All Things Valentine (2016 TV Movie) User Reviews

Real life vs online personality

[phd_travel · 7/10 · 3 February 2016]

What's different about this Valentine's Day Hallmark movie is that it's a bit more serious - it definitely isn't too cute or perky. The two leads Sarah Rafferty from Suits and Sam Page are quite suited to each other. She reminds a bit of Amy Adams but a bit less sweet. She plays a blogger who starts dating a vet. Unknown to both they have been sparring online.

A message from the movie is what people write on anonymous blogs and on the internet can be unrepresentative of the people they are in real life. It's interesting to see how daringly outspoken people can be behind the shield of internet anonymity.

Interesting hallmark movie - not the most romantic but different.

A charming valentine

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 19 November 2022]

The premise did intrigue me, it was a relatively different scenario and something that is still relevant today though was a bit worried at how it would be handled (hoping it would be tactful and insightful but worried about it being forced and mean spirited). Have seen Sam Page in other Hallmark films and have mostly quite liked him, though it is dependent on the character. Seeing the always worth watching Kimberly Sustad in a supporting role was another interest point.

'All Things Valentine' was mostly a winner. It doesn't execute its subject perfectly and isn't a great film, but it also handled the setting better than expected and has a lot of good things. It is easily one of the better 2016 Countdown to Valentine's Day Hallmark films, and so much better than the previous 2016 Countdown to Valentine's Day film 'Dater's Handbook' (which didn't work, with the lead actress being a large part of the problem). If asked whether 'All Things Valentine' is recommended, the answer is yes.

It isn't perfect. Did find the trolling/sparring rather forced and at times cruel, which did make the ending not ring true because it (like too many Hallmark films) too neat.

Did think too that the friend and bakery employee subplot was cheesy, namely the dialogue, and felt shoehorned in.

However, a lot is good. Sarah Rafferty is a very charming leading lady and despite having the less likeable character Page is easy going. The two do have strong chemistry, that is both witty and sweet with no signs of trying too hard or static-ness. Sustad is zesty and easy to endear to in her role. Did appreciate that the characters didn't have exaggerated character flaws (refreshing after seeing Hallmark films lately that have had that badly unbalance things) and were also not too perfect, also that when Page's character is expected to learn from his mistakes he actually does (something that too many Hallmark films don't do, or at convincingly).

Furthermore, it pleases visually. It is beautifully photographed and can't say anything bad about the scenery. The music at least fits and doesn't feel as overbearing, over constant or repetitive as some Hallmark scores can be. The script is the right amount of light hearted and heart-warming, with some non-mushy serious moments and a conflict that was relatable and relevant. Did like that it made the point of a person in real life can often be different from their online persona and in a way that wasn't heavy-handed, it's also true. The story is rarely dull and it has a warm heart and light hearted charm.

Overall, well worth watching. 7/10.

Enjoyable, But Forced

[athompsonblue · 7/10 · 30 January 2022]

It was an interesting reverse of You've Got Mail. They're falling in love in person, but don't know that they're sparring online.

But the sparring is basically him being a troll. And it rightfully blows up in his face. To his credit, he has a change of heart before he learns her identity. But, in reality, I doubt that the relationship should be salvaged. He was MEAN to her! She should forgive him as a person, but his trolling has destroyed any chance of redeeming their relationship in my eyes.

In the subplot of the friend and the bakery employee, if she's so fiercely not interested then he shouldn't waste his time. I felt that he should have just given up on her and found a different girl. Romance is hard enough without wearing down the other person's wall.

I wish they had handled the brunette's character better. She keeps swinging between immaturity and encouraging her friend to open up to romance.

A different sort of Hallmark romance

[studioAT · 6/10 · 4 April 2020]

An unusual Hallmark romantic comedy this, because the story has more twists and turns than normal.

I liked this film, I thought it had a 'You've Got Mail' vibe to it, and it's well played out by Sam Page and Sarah Rafferty (Suits).

We have all the usual Hallmark messages thrown in for good measure too, as well the supporting character romance, but it's all good fun, and very enjoyable.

Brandon was certainly well shot of his annoying ex!

