14 reviews
I always enjoyed Autumn Reeser in her movies on Hallmark. She always brings a freshness and realness to her characters . This movie was no exception . And Aaron O'Connell has a naturalness on camera and he's very handsome to look at.
This movie was very enjoyable. The two leads had a wonderful chemistry and the young actor playing the child Junebug was adorable and talented. I also love the actor playing the café employee. I have seen them in a few other roles on Hallmark. They really need to be included in many more.
The scenery was beautiful. The whole movie gives you a warm, cozy feeling, and puts a smile on your face.
This movie was very enjoyable. The two leads had a wonderful chemistry and the young actor playing the child Junebug was adorable and talented. I also love the actor playing the café employee. I have seen them in a few other roles on Hallmark. They really need to be included in many more.
The scenery was beautiful. The whole movie gives you a warm, cozy feeling, and puts a smile on your face.
- theresacardona
- Aug 3, 2024
- Permalink
A children's book editor, who really wants to be a writer, but isn't, "runs into" a very talented muralist.
At about the same time, her "eight year old self" shows up in her life. The little girl that plays that role is awesome!
The lead actress breaks up with the predictable, regular steady guy and goes out on a limb with the new muralist Illustrator. They begin to do a book together.
BTW Hallmark is putting the first kiss earlier and earlier into their movies.
Of course, the arc of the plot has to have a disappointing moment, and this one does.
This is funny, Hartfelt, and inspiring. I recommend you give it a try.
At about the same time, her "eight year old self" shows up in her life. The little girl that plays that role is awesome!
The lead actress breaks up with the predictable, regular steady guy and goes out on a limb with the new muralist Illustrator. They begin to do a book together.
BTW Hallmark is putting the first kiss earlier and earlier into their movies.
Of course, the arc of the plot has to have a disappointing moment, and this one does.
This is funny, Hartfelt, and inspiring. I recommend you give it a try.
Love Autumn Reeser and Aaron O'Connell is okay, so wanted to check this out. Read an article that it took Autumn five years to get this made, so thought it would be something special. As I watched, I had the feeling I'd seen this before. Did a little digging and, sure enough, If You Believe was the original. I remember enjoying that film with Ally Walker and Hayden Panettiere. Junebug changed some details, but not enough to make this film original or warrant a five year production cycle, in my opinion. Autumn is always great and has wonderful chemistry with any scene partner, so if you're a fan of Hallmark movies you'll like this one. I recommend you watch the movie it's based on as that one was really good.
- entertainmentseeker
- Aug 5, 2024
- Permalink
This movie is overloaded with smiles and sweetness. You will probably have to watch some true crime after this to cleanse your palate. Nevertheless, the overarching premise of remembering your childhood dreams is a good one to explore.
The male love interest is honestly too perfect -- a common Hallmark issue. He is artsy, super-calm, incredibly forgiving, encouraging, ridiculously nice, remarkably available, and of course has rock-solid beefy arms. I think it would be great if Hallmark would take a risk and add some complexity to their lead characters -- especially the men.
The acting is fine and the production values are very good, even if it all feels a bit too easy, saccharine, and artificial. It's hard to relate to characters who so easily get everything that they want.
The male love interest is honestly too perfect -- a common Hallmark issue. He is artsy, super-calm, incredibly forgiving, encouraging, ridiculously nice, remarkably available, and of course has rock-solid beefy arms. I think it would be great if Hallmark would take a risk and add some complexity to their lead characters -- especially the men.
The acting is fine and the production values are very good, even if it all feels a bit too easy, saccharine, and artificial. It's hard to relate to characters who so easily get everything that they want.
Juniper (Autumn Reeser) is stuck in life. Her boyfriend is a dud. Her children's book publishing workplace is under threat. She's a great editor, but her writing dreams have been sidelined. She's turning 40 and her parents gift her the wish box from her childhood. When she starts digging into the box, her eight year old inner child self Junebug (Mila Jones) appears to her and Junebug has issues with her 40 year old self. She has a meet-cute with hot mural artist Alex (Aaron O'Connell) and sees him as her illustrator.
This is very cute. Adding the little girl to the standard Hallmark romance is a great move. He's super hot and Autumn Reeser has always been great since the O. C. In the end, they can't get too far from the Hallmark of it all. There is very limited drama. She really needs to give him the book much sooner, but they leave it to the midway point. Give it to him at the end of the first act and drum up more drama. I am reminded of a commentary where the filmmaker says that every scene is an opportunity to add drama. Hallmark is usually missing that and this is no different.
