44 reviews
I don't remember seeing Riley Dandy in anything before but she was the best part of this movie. I loved watching her and she delivered some snappy lines with style.
Her boyfriend was obviously a piece of crap, but Sofia was, as her friend Olivia pointedly told her, letting others make decisions for her- the uncaring boss, the cheating boyfriend, and even her well intentioned mother. So one would expect a character arc where she eventually takes control of her life and ends up making a big life decision based only on what was objectively best for her (and realistic).
But not in this movie.
Matias was a nice enough character, but I didn't see him as anything other than a convenient and pleasant rebound guy that could help boost Sofia's shattered self esteem. And I HATED his hairstyle. I just wanted to grab a pair of scissors and cut off his long bangs.
The problem with movies like this is that they try turn a perfectly fine new casual relationship into an epic romance between soulmates without making that believable.
Sofia needed some time to work on Sofia before getting involved again so soon. Her career was dead in the water at 30. Not a good time to jump right from a long term bad relationship into an unrealistic and impractical one. And why was she even thinking of forgiving that first guy? Ugh. She'll never be able to unsee what she saw.
There were some nice moments, but it just didn't work for me. Aside from their annoying refusal to acknowledge that their characters have sex, Hallmark usually makes better movies than this.
Her boyfriend was obviously a piece of crap, but Sofia was, as her friend Olivia pointedly told her, letting others make decisions for her- the uncaring boss, the cheating boyfriend, and even her well intentioned mother. So one would expect a character arc where she eventually takes control of her life and ends up making a big life decision based only on what was objectively best for her (and realistic).
But not in this movie.
Matias was a nice enough character, but I didn't see him as anything other than a convenient and pleasant rebound guy that could help boost Sofia's shattered self esteem. And I HATED his hairstyle. I just wanted to grab a pair of scissors and cut off his long bangs.
The problem with movies like this is that they try turn a perfectly fine new casual relationship into an epic romance between soulmates without making that believable.
Sofia needed some time to work on Sofia before getting involved again so soon. Her career was dead in the water at 30. Not a good time to jump right from a long term bad relationship into an unrealistic and impractical one. And why was she even thinking of forgiving that first guy? Ugh. She'll never be able to unsee what she saw.
There were some nice moments, but it just didn't work for me. Aside from their annoying refusal to acknowledge that their characters have sex, Hallmark usually makes better movies than this.
- MichaelByTheSea
- Aug 30, 2022
- Permalink
IN A NUTSHELL:
After her job and relationship implode on the same day, Sofia starts from scratch and meets a dashing Spanish chef who might be her missing ingredient.
The romantic comedy was directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, and written by Ali Afshar, John Ducey, and Tiffany Dupont.
THINGS I LIKED: I had never seen Riley Dandy in anything before. She is a cute actress, although her character's personality was a bit self-centered and annoying. That's a serious problem for a romantic comedy if you don't like one of the romantic leads.
Nancy Lenehan was adorable in her role. It was great to see her in something again.
I lived in Spain for two years, so I loved that element of the story; however, some of the characters didn't actually look or sound Spanish. That was disappointing.
I had foot surgery and had to wear one of those boots for months.
I really enjoyed the cooking class scenes in the restaurant.
I was impressed with all of the secondary characters, even those who didn't have very many lines. They all seemed believable and natural. The director did a great job creating a realistic, fun environment on set.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: It's super predictable and full of rom-com cliches.
The ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend were paper thin, making it way too easy to not like them.
Isaac Gonzales Rossi's character is sweet but almost too smiley all of the time.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kissing Fighting Superficial characters
THEMES: Choices and consequences Romance Second chances Food Relationships Courage to walk away from bad relationships.
The romantic comedy was directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, and written by Ali Afshar, John Ducey, and Tiffany Dupont.
THINGS I LIKED: I had never seen Riley Dandy in anything before. She is a cute actress, although her character's personality was a bit self-centered and annoying. That's a serious problem for a romantic comedy if you don't like one of the romantic leads.
Nancy Lenehan was adorable in her role. It was great to see her in something again.
I lived in Spain for two years, so I loved that element of the story; however, some of the characters didn't actually look or sound Spanish. That was disappointing.
