Hallmark did have some above average and more films in 2019, as well as some misfires, in all their seasonal blocks, particularly the Christmas output. They were, and still are, very inconsistent with their wedding themed films before and particularly since 'Love Take Two', leaning more towards not doing them particularly well. The June Weddings films from 2019 are generally not too great, would go as far to not considering them particularly good even.
'Love Takes Two' is one of the better 2019 June Weddings films (certainly not the near disaster that is 'Wedding at Graceland'), but still is heavily flawed and could have been a lot more. As far as 2019 Hallmark goes, 'Love Take Two' is not one of the worst. It is also not one of the best. The premise was nothing special, the execution of it was pretty much the same. There are good things in 'Love Take Two' but also some bad. Making for an average effort.
There are good things here. Heather Hemmens and Cornelius Smith Jr are amiable leads individually and the acting in general is better than average. The best performance coming from Tara Erica Moore, who brings a welcome vim to the film which is something that is lacking in the writing and the story. Did find myself caring for the characters.
Furthermore, the scenery and overall production values are lovely to watch too while the music is pleasant enough. Did appreciate too that it tried to have a more retrospective approach and that it explored the dilemma of love over career, doing it in a way that was not hard to relate to.
Against all this, somehow 'Love Take Two' didn't entirely click. There were some good ideas here, but none of them go into enough depth. The past isn't focused on enough in development and while the characters didn't bore or irritate me some of them (and it is the ones that really would have helped the film have more heart, especially agreed the professor and the best man). While Hemmens and Smith Jr are fine individually, there is nothing between them together. Their chemistry is far too restrained and too careful and there isn't enough passion.
On the whole, the story felt dull due to the lack of drama and too much filler (i.e. The trying on wedding scene agreed, which could easily have been shorter). It generally comes over as very bland (with a lack of charm and tension) with no surprises and do have to agree that the ending is very predictable and not realistic, almost tacked on. The script goes too far on the awkwardness and takes itself too seriously.
In conclusion, very mixed on this. 5/10.
