This was a great movie, good chemistry, original plot. I enjoyed this until the point where he gets his dream job and she backs off and acts like he's just broken up with her because he's going on tour for 6 months. That had to have been the dumbest reason for conflict I have ever seen from Hallmark in a long time. She acts lke FaceTime, and cellphones don't exist. She acts lke he can't call, text, or ever speak to them while he's gone. It was written to play like it was her insecurites, but it was just such a pathetic device to add conflict that wasn't there - and so unnecessary for such a good movie. The dialogue and end acene where she suddenly accepts him going and explains off her insecurites was stilted awkward and was just poorly written. I got whiplash from her sudden change of heart. Whoever wrote this needs to work on their endings...Otherwise a good watch.
11 Reviews
A wonderful celebration of family
Jzsimdb6 May 2024
I love the alternate universe of Hallmark movies. I started watching them in 2017 and they have been a soothing escape from troubled times. But even I get a little tired of the formula. So I was delighted last years when Hallmark Movies and Mysteries began providing movies with a little more depth like Guiding Emily, Come ly with Ne, etc. They've migrated to Hallmark and I strongly suspect that this gem was originally intended for HMM.
If you've seen the commercials, you know the basic story- a child conceived by IVF is curious about her donor. A wonderful cast makes this a joy all-around experience. Most important is the joy of family and the recognition that family comes in many forms. After watching again, I have to add how much I enjoyed the "introvert sucked into a loud, boisterous family" theme. I can relate to that. And also how refreshing it is to have characters who are flawed but still likeable. Very well done.
My only minor quibble is the teacher. No real teacher would push off a student's concern on such a sensitive topic with a platitude. I understand the limitations of time, but that one thing niggled at me.
If you are a Hallmark fan and have enjoyed those mentioned that have a little more depth, I think you will love this.
If you've seen the commercials, you know the basic story- a child conceived by IVF is curious about her donor. A wonderful cast makes this a joy all-around experience. Most important is the joy of family and the recognition that family comes in many forms. After watching again, I have to add how much I enjoyed the "introvert sucked into a loud, boisterous family" theme. I can relate to that. And also how refreshing it is to have characters who are flawed but still likeable. Very well done.
My only minor quibble is the teacher. No real teacher would push off a student's concern on such a sensitive topic with a platitude. I understand the limitations of time, but that one thing niggled at me.
If you are a Hallmark fan and have enjoyed those mentioned that have a little more depth, I think you will love this.
An excellent "just another Hallmark movie"
thomswift128 April 2024
We watch a lot of Hallmark movies and enjoy them. But they are formualmatic. And if something works let it go and keep doing it. We know it will be family friendly and entertaining. Good enough.
Branching Out is typical Hallmark. But this time we find a family tree that is hidden. As the protagonist finds the Cruz family so do we. Despite Mama Cru, over acting the main characters are excellent. They are actually believable. The writing feeds Ruby's abilities which appears to be many.
The love interest actually makes sense and the problems of them being together are real.
If only the last scene wasn't so typical.
Branching Out is typical Hallmark. But this time we find a family tree that is hidden. As the protagonist finds the Cruz family so do we. Despite Mama Cru, over acting the main characters are excellent. They are actually believable. The writing feeds Ruby's abilities which appears to be many.
The love interest actually makes sense and the problems of them being together are real.
If only the last scene wasn't so typical.
Good all around
Jackbv12328 April 2024
It would be really hard not to be great with a story like this. But it doesn't stop there. The acting is good, but the dialogue is fantastic and the timing of line delivery is great. There are a ton of funny moments. Really funny. Reviews like this usually talk about chemistry between the romantic leads, and I often throw in great chemistry between an adult and a cute kid, but there is amazing chemistry almost all around. It's like all the main characters really are family and have known each other forever.
Cora Bella as Ruby is a force of nature. Such a powerful performance. Meanwhile Sarah Drew goes deep. The woman who plays Amelia's partner is real, not just a foil as a BFF.
If the movie wasn't good enough already, the climax tops it all off perfectly. And I laughed really hard at Ruby's last line.
Cora Bella as Ruby is a force of nature. Such a powerful performance. Meanwhile Sarah Drew goes deep. The woman who plays Amelia's partner is real, not just a foil as a BFF.
If the movie wasn't good enough already, the climax tops it all off perfectly. And I laughed really hard at Ruby's last line.
Great movie!
maryneumann-6719929 April 2024
I knew that when I saw the commercial. It was a movie that I needed to watch. Even if I had to record it and watch it later. I loved that it was something a lil different than what I'm used to watching on Hallmark. DNA. It's usually just about 2 people who fall in love. But I loved the story line. Of finding out who you are and where you come from. Kids wondering where they come from. You don't see a lot of movies like this. Obviously it's Hallmark. So people fall in love. But it was more than just about 2 people. Great songs throughout the movie too. I'm hoping to find out more info on the music used in the movie. It is definitely a good watch!
Wonderful, fun movie!
husna_athan28 April 2024
I really enjoyed this movie from start to finish.
What a great story line n wonderful characters who really looked like they were family.
It was a believable story n relationship problems felt so real.
Ruby is so cute n adorable, very talented for her age.
She was so natural n very funny too.
Loved the male character n he could really sing!
Loved the songs in this movie so many of them.
The farm setting was beautiful as well as the entire loving Cruz family.
The friend was very caring n loved her advice.
Loved how no one forced anyone to do anything but gave space to come together.
The ending was perfect 👌
What a great story line n wonderful characters who really looked like they were family.
It was a believable story n relationship problems felt so real.
Ruby is so cute n adorable, very talented for her age.
She was so natural n very funny too.
Loved the male character n he could really sing!