I had foot surgery and had to wear one of those boots for months.
I really enjoyed the cooking class scenes in the restaurant.
I was impressed with all of the secondary characters, even those who didn't have very many lines. They all seemed believable and natural. The director did a great job creating a realistic, fun environment on set.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: It's super predictable and full of rom-com cliches.
The ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend were paper thin, making it way too easy to not like them.
Isaac Gonzales Rossi's character is sweet but almost too smiley all of the time.
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kissing Fighting Superficial characters
THEMES: Choices and consequences Romance Second chances Food Relationships Courage to walk away from bad relationships.
- trinaboice
- Sep 24, 2022
- Permalink
By the rating I thought it was going to be terrible. It was fine. I actually found myself quite enjoying it at times and even got a bit emotional towards the end. It followed the usual pattern of a cheesy romcom, but I've definitely seen worse. The acting was pretty decent for a movie of this type. No known names of faces to me bar the mum who I recognize from somewhere. There was also no weird over-acting or weird clumsiness of the main character like I'm used to seeing in these Hallmark type films. The chemistry between the loved up couple seemed real. Well worth the watch if you're in the mood for something cheesy, girly and a bit cringy.
Ummmm what happened Netflix? Why do you keep funding rejected Hallmark movies made by wannabe moviemakers? This was painful. Please stop making female driven love stories that are created and directed by men, this is embarrassing Netflix!
- jessicaleecollins-59641
- Aug 24, 2022
- Permalink
- megnexplores
- Aug 26, 2022
- Permalink
Sweet movie... good actors... the actress who plays the mum should get a major drama feature film from a big studio... she's at a Sally Field level of good. It is interesting though that they have someone from Spain looking like he is from South-America (I read the actor has Cuban roots?)... which is okay but let him then be from a South-American country and not from Spain. Look at an actual Spanish production on Netflix and you'll see what the Spanish look like. He is a good actor though who has to deal with bad dialogues and poor directing skills from the director. The main actress is also very skillful, and also has to struggle with bad lines and direction... so ... lots of good actors (the actor playing boyfriend Richard needs some more training) .... and a nice film if you feel like emptying your mind. I sincerely hope that all the actors I mentioned will get better chances to display their acting skills. (Ah, 1. I love the square shaped ceramic mug that is used in the film, would like to know where to get one and 2: Sofia gets at one point an email from Spain. The language used is toooooo American, it is not how the Spanish would write in English and they write 'Diseno' and not 'Diseño'... that's just bad research and execution. I paused the film to read it, if you don't pause it passes by quickly, but still ...). And... a compliment for the set designers/dressers and costume design... they are the true stars here. I do like to see a part 2 though: in Spain. With better script writers!!
- andredejongh
- Aug 26, 2022
- Permalink
I enjoyed it. It's not a complicated movie and follows the basic romance storyline.
The main conflicts of the movie are quickly and easily moved passed and they could have spent more time with the will they won't they but at the end it's a heart warming movie.
The two leads have great chemistry together and I hope to see them in more movies.
The mother plays the character well (she is definitely typecast but is good at what she does). This is the same for his family also (the cooking classes seemed really fun).
Not sure what else to say but it's a nice movie to watch with your significant other.
The main conflicts of the movie are quickly and easily moved passed and they could have spent more time with the will they won't they but at the end it's a heart warming movie.
The two leads have great chemistry together and I hope to see them in more movies.
The mother plays the character well (she is definitely typecast but is good at what she does). This is the same for his family also (the cooking classes seemed really fun).
Not sure what else to say but it's a nice movie to watch with your significant other.
If there's something that grinds my gears is movies still casting actors that barely even speak the language they are supposed to be native in. When the supposedly Spanish characters are interacting with each other they speak in English. No one would do that, especially not with a Spanish guy that freshly landed in the US! But for some reason no actor in this movie is Spanish. There are plenty of Spanish actors around, I don't think it would have been so hard to cast actual Spanish people.
Also, the cooking tips and recipes are a caricature of Spanish food, ridiculous.
On top of that the movie has no conflict. They like each other from the get go and that's about it.
