The Real West

I loved this movie. It was romantic (which is the Hallmark standard), but it wasn't formula (you know, the tired old story about a boy meeting a girl, they hate each other then fall in love...yawn). We have a unique plot and a mom who loves her kids and whose kids love her back. Yes, she's a widow (but how can an older woman fall in love again if she isn't a widow and ex-husbands tend to be so messy). The young men who play their sons do a great job and the girl who plays the oldest son's girlfriend was absolutely adorable!

Without giving away the story line, I think I'll just say die hard Hallmark fans will love this movie.

P.s. I didn't give it a 10 because I reserve that for Oscar-worthy movies, but a 9 means I love, love, love it.

My wife and I enjoyed this movie last night, and although we were prepared for something a little more hokey, we were pleasantly surprised by the storyline, the level of acting, and undeniable chemistry between the two leads. The strong silent type is underrated.

The scene where the family shares their emotional good-byes was very touching... Watching it again right now, and picking up on little nuances I missed last night, and enjoying some poignant moments once more. Both actors gave Hallmark tenure, but together they are believable, enjoyable and memorable. Now that I'm inspired, where is my cowboy hat?

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

Darn-this character minimum.

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

In this Hallmark romantic film, Rebecca is a professor of the American West who is chasing tenure. She takes her kids, Ollie and Noah, to a working ranch with her Mother Maureen and her sister Cassidy. There she meets a handsome cowboy, who turns out to be a former rodeo star and current horse whisperer...who just happens to be her sister's new boyfriend.

I have loved Lucas Bryant ever since he played the romantic lead Nathan in the Haven series. So, I was thrilled to see him in this Hallmark film. My favorite scene was the meet cute in the hat shop, when Jake picks out three hats for the kind of woman Rebecca is. I loved seeing James Denton and I thought Lynda Boyd, who played Rebecca's mother Maureen, was wonderful.

Kimberley Sustad does a great job playing the widow Rebecca, who is not only trying to do the right thing...but questioning herself. I thought she and Lucas Bryant had great chemistry and I am hoping they will get more screen time.

I loved the song Cowboys Like Me...it was an instant Shazam for me and I will be adding it to my playlist.

This is a big recommendation to romantics who love hallmark films.

It is always nice to see Kimberley Sustad in something other than a Christmas movie because she is such an exceptional actress and, here, she delivers again. This is a multi-layered story dealing with several issues - accepting the death of a loved one, a mother coping with her teenage son growing up, sisters finding balance in their relationship, and a man realizing what is important in his aging life. It is nicely written and directed and the entire cast is very good and realistic. Sustad plays her character Rebecca with intelligence, emotion and sincerity as well as delightful humor - it's the full package, as always with her. The real surprise is Lucas Bryant as a steely-eyed cowboy - unlike anything he has ever done before and he's terrific, too. The rest of the performers excel with Marlie Collins as sister Cassidy and James Denton as the ranch owner of particular note. The on location scenery is quite attractive which only serves to make this film as believable as Sustad and the rest of the cast.

This is a really enjoyable production that keeps your interest throughout.