RomCom Love (2024)

18/11/2023

We're on our 12th Holiday Movie Review today! I'm Alex and I’m sharing one of my faves, "CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING". It's from 2018, but I had never seen this Hallmark movie until this year. It was really good and I've watched it again. I didn't know these actors, but Emilie Ullerup and Josh Kelly are cute together. If you think Josh looks familiar - you might have seen him on “General Hospital", "Midnight, Texas" or "UnREAL".

This movie is filmed in Victoria, British Columbia which is why it's so pretty. It's supposed to be Cape Cod but it really works. It was written by Hallmark writer Nicole Baxter and directed by Pat Williams.

I like this movie as much as I do because Emilie is very, very believable at playing a grieving adult. She seems almost on the verge of tears again and again and wow, I knew this wasn't going to be a typical Christmas movie. This one is deeper and it had me hooked. I also really liked the stepmom played by Rebecca Staab. She was great, and I really liked her character too.

So many reasons to like this movie but I'll say the lighthouse, the Santa boat, and the grief that Samantha is going through are my favorite parts. I really like that Sam and Mike have a friendship and that he seems really good for her. I like them together a lot. They might be my favorite Hallmark couple. Can we stan Hallmark couples?

Chemistry - A
Plot - B
Production - A
Music - B
Title Memorability - D

Tropes to Look For - Parent who passed, Christmas Baking

Our final thoughts -
I'm going to find a snowman like that and move it where I live. That's a cool tradition.
This couple really belongs together. I'm on board throughout.
So cool about the gift her dad gives her (no spoilers, but that was a nice surprise)

18/11/2023

Our 11th Holiday Movie review is Hallmark's 2019 movie - "CHRISTMAS WISHES AND MISTLETOE KISSES". Before you scroll past due to the lameness of the title, read this - Nick is Warner from "Legally Blonde"!! ("YOU got in to Harvard Law?" "What, like it's hard?") I knew he looked familiar!

Matthew Davis and Jill Wagner star in this grown-up story, which is a winner overall. It's written by Liz Sczudlo and Jenny Hale and directed by D.J. Viola. It was filmed in Marietta, Georgia using some of the same locations as Matthew Davis's show "Vampire Diaries". Truth be told, we are not sure why this movie is a stand-out to us, but we all liked it and have watched it more than once. It's comfy and not that challenging, as a Holiday Movie should be.

I personally think we like this movie because it feels relatable. We love the scene where they're antique shopping because we have each experienced the same reaction with a spouse or guy friend. We like the scene where they dance and we enjoyed Nick and Abby getting to know each other - the scenes where it's just the two of them - that works. It's not blow-you-away chemistry, but it works.

Chemistry - A
Plot - B
Production - A
Music - B
Title Memorability - D

The plot is familiar and the title is pretty bad - mainly because we're not sure when they really talk about wishes or kiss under mistletoe. It feels like this is a title for a different movie. Our biggest issue is with the mom/son - we've seen this exact situation handled better in other movies. But it's nice to see some veteran actors like Donna Mills!

Tropes to Look For - A Christmas Name, Loss of Christmas Spirit, Career Change, Signature Holiday Event

Our final thoughts -
We liked that the Kate character wasn't stereotypically mean or after the lead - we liked Kate!
Good chemistry between Matthew and Jill
Something about this movie sticks with us - let us know if you can figure out what that is!

16/11/2023

This was one of the first Hallmark Christmas Movies I saw and I really liked it. It doesn't hurt that it stars an OSCAR WINNER! This is Victoria and I'm here to discuss "A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER" from 2016.

Mira Sorvino and Cameron Mathison star in this little story about amnesia, what matters most, and celebrating the holidays in a gorgeous setting. Whistler, British Columbia stands in for Colorado - but wherever it is - it's gorgeous. Mira plays Jennifer in a tone that is more "Romy & Michelle" than her more serious roles. She is funny and talented and confused, and it all works. Cameron plays John in his typical good guy role, but I notice he's even better than normal opposite Mira. Cheers for great acting!

We love the kids in this movie, and any time "Maggie" tries to figure out what she might be good at. We like the slow chemistry that develops between the leads. And the artist friend is a nice change of pace from the normal best friend character. And we love his paintings. In fact, if you know where we can find the one that Jennifer owns, let us know. We love her reaction to Brad ("I don't think so"). And his reaction to the crush who makes him eat tofu.

