Branching Out

The script isn't perfect, but the general plot is good, not normal for Hallmark but a refreshing change, it's real life. Artificial insemination is a reality, kids want to know about their parents and family, if they don't get answers when they're young they'll search for them as an adult. DNA isn't just a law enforcement tool, it's available in limited ways to the public.

Well casted with Juan Pablo Di Pace, Sarah Drew and Cora Bella. The supporting cast was good, I especially enjoyed T. J.'s (Di Pace) extended family and all the different personalities. Ruby loves it (Bella) and Amelia (Drew) warms to them slowly. Beautiful filming location in Utah.

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect after reading the movie's description, but the storyline turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The film does a great job focusing on the theme of family growth, even in the face of unexpected circumstances, and beautifully highlights how challenges can bring people closer together. While there are a few unrealistic elements-something common in most romance films-Hallmark manages to make it work, and it doesn't detract from the overall charm of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and recommend it for anyone looking for a feel-good movie to enjoy and relax.

It would be really hard not to be great with a story like this. But it doesn't stop there. The acting is good, but the dialogue is fantastic and the timing of line delivery is great. There are a ton of funny moments. Really funny. Reviews like this usually talk about chemistry between the romantic leads, and I often throw in great chemistry between an adult and a cute kid, but there is amazing chemistry almost all around. It's like all the main characters really are family and have known each other forever.

Cora Bella as Ruby is a force of nature. Such a powerful performance. Meanwhile Sarah Drew goes deep. The woman who plays Amelia's partner is real, not just a foil as a BFF.

If the movie wasn't good enough already, the climax tops it all off perfectly. And I laughed really hard at Ruby's last line.

Added after watching again: With a really good movie, you can get so much more after watching it again. One of the things I picked up this time was how Sarah Drew does such a good job of developing her character throughout the movie. A complaint I often make about Hallmark-like movies is that a lead's personality will change on a dime. A complete change within minutes of screen time. That doesn't happen here. You can see Amelia clinging to her walls even though she is yielding them up layer by layer. There is a big jump at one point, but with a woman like Amelia that last wall is going to be a big one.

The movie also does a good job of use lyrics in the songs that play through the movie.

I absolutely loved this movie it was such a beautiful story and they chose the most incredible characters for this movie. I hope that they have another one to continue on with this one because it was so worth watching and the music absolutely phenomenal. I felt it was very realistic. It was based on a book from what I've been told, and some of it was actually true. I love the different cultures and the families, the different dynamics of each family, and how they were raised. If you want to watch a truly genuine heartfelt movie, this is it right here. And if you love music, you'll love the music in this movie that also was incredible. I truly wish Hallmark would bring more movies like this to air since they've lost so many actors and actresses to another channel.

I knew that when I saw the commercial. It was a movie that I needed to watch. Even if I had to record it and watch it later. I loved that it was something a lil different than what I'm used to watching on Hallmark. DNA. It's usually just about 2 people who fall in love. But I loved the story line. Of finding out who you are and where you come from. Kids wondering where they come from. You don't see a lot of movies like this. Obviously it's Hallmark. So people fall in love. But it was more than just about 2 people. Great songs throughout the movie too. I'm hoping to find out more info on the music used in the movie. It is definitely a good watch!