Still Waiting for Spring — fangirl, interrupted

I had set my standards high for this year’s Spring Fever given last year’s success but also knew that lightning could not strike twice. Still, I was excited to use my FRNDLY TV subscription to be able to watch the Hallmark movies on demand (as opposed to the less than easy ways) and it did not disappoint. Now with all the isolation/sheltering in place though, I wonder if they’ve lined-up new summer movies because this season wasn’t exactly all that.

Just My Type

Pop culture writer and aspiring novelist Vanessa Sills lands the interview of a lifetime with the illustrious, elusive and reclusive mystery author Martin Clayborne in his quaint rural town only to realize her own aspirations, dreams and romantic life have taken a back seat along the way. When Vanessa returns home to Portland and a mysterious gift arrives from Martin, she then makes a surprise decision, and finally takes her own advice to “go boldly in the direction of your dreams and live the life you imagine.” Starring Bethany Joy Lenz and Brett Dalton.

I was expecting more for Bethany Joy Lenz. Last year, she brought us the best Hallmark movie I’ve seen in a while Bottled with Love and that’s because she was tied up with the gem that was Andrew Walker. And I’m not hating on Brett Dalton here at all, but it just didn’t live up to last year’s magic.

Still, I couldn’t help but find myself still falling for them because Joy Lenz can do everything and anything. Despite myself, I was actually pretty loved up by the end of this no matter how corny. I like this new trope of, a fake out where the girl leaves to go back to normal life only to go back to the little town. Also, a shoutout to Joy’s stylist and hair and make-up person, because as always, she looked flawless.

Brett Dalton had big shoes to fill (from Andrew Walker) and though it was a rough start, he did charm me by the end of it. Kudos to the best friend too, because Amber was always there with a quick line to add some fun. Over-all, a pretty fun feature but nowhere near last year’s pinnacle.

Spring Fever Reading: 🌸🌸🌸🌸

You’re Bacon Me Crazy

Cleo Morelli, an aspiring Portland chef, tries to win a food truck competition while the competition tries to win her heart. Stars Natalie Hall and Michael Rady.

On premise alone, this could have been something. Portland. Food Trucks. I was so hungry while watching it, I had cookies delivered. But I wasn’t that into the leads. Michael Rady is always a hit and miss with me and Natalie Hall reminds me too much of the Sailing Into Love girl and neither of them was really giving it to me.

So sad to say, though over-all a pretty enjoyable plot line and cute scenes and LOTS OF GREAT FOOD on display, I was just not that into it. If there was a manicure show (aka you’re able to do a manicure and watch the show) this season, it would be this one. Now if they had put a Lacey or an Autumn, maybe we can revisit!

Spring Fever Reading: 🌸🌸🌸

Fashionably Yours

After years organizing fashion in the city, Lauren decides to move home. In exchange for her organizing services, mover Rob makes it his mission to help her see the beauty of Seattle. Stars Kat Graham and Kendrick Sampson.

I was not expecting this but I really enjoyed this one. Kat Graham and Kendrick Sampson have quite the chemistry and it showed. Their banter felt easy and natural and not at all contrived. And the plotline could have been kitschy with lesser mortals but they actually pulled it off with aplomb.

I also like how ‘modern’ and by modern I mean TODAY it feels for Hallmark. Talking about print dying and going digital and though execution wise, it wasn’t always flawless, you kind of forgive the small things because Seattle was a pretty great background for it.

Also, where did they get the budget to play Harry Styles’s Adore You for the cutesy montage! Way to go, Hallmark. I' am so incredibly pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it.

Spring Fever Reading: 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Nature of Love

City girl Katie is writing a magazine feature on a glamping resort. Far from sporty, she faces her fears trying the camp’s activities with help from Will, a rugged outdoorsman and nature guide. Starring Emilie Ullerup and Christopher Russell.

Hot damn, I was hoping so hard for this one. I like Emilie Ullerup on Chesapeake Shores and I was hoping for a last minute magic effort for Spring given last year’s all-time favorite, Bottled With Love. Alas, we are not so lucky because despite a really good looking Scott Eastwood-esque lookalike in Christopher Russell, I was just not having anything with these two. Their chemistry (or lack thereof) was just not giving me the feels.

And it’s such a shame because the glamping concept had potential! Who doesn’t want to fall in love under the stars in a fancy tent? More things annoyed me or made me laugh, from the side plot of the camp owner liking the main dude to the (bad) CGI wild animals, it was just not adding up to a good experience. So sad considering we probably won’t get a summer set of movies with COVID-19 happening. Here’s hoping for a better next season.

Spring Fever Reading: 🌸🌸🌸