Also, the cooking tips and recipes are a caricature of Spanish food, ridiculous.
On top of that the movie has no conflict. They like each other from the get go and that's about it.
- albalopezalba
- Aug 27, 2022
- Permalink
- alotoflance
- Aug 26, 2022
- Permalink
There wasn't any actor from Spain a available???
There isn't any from Spanish cuisine in this movie. The producers should have called José Andrés or any other well known cook to advise the "writers".
One insult after another for Spain.
There isn't any from Spanish cuisine in this movie. The producers should have called José Andrés or any other well known cook to advise the "writers".
One insult after another for Spain.
- darthdraconary
- Aug 25, 2022
- Permalink
Great chemistry between the two leads. Some familiar supporting cast and others I have not seen. Typically I don't enjoy new actors but this cast was very likable and fun. Liked the story, the locations etc.
I have found it hard to find quality, interesting, fun, and entertaining television shows even with network tv and all the streaming services so finding an interesting film with good acting is a rarity these days.
Some other reviewer compared this to a Hallmark movie and must say this was a better quality film than most Hallmark fare these days This was a lot of fun to watch! Thank you all involved.
I have found it hard to find quality, interesting, fun, and entertaining television shows even with network tv and all the streaming services so finding an interesting film with good acting is a rarity these days.
Some other reviewer compared this to a Hallmark movie and must say this was a better quality film than most Hallmark fare these days This was a lot of fun to watch! Thank you all involved.
- teresawhitehead-66163
- Aug 30, 2022
- Permalink
Low budget romantic comedy where a graphic designer who is working as an assistant and turning thirty gets fired and finds out her long time boyfriend is cheating on her...then she falls down the stairs and breaks her leg. To recuperate she moves back in with her mother who after a few days of grieving starts pushing her to get out...Zumba and then a Spanish cooking class where she meets the handsome Matias, who is visiting his uncle from Spain.
The best part of this film is the Spanish food and the sweet romance between Matias and Sofia. Simple, sweet and engaging.
I thought the post-break up moping about in bed was pretty accurate. It was nice that she had such a supportive mom and even nicer that she meets this fabulous guy who helps encourage her to do some things for herself...like a logo.
The romance was surprisingly good which has me recommending this to the romantics out there. Not a big fan of either lead individually ...but together they worked!
The best part of this film is the Spanish food and the sweet romance between Matias and Sofia. Simple, sweet and engaging.
I thought the post-break up moping about in bed was pretty accurate. It was nice that she had such a supportive mom and even nicer that she meets this fabulous guy who helps encourage her to do some things for herself...like a logo.
The romance was surprisingly good which has me recommending this to the romantics out there. Not a big fan of either lead individually ...but together they worked!
It isn't the best movie and what bothers me the most is how they tried to portray Spain's culture, though in a very poor way. Both Matías and tío Guillermo (and everyone in the restaurant -Viviana etc.) should be played by Spanish actors (someone who actually has a Spanish accent).
How ignorant some of the characters are.
Richard's character is terrible.
The amount of bad stereotype jokes is unbelievable (about spaniards, Spain, Spanish-speaking people, eating disorders -wtf-).
Not even trying ti pronounce Matias's name correctly.
Some of the things I liked: the music, most film shots, color symbolism and Sofía's flower duvet. (And maybe how nice Sofía's mother is).
How ignorant some of the characters are.
Richard's character is terrible.
The amount of bad stereotype jokes is unbelievable (about spaniards, Spain, Spanish-speaking people, eating disorders -wtf-).
Not even trying ti pronounce Matias's name correctly.
Some of the things I liked: the music, most film shots, color symbolism and Sofía's flower duvet. (And maybe how nice Sofía's mother is).
Netflix truly needs to do better. As I started to watch it I wanted to like it but it was truly underwhelming. There was nothing authentically Spanish about it. As someone whose family is from Spain let's begin with the accents and word pronunciations, which were not on point at all. Mannerisms and the way they carried themselves were not traditionally Spaniard at all. Even in small, lighthearted films maintaining authenticity and integrity should be present, and this does neither, and that should be important to filmmaker, actor, writer, and the company representing because "your" name is tied to it. Even simple films like this should be done properly, properly written and researched. It had its endearing moments, however, truly could not get past how unauthentically Spanish it was overall, and that was the whole point. Netflix should maintain a high-quality of filmmaking. As the mother of a son who is studying filmmaking, I think this is a good example of how important it is to keep in mind integrity in filmmaking whether making a high budget blockbuster or small film.