Chemistry - A
Plot - B
Production - A
Music - B
Title Memorability - A

The plot is a little tired, but the acting makes up for it. The title is memorable (get it, she has amnesia!), but there are MULTIPLE movies with this title so it makes it fun to find the right one. The production gets an A here because that cabin feels truly lived in and not a set.

Tropes to Look For - Parent who passed, Cute Pet, Detour, Christmas tree decorating, Christmas baking, Christmas reading

Our final thoughts -
This movie is as cozy as the log cabin where the family lives.
The characters develop feelings in a believable way
It's fun to see Mira Sorvino saying YES to Hallmark.

13/11/2023

Confession - I skipped this Holiday Movie several times because I felt like it was going to be super duper lame given the cat puns. When I finally gave it a chance, it became one of my favorites. Learning - don't judge a Hallmark Movie by its title or puns. "THE NINE LIVES OF CHRISTMAS" is from 2014 and stars Superman himself, Brandon Routh, and the terrific Kimerbley Sustad who we've mentioned before and you will likely see again in our reviews. These two, we've learned after studying up for today, are friends in real life, and we love that.

Want a Christmas movie that is not so much about Christmas but about the main characters (and their cats) - this is the movie for you. Want great acting, obvious chemistry, and a sequel? Check this one out. And if you're not tired of friends becoming something more, then welcome. Brandon and Kimberley deliver here. Written by Sheila Roberts and Nancey Silvers (who also wrote most of "Chesapeake Shores"), this holiday movie is not over the top in any way, and has you caring for the characters right away. Directed by Mark Jean who has directed many, many Hallmark movies, this show is in very good hands.

Chemistry - A
Plot - A
Production - A
Music - A
Title Memorability - A

Lovely music throughout and we love a movie that is filmed in part outside and actually looks like they're outside. Our favorite scenes are the mistletoe (of course), any time they're working on their house together, and these adorable cats - we can't help it. Oh, and hi Gregory Harrison, haven't seen you in a while!

Tropes to Look For - A Parent who passed, Cute Pet

Our final thoughts -
Kimberley Sustad is THE BEST
Really like these two together - would be great to see them again (but the sequel was just OK)
While the title is memorable, how many people is it turning away???

13/11/2023

Hi I'm Megan and I'm excited to share my favorite Holiday Movie with you - CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY LODGE. The acting is pretty great in this movie since there are a number of seasoned actors here. Have you seen it? It's not shown that often but it's from Hallmark in 2017. It was written by Melissa Salmon who has written for a number of soap operas over the years, and directed by Jem Garrard. Love a female team! It stars Alison Sweeney who you know from Days of Our Lives and many Hallmark movies. And it stars Jordan Bridges, son of actor Beau, nephew of Jeff, and grandson of Lloyd.

We love this movie because it weaves together often-scene plots in a way that doesn't make you roll your eyes. This is equal parts Big Company Trying to Buy Out Family-Owned Lodge and Home Alone, but with romance. From the moment they lay eyes on each other, Sophie and Evan are smitten. And you want these two lonely souls to find a way. And when Sheryl Lee Ralph belts Joy to the World, all seems right in the lodge. Oh, and there's PLENTY of Christmas.

Chemistry - A
Plot - B
Production - B
Music - A
Title Memorability - A

Pretty music throughout, great chemistry between Allison Sweeney and Jordan Bridges, and beautiful "scenery" but it feels a little bit like a sound studio. Love the one-horse-open sleigh scene, and the heart eyes they don't realize everyone is watching them make. Happy that Evan goes above and beyond and that Sophie does everything she can think of to figure out a solution on her own.

Tropes to Look For - Parents who passed away, A Secret, Struggling Business, Christmas Tree shopping and decorating, Snowman Build, Christmas Reading

Our final thoughts -
We love good acting and we find it here
There are holiday movies where the leads' reactions seem over the top - you don't see that here.
Love this cozy lodge for the holidays, sign me up!

09/11/2023

Some of our favorites are back in todays’s Holiday Movie - Lifetime's 2018 winner A CHRISTMAS IN TENNESSEE. Writer Cassie Doyle and director Gary Yates return, along with Andrew Walker and Stephanie Moroz return. But today we get to talk about movie and tv actress Rachel Boston, who we all think is a natural, charismatic actress. She and Andrew are great together and we're surprised they haven't appeared together since.

