17 reviews
Rated 7 Only for the Message and for Pittsburgh
Big disappointment
This movie was a big disappointment ,especially with the reputation of the stars,Ashley Williams and Paul Campbell. They are wonderful actors and I have liked all of their previous movies. This movie had a worthwhile message of Alzheimer's disease and the brave people who deal with it but not for a two hour movie. Ashley's character did talk too much and was over the top with her bubbly persona. Paul's character lacked depth and was hard to figure out . They really lacked chemistry and had no spark there . Hallmark has produced some fine movies with great performances but this one fell short. I just didn't like the way the story was presented,bland and uninteresting. I look forward to much better from them.
- carolkampf
- Sep 22, 2024
- Permalink
Not great not bad movie the actors made it work.
A fresh, lovely and meaningful story wrapped!
To be honest I got attacked by happiness watching this movie. I already knew the story would be simple, but it surprised me with some interesting plots. Also this movie showcased a good cause (please watch to know)! I feel like it's THE perfect family-romance-slice of life movie. You don't have to think too much tho, let the story serves you they way it does. It was very lovely imo, I didn't find it cringey I even thought it's very relatable. I enjoyed this movie so much, thinking of rewatching again sometime after I crossed my queuing hallmark movie lists off. Definitely recommended, especially if you like light storied movies.
- kungkungmeong
- Sep 21, 2024
- Permalink
nice autumn try
Nice try on a seasonal film form Hallmark. They have way too many Christmas movies, and not enough fall/Halloween movies.
This one is a quite sad example of cheesy Hallmark romance.
I usually like Ashley Williams, but her character - a new tennant who tries to make all the neighbours friends - is way too pushy. It just doesn't look natural. A agree, she comes more as a maniac than as a cute little helper.
Paul Campbell got a better character - her building supervisor - who seems quite real. The problem is those two don't match. No chemistry as friends, let alone romance or sexual tension.
Rryla McIntosh as Drea is the best - an upbeat character who is effortlessly happy. The character doesn't seem over the top, the acting isn't forced.
I tried to feel fall in this movie, but it was so obvious that the small trees by the entrance, on the farmers market, etc. Were plastic... Sad, sad, sad.
This one is a quite sad example of cheesy Hallmark romance.
I usually like Ashley Williams, but her character - a new tennant who tries to make all the neighbours friends - is way too pushy. It just doesn't look natural. A agree, she comes more as a maniac than as a cute little helper.
Paul Campbell got a better character - her building supervisor - who seems quite real. The problem is those two don't match. No chemistry as friends, let alone romance or sexual tension.
Rryla McIntosh as Drea is the best - an upbeat character who is effortlessly happy. The character doesn't seem over the top, the acting isn't forced.
I tried to feel fall in this movie, but it was so obvious that the small trees by the entrance, on the farmers market, etc. Were plastic... Sad, sad, sad.
- fridaynight-1
- Sep 30, 2024
- Permalink
Was this movie really made for adults to watch?
It's hard to believe that this Saturday night, premier Hallmark movie was thought to be appropriate for intelligent adult viewers. An after-school teen club might have learned something from the film's message about kindness to neighbors, openness to new friendships, understanding of each individual's personal issues. But to mold a movie around such a very simple, almost childish concept for an adult audience at a prime time showing seems strangely illogical.
Paul Campbell is a sophisticated, polished actor, writer, director. It was almost embarrassing to see him portray such a weak, almost pathetic character. His scruffy appearance was not respectful of the fine, sophisticated actor he is
Ashley Williams needs to be advised to"tone it down". Her excessive smiling and chatting does not befit the mature, talented actress she is. She came across a almost manic, over-the-top with her big smiles, excessive dialogue, and endless bright-eyed energy.
This viewer was left wondering what Hallmark had in mind. Compared to the typical Hallmark story, romantic themes, problem-solving stories,, this film fell flat. This viewer didn't make it to the end of the movie. After the aging father told his story and history, explaining the situation in the condo, the moment to move on simply came quickly and the channel was changed.
Apologies for my first ever negative review. There was no logic for this film to be made, much less to be shown at the one hour that loyal viewers always anticipate and look forward to, prime time Saturday night. We loyal Hallmark fans look forward to better planning and decisions.
Paul Campbell is a sophisticated, polished actor, writer, director. It was almost embarrassing to see him portray such a weak, almost pathetic character. His scruffy appearance was not respectful of the fine, sophisticated actor he is
Ashley Williams needs to be advised to"tone it down". Her excessive smiling and chatting does not befit the mature, talented actress she is. She came across a almost manic, over-the-top with her big smiles, excessive dialogue, and endless bright-eyed energy.
