Quatre coeurs en automne

7.9 stars.

I don't usually give high praise for these sorts of films. You'll see what I mean if you watch it for yourself as it's very "evolved" and open-minded as a story goes. What I found to be a breath of fresh air was the timing and the brilliant story. The writing is profoundly incredible for this particular type of plot. The dialogue is superb and the emotions that it evokes are very real and fulfilling. I love the back and forth, or the switch and how there can be no resolution without each of them taking a complete leap of faith into the life they were meant to live. They must experience a foreign, yet familiar place, finding love in their opposite's best friend and finding courage under new and fresh circumstances. It's a movie about fate and trust. Wonderful film in spite of the other stuff (you'll see).

If you've been following my blog, you'll know by now that I'm not a huge fan of romantic comedies - simply because I find them predictable. While 'Notes of Autumn' is also every bit predictable, the journey isn't as clichéd. This film also explores a heterosexual and a gay romance all in one. It's like 'The Holiday' with a gay twist.

The first thing about the film that grabbed me, was how likable the characters were, and how wonderful the actors portray them. There's great chemistry between all the characters, not only the romantic ones. I enjoyed the character set-up, and the natural flow of the film. It was relatable instead of sensational, and I loved that.

The absolutely gorgeous Luke Macfarlane stars as novelist Leo Carrington, who is suddenly experiencing writer's block with his latest novel. His editor suggests a change of scenery to inspire him. Leo's best friend is Ellie Matthews (wonderfully portrayed by Ashley Williams). She is working for an event management company but constantly finds herself distracted - by music - and is fired as a result. Also needing a change of scenery, she suggests to Leo that they swap places for two weeks.

So Leo heads off to stay in Ellie's apartment. Only, she never told him she gave access to her kitchen to her chef friend Matt (Peter Porte), who is gay. And Leo never told Ellie he promised his friend Sam (the delicious Marcus Rosner) that Ellie would help him with a music show. Through many hilarious moments, romance ensues.

I enjoyed the fact the romance didn't feel forced. It developed in a very natural way, and the characters were really sweet. I also liked the way sex was the furthest thing from their minds, and their respective relationships were based on true emotion (not lust). Honestly, 'Notes of Autumn' had me smiling from beginning to end; overcome with an unusual sensation of absolute joy! This was just fabulous. I loved it!

This could have been risky for Hallmark - 2 male favorites playing gay (as they really are. It worked for me. I was recently been blown away by the high romantic connection & chemistry in the gay romance 'Red, White & Royal Blue' - and I am straight. Hallmarks are looking a bit inhibited, or Jane Austen, in comparison. Their final kisses should look like they mean it more- rather than 2 friends who like each other congenially. I loved the comedic depiction by Kavan & Pascale as the book characters commenting on the narration. Marcus Rosner is always good too, and Ashley wasn't as over-the-top.

Think that Hallmark has run out of new ideas,therefore we get a recycled(modern)version of much better older movies.

Still feel Ashley comes across fake in Hallmark productions,which again falls on those in charge.

If this movie was in Autumn it felt really blah from color to scenery,was the props department on a budget?

Anyway predictable with clichés.. Could fall asleep & wake up to feeling nothing was missed,which makes for a bad storyline.

Will point out at least.. It wasn't about a fest,yay!

Overall was cast decent & acting average,feel they did the best possible with scripts given.

Use to look forward to new movies,but find myself skipping more than anything.

Want a movie that gives you,Autumn feels? Personally recommend,looking elsewhere or not watching this one.

Notes of Autumn is well worth watching, for the dual main "will they or won't they" storylines to the casting to the strong element of music. I usually give any Hallmark movie a chance when Luke MacFarlane and Ashley Williams are in it, but add Marcus Rosner and Peter Porte in and you've got yourself a darn good party. And how genius it was to cast Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith in minor, but meaningful, humorous roles. Those two together elevate any show/movie they're in.

The storylines were well written and delightfully acted and that also goes for everyone in the supporting cast. This particular ensemble worked really well together and all the pairings had a very believable, easy chemistry. Hallmark would be wise to continue tapping into the ensemble format because this movie proves it can do it very well and the possibilities are endless. If you're looking for an interesting, fun fall romcom, look no further. For me, it was like opening up a box of chocolates and finding all good pieces. Very enjoyable!