Always Amore

This was another restaurant movie. It had potential, but lacked energy. Autumn Resser and Tyler Hynes are usually good bets for Hallmark. They do not set me aflutter, but are reliable in their assorted offerings. Not so this time. Ms. Reeser was more whiny than usual and dull. Her stubborn fixation with her dead husband was over done and Mr. Hynes seemed basically phoning in his part. There were some pleasant inner actions between the main characters, but not enough to carry this entry. Several new Hallmark Movies for 2022 have been less than stellar, this is definitely one of the outstanding ones.

I usually pick apart a story like this for all the formula elements in it. This story has some, especially then climax and ending. It starts out with the usual struggling business about to go under owned by Elizabeth. Ben shows up to save the business. But none of those matters. The story is just a vehicle for Autumn Reeser and Tyler Hynes to connect. And they are so good. Both are good individually and together. Even though I was thinking during the climax how cliche it was, I had tears in my eyes over what was going on between Elizabeth and Ben.

I am really enjoying the deeper non-holiday/non-mystery movies on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel. Tyler Hynes and Autumn Reeser delivered a deeper performance and had excellent chemistry-the story was well written and performed by all of the cast. Definitely recommend watching this movie and I hope to see the Autumn/Tyler pairing again in the future!

This was ok. Not great but not terrible either. Autumn and Tyler have decent chemistry-neither is a favorite of mine but they work well together here. The story isn't very innovative and there are plot holes that you just learn to ignore such as the daughter's age. This type of movie seems typical for Wonya's Hallmark-take the existing RomCom formula that works really well for the network and add more unnecessary drama and angst.

Giada DeLaurentiis is an Executive Producer on this and aside from a cookbook cameo and her clear involvement in the food being served, she is nowhere to be seen. You'd think she would have showed up as one of the competition judges at least. Missed opportunity for Hallmark.

Very enjoyable movie. Gee no sex no cursing and no violence. What a concept. Being Italian I enjoyed the heritage. Some very tasty looking food dishes presented. Maybe some upcoming actors and actresses. Giada did a great job.