Coup de foudre pour la bachelorette

What a refreshing film this is! It combines the modern day concept of TV show "dating"..the idea that someone can meet a perfect stranger and develop a relationship in a matter of weeks..and then it introduces a twist. The leading actress, Pascale Hutton, played with her usual maturity and grace, is presented as an intelligent, striving employee of her firm, hoping to be considered for a significant promotion. She is sensible, cautious, and mature...a woman that many viewers can relate to. While she is reluctant to enter the TV dating show, she moves forward with skepticism and wisdom. The man who is presented to her as her bachelor "match" could not be a more inappropriate a partner for her. They are as opposite as any two people could be, but they strive to make the show's premise work..clearly without much success. The "hero" of the film is Sam Page, always an appealing and attractive leading man, with flawless acting skills, and with his engaging smile. There is a slow and cautious relationship developed between the two leads, something neither of them anticipated, and something that is clearly much more real than the TV show's contrived match-up. As the ranch owner/guide who is assigned to help the two contestants get to know one another through various activities, it becomes clear that he has much more in common with our heroine than the match she is set up with.. One of the very touching and poignant connections he makes with the young woman is that while some of her fears keep her from trying new experiences, she should take her fears and just do the dreaded activity while she is afraid. This simple act of kindness and understanding endears the two to one another..and she is able to take some risks she had not dared to take before. It is a life lesson for any viewer who is hobbled by a fear they cannot surmount. Two very small drawbacks..As is typical in a Hallmark movie, there is a misunderstanding that causes a rift. It gets resolved, of course.,.Also, the ranch guide's mother, is played by the wonderful Susan Hogan. While she has the most expressive features, deep and haunting eyes.. she seems to have a problem with a hairdo that could be better managed and kept from flying in her face. A small criticism.. To Hallmark's credit..this movie allows out leading lady and hero kiss before the last 30 seconds..What a delightful treat!! Send us more of this!!

"You might just have to do it scared."

Stephanie, played by Pascale Hutton, gets roped into participating as a contestant on a reality show called The One, where they hope individuals find their "one". For this season, they have paired Stephanie with a fellow LA city slicker named Oliver for two weeks at a Wyoming ranch called Aurora Ranch.

Unfortunately, while Oliver is nice and he and Stephanie get along well...she seems to have more chemistry with the Aurora rancher Alex. When they meet, assumptions are made involving some catchy slogan and a hashtag. When it came down to it they actually have a lot in common.

I loved Pascale's wardrobe and the ranch setting was lovely. It was fun to see them work in a reality show into a hallmark romance.

Sweet and easy going, I think romantics will love this sunny offering.

The leads in this are experienced Hallmark veterans with a history of good performances so I expected more. In fairness it wasn't the actors except maybe the one playing Oliver.

The premise is a bit unusual. The script did not really follow the typical format for the type of reality show it was supposed to be copying and so that contributed to the awkwardness that resulted. The story uses a couple of overused minor tropes like a formula and that only makes it worse. And much of the climax is predictable despite some clumsy red herrings.

The mystery date is just one more stupidity which I can't explain without giving away too much.

Ironic that many reviews about the very best thing about this film: it's not your typical Hallmark formula! The ending isnt some nonsensical sudden change in the characters' values, but rather a (relatively) realistic stalemate of --but being willing to "do it scared."

Somehow none of the reviews mentioned the central theme: facing challenges even when it's scary or disheartening. It reminded me of the famous Gretsky quote "you miss 100% of the hits you don't take."

If you want a film with a meaningful message, a less predictable plotline, and genuine chemistry among ALL the characters, even the families friends and the "friendzoned couple" as my spouse called the set-up duo, then check this one out. My spouse often gets grumpy at Hallmarks but he was loving it and thought the reality show couple did an excellent job at acting "friends not lovers." I was very pleasantly surprised with this film after we have endured a couple "meh" Hallmarks--this one finally brought a new context (a reality show) with an assertive woman (we often get impatient with the clumsy/pushover woman leads of many Hallmarks--definitely not the case with this one!)

I did notice people complained about Sam's unkempt look, but that's clearly contrasted with the other male lead who is the clean-cut city boy. I found Sam's scruff hot.

Also, I want to figure out who played Sam's mother because she was spot-on! She stole every scene she was in!

A really feelgood movie with a beautiful story and characters.