Hi, it's Lisa, and I'm happy to share a few of my favorite holiday movies with you! We love this story because Rachel’s portrayal of Allison is direct, calm, loving, but stands her ground. It's a nice break from the high drama of some holiday movies - she sees through any ploys and could write a parenting book. There is some Christmas magic that challenges her rationalism, but she goes with it and it makes for a subtle performance. Wow - I'm talking about a Holiday Movie, right?

Andrew and Rachel have great chemistry. Andrew's character Matthew doesn't have as much to do here, but that's OK - we like the focus on Allison. We hope for the best for these two who clearly have feelings, but we're also OK if it can't work out. Thankfully Matthew does the right thing 🙂 The plot is not original, the production is OK, and the music is sort of forgettable. But we think this movie is a winner because of the chemistry between the main cast, and because of Rachel’s performance.

Chemistry - A
Plot - B
Production - C
Music - B
Title Memorability - B

My favorite scenes include looking for the star for the tree and when they dance together. I like the Mother/Daughter/Granddaughter scenes too. Anything about the real estate development company I can just FF straight through. As this movie was filmed largely in Stonewall, Canada, I didn't miss too many outside scenes, but there really weren't that many, given it's a Holiday Movie!

Tropes to Look For - Parent Who Passed, Struggling Business, Christmas Magic, Christmas Baking
Our final thoughts -
More Rachel Boston and Andrew Walker
We'd love a less tired plot
More great lines like, "Hey, don't make fun of my kid" - well delivered and unexpected.

06/11/2023

Confession - I have never seen an episode of "One Tree Hill". But if you have, then today's movie may be extra special. It's one of our favorites - "THE CHRISTMAS CONTRACT". This is a 2018 Lifetime winner that reunites several OTH stars including Hilarie Burton, Robert Buckley, and Danneel Ackles (who is from Lafayette, Louisiana where the film is set). Hi - this is Alex.

Written by Cassie Doyle (who you'll hear about again tomorrow) and directed by Monika Mitchell, this is a cozy watch that feels more like an episode of a series than a stand-alone movie. We love the Christmas Market in Lafayette, the chemistry between Hilarie and Robert, and Jolie's family home, which feels very real. As an Atlanta girl, I can tell you the Southern accents work here, which is always a concern for me. Yes, even the Rocky character.

Chemistry - A
Plot - A
Production - A
Music - A
Title Memorability - B

Great use of music throughout, but Tyler Hilton's playing at the Market was especially nice. (We recognized him from "Walk the Line" - he played Elvis!) Love, love so much of the lights and beauty of the Christmas Market and the coziness of the family home - all this took my Production grade to an A. I'm giving the Plot an A too - who doesn't love a Fake Boyfriend storyline, especially when it's not about disapproving parents but because the ex has a new girlfriend?

Besides the beauty of Christmas in Louisiana, the reason this movie works so well is the chemistry between Hilarie and Robert. I get why it didn't work out originally for the characters, but hoped all along they'd figure it out.

Tropes to Look For - A Secret, Signature Holiday Event

Our final thoughts -
This doesn't feel like a typical Holiday Movie and that is part of the appeal.
Love the setting in a real place.
Love a movie where the characters are dealing with real problems, and not just Christmas problems.

05/11/2023

Yesterday's favorite holiday movie was written by the talented duo of Paul Campbell and Kimberley Sustad. We're continuing with another movie both written and starring these two, and it's one that showed up on all of our favorites lists. Hi I'm Cristy and I'm excited to review "CHRISTMAS BY STARLIGHT"!

This 2020 Hallmark was directed by Gary Yates, with more than 40 Hallmark and Lifetime movies to his name. We love this story because Paul and Kimberley's real-life friendship translates to great chemistry on screen. The story has just enough Christmas magic to keep it a cozy caper, but these two work through some old wounds. It's “Two Weeks Notice", with just the right amount of holiday happiness.

We love this holiday movie because of the actors' choices in every scene. This would be a different movie if Paul and Kimberley weren't starring. Annie’s parents are also great, and seem like the best people around. The main characters' vulnerabilities are clear, making us cheer them on even more. We want them to heal, and to be together. And to save the Starlight Diner!

Chemistry - A
Plot - A
Production - A
Music - B
Title Memorability - A

The music playing over many of the scenes is lovely. It's holiday-themed without using the same songs every other holiday movie uses. A pretty acoustic guitar version of Silent Night is welcome but not overdone. Oh, and great needle drop moment dancing with the pup!

