Coup de foudre et gourmandises

Hallmark writers seem to think that things like bake sales (sorry bake off) or starting a baking business on the side can solve all kinds of financial problems. At least it's an original idea to use it to save a radio station.

The acting is OK and the chemistry between the leads is OK, but neither really stands out and grabs me.

It's a pretty simple story. There are a few heartwarming moments when, as is often the case with Hallmark, the ideals of community through small time life are highly celebrated. Parts of the climax surprised me a little.

Throw in a busy software engineer, an ambitious small-town radio host, a fundraising Batchelor Bake-off , plus add the delicious Taylor Cole and good acting from Tyler Haynes - then it must be a Hallmark movie ! This film works well - the support acting was good, the small-town community was very close-knit, and the 2 leads were great together. This was one of Taylor Cole's best Hallmark roles and Tyler did a great job too. All in all a typical storyline but above average acting . Well done !

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and have always been a fan of Taylor Cole. To me, she's very genuine, unlike what other reviewers felt. I don't recall ever seeing Tyler Hynes in a Hallmark movie, and I thought he was believable and perfect for this part. The two had great chemistry in my opinion. Finally, Hallmark allowed a kiss go uninterrupted by a phone call, a child walking in, co-worker, etc. Well, it was interrupted at first, but they threw caution to the wind and kissed anyway. I would like Hallmark to add a little bit more physical romance to their movies, like a real relationship. The film had an interesting plot albeit, predictable but that's what I love about Hallmark. It's not as bad as the reviewers made it out to be and I've seen worse. Relax and enjoy it.

I was never a fan of Taylor Cole, but in this one, playing against type, I quite liked her. For one thing, and I realize this sounds very shallow, her hair has gone out and got itself a makeover. It used to be thin and lank to the point it was quite distracting. At least the style she chose made it seem that way. In this one, it has some body and natural flow and her beauty is undiminished by her "crowning glory." Tyler Hynes has always been a favorite and the two have quite a bit of chemistry.

Unfortunately the bake sale plot is a bore. An extra star for having the heroine move out of the small town she loves to pursue her career dream. What a concept usually foreign to the usual Hallmark ethos!

The setting is not a new one for Hallmark, but it is one that has been utilised well in previous and succeeding films of theirs. Taylor Cole is a bit hit and miss for me as an actress, in the right role she is very charming but she can be too much of an ice queen in others. Have always liked Tyler Hynes and cannot think of a disappointing Hallmark film performance of his at the top of my head, to me he is one of the more consistent, and in a good way, Hallmark regulars.

'Falling for You' is worth falling for. It isn't great, could have done more with the setting perhaps and has its flaws. It also however has a lot of good things, the leads being the primary one, and not just one of the better 2018 Fall Harvest films, but one of the better Hallmark films from the last quarter of the year. Anybody wondering whether to continue watching 'Falling for You' if put off by the first fifteen minutes (like this reviewer admittedly) should stick with it, as it does get a lot better.

As has been indicated, it doesn't get off to the greatest of starts, with a lot of very cheesy and awkward dialogue and it all felt very forced somehow.

Did feel that the ending was a bit too neat, which is a common thing with Hallmark but there are also worse cases, and that the music intruded too much at times. And maybe the baker setting is rather underused.

Both Cole and Hynes however are very strong in their roles, Cole gives one of her warmest and most charming performances as one of her more easier to relate to characters. While Hynes is typically subtly charismatic and easy going. They have lovely chemistry and gel like fine wine and cheese. The supporting cast deliver very well too, with a big shoutout going to perky Lini Evans. The characters weren't too perfect or had negative character traits exaggerated, which has been obvious in too many recently seen Hallmark films, and didn't come over as caricaturish.

The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments. The dialogue is not great to begin with but improves when the plot properly kicks in, not being too sweet and it flows at least. The story isn't perfect, but it is sweet and light hearted without over sentimentality kicking in.

Concluding, liked it while not loving it. 7/10.