Il gusto dell'estate

While this is a typical Hallmark movie, there was something about this one that is better than most of them. I won't waste your time with the plot - everyone knows a Hallmark plot by now. I admit to enjoying most of them. But some are better than others. This is one of the better ones.

I'm not exactly sure why this was better. The two leads are married to each other so the acting was comfortable, and not forced. Interestingly enough, though, something about the beginning was a turnoff and if the remote had been closer, and a dog not sitting on my lap, I would have changed the station. I'm glad I didn't. It quickly improved, and I enjoyed it. It left me feeling good. There were slight differences to the typical Hallmark movie, which was a nice change.

We know how they're going to turn out, but this one carried some positive messages too, that people can take with them. People don't always win, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's trying that matters. And if you win, that's good too, but no matter what, it's the trying that counts.

This movie tried, and turned out to be a winner. Watch it. Neither the actors nor the script disappoints.

This is a little different from the typical Hallmark movie. It is not overly sticky sweet, which is a refreshing change. The diversity is also a welcome change. The leading man didn't seem interesting and the leading woman seemed to just read her lines. It would still be nice to see black actors and actresses in lead roles too.

I enjoyed this movie very much. The chemistry between the main actors was great. Not forced as some Hallmark movies feel. Very cute storyline and not a super mushy movie, as most Hallmatk films seem to have. I loved also that the kids in the movie are worked into the main story. Not just there to meet demographics. Also the Hispanic diversity was done great. Again, not forced as Hallmark tends to do just to meet the demographics of adding a non-small causcian cast. Sweet movie with focus on food, which I always seem to enjoy.

There's a festival competition to win (which including another common trope at the end but I won't spoil it). Competing restaurants (A Taste of Romance did it way better). A baseball game relying on the kid with no confidence.

I have to say that Gabby is a compelling character. She has strong values. She is an encourager. She is eminently competent.

For two actors married in real life, the chemistry might have been there to some extent, but it wasn't positive. I never cared if these two got together. I wasn't as impressed with acting as could have been.

I wanted to root for Emily, but the baseball game was way too over the top and obvious.

This had nothing over and above the usual formula. I do appreciate Hallmarks efforts towards more diversity which this one exemplifies. I found the heroine too glammed up to be relatable or realistic for a hardworking chef in a kitchen. When will Hallmark learn that tarting up their actresses like they were selling cosmetics in a department store is not the way to go. The romance was not front and center which was actually refreshing. But Ironically, I didn't find the chemistry out of the ordinary considering the two leads are married in real life. The actress reminded me of Sandra Bullock but without her appeal and the actor reminded me of Topher Grace.