Villa Amore

I loved Villa Amore so much. If you're looking for an endearing, feel-good romance, this one is for you. The chemistry between the leads was unmistakable. Kevin McGarry and Eloise Mumford were fantastic together. Their characters each had issues they were working through, but this didn't play out in the drama you usually get from a Hallmark movie. Instead, they developed a mature, deep relationship over months (instead of days which is the norm for Hallmark). This movie provided some very romantic moments. In addition, it was sweet, funny, and engaging. Even my Hallmark-movie-hating husband watched and enjoyed. That is high praise for sure! It's my new favorite Hallmark movie.

8.3 stars.

This is a surprisingly stunning romance for Hallmark to produce in the summer. I am surprised and caught off guard at how wonderful this story is. In fact, 'Villa Amore' is one of the best in the past year, arguably their best of 2025 thus far. We still have six months to go, so who knows if anything surpasses it this year. I'm hoping they crank out a few more like this, because what a pleasant experience for me today!

These two actors have great chemistry and I don't recall if they've both been co-leads together in a romantic film before. I hope they reunite for another, possibly a sequel, because she threw three coins into the fountain. You'll see what I mean.

The story is about a woman who is engaged and is basically dumped after six years of dating this obnoxious man. That first scene where they have some friction and she is caught off guard is clunky, and got the movie started on the wrong foot. He is not a likable actor whatsoever. It was awkward and out of place. At that point, I was skeptical, figuring this was going to be a monumental failure of a movie, even though it stars two of Hallmark's favorite actors. These two don't do silly; they are known for quality films. Thankfully, they maintain their reputation and value in 'Villa Amore'.

After the clumsy breakup, she goes to Italy to find herself again, revisit where her parents fell in love near a villa in a small town. She eventually falls in love with the whole village and a man. He's an American, but spent a lot of his childhood here, because one of his parents is Italian.

In her grief and while she's trying to be more spontaneous, she makes a very impulsive decision and spends the rest of the story trying to climb her way out of a deep rut. Perhaps her new man will help her with the predicament, and maybe they can find fulfillment and love in the process.

I highly recommend this. If you like Hallmark, you will love this and I know you'll watch it, so I need not embellish my high praise any further. Suffice it to say, I will be watching this every year.

Well the premise has been done before. An American buys one of these villas for a euro and fixes it up. However, you add a beautiful and believable love story between two people, without all the silly misunderstandings that seem to plague so many movies, and you have an enjoyable sweet movie.

Loved the leads together and the story of them as they moved along their relationship was heartfelt. The supporting cast was lovely, sometimes quirky, but easy to like.

While the changes to the villa in a short time with only a handful of scenes showing work done was far-stretched, but that wasn't the important storyline.

Highly recommend this movie for those that like hallmark movies.

Eloise Mumford is hands-down one of my favorite Hallmark actresses, she brings such warmth and sincerity to every role. Honestly, I've never seen a movie of hers I didn't like, and this one was no exception. The moment I saw the previews, I had a feeling it would be something special. Add Kevin McGarry to the mix, who always brings his A-game, and I was sold.

Liara and Leo's chemistry is almost immediate, and it feels natural-not forced or overly scripted, just two people falling into step with each other in the kind of way that makes your heart flutter a little. And can we talk about the donkey? Absolute scene-stealer. That sweet animal added such a charming, unexpected touch to the story.

But beyond the romance and the postcard-perfect scenery, it was Liara's emotional journey that stayed with me. Watching her pour love, grief, and hope into fixing up the villa for her mother gave the story depth. Her neighbors were quirky and loveable, and even the grumpy postal woman won me over-every side character added to the richness of the story.

There was one moment that hit me like a freight train. When Liara fell off the ladder and broke down, telling Leo through tears, "I just want my dad back," it stopped me in my tracks. I've said those exact words more times than I can count. That ache, that longing-it's something you never quite outgrow, no matter how much time passes. That scene was beautifully done and deeply human.

This movie has heart, humor, and a story that lingers long after the credits roll. It's the kind of film that wraps around you like a warm hug. And with that satisfying yet open-ended finale? I'd happily sign up for a sequel.

"Villa Amore" is one of the best Hallmark movies I've seen in a long time. It has depth. It's real and it's vulnerable. Leaving behind the common clichés, Hallmark has given us a movie that will make you believe that happily ever afters truly do exist. While there were no grand gestures, what we got was better. This is a sweet story of two people finding their forever love all while experiencing the magic of Italy. Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry both give fantastic and believable performances, making this a movie you actually won't want to miss. I hope we see Hallmark make more movies like this one!