The film is just awful, utterly predictable and pointless. I would understand if it was made couple of decades ago but such film in 2022 - it has NOTHING new compared to all the cliche hallmark movies with the exact same cliche storyline, not even the "cliche hallmark film but let's make the characters quirky and relatable" trope.
In addition it was embarrassing to watch how women are portrayed via the lead character, of course it's directed by a man.
Just don't watch it, won't miss anything, you won't even get a laugh out of that film. Only things bearable were some side characters.
I'm just confused how such films are still being made and funded. Who on earth decided that this is what they want to waste their money on... Sad to think how many good films could be made instead of stuff like thst.
In addition it was embarrassing to watch how women are portrayed via the lead character, of course it's directed by a man.
Just don't watch it, won't miss anything, you won't even get a laugh out of that film. Only things bearable were some side characters.
I'm just confused how such films are still being made and funded. Who on earth decided that this is what they want to waste their money on... Sad to think how many good films could be made instead of stuff like thst.
That's Amor is a romantic comedy directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino and it stars Riley Dandy and Isaac Gonzalez Rossi.
Sofia's life falls apart in just one day: she is fired from the job; she catches her boyfriend cheating on her; she breaks an ankle, and that is the start of a new adventure.
As someone who has lived in Spain I know Spaniards can be swarthy but they don't have amerindian features like that Isaac Gonzalez Rossi (Mexican, Colombian? I don,'t know and I don't care). Laughable. There is no American shows or films that can be taken seriously nowadays, all of them are fake or garbage. Of course this film is not interesting at all. Hollywood is a train wreck. If it wasn't for Asian shows I would cancel my Netflix subscription.
Sofia's life falls apart in just one day: she is fired from the job; she catches her boyfriend cheating on her; she breaks an ankle, and that is the start of a new adventure.
As someone who has lived in Spain I know Spaniards can be swarthy but they don't have amerindian features like that Isaac Gonzalez Rossi (Mexican, Colombian? I don,'t know and I don't care). Laughable. There is no American shows or films that can be taken seriously nowadays, all of them are fake or garbage. Of course this film is not interesting at all. Hollywood is a train wreck. If it wasn't for Asian shows I would cancel my Netflix subscription.
- josie616josie
- Sep 5, 2022
- Permalink
People need to realize that this is a comedy. For being a low-budget movie, I would say it is excellent. Yes, there are no actors from Spain. Yes, it is cheese and predictable, but who cares? This movie is like pizza; it is good no matter what.
For a Saturday night, lonely on your cozy couch, I see this movie being a great success. The acting was good; there was not Marlon Brando, Meryl Streep, or Steve Seagal; but they did a good job.
I liked it; it was fun. Suppose you expect to watch an academy award movie; look for another option. However, if you are looking for an easy film to enjoy and relax, this might be the one.
For a Saturday night, lonely on your cozy couch, I see this movie being a great success. The acting was good; there was not Marlon Brando, Meryl Streep, or Steve Seagal; but they did a good job.
I liked it; it was fun. Suppose you expect to watch an academy award movie; look for another option. However, if you are looking for an easy film to enjoy and relax, this might be the one.
- filminsightPro
- Sep 2, 2022
- Permalink
Baby don't hurt me ... something one can come back to anytime - especially with a title like that! I just had to - so no pun intended. Also the actors really are the driving force here. No offense to the script - yes I know just writing that already sounds like belittling it ... let me say I have seen way worse stuff. Ok not making it better.
Let me just say that the movie (or story) itself will not be too surprising for most viewers. Now that would surprise me: if many would be like: I did not see that coming ... so no surprises here, when it comes to the development of relationships ... but you will have a good time watching this. Especially if you let yourself go - suspend your disbelief. Just let the characters lead you - and themselves ... they have something cooking for you (and them) - again no pun intended.