Predictable but cute and fun

[jml1988 · 7/10 · 16 February 2022]

While anyone could guess the entire plot within the first 5 minutes, there were a couple of twists and turns, and it was still fun to watch it unfold. I loved how Avery's hopeful and positive energy emanated to the people around her. I'm such a big believer in energies and this showed that example well.

Such a good film. I recommend it

[cerysdavis-32929 · 7/10 · 15 April 2021]

I just watched this film today and i loved it sarah rafferty from suits played the lead so well and the other guy. I liked that they both did know about each other but was dating at the same time.

I though it was sad when she found out it was him who was sending the mean comment but got together in the end.

I you love Sarah rafferty in suits you will love it too.

Valentines Day with unhappy leads

[david-thor · 10 May 2019]

It's unfortunate that two unhappy characters, a veterinarian and a blogger/writer, would seem so unsuited with each other, right to the bitter end. I'm not sure if they were two people stuck in a movie they didn't want to be in, or they just had really bad chemistry. Fortunately, the supporting cast lifted the story; I could root for them, even as the leads went through the motions. As long as one doesn't expect Avery and Brendan to live happily ever after - enjoy!

Very good for Hallmark

[Sergiodave · 7/10 · 23 February 2021]

The basic ideas behind Hallmark productions don't change, obviously. Though it has to be said that they have upped their game with this movie, the characters were far more believable and the acting was a lot better. A good romantic movie.

Not a cutsey Hallmark movie

[jewhitmer25 · 8/10 · 28 November 2021]

Sarah Rafferty and Sam Page were excellent and very charismatic.

Good family film. Checks all the Hallmark boxes for great holiday film. Nothing really original in the plot category, but it manages to engage the viewer . A good job was done by all.

My advice: Watch the movie, it won't disappoint.

Great couple

[laura_vazgar · 6/10 · 27 August 2018]

Sarah Rafferty and Sam Page are the best of this movie, great actors and great chemistry

Bummer

[skipgregory · 3/10 · 2 September 2017]

First, it is awesome to see the gorgeous, talented Kimberly Sustad playing what could be a lead role. Or so it seemed. But then through all the turmoil to be resolved, the Vet and the Blogger waltz off happily together to the sound of salsa music as Kit and Hannah finally find love, and McKenna, the girl so desperately in need of help is basically abandoned by everyone. Bummer. We love you, Kimberly, even if they don't.

Better than Average Hallmark Romance

[EPMD57 · 8/10 · 12 February 2019]

I liked this more than the usual Hallmark romance because it showed the actual romance developing. Sometimes Hallmark leaves that part out in a desperate attempt to build suspense. This movie had flirting, dating, and some refreshing nervousness/insecurity that was charming to watch. It was still a rather obvious plot, but at least it felt realistic in the way the characters built a relationship.

I hope Hallmark shifts the focus of its movies to showing the development of relationships rather than just the development of attraction. It's so much more interesting to watch that greater depth of interaction.

A Great Cinematographer With a Great Subject

[boblipton · 7/10 · 2 February 2016]

Sarah Rafferty is an anonymous relationship advice columnist. Sam Page is a veterinarian whose last relationship Sarah broke up. When her terrier falls ill, guess who she comes to?

There's little new for romantic comedies and this Hallmark made-for-Valentine's-Day romcon hits all the notes with nothing that you haven't seen before, particularly if you've seen the new ones the channel has been airing twice a week for the last month. Yet this one is way above average, and it's not just that Miss Rafferty is so gorgeous (although if you're going to turn your lead actress into a strawberry blonde, try to remember that her eyebrows are not going to be dark brunette). It's also that their cinematographer is so good.

Brendan Uegama is the name. I've never noticed his work before, but I'll certainly keep an eye out for it in the future. He favors a moving camera and it certainly keeps hints at some one worth investigating. It also calls for real skill in lighting and art direction by Kim Glennie. It's good to know that when your attention flags because you've seen this all before, at least the pictures on the screen are worth looking at.

And, yes, I understand that all these blonde and red headed actresses have dark eyebrows to let the audience read their emotions better. It also points out that it's a fake.

not the best or worst

[novagirl11 · 4/10 · 3 February 2019]

I like Sam Page, but not a huge fun of Sarah Rafferty. The carefully chosen red dress for Valentine's Day didn't look great on her, it clashed with her hair. This is not the best Hallmark movie ever, but not the worst either, although I think it probably won't be very memorable, except for maybe the awkward over-the-top Valentine's date proposal from the shy bakery patron when he finally got the courage to talk to his crush.

