Una stella per il ballo

Just rewatched this movie. I've seen it a few times - so I know the story. This time watching it, I am picking up the 80s "hidden" references - and even the music used has that "80s sound." It's a cute movie - a little forced at the beginning - but that overcome. The younger sister - well we can do without her. She's not essential to the story - and even detracts from it. Love how the two kids get together. The ending is sweet. Watch it with an open mind - and embrace the 80s decade of movies and music.

While I enjoyed the plot of the movie, it felt oddly rushed, and the ending was quite sudden without much clear closure as to where the characters' futures were heading.

This is a poorly to mediocre acted movie with great life lessons on the reality of how shallow society is. Our children should watch this knowing how real this is of the ways of the world.

A tribute to the films of John Hughes, "Date with Love" is loosely based on his film "Some Kind of Wonderful". Unfortunately, it does not live up to that 1987 teen classic. Especially in the early going, the writing is uninspired and the acting is average.

But I must admit that the lead actress, Shenae Grimes-Beech, who plays Hollywood actress Alex Allen, grew on me. In the end, she gives a charming performance as the star who accepts a proposal to a high school prom as a publicity stunt. Also notable are Milli Wilkinson as Devyn, younger sister of high school student David, and Bailee Madison as Heidi Watts, the best friend of David.

While the parallels of this film to "Some Kind of Wonderful" kept me entertained, that novelty did not elevate this TV movie. Also, a lack of chemistry between the two pairs of love interests dampened the film's appeal.

The first 45 minutes was difficult, and we were ready to turn it off, but it then got marginally better and we watched it to the end. Guess I'm used to more mature movies from Hallmark so this one didn't grab us.