Let me just say that the movie (or story) itself will not be too surprising for most viewers. Now that would surprise me: if many would be like: I did not see that coming ... so no surprises here, when it comes to the development of relationships ... but you will have a good time watching this. Especially if you let yourself go - suspend your disbelief. Just let the characters lead you - and themselves ... they have something cooking for you (and them) - again no pun intended.
Great? No. Good, meh. It does what it sets out to do.
Mia it really so hard to find a Spanish actor? Both of the men are American born and the main character is of Cuban decent.
I really like Bryan Craig, I mean obviously not the character but I like seeing him do more.
Could we please give these men better hairstyles!!
I haven't seen these actors before, but they were fine. I like that she was very natural looking and not overly made up with tons of makeup and fake eyelashes to extremes and perfectly coiffed hair at all hours.
They keep the truffle salt with the iron straight from 1970?!
They have an entire class on these simple things? Gazpacho? Cut and blend. There you go.
Croquette and sangria is sensual? Did she just say boobies? She can't hear the food? You should hear the croquette crunch!
He doesn't know what a graphic designer is?! It's not an American only job.
These 2 have been together for 12+ years!! Definitely doesn't seem like it at all. And no engagement or marriage or discussions? And that necklace. You've dated this girl for atleast 12 years (he said since HS so it could be years longer) and he legit bought a necklace that says 30?! Ooof.
She didn't get her masters and she had the job for 2 years, what did she do for the 5-6 years before then that she took an assistant job 6 years out of school? A good school at that (slight bias).
Also her mom is pushing her into a new guy 2 weeks after a break up after 12 years? Come on now. And pretty much congratulates her after she spends the night with him.
Did this girl bring her whole wardrobe home for a quick stay that's a month+?! She has no job. She kicked the bf out. No way she can afford a place in San Francisco that she leaves vacant for a month.
That's definitely not SFO.
And she applied and got into grad school in a matter of a week?!? No GRE? No student visa applications! Just like that? And she said she quit right when design students graduated. So this is like July?! And she starts august? Pretty sure that's after the application deadline.
Ok I won't pick it apart. Anymore. It's exactly what you expect. Isn't that why we watch these movies anyway?
Mia it really so hard to find a Spanish actor? Both of the men are American born and the main character is of Cuban decent.
I really like Bryan Craig, I mean obviously not the character but I like seeing him do more.
Could we please give these men better hairstyles!!
I haven't seen these actors before, but they were fine. I like that she was very natural looking and not overly made up with tons of makeup and fake eyelashes to extremes and perfectly coiffed hair at all hours.
They keep the truffle salt with the iron straight from 1970?!
They have an entire class on these simple things? Gazpacho? Cut and blend. There you go.
Croquette and sangria is sensual? Did she just say boobies? She can't hear the food? You should hear the croquette crunch!
He doesn't know what a graphic designer is?! It's not an American only job.
These 2 have been together for 12+ years!! Definitely doesn't seem like it at all. And no engagement or marriage or discussions? And that necklace. You've dated this girl for atleast 12 years (he said since HS so it could be years longer) and he legit bought a necklace that says 30?! Ooof.
She didn't get her masters and she had the job for 2 years, what did she do for the 5-6 years before then that she took an assistant job 6 years out of school? A good school at that (slight bias).
Also her mom is pushing her into a new guy 2 weeks after a break up after 12 years? Come on now. And pretty much congratulates her after she spends the night with him.
Did this girl bring her whole wardrobe home for a quick stay that's a month+?! She has no job. She kicked the bf out. No way she can afford a place in San Francisco that she leaves vacant for a month.
That's definitely not SFO.
And she applied and got into grad school in a matter of a week?!? No GRE? No student visa applications! Just like that? And she said she quit right when design students graduated. So this is like July?! And she starts august? Pretty sure that's after the application deadline.
Ok I won't pick it apart. Anymore. It's exactly what you expect. Isn't that why we watch these movies anyway?
Being a new film to netflix I thought I would give it a try, and for a love story it ain't half bad.
I rated it so highly because its has a lot of good acting which was expected of the great and under-rated Nancy Lenehan, Rilely Dandy does play the part of Sofia very well, also Arlene Tur who also adds to the film.
