Matching Hearts

Diva Universal (the successor of Hallmark Channel in Romania) broadcasted Matching Hearts in the evening of St. Valentine's Day and I really enjoyed it. Traditional H.C. recipe, which supported them in having a loyal and increasing audience and fan base (which probably do not regularly watch blockbusters such as Die Hard, Triple X or Poltergeist) and usually making very profitable moves.

Yes, this is the typical Hallmark winter romance movie, with the plot closely following the two lead characters, which "accidentally" meet every 5 minutes, slowly come together, then around min. 70 there is a twist and the two decide to go separate ways, and the long awaited final kiss around min. 85, end credits. Solid performance by both Taylor Cole and Ryan Paevey and pretty decent chemistry between the two of them. Yes, would recommend it even for those which are not fans of this kind of movies.

Special note for Taylor Cole, since she has all the due ingredients (i.e. outstanding beauty, talent, charm, versatility and incredible beautiful eyes) to play in the same league as, say, Amber Heard or Scarlett Johansson. But, who knows, maybe she decided she had enough during her modelling career and thereafter and now only wants to enjoy the beauty of life with her new husband, producer Cameron Larson? BTW, I read that this movie might be inspired by Taylor's real life, as she was repeatedly trying to match old friend Cameron with several of her friends, until the man finally understood that Taylor is the Chosen One. The couple married last June. Nice!

Good to see that, despite ongoing pandemic and worldwide lockdown, Hallmark still managed to come out with a number of decent titles in 2020, and "Matching Hearts" is probably one of the best.

The two lead actors are so enchanting with each other that I lose site that they are following a script, and that this is a movie. It's so refreshing to be in a story that makes you feel so good about what you're listening to.

The plot of match making has been used before in other Hallmark movies. Taylor Cole (Julia) changing the Valentine's day party without obtaining her boss's permission is done everyday and people don't get fired. Nice to see a diverse cast for a change not just one of each race.

Good chemistry. The story somewhat expected. But all the actors worked welltogether.

In the hands of some of Hallmark's actor stables, this could have been a very schmaltzy, saccharined dud. However the seasoned & beautiful talents of Taylor Cole and a restrained but able support from Russ Paevey, elevated the film to something half-decent. No real surprises as a Matchmaker who attempts to find a match for an entrepreneurial Stay-Single guy, but begins to discover that maybe she is his ideal match ! The animals were definitely cute !