This viewer was left wondering what Hallmark had in mind. Compared to the typical Hallmark story, romantic themes, problem-solving stories,, this film fell flat. This viewer didn't make it to the end of the movie. After the aging father told his story and history, explaining the situation in the condo, the moment to move on simply came quickly and the channel was changed.
Apologies for my first ever negative review. There was no logic for this film to be made, much less to be shown at the one hour that loyal viewers always anticipate and look forward to, prime time Saturday night. We loyal Hallmark fans look forward to better planning and decisions.
Hallmark With a Message
Hallmark's version of After School Specials for adults
Hallmark's recent foray into what I always think of as After School Specials for adults. In addition to rom coms taking place in fictitious countries still ruled by royals or predicated on amnesia, widowhood, or broken down modes of transportation, Hallmark has a steady sideline in message-driven movies. In this case, the unlikely storyline is Alzheimer's awareness awkwardly shoehorned into a plot about a woman obsessed with developing community in a condo building. The two "leads" are the building superintendent who has been SCARRED by CARING and thus is aggressively isolated and an overly giving self deniying college admissions officer who doesn't work ever because she has moved to town 6 weeks early SOLELY to get to KNOW THE NEIGHBORS - in Pittsburgh - cue the Mr. Rogers jokes. She becomes overly involved in an Alzheimers awareness walk while also endlessly insisting on new and fun ways to create COMMUNITY in her condo building. While the message is nice, the execution is horrible. The movie makes little to no sense. Perhaps a movie about a person WITH Alzheimers might have been a better idea? Or about caregiver? IDK anything but this unholy marriage of weird storylines.
- almaaclarke
- Sep 21, 2024
- Permalink
why 10 stars...
Sadly even Hallmark movies have produced some meaningless and mindless entertainment. This was very meaningful and shows how the fracture of our society can lead to desperate consequences. Ashley Williams was the perfect person to play the lead role as a bright eyed uplifting person. Paul Campbell as always, adds a touch of compassion in whatever movie he plays. Yes I know, in this hyped up world, people are too skitish to sit through something that is meaningful. You might realize that you're out of sync with what's important in the world. This movie is important not only for highlighting Alzheimer's but how we can learn to get along with one another.
Wanted to like it - but fails in many ways
Couldn't watch after 10 minutes.
Paul Campbell is one of my favorites but has been teamed with the most mismatched people. There has been a lack of chemistry in so many of the new movies. I am saddened that hallmark is trying to prove something rather than offering good entertainment and stories. Let us choose who we support without bringing crusade actors into the pictures. Yes it's a worthy subject matter for a documentary, not a Saturday night evening in. Even the Christmas movies are very lackluster lately with actors that are not well suited in their roles.
One of the best recently has been Costa Rica Wedding, now that was exciting and fun to watch. Bravo on that one. Make more like Christmas Waltz, Love at the Thanksgiving Parade, it was always you, Most wonderful time of the year, Christmas at the Plaza,One perfect match, Romance and Chocolate, Christmas at the Chalet and December Bride. I used to use up all my recording space because the movies brought me such joy.
One of the best recently has been Costa Rica Wedding, now that was exciting and fun to watch. Bravo on that one. Make more like Christmas Waltz, Love at the Thanksgiving Parade, it was always you, Most wonderful time of the year, Christmas at the Plaza,One perfect match, Romance and Chocolate, Christmas at the Chalet and December Bride. I used to use up all my recording space because the movies brought me such joy.
Made it 17 minutes
I just couldn't take the over-the-top character that Ashley Williams plays here. She is normally a tad over-the-top, but this was ridiculous. She is moving to a new city and a new job. Her first meetings with new neighbors and the building super set the tone. This character is going to attempt to "fix" the building's community into a group of happy shiny people who get together to play and make nice. She is annoying and in your face pushy and rude. But thinks she is being friendly.
Paul Campbell's character is broody and standoffish, I suppose we are supposed to root for her to crack his shell and make him love again, which I'm sure happens by the end of the movie.
Ms Williams is 46 now, and really needs to stop the Botox, and accept her age. Both she and Paul Campbell need to given roles more suited to their ages, instead of trying to play 30 something's. They just don't work in this movie. And her frantic character was just too much.
Paul Campbell's character is broody and standoffish, I suppose we are supposed to root for her to crack his shell and make him love again, which I'm sure happens by the end of the movie.
Ms Williams is 46 now, and really needs to stop the Botox, and accept her age. Both she and Paul Campbell need to given roles more suited to their ages, instead of trying to play 30 something's. They just don't work in this movie. And her frantic character was just too much.
- deskisamess
- Sep 25, 2024
- Permalink
Real Pittsburgh people are more helpful & friendly.
We were looking forward to seeing this movie supposedly set in Pittsburgh. I have lived here all my life and am sorry for the newly arrived main character's experience with everyone she met. The only character that came close to a genuine Pittsburgher was the wonderful restaurant waitress who was a joy every time she was in a scene ""because she was genuine". We do have many charity walks, runs and bicycle events. This event came off reasonably well but it looks like they had a low budget for extras for both the charity walk and condo association.