The plot I guess has been portrayed in many other films and if this was for instance a Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie casted film it would have more ratings and reviews. However there is nothing to be taken away from the cast of this film, its a rated 12 and it comes over as such, but its honest, the male leads are not very strong but the the overall storyline is flowing and there are a lot of funny lines.
Dont expect Oscar nominations for this film, but well worth the watch.
I rated it so highly because its has a lot of good acting which was expected of the great and under-rated Nancy Lenehan, Rilely Dandy does play the part of Sofia very well, also Arlene Tur who also adds to the film.
The plot I guess has been portrayed in many other films and if this was for instance a Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie casted film it would have more ratings and reviews. However there is nothing to be taken away from the cast of this film, its a rated 12 and it comes over as such, but its honest, the male leads are not very strong but the the overall storyline is flowing and there are a lot of funny lines.
Dont expect Oscar nominations for this film, but well worth the watch.
- Chloebythesea
- Sep 5, 2022
- Permalink
I must admit: Sometimes I kind of like to watch some of those romantic movies where you know from the beginning how it all will play out, but you you pretend not to, just to enjoy a feelgood movie to pass some time.
But this one.. Even how hard I tried to like it - much to the account of the main character, played by Riley Dandy - I just could not fully enjoy a movie this flat and this poorly directed.
Riley Dandy comes out of this well, and maybe she is trying to prove her self as a main charcter actor. In my opinion, she pulls it off to the extent of what this type of movie demands.
The supporting actors in this movie are a different story. I am not sure if their crinchy fake acting is supposed to be funny somehow, but it isn't!! It's stupid, exaggerated and shallow. None of these actors should be allowed on a movie set ever again.
Dandy's counterpart lands somewhere in between. He's not that bad, really. The most apparent flaw is that he doesn't really come off as believable spanish. Other than that, he's ok.
I think it is about time that American directors realize that they have a global audience, and if they try to involve other nationalities in the story, they need to use actors from that place and also do their homework on it and make it authentic. Otherwise it just gets embarassing.
The story is ok. Could be better with more drama, a conflict or some kind of tension. But it never gets to that, the director seems to be too afraid to "kill the mood" so whatever builds up as some kind of drama gets quickly put down, and we're back to the feelgood baseline.
So there we are. A flat, one-dimensional feelgood story, carried solely on Riley Dandys shoulders, surrounded by a bunch of amateurs who contributes only by a series of face palms...
The story has potential. In fact, it made me want to go eat tapas... But I wish they had done a better job with this. Believe it or not - I am being nice here.. other critics might slaughter this movie without further comments.
But this one.. Even how hard I tried to like it - much to the account of the main character, played by Riley Dandy - I just could not fully enjoy a movie this flat and this poorly directed.
Riley Dandy comes out of this well, and maybe she is trying to prove her self as a main charcter actor. In my opinion, she pulls it off to the extent of what this type of movie demands.
The supporting actors in this movie are a different story. I am not sure if their crinchy fake acting is supposed to be funny somehow, but it isn't!! It's stupid, exaggerated and shallow. None of these actors should be allowed on a movie set ever again.
Dandy's counterpart lands somewhere in between. He's not that bad, really. The most apparent flaw is that he doesn't really come off as believable spanish. Other than that, he's ok.
I think it is about time that American directors realize that they have a global audience, and if they try to involve other nationalities in the story, they need to use actors from that place and also do their homework on it and make it authentic. Otherwise it just gets embarassing.
The story is ok. Could be better with more drama, a conflict or some kind of tension. But it never gets to that, the director seems to be too afraid to "kill the mood" so whatever builds up as some kind of drama gets quickly put down, and we're back to the feelgood baseline.
So there we are. A flat, one-dimensional feelgood story, carried solely on Riley Dandys shoulders, surrounded by a bunch of amateurs who contributes only by a series of face palms...
The story has potential. In fact, it made me want to go eat tapas... But I wish they had done a better job with this. Believe it or not - I am being nice here.. other critics might slaughter this movie without further comments.
- MovieSeer1970
- Aug 30, 2022
- Permalink