One of the better Hallmark romantic movies

[mce-84781 · 8/10 · 15 February 2022]

This is one of the better Hallmark romantic movies. The two lead actors had great chemistry although subtle or underplayed at times. I enjoyed watching (subplot of characters notwithstanding) these two people fall in love. It was beautifully sweet and neither character were playing the "hard to get" or the "I refuse to let love in" tropes, which is a breath of fresh air for a romantic movie on Hallmark. However, the same can't be said for the subplot of characters, ugh. And lastly their conflict was pretty reasonable and even gave me pause in wondering how I would handle the situation. Overall one of my favorite Hallmark movies. Worth a watch.

What breed is Busby

[camish01 · 10/10 · 16 February 2022]

The dog is a main character and even the vet says Busby is his favorite breed. But it is never stated what breed Busby is! Anybody know? I have searched and searched fir this info.

Great movie!

[ISmellSnow · 9/10 · 31 August 2020]

I really enjoyed the chemistry between all the actors/actresses. I wish Hallmark would write more "meaty" storylines for secondary characters like they did in this movie. Highly recommend!

Great love story!

[richardsnyder-73784 · 10/10 · 31 May 2019]

Well-acted and with a great supporting cast. This is one of my favorite love stories and hope to see this lovely lady more often.

Great movie

[dianamarinelli · 8/10 · 31 December 2020]

THis was overall a good hallmark movie can be predictable at times but enjoyable and the acting was amazing

Absolutely

[Brad_Steel_The_Podcast · 10/10 · 18 June 2020]

This movie is called all things Valentine, and boy does it have a cute dog. It stars a woman with red hair from Suits and Joan's husband from Madmen. They are supposed to be in love, but we learn early on, love is a challenging mistress.

The clothing was futuristic and the music was promising.

Now, let's talk about the subplot. I was scared when the veterinarian's friend, wouldn't leave that woman at the bakery/coffee shop alone. Her name is Prudence, or maybe Prue isn't short for Prudence. Love is a challenging mistress.

Where did they buy all the flowers from? We would have appreciated a scene in a flower shop to clear up this confusion.

Also, I'd like to know more about the ex-girlfriend and where she bought her makeup. Does she have an older sister?

Love is a challenging mistress, The Podcast

A notably entangled enchantment

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 14 March 2023]

8.3 stars.

Avery (Rafferty) writes a blog about love, and she is an anonymous online dating coach. McKenna (Sustad) heeds her advice and breaks up with Brendan (Paige). Brendan in turn takes it out on the coach by incessantly slinging insults and negative comments on her blog. Brendan has a good friend and colleague who also needs advice to build up the courage to ask out Pru who happens to work with Avery. This is one monstrous web of love between 5 people. It gets messy and turns into a he said, she said, he did what, she said what, take a chance situation of epic proportions.

Enough about the twisted plot, I want to talk about the romance. It might surprise you when I say this is one of the best romantic comedies of Hallmark that I've seen in a while. To put this in context, I've watched literally 99% Hallmark films and nothing else since Thanksgiving, and now it's mid-March. This is how much of a life I have, but my point is "All Things Valentine" is an unforgettably torturous tale of a man who lets his disdain for a dating coach get the best of him. You simply need to watch it to understand.

After reading several mixed reviews of "All Things Valentine", I can see some of my tastes are evolving. I've found myself relishing Hallmark flavors that aren't as popular or mainstream these days. I'm not quite sure if my inclinations have changed, but I feel that I overly enjoyed this film. I just love it and I'm gonna stick to my guns.

The chemistry between the leads is amazing, but you have to look past the fact that Brendan is much too convincingly a jerk. Also, you'll notice that Sustad's character has a disproportionately small part. Rafferty has a presence that is off the charts and I was pleasantly enamored by her nuanced portrayal of Avery. Who am I kidding, I loved her in "Suits" and she is just as amazing here, and falling in love with her character is effortless.