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.
