IN A NUTSHELL:
If you want Christmas cheer in July with a family-friendly story, this one is for you. If you can't handle the over-the-top saccharine of Hallmark movies and how everything is always tied up with a pretty bow at the end, you definitely won't like this.
THINGS I LIKED:
The cast includes Tori Anderson, Corbin Bleu, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Caitlin Stryker, Matt Hamilton, Alec Santos, Iris Quinn, Fred Henderson, and a young cast that plays their characters when they were teens.
There are a lot of flashbacks, utilizing both casts of characters fully.
As an author of 31 books, I always enjoy movies that feature writers and publishers. I love seeing how other authors go through their process and what inspires them.
Dance number! Ha ha
The movie is clean and appropriate for family viewing.
I was hoping the dialogue and scenario would be more realistic, but it's not a terrible thing to say this movie is too happy and perfect.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
The dialogue is very cheesy.
There are some cringe-worthy acting moments. Most of the characters are just too smiley all the time.
The humor is just silly, nothing laugh-out-loud funny.
There's not very much romantic chemistry among any of the couples.
The adults act a lot like giggly teens. Example dialogue: "You KISSED?" - woman 1 "And it was a good one!" - woman 2
It felt very old-fashioned. This movie would have been a big hit in the 1950s.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
A gay couple hugs and almost kisses
Other couples kiss
No profanity
Jealousy is portrayed
Friendly competitive games and behavior
Nothing dangerous
THEMES:
Family
Traditions
Friendship
Romance
Memories
Community
Retirement
Rivalry
First love
Second chances
Reunion