My favorite scenes include looking at their younger photos, ice skating, talking about the music box, and eating grilled cheese. Every time I watch that grilled cheese scene I realize most holiday movies don't go there and this one does. I stop breathing for just a second. Oh, and that red dress. Kimberley is simply stunning.

Tropes to Look For - Loss of Christmas Spirit, Cute Pet, Signature Holiday Event, Struggling Business, Christmas Magic, Christmas Tree Decorating

Our final thoughts -
Everything I've seen Kimberley Sustad in is terrific. More please.
The Paul / Kimberley acting and writing duo redeems the holiday movie stigma.
The colors really stand out in this movie. Well done to the production team!

04/11/2023

We're on an Andrew Walker kick it seems, this time surrounded by some of the best in the Hallmark world. If you love holiday movies like we do, then you have probably already seen today's movie. If not, hit record and enjoy!

"THREE WISE MEN AND A BABY" is a 2022 Hallmark win. It stars three of our favorite male leads - Andrew W. Walker, Tyler Hynes, and Paul Campbell - as brothers in this reimagining of the 80s classic "Three Men and a Baby". Margaret Colin, who was in the original, does a terrific job as Mom. This movie was written by Paul Campbell (playing Stephan) and Kimberley Sustad (playing the doctor). You'll hear their names a lot in our upcoming reviews. It was directed by Terry Ingram who has over 91 directing credits. On to the critique.

This is my very favorite holiday movie because of the insane chemistry between the four leads, a plot that incorporates Christmas but is really more about family dynamics, terrific acting, and even a dance sequence. Don't get me started on the gorgeous baby. I love it when holiday movies step away from the romance focus, and this one really delivers.

Chemistry - A
Plot - A
Production - A
Music - B
Title Memorability - A

The synchronized Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy was great, the elf photo was also adorable. But I can't get enough of Tyler Hynes trying to buy baby necessities. His basement-dwelling video game creator character Taylor was especially fun to watch.

Help us understand the dire straits the mother was experiencing, and maybe one more yoga scene with Andrew Walker, and this would be the perfect holiday movie. 😀

Our favorite line -
Stephan - She's cool. Remind me why you dumped her?
Taylor - I didn't.
Stephan - Oh yeah, that makes sense

Tropes to Look For - Loss of Christmas Spirit, Signature Holiday Event, Christmas Tree Shopping, Christmas Baking

Our final thoughts -
We love a less typical plot in our holiday movies. And while this was based on a previous film, it really worked.
Paul and Kimberley are terrific together and we hope they continue to write for Hallmark as well as act.
Believable, compassionate, funny, and adorable.

03/11/2023

Surprise - our first holiday movie isn't a Hallmark. But it showed up on all of our favorites lists. Hi - we're Bonnie, Victoria, Alex, Lisa, Megan, and Cristy. And we love holiday movies!

"SNOWED-INN CHRISTMAS" is a 2017 Lifetime movie you can also find on Amazon Prime. It stars Andrew Walker (one of our favorites) and Bethany Joy Lenz who you might recognize from "One Tree Hill". The two teamed up again in 2019 for “Bottled with Love" and for a split second in 2021's "An Unexpected Christmas", both on Hallmark. It was written by Carley Smale (see last photo) and directed by Gary Yates, who has directed Andrew a number of times. But let's get to the critique.

We love this holiday movie because the acting, chemistry, production design, and music are top-notch. Once the couple arrives in Santa Claus, Indiana (what airport are they stuck in? I don't think there's one that size in Santa Claus!), the cinematography takes on a magical quality. Yes, there are tropes, but they are done quietly and the actors' chemistry distracts you from any that are over the top.

Chemistry - A
Plot - B
Production - A
Music - A
Title Memorability - C

The lovely tune that plays prominently when the two are walking at 2 a.m. steals the show.

We love the scene where they're baking cookies. I know, I know. It's a recurring theme in holiday movies but done differently here. We love it when they visit Kevin's family because he wants to make Jenna happy. Don't get us started on Kevin using sign language, especially with his sister. A nice touch. Our objections are really about the ex-fiance (ugh) and some logistical questions. We'll let the magic slide.

Our favorite line -
Jenna - Have you ever been in love?
Kevin - (long pause) Does Kelly Kapowski count?

