Love, Romance & Chocolate

First of all, this movie was really filmed in Bruges, and the city is gorgeous. Second, Lacey Chabert is always a treat to watch. The story is the usual Hallmark script, but at least Lacey isn't marrying a Royal. And why isn't Brittany Bristow starring in her own movies? She's electric and charismatic and gorgeous. Her accent in this movie is atrocious, but aside from that she's the best.

This was one of the better romances that I have seen on Hallmark. In this film Lacy Chabert plays Emma, a magazine food stylist who dabbles in making interesting tasting flavor combo cupcakes. She and her boyfriend plan a trip to Bruges, Belgium and at the last minute he breaks up with her. Emma decides to still go as Brussels is where her grandparents met and fell in love. She has a beautiful valentine heart filled with their love letters and a photo of her grandparents at the Royal palace.

When she arrives she is unable to go to the Royal palace as it is closed to visitors due to it being prepared for the Royal wedding. As luck would have it she meets Luc a chocolatier who is entered in the competition to become the Royal chocolatier. Luc needs help and the two strike up a deal, Emma helps him while his pregnant partner has bed rest and he takes her with him to the Royal palace.

These two are so compatible it really made this movie a joy to watch...the scenery in Bruges was gorgeous, the chocolates sounded amazing and I really appreciated them trying to fit in a little bit of Dutch (een beetje Nederlands).

I highly recommend this subtle but sweet romance.

Solid script writing and beautiful location photography would usually get this a seven, but with the extra interest in the chocolate making and also strong romantic themes I have to rate this an 8.

Anyone who watches Hallmark romance movies knows that Lacey Chabert is usually perfect in every role. This one is no exception! She is charming as Emma and the male actor does a decent job as Luc, as well. Sometimes he is a bit stiff and reserved, but it was part of the character's personality. If you're not naturally a certain way, it's probably hard to pretend to be. He was definitely believable as a by the books, take no chances kind of guy. And while Luc worked with Emma to create the perfect chocolate, he loosened up and became open to new ideas.

The romance of it was more natural than other movies and they had pretty good chemistry, especially during the last third. There were a couple misunderstandings, just like other tv romances. And there was a lack of communication or being brave enough to just say what they felt. Again, Just like almost every tv romance. But I do like how Emma and Luc resolved them problems without much incident. This is definitely one of my new favorites and I'm sure I'll watch it again.

Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp are two of my favourite Hallmark regulars, so it was lovely to see them teamed here.

I thought this was a great Hallmark, with a lovely story being told, and two good performances from the leads. Chabert is always warm and charming, with I enjoy Kemp's dry delivery.

I was a bit sceptical about the premise initially, but it won me over, proving very enjoyable.