Cœurs de braise

Alison Sweeney, single mother of two, has her hours cut back at the emergency call center where she works and decides to rent out a room in her house. Greg Vaughan, a fireman with a broken leg needs such a room -- he can't climb the stairs to his third floor walkup.

Bingo! You know they are going to fall in love, but the way they get there is charming. He does magic and her adorable kids -- who, in response to the home emergency, have gotten themselves jobs reading to people at the local retirement home -- are enchanted.

The only problem I have with this movie is the thought that these two people are unattached at the start of movie. Why haven't they been snapped up by other partners already? The movie is strengthened, as are many of the Hallmark TV movies, by the casting of older but excellent actors in some small roles. Here it's Rance Howard and Ed Asner as two occupants of the retirement home.

If I had seen Second Chances and not known who Allison Sweeney is I would be wring a rave review about the movie and Allison. It was a wonderful movie. Very touching and heart warming. It had a real story and talked about things such as loss of a father, fire fighters and their dangerous jobs. It was a real drama with many emotions being felt.

That it starred Allison Sweeney made it even better. As with all of her roles, she was absolutely believable and the chemistry with her co-star Greg Vaughn was palatable. Of all the leading females, Allison is the most talented. She knows how to take a script and make it real, versus delivering the lines off the page. Yea, I'm a fan...can you tell.

Yes, it is a typical Hallmark formula movie. If you watch Hallmark movies you know what to expect, nothing wrong with this. If you don't like the Hallmark formula, don't watch them because they all have it. I honestly believe those that mock movies such as these with nonsense reviews do so because that is who they are. I enjoy reading their reviews and giving them a "thumbs down."

One thing I look for in every, I mean every Hallmark movie is where it was filmed. And finally, here is one not filmed in Canada. Great to see a film done in the U.S.

This is one of my favorite Hallmark Movies. This is one that you like it so much that you wish Hallmark would make a sequel!!!

Just Rewatched this Wonderful Oldie but Goodie Hallmark Movie. I also read some of the Unbelievable Negative Reviews that a few other viewers have Posted. Quite Honestly I was completely flabbergasted because this is Definitely One of Hallmark's Very Best of All Time. In Fact, in my personal opinion, anyone who didn't enjoy this Touching and Heartwarming Story either doesn't have a Heart .... or simply shouldn't be watching Hallmark Movies Period. Because they obviously will simply never enjoy this type of Beautiful and Wholesome Family Entertainment.

Their loss, however, is a Gain for any Hallmark Viewer that truly enjoys Quality Family Entertainment. The entire cast is amazing, and while the Lead Characters Both deliver outstanding performances, it is truly the Children and Story that are Unbelievably Unique and Totally Amazing.

I have watched Hallmark Movies for years and have while I am a loyal and faithful viewer I have only given very few a 10 Star Rating. I usually restrict those Exceptional High Ratings for Films that I believe to be worthy of a Sequel .... and this Film Certainly Qualifies for that Relatively Rare Honor.

In closing let me address a point that was inferred by a Previous Poster. I am NOT an Elderly Woman that insists on Controlling the TV Remote. But rather a True Film Fanatic that Recognizes and Enjoys Exceptional and Quality Performances and Entertainment.

a film without surprises. the plot, the problems, the end , the pink sauce - all is well known. but it is not boring, not dusty. and, in few scenes, it becomes almost charming. the secret - first, the Prince Charming represented,in a honest role, by Greg Vaughan. than - the children. and, sure, Ed Asner in a not great but useful role.dramatic and dramatic story of a fireman and a dispatcher, the past, present and future in a impressive combination, the choices and the hesitations, the wise kids and the best choice. a family film who represents another page for life lesson. for Hallmark - a must see. for the others - a not so bad oasis of comfortable entertainment.