Un baiser au coin du feu

Hallmark films can be a bit hit/miss, but this one is certainly in the 'hit' category.

With lovely central performances from the reuniting Danica McKellar (who seems to be carving out quite a niche for this type of film) and Paul Greene.

As ever with Hallmark films, there's a healthy dose of life affirming messages along the way, but on the whole I thought this was a quality 84 mins of entertainments and I'd thoroughly recommend the film.

Ok ladies, I know these reviews and movie audiences are normally thought of as a female only spaces, but I'm afraid there's a whole chunk of middle aged gay men in those viewing figures as well, and to the straight guys who secretly or openly like these films, I applaud you, you have proven that your masculinity is not fragile. - right got that out the way let's start talking about this movie.

Firstly like a lot of you I'm here for the wholesome guy / girl next door outfits, fresh from a magazine spread interior designs and instagram worthy backdrops and this movie is being awarded some points for that straight away. This is Stepford Wives go glamping. It's aspirational perfection under canvas.

The story is always a bit of a sideline in these films really, we all know the plot within 30 seconds of viewing. It's the charisma of the actors that seals the deal. Can they splurt out those cheesy lines without sounding like a half hearted greeting card? In this case - hmmmmm kinda. Paul is fantastic at 'fun n jokey' and 'kinda crushing on you' but not so good at 'pep talk dad buddy'. Danica great at 'nervous blabbering' and 'emotionally vulnerable' not so much in 'I'll show you' mode.

There's a bit too much parents bonding with kids in the plot and an over obvious a boy needs a dad and a girl needs a mum idea push, but it moves the story along and the kids playing them are likeable and harmless.

Over all it's an easy way to pass less than two hours. Its fuel for your outfit / home decor ideas with romance sprinkled on top. I can vouch for the male lead having a crush worthy charisma and a tight enough T-shirt and if you're a sophisticated stoner a little 420 before viewing will make those cheesy lines bearable and the imagery much more cozy.

On a side note, what a stunning location - where is this camp, those mountains are beautiful!

While not being overly excited about the premise, which is typical Hallmark with a different setting, there were a number of Hallmark films from 2017 that did pleasantly surprise me. Paul Greene is always worth watching and while Danica McKellar is less consistent performances-wise and tends to be typecast and to a variable degree in success she is good when the material and such are good. The setting seemed really lovely and there was potential for a charming film.

The charm comes in spurts but it to me didn't come consistently. 'Campfire Kiss' is watchable and is worth a one time watch, especially if you like the two leads, but it is nothing particularly special and doesn't have enough to make it stand out. As far as the 2017 Hallmark films go, 'Campfire Kiss' is not one of the best. But it is also not one of the worst. Very middle of the pack if anything and a rather mixed bag, with the good things being very good and the bad things being quite rough.

'Campfire Kiss' is nicely made, the campfire setting is very nostalgic and picturesque with lovely scenery which the film makes the absolute most of. Complemented lovingly by the photography. Hallmark films can be intrusively and too constantly scored, especially in the Christmas output, it was not a problem here. While not memorable as such, it didn't jar and was pleasant enough.

Greene is easy going and has a natural subtle charisma. The children are very charming and aren't cutesy or too bratty. Some very sweet scenes with them. The supporting cast do well with the little they have, Barbara Niven particularly. There are playful and sweet moments.

McKellar however was less good. She does try her best, sometimes too much so, but she is undone by her character being so hard to like. Far too severe and her constant anger was too often irrational. There are glimpses of chemistry between her and Greene, but it lacks development from taking too long to go anywhere and generally is far too low key. Would have liked more development to the characters as well and with both lead characters being easy to root for rather than just one.

Did find the script not always flowing and too heavy on the cheese or froth. It does try to have some depth with the ex, but as that subplot didn't work that attempt didn't either. The story is formulaic and could have had a tighter pace, the conflict is also not done well and comes over as too anaemic and shoe-horned in. Everything with the ex didn't feel necessary and the film does too little with it. The ending is too tidy, easily foreseeable and didn't feel earned.

In summary, another watchable but little special film from Hallmark. 5/10.

The overall set up/plot, location and secondary characters are fine but the main four roles are too whingey and annoying. For a teacher, the lead female is irritatingly out of touch with kids / teaching - and seems to have no concept of her son's age at all. Plus it would be great if teachers really could plan lessons up to retirement, however that's impossible in the modern constantly changing world/curriculum. Danica McKeller and Paul Greene are ok together - try 'Perfect Match' movie if you want to see them paired again.

It is a hallmark movie.I like their movies. I was looking forward to this movie, for Danica McKellar and Paul Greene, I have liked their previous pairing. The movie is funny and sweet.