Romance avec une star

This is actually rare Reel One Entertainment TV movie which is technically done very well which means they can be properly done, but most of time they aren't - they always have to screw something. Maybe there was a bit of more stock footage then it should, but that would be it. Audio quality was good and soundtrack was on the mark.

Natalie Dreyfuss was good again, but so was the whole cast. Writing and directing were pretty good, too.

The only reason why I didn't rated this movie as above average (7*) are the following two things: 1) Jessie's prehistoric Ford F-100 truck was over the top.

2) Fake location. No, it wasn't shot in California no matter how many times they said and showed stock footage. If you watched other ROE TV movies, you will recognize Kelowna, BC, Canada because so many other movies was shot there, and it just ruins immersion. It's the same stupid thing they copy from Hallmark, but to be honest Hallmark is way worse in that department. I can understand shooting in BC, and pretending to be WA or OR, but CA is just way too much.

And don't watch trailer if you plan to watch the movie as with every other ROE TV movie, it shows everything!

Reel One Entertainment just loves to pull from Hallmark where they take their tropes and use for their own. It's the old where a small town gal falls in love in big shot from a big city. I don't understand why they make these plots so predictable where you can know who will fall in love and you know the character will hate the guy then started to love him eventually. The actors and actress do a pretty good job with the predictable plot and setting is quite good so I'll give them that but overall it's a predictable plot with an ending you know it will happen. If you love cheesy romantic comedy then this for you.

Set in the California wine country, it was actually filmed in British Columbia. Many of the scenes appear to be at Porteau Cove just a few miles north of Vancouver where my kids and I camped in 1990.

Natalie Dreyfuss is Jessie, a talented photographer who at one time worked for a publication but now prefers the local scene. Her friend runs the winery and will be the photographer for an upcoming wedding.

The bride has a brother, Anthony Konechny as somewhat famous actor Shane. As fate (and script) would have it the photographer and the actor, both healing from broken off relationships, quickly take a great liking to each other.

As an aside of sorts, Dreyfuss is tiny, listed as 5'2" and is slender. Konechny is large, listed as 6'3" and built. The two of them next to each other is an interesting contrast.

Anyway, my wife and I watched this movie streaming on Prime. Mostly predictable it was still a pleasant viewing with attractive actors and great scenery. It is not a Hallmark movie but still follows their method, and what we call the "Hallmark Kiss" comes during the last minute of the movie.

This is not an original storyline but it is the best version I've come across. So many of the decisions regarding work, family, relationships etc are totally understandable and trying to get your head around things not working out is definitely the norm for many. There's nothing nasty, just one sneaky person who causes a bump or two, but they too are just trying to get adjusted. Obviously there is a bit of tension in the plot in order to have a story, but most of the time it is really relaxing, especially for a wedding-themed movie. The characters aren't desperate to be coupled up by a certain age, so it is more watchable for middle-aged ... and potential retirees, as this is covered too. There's no children, but this is an all-age friendly movie about the work/life balance.

Former magazine photographer Jessie (Natalie Dreyfuss) left the big city to return to her family's vineyard and doing wedding gigs. Her sister Sophia is taking over more of the responsibilities. Kate is the next bride and her brother Shane Brown (Anthony Konechny) is a big TV star.

This is Reel One doing something like Hallmark. The meet-cute is absolutely great. The two leads are pretty and nice and great for this type of movie. There isn't much drama which fits for the genre. Unlike her uncle, Natalie is not required to do any big acting. This is fine especially for this genre.