Romance millésimée

Less silly than the usual Hallmark movie this movie has fairly serious people dealing with real problems. A chef single dad and a workaholic financial woman form a friendship as they help each other. More gradual and eyes open than usual. Like the way she isn't that easygoing with his kid. Saving a winery is the task here.

Julie Benz is slightly above the average TV movie standard so she elevates things. Like Jobeth Williams - she should act more.

Now we all know what these hallmark romance movies are about. And I must say it is a guilty pleasure when I want heart warming family movie that makes one believe in love. However this movie was sabotaged by the leading actress. You need believability and an innocent spark from each of the leading characters. But this actress came off as flat. No spark. No chemistry. Furthermore her character just kept whining about her career. The movie left me glad she was fired and left me wishing I could have fired her from the leading role. There are so many Bette hallmark movies with the same formula. This one didn't work because of the leading actress.

This is another movie without a lot of spark, no big highs or lows. The story was a bit different for the save-the-company plot device. Actually there was save the company and save the winery.

The early part of the movie included some backstabbing corporate junk which was a little heavier than I'm used to from Hallmark, but I don't think this is Hallmark. Actually there are some moments speaking about faith which is strongly implied as religious faith, although the religion wasn't terribly specific. The family went to church. Other than a scene or two, there wasn't a lot of this.

Julie Benz was a bit too stiff and Scott Elrod was friendly but not overly demonstrative. The chemistry was weak. In fact there was probably more between Benz and the little boy.

The overall story was predictable.

I know this movie didn't get great reviews but I liked this enjoyable family film. Maybe more family films out of Hollywood wouldn't be a bad idea! Oh gee no bad language, no sex, or no violence what a novel idea in a movie.

I tried to watch this movie because I enjoy simple sweet Hallmark movies now and again to relax and get away from the trash on other stations. At first it seemed like a nice story line until I realized something was weird. Someone decided to add background music throughout the entire movie to the point where we were struggling to hear the dialog. It was ridiculous!!!! I was so annoyed, I had knots in my stomach and had to shut it off at the 30 minute mark. I do hope this is not a new policy with Hallmark. If so, I will not be able to watch their movies anymore. It would be very disappointing. DON'T BOTHER WATCHING THIS MOVIE!!!!