Ritorno a Midway

Despite what other reviewers have said - this is a nice, feel good movie. Doesn't have the glitz and glamour of most Hallmark movies - no polished Hallmark stars. It's an independent movie picked up by Hallmark. But it is a cute movie - very feel good. The actors are likable. The story is good. I watched it when it first aired on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries last year - and just watched again on a free Hallmark Movies Now weekend. I still like it ...

UPDATE: I've watched this movie numerous times. It's still enjoyable. The leads are now married in real life (and now have a little boy). It's still my go-to feel good movie. No - it's not perfect ... but it's very watchable and still feel-good.

There is absolutely no bias against Hallmark. They have made plenty of above average and more films, and that is including this year. They have also done quite a number of below average and less ones. 'Midway to Love' did sound quite cute, despite being a scenario that felt done to death with Hallmark long before this was dreamt up. Both the leads are relatively new to me, so don't have much overall opinion on them. Good though to not have a prolific Hallmark actor/actress for a change once in a while.

'Midway to Love' is one of those watchable but not particularly great outings. Not one of the worst Hallmark films from that year, but also not one of the best. As far as that year's Hallmark Movies and Mysteries batch goes, this was one of the middling efforts and when it comes to Hallmark it's neither terrible or great. Merely unexceptional middle of the road quality with an equal mix of good and bad. Worth a one time watch, not one that holds up to repeat viewings.

Am going to begin with what 'Midway to Love' does right. The acting is well above average, with both leads being truly admirable in a very appealing way. Rachel Hendrix particularly with a more interesting character. Did like Daniel Stine's subtle natural charisma and the low key but genuine chemistry they have. The supporting cast do well.

Furthermore, 'Midway to Love' looks lovely. The scenery particularly is a marvel even. The music appeals on the ears and is used without being too loud or overused.

Despite all that, there are shortcomings. It does contain a lot of awkward and corny writing, including between the two leads. While the characters don't irritate, they are on the one dimensional and cliched side with too little development and some static and too forelorn character interaction.

Moreover, the story is dully paced and over-formulaic, nothing here is surprising or new due to seeing it many times in other Hllmark films and better.

In conclusion, unexceptional but watchable. 5/10.

I am surprised that Hallmark would pick up an independent film like this. They are hit and miss, but I enjoy them because they don't follow formula. Some small favors in the wake of covid I guess. There is the basic premise, woman goes back home and reconnects with old boyfriend, but Hallmark doesn't have the patent on that. Some people will find this boring because they are not used to seeing something that quietly focuses on two characters rather than alot of silly, contrived and overused situations. Thankfully this is missing the evil bf/gf, perma-smiles, town festivals, baking contests, and saving the small business that actually went extinct about 3 decades ago. Maybe Hallmark can get a few clues from this film.

It does have the pitfalls of a low bugdet - the horrid tertiary characters and inappropriate music. Loud jazz piano while strolling through the woods? Awful. But I will forgive that because while none of these movies are realistic, this at least is plausible and sweet. I enjoyed the story and the leads' acting. Unlike some real life Hallmark couples, this married acting duo manage to connect and portray actual emotions. No cheesy embarrassing declarations here. Good job.

The network wants to franchise Dr. Rachel August's tv show, but there is a catch...new producer and they want to pair her with some crazy, ridiculous internet sensation which would would make this serious doctor a laughing stock.

She goes home for a week's vacation to Midway to visit her dad and figure out a way to get out of her five year obligatory contract. In Midway she meets her childhood sweetheart who is back in town and working as a fourth grade teacher...and who has a ten year old foster daughter. Her father who is also a psychiatrist and a widower, gives her some really good life advice about how your career isn't everything and how life and family are important.

This was a sweet, quirky second chance romance in an adorable town. The two leads have wonderful chemistry and a believe-able romance.

A nice feel good movie, well acted by the main two. Would watch it again.