6.5 out of 10.
I read the book a few years ago and only had some minor issues and overall thought it was a decent read. That being said, there were some great things about this movie and some not so great and rather stiff and uncomfortable moments that should have been executed better.
I'll start with the things that I liked.
The length was good. Hollywood blockbuster films are rather short these days and in that we lose characterization. Although we did lose some important scenes from the book, I thought they did a good job at giving us the overall essence of the film and stayed true.
Casting for the role of Summer was spot on, although at times her excessive facial expressions and delivery of lines was a little off. Same goes for the actor who played Cole.
One thing the two actors did have together, though was chemistry.
Which brings me to another highlight of the film. The love scenes were the perfect combination of tasteful and raunchy and overall I thought it was well done. The two actors clearly have chemistry together, so nothing felt forced.
The setting for the film was spot on, although at times it was clear there was use of a green screen. Then again, this wasn't a big Hollywood blockbuster so it was understandable.
Another thing I liked was the casting for the role of Brad DeLuca. I actually thought he was the most talented in the film.
Things I had issues with:
-The casting of the role for Ben. In the book, he was one of my favorite characters, so I might be biased. Unfortunately, in the film the charisma aspect was missing from the character and he and Summer's relationship felt off and forced, which was a shame because it was amazing in the book.
-The acting for The Fortune Bottle. Obviously, we know from the book and the synopsis that the main characters are involved in making and acting in a film within a film. I understand that there had to be a distinct difference in regards to the acting of the main characters Summer and Cole vs the actors they were playing on screen in the Fortune Bottle, however, it was bad. The Fortune bottle scenes were so bad and uncomfortable, both me and the friends I watched it with visibly cringed. And given that a large portion of the film was based around them acting in the movie, it goes without saying that it ruined a good portion of my enjoyment for the movie.
- Cocky. In the book, he had a bigger role and was used for more endearing comedic relief and character growth. Even in the trailer for the movie they made cocky out to be a major character like he was in the books and I for one was very excited about that. As strange as it seems, the rooster helped Cole's growth in the book and it's so sad that aside from a few remarks that the relationship with Cocky didn't really happen. I know it sounds silly if you haven't read the book, and you probably think I'm crazy, but it could have been so much more.
-There were a few stiff moments (the scene where Cole takes over building the fence come to mind) and a few others which didn't flow as well.
Overall, it wasn't a bad movie. The book was better. But the film was better than a lifetime movie, but NOT nearly as good as a showtime, HBO,or Netflix original series or movie.
Passionflix has some work to do and an uphill battle and I'd urge them to go for some indie romance books with real character dynamic and maybe even controversial reads to make some real gripping romance movies that will get people talking in the future. Otherwise I foresee it being a big flop.
