Tyler Hynes has a way of elevating the material he's given in Hallmark films, and this is no exception.
Lauren Alaina does well in her first Hallmark film, and there's some lovely moments here.
Funny, touching, the story holds up, and the leads have chemistry - all the ingredients needed for a good Hallmark film in my book.
Plot summary
When Callie returns home, she finds her hometown has changed - her first love has a new girl and her family's BBQ restaurant has hit hard times. She clashes with a marooned bigshot director who might hold the key to saving the restaurant.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
February 07, 2023 at 11:53 AM
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Roadhouse Romance
Uniform authenticity?
When Callie gets off the bus, I'm surprised that Hallmark wouldn't get a military consultant to check the authenticity of her uniform. No rank on hat or uniform, American flag wrong orientation, questionable patches, etc. Otherwise, I appreciated the emphasis on the VA.
Chemistry and dialogue
I will admit that Lauren Alaina has a ways to go in her acting ability. It's not horrible, but there are many times when you can tell that she is making an effort to deliver her lines or her expression rather than having it flow naturally.
But to say that she and Tyler Hines have no chemistry is going too far. For me the chemistry sizzled. The dialogue helped. When they are sparring at the beginning, it is fun rather than mean. Then it transitions into a friendship on the edge of romance which is only held back by the knowledge that he is already in a relationship. They educate one another in things that are new to the other and do it with obvious good will mixed with good natured teasing. I love watching relationships like this one.
Alaina has a spectacular voice. Hallmark has used a couple other ladies whose day job is singing and Alaina's voice is as good or better than each of them. I'm sorry we didn't hear more of "Run".
The only tension or conflict is the already existing relationship, but that's ok for me because I tend to be adverse to nasty conflict.