Loved the songs in this movie so many of them.
The farm setting was beautiful as well as the entire loving Cruz family.
The friend was very caring n loved her advice.
Loved how no one forced anyone to do anything but gave space to come together.
The ending was perfect 👌
Far and away good
MickyG33329 April 2024
8.2 stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I could go on about the plot in great detail, but I figure there isn't much point to it. I'll describe in a nutshell. A woman gets pregnant through a sperm bank and has a little girl. Daughter (about 9 years old) overhears some conversation between mom and best friend, now she wants to meet her dad. The rest of the story is about mom and daughter meeting dad and his wonderful extended family. Mommy and baby daddy fall in love, little girl falls in love with the rest of the family - the end.
There are a dozen qualities of this film that really stand that require no further mentioning. I will leave you with a bit of advice: focus on the little girl and her colorful personality and the rest will fall into place.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I could go on about the plot in great detail, but I figure there isn't much point to it. I'll describe in a nutshell. A woman gets pregnant through a sperm bank and has a little girl. Daughter (about 9 years old) overhears some conversation between mom and best friend, now she wants to meet her dad. The rest of the story is about mom and daughter meeting dad and his wonderful extended family. Mommy and baby daddy fall in love, little girl falls in love with the rest of the family - the end.
There are a dozen qualities of this film that really stand that require no further mentioning. I will leave you with a bit of advice: focus on the little girl and her colorful personality and the rest will fall into place.
Incredible Movie
ykdktqv-852096 May 2024
I absolutely loved this movie it was such a beautiful story and they chose the most incredible characters for this movie. I hope that they have another one to continue on with this one because it was so worth watching and the music absolutely phenomenal. I felt it was very realistic. It was based on a book from what I've been told, and some of it was actually true. I love the different cultures and the families, the different dynamics of each family, and how they were raised. If you want to watch a truly genuine heartfelt movie, this is it right here. And if you love music, you'll love the music in this movie that also was incredible.
Good/romcom
vjf362 May 2024
Wow another good movie by Hallmark. I liked the plot and the cast were very good. I must say Cora Bella who plays the daughter steals the movie from the other Review
Wow another good movie by Hallmark. I liked the plot and the cast were very good. I must say Cora Bella who plays the daughter steals the movie from the other actors the two leads were very good and had excellent chemistry Sara Drew and Juan Pablo. The supporting cast did well but not enough time to develop their roles. What makes this movie special for me is it was realistic and the two lead characters were romantic just not waiting till end of the movie to kiss and embrace. A lot of hugging and kissing not typical of Hallmark movies. In addition to the plot the music was very good here again not typical of Hallmark movies. Also no misunderstandings by the leads just a change had to be made.
Once again if Hallmark keeps this good movie making they will blow away their competitors the two leads were very good and had excellent chemistry Sara Drew and Juan Pablo. The supporting cast did well but not enough time to develop their roles. What makes this movie special for me is it was realistic and the two lead characters were romantic just not waiting till end of the movie to kiss and embrace. A lot of hugging and kissing not typical of Hallmark movies. In addition to the plot the music was very good here again not typical of Hallmark movies. Also no misunderstandings by the leads just a change had to be made.
Once again if Hallmark keeps this good movie making they will blow away their competitors.
Once again if Hallmark keeps this good movie making they will blow away their competitors the two leads were very good and had excellent chemistry Sara Drew and Juan Pablo. The supporting cast did well but not enough time to develop their roles. What makes this movie special for me is it was realistic and the two lead characters were romantic just not waiting till end of the movie to kiss and embrace. A lot of hugging and kissing not typical of Hallmark movies. In addition to the plot the music was very good here again not typical of Hallmark movies. Also no misunderstandings by the leads just a change had to be made.
Once again if Hallmark keeps this good movie making they will blow away their competitors.
A New Young and Talented Super Star is Born !!!
videonutz29 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is a Wonderful Movie with a very unusual and Interesting Storyline. Especially Interesting is the Fact that while the Entire Cast is Superb, it's an 11 year old ( Cora Bella ).that that will Actually steal Both the Spotlight and Your Heart.
Her Acting Ability is Amazing and her overall Performance, and One Liners ( Especially the Last Line of the Film), will Delightfully Entertain the Entire Family.
This is Definitely Not Your Typical Hallmark Romantic Comedy Movie. Instead, It is an Especially Interesting Story of Building a Family in a very unusual and unexpected manner.
Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy watching this 11 year old Future Superstar Personally Enlarge her Family Tree, from as She Puts it, a Log, to Tree the Size of a Small Town.
Trust Me, You Will Definitely Enjoy and Remember this Family Friendly Film!!
Her Acting Ability is Amazing and her overall Performance, and One Liners ( Especially the Last Line of the Film), will Delightfully Entertain the Entire Family.
This is Definitely Not Your Typical Hallmark Romantic Comedy Movie. Instead, It is an Especially Interesting Story of Building a Family in a very unusual and unexpected manner.
Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy watching this 11 year old Future Superstar Personally Enlarge her Family Tree, from as She Puts it, a Log, to Tree the Size of a Small Town.
Trust Me, You Will Definitely Enjoy and Remember this Family Friendly Film!!
Disappointing
PeterMovie6128 April 2024
Hallmark continues its leftist turn into propaganda in the breakdown of the family; the very theme that built its brand. The piling on of cliche after cliche and the transparent and unnecessary emphasis combined with a nine year old girl who should have been spared adult topics far beyond her emotional capacity, makes for an anti-family let down. While still following the typified misunderstanding and reconciliation pattern, this was lifeless. The guitar scenes were cringe times three and the conclusion was entirely a predictable letdown. Hallmark seems to want to lose the audience it once courted. Pass.
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