Love's Complicated

Have always watched Hallmark films with an open mind but also always without expecting too much. Some films have come off much better than expected, managing to make something appealing from unappealing or basic premises. Some are more or less what was expected in both good and bad ways. Then there are some that really don't live up to expectations and do so many things wrong. My expectations were in neither category this time, only expecting something watchable.

Something watchable this reviewer absolutely got. 'Love's Complicated' may not be a great film or an award worthy film but that is not to be expected, was expecting sweet light hearted fun at least and got that absolutely. That is from personal view though as Hallmark films have not connected for all, but one has to know what to expect or be in the right mindset. Hallmark have made some not so good films absolutely, but they have also made some worthwhile ones and 'Love's Complicated' is one of those.

'Love's Complicated' isn't perfect. It is formulaic, with pretty much what is expected mapping out as expected, meaning that there are not many if any surprises.

Did feel too that the final quarter was on the too rushed and too neat side, which is actually not an uncommon problem for Hallmark.

However, 'Love's Complicated' is worth seeing still for the appealing. Easy going performances of Hollie Marie Combs and particularly Ben Bass. Their characters are worth getting behind even with their flaws and they have genuine, natural chemistry together. The supporting cast are solid with no exception.

It looks good, especially the scenery which is lovely. Other Hallmark films fare a lot worse when it comes to having ill fitting and intrusive music, neither of which were an issue really with me here. While the script is not Oscar worthy material, it at least has a natural flow and doesn't come over as too cheesy, schmaltzy or waffly. Generally the story has a warm centre, is light-hearted and doesn't feel dull.

Concluding, nice film. 7/10.

I'm hugely fond of this film and never get tired of it. Once, on a very bad day, I watched it twice in a row to cheer myself up. It worked.

I don't really know why it works so well for me. The story line isn't particularly original, but it's executed in an unusual way and in an unusual context. A conflict resolution class sounds like nonsense but, as an inveterate people pleaser, I can see it.

Ben Bass and Holly Marie Combs work very well together and have excellent chemistry. I truly love the last ten minutes at the party.

The script is sharp, well executed by two very experienced and talented actors. What's not to love?

I've been a people-pleaser most of my life, but now I'm just here to be a member of this forward progress team of movements that help us improve our life game. I used to do the same and go out of my way to avoid conflict. I hated conflict, but now I believe some of that brings out clear change as well. So my ideas about conflict have changed. Conflict can deliver the necessary changes needed to move forward in life. Confronting others (outside of me) in a limited fashion now instead of arguing with anyone. To me, being with more happier people is more pleasant in my opinion, than being with unfocused anyone. I'd much rather be with a much happier unfocused person, than an unhappy, unfocused person....that's double trouble! I can't deal with both unhappy and unfocused. So my focus is to do my best to include the happiness of others (in my focus), so we all can have some happiness. So yes, just like this movie, I have the same desire to keep the people around me happy. It just make more sense to me. So the movie was more about resolving inner conflicts, all the while she is writing a book called 'My Life As A Doormat'. Ironically, a doormat is something people walk all over. And that is what can happen to unhappy, unfocused people...resulting in a lack of control in one's own life and others controlling it instead. I have learned how to nip that in the bud for myself, thankful!! Clever script-writing! Well thought out and different for Hallmark! Sometimes, Hallmark choices are really outside of the routine box and I love that. Thanks Hallmark!

What a fun and unique way to address the issue of managing conflict and people-pleasing while maintaining the Hallmark wholesomeness!!!! Holly Marie Combs and Ben Bass as leads have a really fun and understated romantic dynamic that you are left wishing for more. In addition the side characters are diverse and interesting in a light and wacky fashion.

7.9 stars.

'Love's Complicated' is a heartwarming story of a self-proclaimed doormat. Lea's journey from self loathing to self-loving is a humorous and motivational one from the start. Not only do we get to witness a superbly enlightened point of view written in a very stylish and entertaining format, the characters are all perfectly woven together to illustrate this touching story.

Lea is a capable author with one published work and the second one on the way, however she's about to miss the deadline due to the overwhelming pressure and some disorder in her life. Coupled with a dead-end relationship with her boyfriend of two years, and the realization that she has lost her way, Lea is now stuck between a rock and a hard place. She has many dilemmas, such as how will she get inspired to finish the second book? Is she happy with her boyfriend Edward? How long must she continue to please everyone around her, especially Edward and her father? She is starting to realize that it's all becoming too difficult to manage.

Lea meets a man named Cinco, and their relationship is immediately lively, humorous and interesting. They have instant attraction, but she is not going to disappoint her family and friends by showing affection for another man while she's in a relationship with Edward; so she keeps it casual. Cinco realizes that she is doing this solely to please Edward, and not rock the boat with her father or take any risks. He also notices that she does her best to please everyone around her. He intuits that Lea has the potential for so much more if she will only cultivate more faith in herself. Soon after they are acquainted, Cinco and Lea are somehow enrolled in the same conflict resolution group. He is required to take it due to some past issues, she is taking it because her boyfriend feels she needs to learn how to express herself. Throughout the movie we follow this group as they practice several hypothetical challenges to learn how to navigate through conflicts that most ordinary people can overcome without the need for assistance.

I can't say enough about the multitude of wonderful and touching moments as the group and especially Cinco helps Lea find her confidence again, and she does the same for him. I was irrepressibly moved by this film.