L'amore spicca il volo

Dr. Lizzie Beauman (Nikki Deloach) is busy as a hospital administrator and a single mom to Quinn. The precocious Quinn befriends an elderly gentleman named Walter. Lizzie reluctantly hires Charley Allen (Jeff Hephner) as a helicopter pilot for a two week probation. It turns out that Charley's father is Walter.

It's a rather bland Hallmark romance. I think it pales in comparison to the daughter and the elderly father combination. I like that duo more although it's an awkward start. It's like an old timey record where the B-side is the hit. Quite frankly, that relationship has more potential for drama and melodrama. The A-side is rather forgettable.

Lizzie is the COO of a hospital, and has an adorable 5 year-old, Quinn. At work, she hires a new EMS pilot, Charley, who happens to be the son of Quinn's new friend, Walter. These two find each other when they needed it the most and we see Charley and Lizzie beside them in this new adventure.

Writing the review as I watch the movie: Walter and Quinn are adorable. The mother-daughter relationship between Lizzie and Quinn is heartwarming. I think I have said it before but Nikki DeLoach, a favorite for the Hallmark scenery, always light up the room with her performance and her smile.

Jeff Hephner, new to the Hallmark scenery, but not my case (Jeff Clarke, to me) plays a confident pilot, with a hero complex who is there to fix things with his father after the passing of his mother.

I liked it. A fresh idea, instead of an overused plot, good supporting actors and a satisfying script. My only problem was that the main characters did not have enough time alone, which is require for the grand finale we are so accostume to. I didn't feel enough chemistry either, which honestly was disappointing.

The other relationships were more precious to me than the main one. It is worth the watch but won't become a favorite. Sorry Hallmark.

Set and filmed in Savannah, for us it revived pleasant memories of our long weekend there a few years ago. A noted surgeon has developed a new transplant technique, she is looking for a hospital where she can make it work. A missing piece at the moment is no helicopter pilot, the transplant material has a very short required transit time.

They find a pilot, former military, but he is also attracted to the pretty and capable doctor who has become the hospital administrator. The attraction turns out mutual but, following the Hallmark formula, something gets in the way. Only at the last possible moment are they able to get on the same wavelength.

My wife and I enjoy Hallmark movies, they are pleasant entertainment and always under 90 minutes. As this one is. We watched it at home on DVD from our public library.

This certainly is one of my favourite feel good, heart warming films.

With all the black themed films and strife in our world, more of these types of films are necessary.

It is refreshing to see different scenarios and plot in this film with much more depth, than so many of the typical Hallmark films with the same plots and scenarios. Here, there is quality performances by all the actors and actresses.

Contrary to some of the reviews for this film, I feel that the two lead characters were solid, realistic, and heartwarming. What is chemistry? Is it supposed to be seen with sparks flying? I try not to slot people in pigeon holes, where they then become no more than robotic characters. Each person is an individual. This is what helps to make life exciting. After all, there are multitudes of people in this world. Thus, I love and appreciate that these two leads do not fall into any "typical Hallmark" character slot. Each of us shows love in different ways. I feel that the characters of both Lizzie (Nikki Deloach) and Charley (Jeff Hephner) were drawn to each other, which developed into a cherished love. Both appreciated the quality, strength, courage, and caring in each other, even though these characteristics were not overdone with more words than were necessary. Expression, action, and understanding was enough. Often, less is more, as was demonstrated here. Similar occurs with the relationship between Walter and Quinn, and the developing relationship between Walter and Charley.

So many true life aspects were covered. A confident veteran pilot (Charley) with a slight hero complex who becomes the EMS pilot who demonstrates his bravery and commitment. A dedicated single mom (Lizzie), who gives up part of her career for her daughter (Quinn) with a chronic illness that was not overemphasized. A grieving husband (Walter) from the loss of his wife, along with the grieving son (Charley) from the loss of his mother. The birth of a child by Lizzie's sister. All these characters intertwined through the evolution of their relationships with each other. All with real life imperfections that include problems and miscommunications, that get sorted out with a happy ending, as love, growth, and understanding overcomes all.

Of course, it would be wonderful if all issues ended this way in real life. :)

I agree with the other reviewers that the film is refreshingly character driven and the acting is realistic instead of the usual Hallmark "overacting". I do also agree that the chemistry is missing between the two leads and he has shown himself to be everything she doesn't want in a partner. The subplot with Walter and Quinn is well developed and sweet. Really enjoyed this one and there was no town to save or boyfriend to erroneously distrust at the last moment .... This is a tender story dealing well with worthwhile topics...grief recovery, trust, friendships, and relationships.