Tropes to Look For - Loss of Christmas Spirit, Loss of a Parent, Detour, Signature Holiday Event, Struggling Business, Christmas Magic, Christmas Baking

Our final thoughts -
More Andrew and Bethany. They are terrific actors who play off each other nicely.
All holiday movies should shoot for this quality of direction and cinematography.
Thanks for not using the same old public-domain Christmas music. It was refreshing.

Enjoy!

02/11/2023

It's OK to watch holiday movies. It's OK to love holiday movies. It's OK to plan your life around holiday movies. In case you were waiting for someone to validate your favorite way to unwind this holiday season - we see you. And you are not alone. In fact, 85 MILLION PEOPLE watched last season's new Hallmark Christmas movies. And that doesn't count all of the repeats that are watched by millions every. single. day. Hooray!

And just like any other genre out there, not all holiday movies are created the same. So we are here to share our favorites. How do we determine the best of the best?

Chemistry, Plot, Production, and Music

If the leads have a complex emotional connection (Chemistry), if the storyline feels plausible and relatable (Plot), if the snow looks real and the small towns look true (Production), and if there is a lovely tune besides just the public domain songs (Music) - then it goes on our Possible List of Favorites.

Have we picked your favorites? Do we have one on the list you've never seen? Do you disagree with our choices? We'd love to hear from you. Bonnie and friends will be sharing our favorites beginning November 3rd for the next few weeks. We can't wait to discuss Holiday Movies with you! Follow us on our RomCom Love Facebook and Instagram pages!

02/11/2023

Join us over the next few weeks as we discuss the best of the Holiday Movies! Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix. ☃️You know the ones - 🎄🎅🏼🤶❄️🎿🧣🛷⛸️

What makes a GREAT Holiday Movie?

Chemistry
Plot
Production
Music

Have a favorite? We want to hear from you!

19/03/2023

I’ve got to go, Julia, we’ve got cows!

18/03/2023

Brittany, Diane, and Bonnie head to Oklahoma for a Rom that might seem just a little out of the box. But that’s us. We were at a RomCom trivia night and “Twister” showed up in the questions – proof that even an “epic disaster movie” can be a Rom in the right light. Join us to discuss Jo and Bill’s journey back to love, iconic actors in secondary rolls, Jo’s perfect white tank, and that beautiful Dodge Ram. Come for the tornadoes, stay for the meaningful looks. I’ve got to go, Julia, we’ve got cows!

14/02/2023

Happy Valentines Day from Mr. Darcy ❤️❤️❤️

08/02/2023

As a birthday surprise my girlfriends brought me to Smithville before we hit the wineries of Hill Country. Sadly, no Justin Matisse working on the porch or outside the photo shop with flowers.

31/12/2022

What about the BABY?

Happy New Year!!

29/12/2022

Surprises in “Falling for Christmas” include an awesome song and a kiss fake-out. No surprises in the plot but still an an enjoyable watch! 🎄

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26/12/2022

Behind the Scenes “Falling for Christmas”

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25/12/2022

Merry Christmas RomCom friends!

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25/12/2022

This is for you ! Merry Christmas to all our RomCom loving friends 🎄🎅🏼

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24/12/2022

Lindsay is back and we couldn’t be happier! Bonnie and Brittany are in Utah for a Netflix original. This bold Christmas treat serves us a gingerbread flavored “Overboard” redo without all the kidnapping unpleasantness. We have a sweet, hard-working father of one, a thoughtful heiress, her Insta-obsessed boyfriend, and an amnesia storyline. And did we mention Jingle Bell Rock? Come for Lindsay, and stay for the predictable holiday fun. I’ll wear the Valenyagi!

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23/12/2022

Lindsay is back and we couldn’t be happier! Bonnie and Brittany are in Utah for a Netflix original. This bold Christmas treat serves us a gingerbread flavored “Overboard” redo without all the kidnapping unpleasantness. We have a sweet, hard-working father of one, a thoughtful heiress, her Insta-obsessed boyfriend, and an amnesia storyline. And did we mention Jingle Bell Rock? Come for Lindsay, and stay for the predictable holiday fun. I’ll wear the Valenyagi!

21/12/2022

Ticket to Paradise. Come for George and Julia. Stay for the gorgeousness of it all.

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20/12/2022

Depth perception is a young man’s game.

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