2015 did see some good Hallmark films, as well as some bad ones and plenty in between. Had a good feeling that 'Hello It's Me' would work, with it having one of the most appealing and relatable-sounding premises of 2015's Hallmark batch and have always admired it when Hallmark tackle mature themes regardless of the execution. Have seen Kellie Martin and Kavan Smith in other things, and while Martin is a bit take and leave Smith have near consistently impressed me in spite of being in some misfires.
'Hello It's Me' on the whole turned out quite well. 2015 did see some good Hallmark Movies and Mysteries films and 'Hello It's Me' is one of them. While not one of the best 2015 Hallmark films overall, it is certainly closer to that extreme than the worst in my view. There is also a lot to like in 'A Gift of Miracles' and it does a nice job with its premise and relatable family themes, it started off a little uncertain but grew significantly when the characters and relationships did.
Not everything succeeds. It is a bit of a slow starter, with less than tight pacing and dialogue that goes a bit too far too far on the maudlin. It took me a bit of time to warm to Martin's character, who even for the situation seemed too mopey and stuck in the past which took somewhat too long to shake off.
Smith's character is a little too clueless towards the end.
A lot is good here though. The latter stages did see me connect more with Martin's character and understanding her point of view and Martin does give a very heartfelt performance that is one of her most natural, no signs of phoning in or being too affected. Smith is very subtle and sympathetic and they have a lovely gentle and always genuine chemistry that develops realistically. The younger cast also do well, especially the daughter in the second half. Very touching chemistry with Smith later on. The situation is a true to life and relatable one and once the film got going it did do well at allowing one to connect to the characters after an uncertain start.
Furthermore, it t is beautifully filmed and the scenery is stunning to look at. The music is not intrusive, and didn't feel too melodramatically loud, repetitive or too constant (all of which being common with Hallmark's music), actually found it very sensitive. The direction lets the drama breathe while not allowing it to drag. The script is sincere and mature without being too melodramatic or too serious, while not sugar coating. The same goes for the gentle, charming and moving story, which is not always as fleshed out as it could have been but the good intentions and sincerity were to be admired all the way through as was the relatability of the themes.
Overall, well executed, honest and touching. 7/10.
