Summer Feelings — fangirl, interrupted

Aug 24

Aug 24 Summer Feelings

And we have more new Hallmark movies. I think I’ve been so starved for them that I’ll take anything — and you’ll see later on that honestly, I am so easily pleased this time. Do they feel like summer movies? Not quite all of them, but I get it. They only got to produce a couple ones and are just trying to make it work so I feel for you, Hallmark Channel.

Romance in the Air

After learning her job is on the line, Eden returns to Lake Tahoe where she used to spend her summers growing up. There she’s reunited with her childhood friend Riley and finds that the draw of her past might direct her future to a happiness she’s been missing in her life. Starring Cindy Busby and Torrance Coombs.

Cindy Busby has grown on me so much. From watching her on Heartland, to all her Hallmark movies, I am always rooting for this girl. So even if this movie had Old Navy ad from the 2000s vibe to it, that’s to quote my But Make it Hallmark co-host, Chinggay, I did quite enjoy this movie somehow.

Lake Tahoe looked AMAZING. I’ll admit, I’m a new fan to all this nature business but being cooped up indoors really does make you appreciate the great outdoors more and though I don’t know how I’d feel in a hot air balloon (the heights! the no-escape route!), the views were resplendent. The CGI though? That’s another story.

I really appreciated how Cindy and Torrance (whom I remember from Reign), we’re playing it cool being childhood neighbors that had a thing and are kind of rekindling things even if she’s already attached. I wouldn’t say I was swept up in the feels but it wasn’t bad.

ALSO, that twist in the end with the bestie and the boyfriend just seamlessly getting together (even though with her blessing) just felt a tad abrupt. But hey! Happily ever after for everyone!

Summer Sizzle: 🔥🔥🔥

Love on Harbor Island

When Seattle interior designer Lily Summers returns to her hometown to help her Aunt Maggie run her bed and breakfast by the marina, she meets Marcus, the handsome seaplane pilot whose life’s work delivering rescue dogs helps Lily discover that home really is where the heart is. Starring Morgan Kohan and Marcus Rosner.

I like Marcus Rosner — he is very very easy on the eyes. So I’m glad he’s getting a chance to be the leading man in some movies, and not just the second fiddle/side kick. And “Harbor Island” which is apparently near Seattle is also very very pretty. Not quite the summer-y movie — so many fall coats but I guess it’s a cold island?

Nevertheless, having the inn restoration plot is always a Hallmark staple and this was no different. I wasn’t as invested in this even though Morgan Kohan is quite cute. I just couldn’t bring myself to care. Not even for the great aunt who’s inn they were trying to save. It’s a shame because pretty people deserve better.

Summer Sizzle: 🔥🔥

Wedding Every Weekend

Nate and Brooke are going to the same four weddings, four weekends in a row. To avoid set-ups, they go together as "wedding buddies." But what starts as a friendship soon becomes deeper. Starring Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell.

I’m a self-proclaimed Paul Campbell stan and I’ve really enjoyed every movie he’s been in so it’s not surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed Wedding Every Weekend. This movie caught some buzz in the HCU because it featured a same sex wedding and LOTS of diversity (not just token ones) and I have to commend Hallmark for at least trying to break away from their usuals.

Also, Paul and Kimberly had crazy chemistry! Their banter was snappy and easy and I fully support this fake summer of Brooke that we all knew would turn into a love fest. But I really liked how they easily fell into the wedding buddies schtick and just really were there for each other!

And their jobs felt natural for Portland — he restores old cars! She’s a physiotherapist! They need each other! And they’re at the same weddings, cause the world is small! Honestly didn’t think I would enjoy this as much as I did. Maybe because we’ve all been there — attending way too many weddings back to back. Now if only I had a wedding buddy too.

Suffice to say, one of the better Hallmark movies from 2020, not that there have been that many, but definitely going to watch this again. Paul Campbell and weddings are always reliable.

Summer Sizzle: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