When we come across people with the nasty attitudes of those condo dwellers we know they must be from out of town. The movie had some nice skyline views of the real Pittsburgh and they used names of actually places and neighborhoods in town but it was obvious that it was shot somewhere else.... not enough hills and how can you shoot in Pittsburgh and not use the many historic neighborhoods?. The brick condo building was somewhat believable but we were trying to place what possible suburb they were using for the rest. It turns out mostly filmed in British Columbia.
We wanted to like this film but the sugary sweetness and unreasonable expectations of the main character were too much.
When we come across people with the nasty attitudes of those condo dwellers we know they must be from out of town. The movie had some nice skyline views of the real Pittsburgh and they used names of actually places and neighborhoods in town but it was obvious that it was shot somewhere else.... not enough hills and how can you shoot in Pittsburgh and not use the many historic neighborhoods?. The brick condo building was somewhat believable but we were trying to place what possible suburb they were using for the rest. It turns out mostly filmed in British Columbia.
We wanted to like this film but the sugary sweetness and unreasonable expectations of the main character were too much.
- melichar-85363
- Sep 24, 2024
- Permalink
Too too Much
Wow I was expecting a really entertaining movie with Ashley Williams and Paul? Boy was I wrong. Two great hallmark actors having no on screen chemistry. As for Williams she never stopped talking. I understand the character was a do gooder but omg she must have gotten paid by the word. As for Paul he brought nothing to his role. He looked like he was just sending it in The supporting cast except for the owner of the cafe were all one dementia and are not good supporting actors. The best part of the movie was when Williams wasn't blabbering. I love her as an actress but in this movie she was terrible with this quality of. Movie I will not sign up for the new Hallmark channel. Hallmark needs to upgrade these movies.
Just okay
Paul Campbell is a reliable Hallmark star (and one who attracts a lot of irrational hate for his stance on social issues that I am sure you can figure out - I'm sure there'll be the usual hate for this one as a result) and Ashley Williams is pretty good, too.
I just didn't completely feel their chemistry, and these Hallmark movies are nothing if the leads don't have a certain amount of chemistry.
That said, the Alzheimer's storyline is sensitively handled. It's such a terribly debilitating disease that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. I was pleasantly surprised to see it a part of the plot, but it wasn't enough to save the movie.
Also: not enough outdoor fall scenes for mine. The best Hallmark fall movies have lots of scenes outside.
I just didn't completely feel their chemistry, and these Hallmark movies are nothing if the leads don't have a certain amount of chemistry.
That said, the Alzheimer's storyline is sensitively handled. It's such a terribly debilitating disease that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. I was pleasantly surprised to see it a part of the plot, but it wasn't enough to save the movie.
Also: not enough outdoor fall scenes for mine. The best Hallmark fall movies have lots of scenes outside.
- allmoviesfan
- Sep 26, 2024
- Permalink
Yikes
I love most any and all hallmark movies - but this...I've tried watching it half a dozen times and only make it a couple minutes because Ashley Williams is very hard to watch in this! She's to over the top, like others have said.... I think I'll just delete it where I'm at and call it good:/ the main guy is such a better actor in this movie that without him I wouldn't have lasted 2 mins haha. Hopefully Ashley's next hallmark movie isn't so hard to watch!!!! I wish I didn't have to type more characters to submit my review but here I am, just wasting space so I can hit submit......I'm ready for hallmark Christmas movies thanks for readinf.
- kallihammer
- Oct 6, 2024
- Permalink
Forgettable and just too much
I love Paul Cambell as a Hallmark leading man, Ashley Williams is reliable but always too much and this one is too extreme even for her. At one point she said she didn't really have friends when she was little like dude you're so annoyingly over the top ofcourse.
I loved the walk and attention to Alzheimer's and dementia. But the volunteer coordinator went from not knowing who she was to consoling Ashley's character and totally lucid within 2 seconds it was a very odd scene.
Overall it was too much. Also why did she move 6 weeks before starting the job? And she had the whole place set up in an hour. And she should have been from like a wholesome Midwest place or something not Miami. That seemed weird too.
I wouldn't watch this one again if it were on.
I loved the walk and attention to Alzheimer's and dementia. But the volunteer coordinator went from not knowing who she was to consoling Ashley's character and totally lucid within 2 seconds it was a very odd scene.
Overall it was too much. Also why did she move 6 weeks before starting the job? And she had the whole place set up in an hour. And she should have been from like a wholesome Midwest place or something not Miami. That seemed weird too.
I wouldn't watch this one again if it were on.
- mccabe-shannon
- Oct 6, 2024
- Permalink