Love in the Maldives

This is a good example of when Hallmark gets it right. Granted, the plot has been used many times before - though rarely better, and most good Hallmark films these days rely on recycled plot devices - but that doesn't matter when you have two likeable leads. Jocelyn Hudon is gorgeous and spends plenty of time in a bikini, and her real-life husband Jake Manley. She is a journalist working on her latest piece about solo travelling and he is a charming local (with frosted blonde tips, which was an interesting one) who knows the ins and outs of the Maldives, where the film is set. As often as Hudon is in a bikini, he is shirtless, so it's equal-opportunity stuff.

The combination of Jocelyn Hudon and the spectacular turquoise water and white sand of the Maldives as the backdrop to this easy-to-watch - and dare I say cute - romance is an absolute winner for mine. And given the two leads are together in real life, there's no issues with chemistry, which is where it seems like one of every three or four Hallmark movies falls flat.

I loved Love in the Maldives.

I am a travel writer and recently returned from the Maldives, so you can imagine how excited I was to watch this movie. It definitely did the Maldives justice, but the actors were just horrible. Why did they have to dye the male lead's hair blonde, circa The Backstreet Boys? And why was his acting so stilted in such a beautiful, relaxing environment? It's ridiculous that she is on assignment to find exactly what she discovered - peace, serenity, and relaxation - but they still found a way to include conflict over a sunken ship (5 minutes of the movie) and her editor suddenly wanted her old schtick and not what she was sent for in the first place. Hallmark has GOT to change up the formula and be okay with a different plot. We don't always need a contrived conflict and a quick resolution. Sometimes we just want romance in the Maldives.

First of all, I base my number of stars off a combination of both my score and my grandmother's score whom I watch these movies with. I rated it a three, she rated it a five hence the official score of four. The first negative to this movie was the fact that this story line has been done before. I realize every movie is basically the same, but this had zero originality to it. Just from the drop it was hard to try and stay engaged and interested in the movie. It did have some beautiful scenery shots that were well done, but it's in the Maldives so that should basically be a given. The acting in general is the other big negative to the movie. I can't remember the main lead males name (sorry), but his acting was absolutely atrocious and came across as extremely cheesy. This movie is definitely a hard pass for both of us.

Come on Hallmark.. You can do better,well at least you did years back.

The leads had average chemistry,which is odd since read someplace they are an actual couple.

The female lead was over the top in her actions role,who directed her to act like this?

The only saving grace when shown,was the various locations.. Many pretty scenes,but all the clichés & other subpars ruin it.

You can fall asleep or basically predict what is or will be going on with,Hallmark movies without watching the whole movie.

The overall acting to actors chosen,was in addition to the leads also average.

Cinematography was pleasant,music needs fine tuning but was better than in past overpowering voices.

Would I recommend this? If your bored,need something to watch,enjoy any actors or like a cheesy(eye roll)movie.

A travel reporter is challenged to find something new for her and sent to this resort to find it. As far as story, what follows is very common for this premise combined with the idea of an exotic tropical location. The conflict was exactly as I expected it and likewise common for this premise. Same thing for the conclusion. Strictly in the sense of predictability. The last part of the movie was disappointing and unsatisfying.

The scenery was beautiful. Throw in some sets that show an underwater bedroom (enclosed obviously) as well as an unwater dining and party area. Some of the water scenes show luminescence of both fish and algae. One flaw in the natural scenery is that Rae is repeatedly shown snorkeling in about 6 feet of water with a smooth bottom having little plant life or obstructions. One of these scenes shows her looking for interesting objects and finding one. This is not where experienced people go to snorkel.

Jocelyn Hudon is one of Hallmark's youngest regular leads and she is one of my favorites for the under 35 crowd and has a fairly extensive portfolio or resume of rom/coms. Hallmark and the other networks need more actors in her age bracket.

Hudon and Jake Manley have decent chemistry. The dialogue, like the story, is nothing special making this movie more appealing for nature and scenery than for script.