Hats Off to Love

I don't know what's going on over at Hallmark HQ lately-did everyone take a group nap and forget how to write compelling storylines? Because the recent movies? Hot. Buttered. Garbage. Case in point: an entire film dedicated to snobby Kentucky Derby socialites and their absurdly overpriced hats. That's it. That's the plot. I kept waiting for something-anything-to happen, but instead I was served a lukewarm cup of cliché with a side of "this outsider doesn't belong" trope, and no actual payoff.

Now listen, I like the lead actors. I do. They've got charm in other roles, but here? Zero chemistry. Like, negative chemistry. I've seen more romantic tension between two slices of white bread. And don't even get me started on the villainess-your typical pretentious woman with a passive-aggressive smile and the personality of a wet napkin. She was nasty for the sake of being nasty, and I swear her only mission was to make the new girl feel like a barn rat in a room full of racehorses.

There was no heart, no warmth, and certainly none of that "Hallmark hug-your-heart" magic we're all here for. And I get it-Hallmark's spring and summer lineups tend to be a little meh. But come on. This wasn't light and breezy; it was just bad. I'm already counting down the days until Christmas in July, because at least then we get snow, cinnamon, and fake boyfriends who secretly own Christmas tree farms. So unless Hallmark wants to lose its audience to re-runs and better-written fan fiction, someone needs to shake the glitter out of their scriptwriters and remember what we actually tune in for.

Being you are trying to emulate the Kentucky Derby, the director or producer should have studied up more on the fashion and the hats and fascinator's that are worn.

Many of the hats that Stella designed were subpar to anything you would see at the actual Kentucky Derby. The actual hat that Stella made for the mom in the final Bradbury hat Contest, was sub- par. The entire right side of the hat had absolutely no flowers whatsoever. It was also way too compact. If you look at most of the fascinator's and hats, they always have tall feathers coming up and around.

The biggest mistake in this movie, was that race horses would never be let out in a pasture yet alone with a gelding and a mare!

If they ever were to be turned out, they would always have their legs wrapped because they have horse shoes on their feet. Unless the horse shoes are removed, they have to have their legs wrapped to keep from getting leg injuries. This was one of the biggest mistakes in the entire movie.

The acting also was below average for a Hallmark movie. There was no chemical chemistry between Stella and Christian.

Many of the outfits that Stella wore were rather frumpy. Especially the one she wore on a date with Christian. It was white with all kinds of ruffles on it. Roslyn at least had more of a upscale look to her wardrobe.

6.4 stars.

This is one of those Hallmark films that is overly unique. There are many facets of uniqueness, and this is a seldom tested one that probably doesn't match the tastes of most viewers. It's about high society in the Southern United States, but not a common theme, rather a very rare one. This story is specifically about fancy hats and the southern women who fashion and wear them to various events (Kentucky Derby).

I was intrigued by the notion of a Hallmark film that portrays this lesser known aspect of aristocratic female community. However, I find it to be peculiarly feminine and strikingly unfamiliar and alien to my preferences.

I felt like an interloper in my own home, attempting to appreciate a foreign thing. I don't actually have the words to explain the experience, but it was like a square peg in a round hole. This movie is an acquired taste.

There are some horses, which is cute. The lead female is endearing and I enjoy her performance, but that is where the entertainment and likability begins and ends. For her and the horses' sake, I give this 6 instead of 5 stars.

Not for me.

Somehow got through this thanks almost exclusively to the horses.

The ladies' characters could not be more cliché, all about fashion, hats and dictates of high society...boring!!!

The plot is just as bland.

As for the fashion and the hats, there were some nice pieces of clothing, but most of the hats are just...well...god awful!

The acting was as a whole, lets say, less than impressive. Gina Claire does have a wonderful voice - I would prefer to see her in musicals - but IMO is not at all suited to star in this kind of film.

Bottom line, if you want to kill time this is borderline passable, but your time is precious - skip this one!

New milliner Stella (Ginna Claire Mason) is trying to pitch herself to horse racing socialite Rosalind (Holly Robinson Peete). She manages to sneak in one of her creations and Rosalind happens to pick it. Rosalind's hat-maker Odette (Darla Delgado) is forced to hire her on the spot. Rosalind's son Christian (John Clarence Stewart) is taken with her.

Stella is supposed to be a great up-and-comer. She should have a whole collection of unsold hats. At the very least, she should have her book full of her hat designs. She should know what "Bless your heart" means. She could have worn a simple sundress for the BBQ. She needs to be written smarter and better. This is a Hallmark romance and maybe there is less expectations with the writing. I do like these actors. Both Mason and Stewart have an easy charm and nice chemistry. This is a simple story. There is a small bump in the road. It is what it is. This is fine for Hallmark.