While not a flawless or great film in my view, the first film made for very decent viewing. Certainly liked it enough to want to see its 2019 sequel (this film), which did from its premise, the higher rating and that it was better received critically sound like it was potentially the better film. Despite having different leads. Hallmark have always varied with their sequels, some surprisingly good, others mediocre at best. Was hoping that this wouldn't be the latter.
Luckily, it was closer towards the former. Again, there are flaws and it could have been better and done even more with a great premise. But is it superior to the first? In my view, yes it is (though that may be up for debate with others). As far as Hallmark follow ups go, it's towards being one of the better ones. While preferring the leads in the first (different leads here), this was less heavy handed in its messaging and less contrived. Which is why it is superior. Both though have pretty much the same strengths.
Am going to start off with the negatives, which there are thankfully less of when it comes to talking about positives and negatives. It did for me lose its way in the final act or so when the darker and more dramatic tone made it feel like a different film. It was also a gear change that was pretty uneasy and abrupt.
Did feel as well that the ending was a little too convenient and tidy, as well as too hastily resolved. Some of the dialogue is still awkward and goes a little overboard on the sugar.
However, there are a couple of improvements. The messaging is a lot more subtle, thanks to the angle that dominated the first somewhat too much was rammed down the throat less, not used as much and was toned down. The tone is lighter overall too.
Pretty much all the things that were good in the first film are present in here too. It has an at least professional look to it, the scenery is very pretty with a cosy look to it and the photography is slick. The music is generally not as constant or as over-scored as Hallmark Christmas films can be, with some nice soundtrack choices throughout. The direction is assured enough. There are enough moments that made me smile and go "awww".
While the story was a flawed one, it had a sincere charm often, it was often light on its feet and it did warm the heart enough. The two leads are engaging, especially an endearingly optimistic Cindy Busby, and their chemistry is natural and genuine, plus it actually has growth. Kathy Lee Gifford returns and has fun in a role that could have been too annoying, which she avoids being. The characters were more developed than typical Hallmark cliches and they were worth connecting with.
Overall, good and better than the first. 7/10
