. She's fine, I guess, but every role feels like a copy-paste from the last one. Same facial expressions, same overly peppy delivery, like she's auditioning for a permanent slot on a yogurt commercial.

The chemistry between Erica and Nico had potential. Had. But every time it started to get interesting, the whole Anna hurricane would swoop in and wreck it. It felt unbalanced and forced-like trying to enjoy a quiet dinner while someone keeps clapping loudly in your face.

Now let's talk about the ageism because-oh honey-I have thoughts. I've seen other reviews saying these women were "too old" to be gallivanting around Europe and having adventures. I beg your pardon? Since when did joy and spontaneity come with an expiration date? I'm 45, and let me tell you-I'm not some decrepit cryptkeeper lurching toward early bird specials and orthopedic shoes. Women don't just shrivel into irrelevance past 40, and the suggestion that they should is straight-up offensive. Midlife is not a personality flaw.

So, final verdict: this movie wasn't for me. The storyline felt flat, the romantic chemistry fizzled more than it sizzled, and the whole dynamic was off balance. I won't be rewatching it, but I will be rewatching Alison Sweeney in literally anything else-preferably without being overshadowed by an exhausting sidekick and a script that forgot how to be fun and meaningful.

Who doesn't like Alison Sweeney and Ashley Williams? Very disappointed in several of the other reviewers, saying they were too old for these parts... I beg to differ! I am guessing they are teenagers still wet behind their ears. FYI, the actor that played Nico is the same age as Alison Sweeney. No mention of the men being too old for their part. Woman actors evidently can't get older? This movie is very sweet and it held my attention the entire time. The scenery was amazing, it made me want to hop on a plane and head to Barcelona, Spain. Bravo, Hallmark and well done Alison and Ashley. I recommend this movie.