Une pincée de romance

Yet another winner from Hallmark: loved it from beginning to end!

The best thing about Just Add Romance is that it's almost a satire of Food Network's show Chopped, even down to the other contestants being familiar archetypes: one is out of their depth, one is vivacious and positive, one is cynical and jaded, and one is arrogant and self-satisfied. It's a nice touch when the contestants all end up liking and respecting each other in spite of the competition.

Also different from other Hallmark movies is that the two protagonists realize they like each other almost from the beginning, rather than finally figuring it out at the very end. The plot revolves around their efforts to keep the romance going in spite of their different cooking styles and competing against each other.

Go Hallmark Go!

Carly Benson (Meghann Fahy) and Jason Tucker (Luke Macfarlane) are friendly rivals in cooking class in Chicago. Unbeknownst to each other, they apply for TV cooking competition, Kitchen Showdown. The two resume their combative rivalry until a budding romance get in the way.

They are photogenic. They smile. They simmer but there is no explosive chemistry. This is strictly warmed up leftovers. There are no great turns or big jolts. They are doing the show and there should be cameras constantly following them around. This lacks stuff. This should be ready for some food porn but this doesn't take advantage. Even as a Hallmark romance, this is lacking.

It's nice to see some fresh faces in a Hallmark film here, with Meghann Fahy in particular shining,

This film though is a bit let down by its own premise - we know that both the leads will make it through to the final of the cooking show otherwise there's no film. This robs it of drama a little.

I did think the leads had nice chemistry though, and that there were some nice moments.

Good overall.

Carley (Meghann Fahy) and Jason (Luke MacFarlane) went to cooking school together. Due to personal reasons, he disappeared, and it's not until three years later than the both of them reunite in a famous cooking show, whose winner gets a restaurant of their own.

While we have ENOUGH of cooking Hallmark movies, this one is a bit different. It's a different dynamic that still allows the character to spend time together while being in competition with each other.

This is my third Luke MacFarlane movie in last two weeks and I don't get tired of him. He is charming, easy to the eye, and his characters are always likeable. Meghann Fahy is new to the Hallmark scenery (a movie with Sam Page would have been so good!. If you know, you know ;) and she did great. The chemistry was amazing. I hope we get more of her.

I was so happy that some of the cliche we are so used to weren't in this movie. The less cliches, the better! This one is a must watch.

The competition was probably too friendly, but of course it IS Hallmark! I like Meghann Fahy and look forward to seeing her in more shows/movies. I hope Luke MacFarlane gets more roles too!