7.3 stars.
As we get introduced to the characters, we are brought into the life of a wacky sort of man named Robert (Close) and his two children. He needs help, lots of it. He creates toys and runs a toy company with his brother. He is so disorganized he is a total trainwreck, and it's infuriating to watch this haphazard guy for the first half of the film. Lydia (Bell) is a time management specialist, a.k.a. Organizer. At first Robert doesn't think he needs her services, but forgetting his kids' events and a bunch of other important activities on a regular basis, brings him to his senses. Lydia helps him organize his life and they eventually fall in love. That is the obvious Hallmark destination for 99.9% of their films. What is out of place is the quirky traits that he has and watching Lydia strain to adapt to his odd personality. Frankly, this film is a disaster for a while, but it comes around and we settle into a nice smooth ride. Contrary to many reviews, there is some chemistry, but it's mostly generated from Bell. I think he's just a bit too silly a personality for any woman to take seriously. He has some moments of clarity and common sense, he is a father of two good children after all, but something about him doesn't fit social norms. He is just too difficult and it becomes an uphill battle to the end. Interestingly, he does improve to become charismatic and likable. I wish they would have shown us his best self earlier on, but this will have to suffice.
As we get introduced to the characters, we are brought into the life of a wacky sort of man named Robert (Close) and his two children. He needs help, lots of it. He creates toys and runs a toy company with his brother. He is so disorganized he is a total trainwreck, and it's infuriating to watch this haphazard guy for the first half of the film. Lydia (Bell) is a time management specialist, a.k.a. Organizer. At first Robert doesn't think he needs her services, but forgetting his kids' events and a bunch of other important activities on a regular basis, brings him to his senses. Lydia helps him organize his life and they eventually fall in love. That is the obvious Hallmark destination for 99.9% of their films. What is out of place is the quirky traits that he has and watching Lydia strain to adapt to his odd personality. Frankly, this film is a disaster for a while, but it comes around and we settle into a nice smooth ride. Contrary to many reviews, there is some chemistry, but it's mostly generated from Bell. I think he's just a bit too silly a personality for any woman to take seriously. He has some moments of clarity and common sense, he is a father of two good children after all, but something about him doesn't fit social norms. He is just too difficult and it becomes an uphill battle to the end. Interestingly, he does improve to become charismatic and likable. I wish they would have shown us his best self earlier on, but this will have to suffice.