Romancing the Birthday Girl

On her thirtieth birthday, Taylor (Emilie Ullerup) receives a set of six envelopes containing challenges. They were written by her deceased mother, perhaps because she knew her daughter would need a catalyst to produce meaningful changes in her life. Indeed, Taylor lives an extremely structured new-age life, full of affirmations without many realizations.

A new neighbor, Josh (Clayton James), enters her life, and he becomes her aide in fulfilling the maternal injunctions. It's a natural development that might lead to romance, especially in a Hallmark film.

The problem with this story is the writing, which lacks subtlety (even for a Hallmark romance), beating the viewer over the head with symbolic gestures, coincidences, and too-cute incidents.

Nice is the favorit term, in my case, for define Hallmark romantic films. It this case , this word works not so well. First, because, except the drawing with elephant by Chloe, except Daphne. Hoskins herself , except the yoga with goat, nothing works . The chemistry between Clayton Jones and Emilie Ullerup is just...fiction. The single parent - a too used clichee. The challenge of late mother and the duties - not original or inspired used. Sure, it is only another Hallmark. Nothing to expect, nothing provocative, the perfect film after a very busy work day. But the poor viewer could desrve a better story.

Unlike the one reviewer who has posted so far, I like this film.

I find that so many reviewers criticize since they are expecting the same "chemistry" between the romantic couple, yet complain that the story is a "rehash" or "the same old", etc.

How contradictory and hypocritical!

Chemistry is not the same for everyone.

Everyone is unique, thankfully!

The eyes and other aspects of body language shows "true love".

Not the "fake love" that so many acting romantic couples show in films, that too many reviewers appear to like. Same old there ....

It is refreshing to see stories that are not too fake, and depict characters who act more realistic ... as realistic as possible ... they are actors and actresses after all.

I like the message that is left by the mom, who was not there in real life when the lead actress turns 30. The little humour between the two leads who possess many different characteristics is sincere warm and caring, which all sincere relationships should possess.

There are many great lines in the film that more people should watch and live by.

Enjoy the film!

Overall, this is worth watching. I like that the lead character has issues and quirks, which make her human. The story doesn't meander much or get distracted by unnecessary B-plots.

What I don't like is how the leads exude goofiness with each other throughout. I guess that's how they work the "com" into "rom-com," but to me it becomes annoying and detracts from any sense of romance. Having a laugh with each other is important, but these two would probably joke their way through wedding vows, all while pretending they aren't actually getting married.

Taylor is a type A kind of gal. She is very organised, she follows her routine everyday, she has everything scheduled. So, on her 30th birthday her parents lead her to a time capsule, in which there are 6 challenges she has to complete in order to get the real present.

I liked it, I thought it was nice. I may be biased because I really like Emilie and I always find something in her characters that I relate to (this was no exception). I thought she and Clayton had little chemistry, but still enjoyable.

So, this movie is about Taylor stepping out of her comfort zone, partly thanks to Josh. And isn't that lovely? Having someone who helps you overcome your fears and anxieties? I could see myself in Taylor but I wished it was that easy to make the next step.

Other than that, there is nothing to highlight about the movie. This was filmed during the pandemic, so there aren't many more characters. The Sara storyline was unnecesary and Josh's daughter was boring. (sorry)

An entertaining hour and twenty three minutes, but it won't go on my favourites list.