Really liked the idea of the setting, which was quite different for Hallmark, even if some of the plot tropes are very familiar. Have also liked Erin Cahill and Brendan Penny in other things, Cahill in my view has been more consistent (also excelling in this kind of role without being too samey) whereas Penny has times where he is good and other times where his characters and leading ladies work against him. The title is also a lot less cheesy than some Hallmark films.
'The Secret Ingredient' was a more than worthwhile and charming watch. A great film it may not be, but it is one of the better 2020 A Little Romance Hallmark films and better than the previous two. While liking 'Matching Hearts', 'A Valentine's Match' didn't really do it for me. While there are shortcomings with 'The Secret Ingredient' and it could have afforded to be fresher, it also had a lot of things that came over as well done. As far as the 2020 Hallmark films go, it's closer to being one of the better ones rather than the worst.
Not everything works. It could have done with more freshness, really liked what was done with the setting but the basic story is pretty formulaic and there is not much surprising about the twists and turns. Maybe it could have had less characters, 'The Secret Ingredient' is not one of the films that is too thin and uneventful but has the opposite problem of at times trying to include too much.
Have often found Hallmark endings too neat and on the rushed side, and that here is no exception.
Both Cahill and Penny are immensely likeable and both of them have an easy going charm and characters that suit them perfectly. Their chemistry is also very natural and genuine. The supporting cast are solid. The direction is not innovative, but 'The Secret Ingredient' is one of those films that doesn't require that. It still shows a nice understanding and control of the material and the character interaction doesn't come over as static.
Production values are well crafted and never look cheap, the scenery is especially nice. Hallmark tend to over-score their films, the music here fits nicely and doesn't come over as constant or too loud. Certainly not to the extent where you can't hear the dialogue. The dialogue here is suitably light-hearted and playful, while also having the right amount of seriousness without being melodramatic. The story makes great use of the setting, which has great nostalgic value, and while unoriginal and formulaic it is also lively and has a light and warm heart.
Overall, pretty good. 7/10.
