Mine for the Summer — fangirl, interrupted

You guys, because of COVID, I’m all very forgiving of the themes and the movies that fall under them. I guess the definition of summer can really be stretched in many ways so I won’t complain (too much). I love how Hallmark just puts a hodge podge now and are like, yes, these are summer movies. Fake it till you make it, Hallmark. We’re all with you.

Love, For Real

Hayley and her best friend Bree go on a reality dating show to publicize her fashion line, but nothing goes as planned when love, friendship, and careers are on the line. Starring Chloe Bridges, Scott Michael Foster, Corbin Bleu, Taiana Tully and Karen Malina White.

I love when Hallmark goes a bit bonkers and this time, their plotline went meta in a good way (more on the bad way later). We get a reality show and a reluctant star and the behind-the-scenes shenanigans that isn’t quite Unreal but also is far more radical than things we usually see on the HCU.

And we get fresh-ish faces too! Chloe Bridges is a lovely refreshing and funny actress and yes, she’s beautiful too and we see a much slimmed down Scott Michael Foster that I almost didn’t realise it was him! We even get High School musical alums and diversity in the form of Asian best friends and African American assistant directors! And yes, we get it set in Hawaii so who’s complaining?

It’s smart and funny and shockingly entertaining and just not like the usual saccharine HCU movies we get so it was a fun time. I’m hoping we get more of these types of movies, because when done right, it has a more comedic tinge to it and we can all us a break from the usual saccharine content.

Rating: 🍉🍉🍉🍉

The 27-Hour Day

An entrepreneur takes a break from her wellness empire for some much-needed work-life balance but realizes it won't be easy. Will a relaxing retreat and new romance change her life, forever? Starring Autumn Reeser and Andrew Walker.

Master class of Hallmark at its finest. This is how you do a movie. It doesn’t matter how basic the plot is or how often we’ve seen this, in the skilled hands of Autumn and Andrew, it feels fresh and brand new.

I could watch this movie on 1x speed multiple times (and I have) because it’s what a classic HCU movie should be about. Heartwarming, a bit schmaltzy and a lot of eye contact that will melt your cold cold heart.

Also, how beautiful are these people? I get showing a range of actors but this is goddamn Hallmark good looks and I’m all for it. Give me Andrew offering you bad wine any day. Give me Autumn, being perky and yet not annoying. A+++

Rating: 🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉

Sealed with a Kiss: Wedding March 6

The modest wedding plans of a celebrity and his down-to-earth fiancée escalate while Mick gets an enticing opportunity Olivia won’t let him refuse, putting their own big day in jeopardy. Stars Jack Wagner, Josie Bissett, Caitlin Stryker and Nathan Witte.

I have no one to blame but myself but I’m not ashamed to say that I have watched all six instalments of this series and at some points (many of them), I wondered why they keep bothering. Still, was the sixth time the charm? I’d like to think so. Though the side wedding was of no interest to me (as always), I really do like seeing Jack Wagner in modern clothes because WCTH has him all so rugged and Josie Bissett plus him are giving me Melrose Place flashbacks and that’s not a bad thing.

Having said that, I wasn’t offended by it but I’m also wondering if this is finally, finaaaallly the last one given it was Mick and Olivia’s turn to finally tie the knot. Something tells me there will be a seventh one, but I guess if the people are clamoring (WHO?!?!) then who is hallmark to not give the masses what they want.

Rating: 🍉

A Little Daytime Drama

In order to save her daytime soap drama from cancellation, head writer Maggie must convince Darin, fan favorite actor and her real-life ex-boyfriend, to return to the show. Starring Jen Lilley, Ryan Paevey and Linda Dano.

Things I like: Ryan Paevey and meta plots. Thing I’m not a big fan of: Jen Lilley. It’s not her fault — but it kind of is. It’s really too bad, because this plotline is not the usual! We get a TV writer and a show about to be axed and a washed up soap star who’s Broadway dreams didn’t pan out? What?! Yes we got it. But wow, I just couldn’t.

And it wasn’t like Ryan Paevey wasn’t giving it his all. He was. He had the accent. The aww shucks, I’m a big time celebrity but I’m actually quite humble. He looks freaking amazing. But pairing him with Jen just wasn’t working for me. She was as usual, a little too perky or my taste, though I’ll give her props — she looked good as a blonde.

Over-all, I wasn’t feeling any feels and couldn’t be bothered to care about the side plots like the old couple on the show or the fact that they were going to get axed or anything. Such a shame because meta is hilarious when done right.

Rating: 🍉🍉

Sweet Pecan Summer

Amanda has to work with her ex-boyfriend JP to sell her favorite aunt's pecan farm. Putting aside their differences, old feelings start to rekindle, and they question their life paths. Stars Christine Ko, Wes Brown, and Lauren Tom.

FINALLY. Justice for Wes Brown. We’ve been waiting for the right time for him to shine and finally, we got it. Playing a hometown hero that’s come home from not being able to live out his big dreams and then we get CHRISTINE KO who is adorable and pretty and has an entire Asian family to boot (I am biased, yes) playing a product development person at a beauty company! Fresh! I like it already! Sure, they play exes reunited but again, a good new spin with a fresh face that isn’t annoying? I’d say that’s a win.

Then we get the montages of them making over the house, bickering over who’s right and who isn’t and of course the cutesy scenes of them just falling back in love together? I love it so much. Despite the cutesy-ness, it’s still mature. They talk about their history and apologise for mistakes. They get interrupted for their kiss as is natural but they also just make it freaking work.

And for all his dad-bod glory, I am so happy that Wes Brown finally gets his due. I finally get to swoon over him and his leading lady because they’re so goddamn cute together. The height differential is there. He towers over her but her personality also is bigger than life and her entire asian family (auntie and her caucasian lover to boot!) are a joy. Maybe it’s the diversity and representation, but I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would.

Rating: 🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉

Journey of My Heart

A young wildlife biologist travels to a remote Alaskan nesting area of bald eagles where she receives inspirational guidance from a Native American family and help from a mysterious wilderness guide. Starring Rhiannon Fish and Darien Martin.

I was not sure about this movie. In fact, the fact that we had SIX movies to go through this time, I felt like maybe this wasn’t necessary! Plus we’ve seen this plotline 100 times now with the city girl afraid to venture out and a country boy showing her the ropes. But we also get new faces (both of whom were not annoying!). In fact, Rhiannon was in 27 Hour Day so it was a nice bow on top of this entire Summer Nights journey.

Having said that, their CGI for the nature part was much better and they did have chemistry together. I wasn’t annoyed and I didn’t want to slit my wrists so really the bar is pretty low for me. I wish it had a bit more spark, but I’ll take what I can get. Pretty people doing things in nature.

I would not mind seeing more of these actors in other capacities — maybe supporting stars first? Get me used to them, but also it was good to give them a chance.

Rating: 🍉🍉🍉