Hearts in the Game

Feel the existing reviews are a bit low, especially when compared to similar Hallmark movies. Sure, it's predictable but actually has some heart. A lot of heart, actually.

• Great casting. The publicists assistant is especially great and very funny. Steals every scene she is in.

• Script was pretty standard fare but exceptionally executed. I would say that the B story between the publicist and her friend was unique and also very realistic.

• The cast really gave their all. There was real chemistry and they wanted to make a good movie.

• Production was also top notch (other than wardrobe). Good use of light, camera angles and music. Especially music. Was soft and minimal. They let the actors create the emotion rather than artificially through manipulative means.

Publicist Hazel has the reputation of lifting up people's image after a mess and she is tasked with Diego, a baseball player who freezed during a game and who is on the verge of not getting into any team.

Thing is, Hazel and Diego are high school sweethearts of course. Things didn't end in the best of terms because of things going on back then with Diego. So we got a second chance romance, that takes place in their hometown, a small town, of course.

Quite enjoyable movie, goods leads and decent chemistry. The secondary cast is not that important even if a character or two have a small storyline. Something was missing though and I can't figure out what. What I liked was the ending. At first, it was going on a direction that I was not happy with and it was quickly fixed. Sacrifices were made on both sides and that's how I prefer it, thank you very much.

Anyway, watchable and cute like any decent Hallmark movie out there.

7.8 stars

This film is about nothing more than second and possibly third fourth and fifth chances. Oh, to wonder if we could all have this many re-do's life would be so much easier. I mean, this woman gets her whole life, all of the fame and fortune, and she gets to start all over again and get all of your old friends back, including her old flame... I mean what's not to love this is the most realistic movie I've ever seen... Anyways, I enjoyed it a lot, there's a lot of crying going on I had several tears it was like I kept running out of tissue, I would use a tissue (I have no tissues actually) and then I'd have to pick up another one. Well anyways, there's a lot of crying so if you like that sort of thing you'll enjoy this. If you need some soul searching, regret reflecting, this is the movie for you. The baseball aspect of it was unrealistic. It's obvious he can't pitch. And so AnyWho onto the next, enjoy byeeee.

If you are looking for a comfortable feel-good Hallmark movie that doesn't feel outdated, this is it! Contemporary motives, classic theme, familiar Hallmark style, and decent actors, it delivers on all fronts.

This movie however doesn't have any of the usual troubles so no mistaken identity, undisclosed fiance's, irritating rival colleagues, or big lies. This means that the movie doesn't turn sour 25 minutes before the end, which is actually a refreshing change. Still, the story does provide for the leading characters to work through some personal struggles.

There is also a very humanizing aspect to this movie. The mental health aspect of the baseball player makes this Hallmark movie up-to-date but it isn't dragged out or exagerated more than it needs to be. This keeps the movie light-hearted.

The lead actors are convincing and there is some chemistry between them. I also really enjoyed the assistent character, a real "tell-it-like-it-is" character. She doesn't fit the stereotypical image of femininity but the makers didn't exploit this. Often, the "best friend" character is also the designated gay/queer friend to check the diversity box, which often gives a rather woke vibe. I'm glad the makers didn't do that with this movie.

Overall, this movie is exactly right. It's not top quality, the storyline isn't feature film-worthy, but it's clear that this movie doesn't aspire to be more than it is either; an easy, feel-good tv movie.

I love Erin Cahill. At this writing, if I had to pick one rom/com star who is still active as my favorite it would be Cahill. But her last two efforts have left me disappointed. Christmas Bedtime Stories wasn't her fault, it was all the story. The story put her Danielle in a situation bound to hurt someone. In this movie, the story is again a problem. It has no creativity and is very predictable. The viewer holds on to hope that somehow the backstory mysteries will make it worthwhile, but that didn't happen for me. Meanwhile, Cahill's character Hazel's appeal is mixed. At the beginning, Hazel is a problem solver who never fails. She has the arrogance to go with it. As she and Diego spend time together, Hazel softens. By conflict time, Hazel makes a courageous decision but then becomes a wimp.

There is a secondary story about Hazel and her high school friend. This story has a nice flow but is squeezed in. It wasn't enough to spice up the whole.

Cahill and Marco Grazzini have chemistry but this also wasn't enough to raise the entire production out of the doldrums.