This is no-doubt a sweet movie, even if it does play directly into Hallmark's overused plotlines. The struggling-business-versus-the-gigantic-corporation-set-to-buy-it trope is around every corner on Hallmark channel, and it's certainly earned the label "tired." Similarly overdone is the idea of the city-slick businesswoman being quickly charmed by the simplicity of a remote outdoor lifetsyle, which is much, MUCH more ubiquitous than the inverse of a country bumpkin falling in love with the big city. Still, the acting is fairly good, and the romantic B-plot between the secondary characters is super cute. Also a plus for the movie is the fantastic scenery and fall decoration, both of which definitely made the ranch tempting as a vacation destination.
Aside from an incredibly predictable plot, the movie's downfall comes from some strange storytelling decisions. The almost comically wicked coworker competing for the coveted VP position. The mucking out of extremely clean stable stalls. The ranch's "lost and found," which miraculously has a large selection of cute clothes that fit the protagonist perfectly. The very unfortunate make-up choices for Lindy Booth, whose disappearing eyebrows and Barbie pink lipstick are rather distracting throughout the entire movie. The fact that a pair of guests and a competing buyer are present at the end when the hail-mary plan to save the ranch is unveiled to the owners.
However, applause must be given where it is deserved: Hallmark opted to avoid the trope of a character eavesdropping and misunderstanding a conversation, usually leading to the demise of the couple, instead allowing for honest communication and trust between the main characters to be reaffirmed. That scene was unbelievably refreshing!
Aside from an incredibly predictable plot, the movie's downfall comes from some strange storytelling decisions. The almost comically wicked coworker competing for the coveted VP position. The mucking out of extremely clean stable stalls. The ranch's "lost and found," which miraculously has a large selection of cute clothes that fit the protagonist perfectly. The very unfortunate make-up choices for Lindy Booth, whose disappearing eyebrows and Barbie pink lipstick are rather distracting throughout the entire movie. The fact that a pair of guests and a competing buyer are present at the end when the hail-mary plan to save the ranch is unveiled to the owners.
However, applause must be given where it is deserved: Hallmark opted to avoid the trope of a character eavesdropping and misunderstanding a conversation, usually leading to the demise of the couple, instead allowing for honest communication and trust between the main characters to be reaffirmed. That scene was unbelievably refreshing!