Hearts Around the Table: Shari's Second Act

After seeing the first movie (which I thought had potential, but overall was a flop), I thought I'd give the second one a try. I was honestly enjoying it in the beginning, it was holding up pretty well to the Hallmark standard and I enjoyed both characters, but as the movie went on it seems like the writing team got lazy. Their 3/4 breakup was so unwarranted and just... strange. To say the least. It left me feeling very confused about the sudden b-line the plot took towards a disappointing ending (disappointing because I thought that man could do way better than Shari), and to top it all off, these two were already ready to say "I love you" at the end. Wtf??? Her? Shari is so mean and treats her man so poorly. If they were a real life couple I'd give em two weeks before they break up.

6.6 stars.

I actually enjoyed this one a little more than the Jenna movie, at the beginning, only because the atmosphere and the acting seemed more genuine; but then it plummeted to become a disappointment. While the first film in the series had a lot more going on, and seemed like a bigger budget production, this one was more down to earth and familiar. I had high hopes in the first twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, the story is all over the place, and the lead characters are confused and uncertain about their own feelings. These are obviously two levelheaded adults in their 30s, but they seem like teenagers in respect to relationships and love. While the lead female is recently divorced, the lead male exudes a prepubescent vibe in his emotional reaction to her predicament. Although he's humble and kind, he's also very much confounded. It seems that she contributes to this, however, when he snaps back to reality and a more sensible and mature nature takes charge, the movie is over. The timing just doesn't work for me.

It is obviously dialogue and script problems that impede this film's ability to provide an entertaining romance. I hope the next installment brings better tidings.

I am enjoying this series, and liked this second one even more than the first! They captured post divorce romantic confusion nicely, and I love seeing the interactions between all the foster children we met in the first movie. It's a romance, and that's what I came here for. I like the cast and it was fun seeing a Bachelor in Paradise favourite in action. It's cute that each movie has its place in the series right in the title - Jenna's First Love, Shari's Second Act, Josh's Third Serving... I'm sure that 'fourth' or 'final" will be in the title of the last one. I can't wait to see Josh's Third Serving next!