Three Fall Harvest films were made in 2015, have noticed that of all the seasonal blocks for all the years between 2015-2021 the Fall Harvest block has always been the briefest. 'October Kiss' is the last one, following on from 'Autumn Dreams' and 'Harvest Moon'. Both films to this reviewer were well done, with a few issues but many strengths as well, making the Fall Harvest block one of the better and most consistent seasonal blocks for Hallmark that year.
Of the three, for me 'October Kiss' was the best. It may be the slightest plot wise, but the concept was the most appealing and most mature one of the three and the execution was charming and heartfelt. As far as the 2015 Hallmark films go, 'October Kiss' to me was one of the best, and it was very up and down for Hallmark that year where the hits really soared and the misses missed big time. It is also a very good representation of Ashley Williams, who is not one of my favourite Hallmark regulars but not one of my least favourites either.
It is not perfect, it is very slight plot wise and at times it is too lightweight. Which does make the pace drag, especially in the slightly over-stretched first act.
So much is good about 'October Kiss' however. Williams' performance is full of perky charm and sincerity, love her radiant smile which is not overdone, and she has a mostly charismatic, sympathetic and very easy to like leading man in Sam Jaeger (though a bit too uptight to begin with). Their chemistry is very sweet and genuine, while moving at a realistically paced rate and not feeling aimless or too fast moving. The younger cast give nice performances too, especially Hannah Cheramy, doing well at bringing heart to the film without being too cute or bratty. The family relationships are done with honesty and heart.
Furthermore, the story, despite its predictability, is always engaging and is light-hearted and heart-warming. The film is nicely scripted, with some nice playfulness between the leads and the sentimentality is not overdone. It looks good visually. Especially the gorgeous scenery. The music doesn't distract and really liked how the film made the absolute most of the setting without shoving it in the viewer's face.
Concluding, liked it a good deal. 8/10.
