First, Nikki DeLoach is usually a joy and for most, will still be delightful in this movie. For me, her character seems slightly overdone, and not very warm. The male lead who plays Sam is also very affable, but for some reason, I didn't see a huge connection from him to her. It seemed initially - and throughout - that she was disproportionately interested in him.
The young gal, 'Mikayla', was absolutely a savior to the cast and the movie. She was so authentic and carried herself with the perfect balance of joy and realism.
The plot has been well-summarized, but some of it was just lacking that magnetic draw that so many of us can feel when watching movies, even Hallmark ones. There's usually something that makes you feel attached to the plot resolution, but in this situation, I could see:
1. Nikki's character would be successful, no matter what she did or chose for her future.
2. The ornament would definitely be found.
3. The two would definitely fall in love.
4. The cousin was a typical supporting role, establishing the idea that Nikki's character is surrounded by loving family -- without any challenges or conflicts (not too realistic).
It might have been interesting to explore how a new "mom' would feel to Mikayla, and to draw that out a little. It might have been helpful to see what connected the two romantic leads - other than the fact that they both were grieving. It seemed like Sam was so uncertain of his interest or ability to be romantic (yet); that is realistic for sure, but I didn't get the feeling that once the movie is over, Sam and Sharon would really be together for life.
About the overacting, the example in my mind is right in the beginning when Sharon is saying goodbye to her cousin for a short while. She does this thing with her hands and body while she says "K! Gotta Go! Love you, you're fab, CALL ME??" - or something to that effect. It's just...who does this in real life, when temporarily saying goodbye for a little while?
I loved the ornament idea, and would love to have something like that in my family.
Overall, a fantastic movie, with the possibility of more.
My overall favorite aspect is that they do a great job of balancing how we cope with grief and still have joyful times in life.
The young gal, 'Mikayla', was absolutely a savior to the cast and the movie. She was so authentic and carried herself with the perfect balance of joy and realism.
The plot has been well-summarized, but some of it was just lacking that magnetic draw that so many of us can feel when watching movies, even Hallmark ones. There's usually something that makes you feel attached to the plot resolution, but in this situation, I could see:
1. Nikki's character would be successful, no matter what she did or chose for her future.
2. The ornament would definitely be found.
3. The two would definitely fall in love.
4. The cousin was a typical supporting role, establishing the idea that Nikki's character is surrounded by loving family -- without any challenges or conflicts (not too realistic).
It might have been interesting to explore how a new "mom' would feel to Mikayla, and to draw that out a little. It might have been helpful to see what connected the two romantic leads - other than the fact that they both were grieving. It seemed like Sam was so uncertain of his interest or ability to be romantic (yet); that is realistic for sure, but I didn't get the feeling that once the movie is over, Sam and Sharon would really be together for life.
About the overacting, the example in my mind is right in the beginning when Sharon is saying goodbye to her cousin for a short while. She does this thing with her hands and body while she says "K! Gotta Go! Love you, you're fab, CALL ME??" - or something to that effect. It's just...who does this in real life, when temporarily saying goodbye for a little while?
I loved the ornament idea, and would love to have something like that in my family.
Overall, a fantastic movie, with the possibility of more.
My overall favorite aspect is that they do a great job of balancing how we cope with grief and still have joyful times in life.