La rosa di San Valentino

I read other reviews (Danica doesn't do her hair, the hired stylist does) and thought another review was needed. I loved this movie (and I am not a big Hallmark movie buff). The story line was unique, albeit a bit 'Cinderella'-ish with him leaving the boutonniere behind. The idea of a botanical garden was a refreshing change and that it's head botanist was re-connecting with a florist was destined, ala the florist's parents, and sweet. The acting was good and in fact I thought Damon's personality to be a bit snooty and aristocratic, not at all suited to Danica's character. What I did have trouble believing was grass in NYC in front of any store and other than in Central Park. I also questioned the level of snow as NYC would keep things cleared, for the most part. And, the setting of NYC could have been plausible if the exteriors were not so 'small town', precisely what Hamilton, ONT is: small town. All in all, it's a delightful movie and the ending was touching, and most unexpected.

I will not add much about the overall movie as many others have given plenty. I will, however, comment on the editing...not so good. One moment she is wearing a black wrap....and then she's not. One moment a friend was going to get Helen's coat and only came back with a scarf, wrapped it around her neck...on a body already wearing a black coat. Helen leaves the store in the black coat...but all of a sudden she is wearing a red coat. In the masquerade ball Henry has a mask, and then he doesn't in the next shot. This was all in the first third of the movie...and little things like that just kept happening. So while I enjoyed the movie, storyline and acting...the editing was poor and thus distracting and detracting.

'Very, Very Valentine' is the second 2018 Countdown to Valentine's Day film from Hallmark. The first being 'My Secret Valentine'. It stars two of Hallmark's most popular regular actors Danica McKellar and Cameron Mathison, Mathison is always worth watching even in the not so good films but McKellar can be a bit too more of the same in her typecast roles. Hallmark do vary when it comes to their Valentine's Day films, which is not a surprise as all their seasonal blocks are inconsistent.

Luckily, 'Very, Very Valentine' is a winner and as far as the Valentine's Day films from Hallmark go it compares favourably. Similarly it compares favourably when it comes to talking about Hallmark's 2018 films, without being among the very best. It is a good representation of both McKellar and Mathison and one of the films to see if usually McKellar's appeal is lost on you (have seen this quite a lot in reviews for some of her other films so that's why it's being mentioned).

By all means, 'Very, Very Valentine' isn't mind blowing. Story-wise, it is very formulaic, where most plot points are foreseeable well before they happen (due to Hallmark doing them a number of times before). And also on the lightweight side, meaning on the slightly thin side and also where it is all wonderfully pleasant and polite with lots of charm but also with not a lot of depth or goal.

Occasionally the dialogue is on the corny side and some of the editing is a little disorganised and in the wrong order like.

However, there is a lot to like about 'Very, Very Valentine'. McKellar is charming and perky in a role that may not be too much of a stretch for her but it's not dull or annoying. Mathison is every bit as appealing and always looks relaxed and positive in energy, as well as showing his usual subtle natural charisma. Their chemistry is warm and charming, and never feels forced. The supporting cast are good too, especially Damon Runyan as the sort of Hallmark cliche character that can be played too much of a jerk but here played in a way that refreshingly makes it easy to root for him.

Also thought that the scenery was beautiful to watch and that the photography complemented it nicely, never cheapening it. The music didn't come over as over-powering or used too much. The film is assuredly directed, while the script mostly flows well and has an appealing light-hearted-ness. The story is cute and heart-warming and even with the predictability being high there is also a cheerful energy that stops it from getting mundane and although prematurely telegraphed the ending is also surprisingly touching. Characters that didn't sound like that they would be appealing conceptually did turn out to be a lot more interesting and easier to get behind than expected.

In summary, not great but a very pleasant watch. 7/10.

A problem I have with these movies, are the little mistakes, most of which have been mentioned. One that hasn't been mentioned, was glaringly obvious in this one. Why, when they have been friends for years, didn't Helen recognize Henry's handwriting? Friends that I have known for that many years, I know their handwriting, if they give me an unsigned card or a gift, I know who it is and don't thank someone else.

Other reviewers here have commented on Danica McKellar's long hair. Why shouldn't she have long hair at any age? If it looks good (and it does), and mostly, if she likes it, that is her choice. Just because a woman reaches a certain age, doesn't mean she has to automatically chop off her hair.

linda-plant2 lamented that Damon Runyan should get the girl for a change. Off the top of my head, he got the girl in: 'One Starry Christmas' 2014. They do seem to give their corral of actors/actresses each a chance at getting the girl/guy. So hang in there, I'm sure he will get the girl again.

The core story in "Cyrano" is his unspoken love for Roxanne and willing to do whatever it takes for her happiness, even if it means coaching someone else that she is attracted to. That is pretty much what happens here when she meets a mysterious new guy and her old friend from college tries to help out, even though HE has always loved her.

SHE is a florist who also breeds new varieties. HE is a Botanist but with the local Botanical Gardens in financial trouble may need to move on. However HE gets her to enter her yet unnamed new rose hybrid in the big contest.

The new guy, a lawyer working with clients to turn the Botanical Gardens into new condos, turns out to be a dud, just like in "Cyrano" and it is up to her old friend to wake up and realize SHE and HE belong together.

This is a pleasant Hallmark movie but lacks some of the zippiness of the better Hallmark movies. My wife and I enjoyed it at home on DVD from our public library.