This is very cute. Adding the little girl to the standard Hallmark romance is a great move. He's super hot and Autumn Reeser has always been great since the O. C. In the end, they can't get too far from the Hallmark of it all. There is very limited drama. She really needs to give him the book much sooner, but they leave it to the midway point. Give it to him at the end of the first act and drum up more drama. I am reminded of a commentary where the filmmaker says that every scene is an opportunity to add drama. Hallmark is usually missing that and this is no different.
- SnoopyStyle
- Aug 10, 2024
- Permalink
- mccabe-shannon
- Aug 14, 2024
- Permalink
I initially thought the kid was going to be a real turnoff, but she ended up being more endearing than I expected. The film is really saved by the chemistry between Autumn Reeser and Aaron O'Connell. The overall story is ok, but the romance is the reason to watch.
A shout out to the parents in this film...I kind of liked their kooky and cohesive unit.
Now my Seattle rant, while I love that Hsllmark wants to set these films in Seattle and uses some stock footage along with a couple name drops to solidify their "location"...it is so blatantly obvious that it isn't actually Seattle. As someone who lived on Capital Hill for more than two decades, I can spot a fake from a mile away. Why not set the film in Canada if you are going to shoot it there? Would anyone really care? Or...and here is a novel concept why not actually set it in Seattle if you are going to say it is Seattle, pay the money, bite the bullet and film it in Seattle.
A shout out to the parents in this film...I kind of liked their kooky and cohesive unit.
Now my Seattle rant, while I love that Hsllmark wants to set these films in Seattle and uses some stock footage along with a couple name drops to solidify their "location"...it is so blatantly obvious that it isn't actually Seattle. As someone who lived on Capital Hill for more than two decades, I can spot a fake from a mile away. Why not set the film in Canada if you are going to shoot it there? Would anyone really care? Or...and here is a novel concept why not actually set it in Seattle if you are going to say it is Seattle, pay the money, bite the bullet and film it in Seattle.
Another annoying Hallmark script that ruined it. Producers need to look at successful Hallmark movies and clone what worked in those films. Forget about anything supernatural like 8 year old "Junebug" or anything about royalty, the writers that Hallmark hires write about royals like they're cartoon characters, they don't put in the research time to make them real.
I like Autumn Reeser and Aaron O'Connell, they make the best of a poor script. The supporting cast are good, it's apparent that their acting experience varies. As always beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia impersonates Seattle, Washington.
I like Autumn Reeser and Aaron O'Connell, they make the best of a poor script. The supporting cast are good, it's apparent that their acting experience varies. As always beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia impersonates Seattle, Washington.
- Avidviewer-02847
- Aug 4, 2024
- Permalink
I absolutely adored this movie! The premise was sweet, and I could relate to the inner child aspect. It was a different angle, which I appreciated.
Juniper was quite uptight initially but loosened up as the movie went along, thanks to her young self, Junebug. The premise really made me think about my young self and those dreams/wishes I had back then.
Autumn's co-star Aaron O'Connell, who I haven't seen in a while, was a lovely match. They had awesome chemistry. The evolution of their relationship was realistic.
The boombox sealed it for me.
It is definitely a rewatch and I am pleased with the news summer movies.
Juniper was quite uptight initially but loosened up as the movie went along, thanks to her young self, Junebug. The premise really made me think about my young self and those dreams/wishes I had back then.
Autumn's co-star Aaron O'Connell, who I haven't seen in a while, was a lovely match. They had awesome chemistry. The evolution of their relationship was realistic.
The boombox sealed it for me.
It is definitely a rewatch and I am pleased with the news summer movies.
- therusticapothecary
- Aug 5, 2024
- Permalink
I made myself watch this movie to the end. The kid was annoying. The writing is juvenile. Autumn deserves a better, higher quality film to be in. Her hair looks terrible because the wig looks really fake. The movie is not my cup of tea. Why did the movie keep showing shots of Seattle (near where I live) when it was clearly made in Canada? I will never watch this boring movie again. The best scene was when Juniper was in the clothing store; the chemistry between she and Alex was realistic, as well as in the car on the way home after they had dinner. Good lesson though: follow your dreams, keep trying, and be happy.
