IMDb RATING
7.0/10
845
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A family vacation to a working Ranch introduces Professor Rebecca to Jake West. Rebecca is a widow chasing tenure and Jake is a handsome cowboy who never settled down.A family vacation to a working Ranch introduces Professor Rebecca to Jake West. Rebecca is a widow chasing tenure and Jake is a handsome cowboy who never settled down.A family vacation to a working Ranch introduces Professor Rebecca to Jake West. Rebecca is a widow chasing tenure and Jake is a handsome cowboy who never settled down.
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I thought this movie was well done and that the chemistry between the leads was off the charts. Both Kimberly Sustad and Lucas Bryant showed through their body language how attracted they were, yet how life circumstances held them back from acting upon their desires. It seemed totally plausible to me. Having spent a vacation at a ranch in Montana, I know how quickly you can feel closeness with the other people who stay there.
The plot was not simplistic and insipid (as it was in the "Heiress" movie from last week). It was a well written script with excellent performances by everyone in the cast. Definitely recommend it and would watch it again (and again and again).
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The plot was not simplistic and insipid (as it was in the "Heiress" movie from last week). It was a well written script with excellent performances by everyone in the cast. Definitely recommend it and would watch it again (and again and again).
(How much more can I add to this review to meet the minimum character requirement?)
7.1 stars.
I love Sustad, she is like gold for me, although some of her latest stuff seems a bit on the edge. By edge, I mean outside of my usual preferences. Not sure what that's all about, but something isn't quite smooth about this film. Maybe the romance is a bit complicated, and don't get me wrong, complicated can be good. On the other hand, the mother's character is shallow and odd, the young son is really into ghosts for a specific reason, and that's fine, the older son likes a girl, but his character goes completely undeveloped. We also get to know the girl he likes and she's actually quite endearing.
Sustad's character has a younger sister who is somewhat flaky and too much into shallowness and fun, that's the best description. Maybe they make her that way so we can feel less sympathetic toward her because of what happens to her. I don't know, but what happens is really close to a betrayal. Maybe it's not a full betrayal as much as hesitation and reluctance on the part of Sustad's character.
In the end, I suppose all of them end up getting what they want, and I saw it coming, but was surprised by how the story arrives at the destination. That's fine, a little different, proven to be less effective than the usual formula in this case.
Anyways, I didn't quite feel the pure love, the gut wrenching yearning that some Hallmark films are able to convey until the very end. Therefore 'The Real West' is a bit above average (thanks to the ending).
I love Sustad, she is like gold for me, although some of her latest stuff seems a bit on the edge. By edge, I mean outside of my usual preferences. Not sure what that's all about, but something isn't quite smooth about this film. Maybe the romance is a bit complicated, and don't get me wrong, complicated can be good. On the other hand, the mother's character is shallow and odd, the young son is really into ghosts for a specific reason, and that's fine, the older son likes a girl, but his character goes completely undeveloped. We also get to know the girl he likes and she's actually quite endearing.
Sustad's character has a younger sister who is somewhat flaky and too much into shallowness and fun, that's the best description. Maybe they make her that way so we can feel less sympathetic toward her because of what happens to her. I don't know, but what happens is really close to a betrayal. Maybe it's not a full betrayal as much as hesitation and reluctance on the part of Sustad's character.
In the end, I suppose all of them end up getting what they want, and I saw it coming, but was surprised by how the story arrives at the destination. That's fine, a little different, proven to be less effective than the usual formula in this case.
Anyways, I didn't quite feel the pure love, the gut wrenching yearning that some Hallmark films are able to convey until the very end. Therefore 'The Real West' is a bit above average (thanks to the ending).
It is always nice to see Kimberley Sustad in something other than a Christmas movie because she is such an exceptional actress and, here, she delivers again. This is a multi-layered story dealing with several issues - accepting the death of a loved one, a mother coping with her teenage son growing up, sisters finding balance in their relationship, and a man realizing what is important in his aging life. It is nicely written and directed and the entire cast is very good and realistic. Sustad plays her character Rebecca with intelligence, emotion and sincerity as well as delightful humor - it's the full package, as always with her. The real surprise is Lucas Bryant as a steely-eyed cowboy - unlike anything he has ever done before and he's terrific, too. The rest of the performers excel with Marlie Collins as sister Cassidy and James Denton as the ranch owner of particular note. The on location scenery is quite attractive which only serves to make this film as believable as Sustad and the rest of the cast.
This is a really enjoyable production that keeps your interest throughout.
This is a really enjoyable production that keeps your interest throughout.
The female actresses in this movie were believable. Kimberley is a favorite, with her down to earth, 'someone I could hang with' portrayals. She does not over act and that is one of the reasons I selected this movie. She, her movie sister and mom co-stars, were great. The 2 main male actors in this movie, I gotta say, pretty sexy and the acting was engaging. I've been a fan of Denton for some time and this Bryant ?!?!... I may want my own hand selected cowboy hat (sorry husband). Readers, you'll have to watch to get that. 🐎
This movie had substance and was not a chop off the predictable block. Very enjoyable.
My wife and I enjoyed this movie last night, and although we were prepared for something a little more hokey, we were pleasantly surprised by the storyline, the level of acting, and undeniable chemistry between the two leads. The strong silent type is underrated.
The scene where the family shares their emotional good-byes was very touching... Watching it again right now, and picking up on little nuances I missed last night, and enjoying some poignant moments once more. Both actors gave Hallmark tenure, but together they are believable, enjoyable and memorable. Now that I'm inspired, where is my cowboy hat?
The scene where the family shares their emotional good-byes was very touching... Watching it again right now, and picking up on little nuances I missed last night, and enjoying some poignant moments once more. Both actors gave Hallmark tenure, but together they are believable, enjoyable and memorable. Now that I'm inspired, where is my cowboy hat?
Did you know
- TriviaAired as the fourth of six original films in The Hallmark Channel's 2024 "Fall into Love" lineup.
- GoofsIn the movie and also the description they use UC Boulder and anyone and everyone especially in Boulder and Colorado knows it is CU and has always been referred to as CU. So to say or use anything else is wrong.
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- Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada(Filming City)
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