The Heiress and the Handyman

I love Hallmark movies. Even the not so good ones. Jodie is my least favorite actress and I usually skip hers. But I really like Corey so I thought I'd give it a try. It was the worst I've seen. First, the wig. Why???? It was so distracting. Jodie is a pretty woman but that wig was the worst. Second, absolutely no character development at all. This could have been a better movie. It seemed just rushed. Hallmark, you can do so much better. This should not be the movie you use to try to advertise the new Hallmark plus. I have my sweatshirt ready so please do not disappoint me for the Fall and Winter season.

5.4 stars.

Oh, the humanity! Sweetin is off and for her that's not unusual, but way off this time. I rarely finish a movie that is under six stars, this is no exception. I made it to 30 minutes or so. There are so many things wrong with the presentation, I wasn't able to focus on the narrative at all. The simplistic and laughable way that the lead female character is portrayed is, well for lack of better words, laughable. The lead male role is as good as can be for what he has to work with. The script is terrible. I was so disappointed in this film, no wonder it's already been released on Hallmark Network and yet the official release date isn't for another 2+ weeks? Does that make sense? No. The only thing that makes sense is that the producers and the Network realize this movie is a flop, and they want to get it out of the way, brush it aside, hope it's soon forgotten....ugh.

The basic storyline is the usually enjoyable girl has an empty life, lifestyle changes, finds new life. There could have been more background of Jodie's character prior to her move, more punch to her transition, maybe some flashbacks to build her character, more conflict, more comedy keeping it light and fun. The biggest distraction for me personally, is the awful wig that Jodie Sweetin wears through the entire film. She's a very attractive woman, so why? The other issue I had is why all the dollar store garland throughout the farmhouse. Was the budget for hair and sets really that low? Not a waste of time, but it could have been better.

Bad hair and over the top set decoration. Maybe Hallmark should return to producing all their own movies. This one was produced by Brain Power Studios, the same production studio that also did "The Jane Mysteries". The same guy directed both and they both share the same problem. The scripts are weak and the dialogue silly but that can be forgiven if the characters are properly developed. I like Jodie Sweetin but her character is portrayed as clueless and inept. I blame the director and writer. June Waltshire is supposed to be a graduate of Oxford and yet is not aware of how her money is being managed or even how to hold a job in a coffee shop? I realize it's a movie but please stop the stereotype of clueless rich people. I might add that the ladies of the town were portrayed as snobby and a bit snarky. Another stereotype that should stop. I live in a small town and no one I know would be that rude. At least not to your face. As others mentioned, the wigs or hair extensions or whatever are horrible. Jodie Sweetin is a very attractive woman so why give her such distracting hair? Corey Sevier and the rest of the cast did fine with what they had to work with. I especially liked Ann Pirvu as the lead's sister. It's not the best movie of this type but there have been worse. Extra points for the animals. I give it a generous six.

I found it very interesting that as this movie was premiered on Hallmark another Jodie Sweetin movie debuted on "the other network" at the same time.

To the person saying they watched 30 mins, if you don't watch a full movie, don't rate it. You didn't give it long enough to have a fair viewpoint. I thought it was sweet, loved Gillian & the movie had vibes of Harvest Moon but less comedy. I was happy to see fall included instead of just a movie set at any time of year included as a fall into love movie (I know it's on the app, but it will be on linear soon). Corey brings his A game in anything he does, & Jodie did well, although I think there needed to be more characters included earlier on. I like the tie-in at the end that I won't spoil. I think a little more comedy would've worked better for this one, but overall it was a pleasant, wholesome watch, that I enjoyed. This was clearly an acquisition but it's a fun watch. The animals & fall vibes are the winner, so if you're in the mood for an easy lighthearted comfort watch, definitely give it a go.