- medwardsairtuej
- Aug 8, 2024
- Permalink
Junebug Review
The noted playwright Paddy Chayefsky wrote for Hallmark Hall of Fame. Today's Hallmark Channel is moving away from mushy romcoms and putting out some mature films. Junebug, a 5-year endeavor by the multi-talented actor and producer Autumn Reeser, recently came to the screen. Her project was well worth the effort.
Reeser's acting range is broad, from serious drama to films like this, slapstick with a touch of poignancy. She's an intelligent artist and this film demonstrates her talents. Her screen partner, Aaron O'Connell, is a good match and there is definite chemistry here. The screenplay is very solid with a crisp dialogue. The young effervescent Mila Jones adds joy to the cast.
It must be mentioned that Autumn Reeser shines with a talent for cometic timing (See her film I do, I do). She as well as the audience is having fun. Yet, the film is a fable, and has serious undertones. Rediscovering the lost child in a person so they can move on with a fuller life. Not easy to pull off these days. The photography is beautiful as is always, Autumn Reeser. A pleasure to watch her again and again. The cast, crew, writers, and producers all deserve kudos.
The noted playwright Paddy Chayefsky wrote for Hallmark Hall of Fame. Today's Hallmark Channel is moving away from mushy romcoms and putting out some mature films. Junebug, a 5-year endeavor by the multi-talented actor and producer Autumn Reeser, recently came to the screen. Her project was well worth the effort.
Reeser's acting range is broad, from serious drama to films like this, slapstick with a touch of poignancy. She's an intelligent artist and this film demonstrates her talents. Her screen partner, Aaron O'Connell, is a good match and there is definite chemistry here. The screenplay is very solid with a crisp dialogue. The young effervescent Mila Jones adds joy to the cast.
It must be mentioned that Autumn Reeser shines with a talent for cometic timing (See her film I do, I do). She as well as the audience is having fun. Yet, the film is a fable, and has serious undertones. Rediscovering the lost child in a person so they can move on with a fuller life. Not easy to pull off these days. The photography is beautiful as is always, Autumn Reeser. A pleasure to watch her again and again. The cast, crew, writers, and producers all deserve kudos.
I have written a hundred reviews, but this is my first review on lighting. First the movie is a treasure. There is a Junebug movie from 2005. How can you go wrong with Autumn and Aaron.
Not your typical Hallmark movie. This is a paranormal romance, sort of. Autumn's 8 year old self is conjured up and gives Autumn her own 8 year old enthusiasm. This 8 year old actress is named Mila, and will be a future Hallmark staple.
As a film nerd I appreciate those who make the film fly or sink. It's not always the actors, but many time the directors down to casting directors. You can NEVER go wrong with a Jackie Lind / Penny Perry film. I was impressed with the lighting of the actors and scenery. Whoever this person is KNOWS lighting and how to communicate emotions to the viewer.
What an idiot I am. I wanted to give this person a shout out, but didn't write down their name. Sorry.
This is the first time I have called out the lighting director. Good job. Another thing, you will not fast forward this movie. You might want to be tempted to fast forward to get to the "Hallmark ending" but don't. There are some quick gems at the closing minutes.
One question to Hallmark. Are we replacing the red pickup with a red VW?
Not your typical Hallmark movie. This is a paranormal romance, sort of. Autumn's 8 year old self is conjured up and gives Autumn her own 8 year old enthusiasm. This 8 year old actress is named Mila, and will be a future Hallmark staple.
As a film nerd I appreciate those who make the film fly or sink. It's not always the actors, but many time the directors down to casting directors. You can NEVER go wrong with a Jackie Lind / Penny Perry film. I was impressed with the lighting of the actors and scenery. Whoever this person is KNOWS lighting and how to communicate emotions to the viewer.
What an idiot I am. I wanted to give this person a shout out, but didn't write down their name. Sorry.
This is the first time I have called out the lighting director. Good job. Another thing, you will not fast forward this movie. You might want to be tempted to fast forward to get to the "Hallmark ending" but don't. There are some quick gems at the closing minutes.
One question to Hallmark. Are we replacing the red pickup with a red VW?
- mysay-97-581086
- Sep 1, 2024
- Permalink
- heatherbauer-01117
- Sep 24, 2024
- Permalink