If it weren't for the fact that this is slightly post-1990s TV-movie-ish (it is a TV movie, after all) and thus not quite as smooth, sleek, and developed as it might otherwise be, this would be a full 5 out of 5 stars! TV movies from the 1990s and before tended to be as good as anything seen in theaters, because the lighting, the musical score, and the cast made them so. But, this one, while still a product of its time, does seem more like the TV movies of the past than any I've seen this past decade or so!
This is honestly one of the best TV movies I've ever seen, and certainly the best Hallmark romcom I've ever seen! In fact, I would say this is the best romcom in general (theatrical release or not) of the decade so far!
Say what you will about the faults of the past, but if art reflects life at all, they did something right way back when, to create some of the most wholesome movies and music this world has ever known during the "golden age of Hollywood" and old Broadway, and we have never been as wholesome or romantic since. This movie recognizes and honors that wholesomeness by paying tribute to it in the love of its lead characters.
If you are a romantic and old movie buff like me, you will be awed at how much you relate to these characters, their shared love of classic b&w cinema, and old-time classic song standards. All this set against the backdrop of cozy old New York apartment buildings that harken back to the eras these characters watch so adoringly on the screen, and you have all the makings of a winner! This really was THAT GOOD!
I came upon this movie by chance, as it was one of those suggested for fans of the film "Random Encounter" (2013) that I had just watched, and being that there are an endless array of suggested movies at our fingertips these days, I almost passed right by it. But, the look of the leading lady stopped me in my tracks and I knew I had to see it!
Yes, you can have love at first sight, because when I first laid eyes on the leading lady of this film and saw the commercial for it, I knew it was for me! She reminded me of Joan Jett circa 1991-93 (the way she looked in her episode of "Highlander"). My Joanie!! I just kept thinking of Joan the whole time, and it made me love this even more. There was even a mention of Elvis, and the inclusion of the song "New York, New York" first made famous by Joanie's favorite actress and friend, Liza Minnelli. Plus, the leading man was a singer with fans, just like my Joanie! And the leading lady is a poetry buff, and I am a poet. So, this feels like OUR movie- and thus, I just can't say enough good things about it!
This is basically a Nora Ephron knockoff, and I love it! And no, I DID NOT see that twist at the end coming! What a sweet surprise that brought tears to my eyes!! Gosh, I love a good twist!!
This movie will make you feel nostalgic for a time we never had, and for the people we hardly have left (those kind of old folks are almost long gone by now), but it will also make you glad to be alive, thanks to all that talk of fate, the universe, and things happening for a reason- which is a really special balance. Yes, I'd say this is a Godwink movie!
I recommend this to fans of old Hollywood, romcoms, those who like to see more mature love stories (as opposed to teens or 20-30 year-olds), and those who believe in Godwinks.
If you liked "The Mirror Has Two Faces" (1996), "Serendipity" (2002), "Only the Lonely" (1991), and "Curtain Call" (1998), you'll love this!
UPDATE: As of 7:06 AM today 12/24/2022, I just found out that the leading lady who caught my eye and reminded me of my Joanie had actually portrayed Joanie's fave actress Liza in the Netflix mini-series "Halston". Wow- so when I said she reminded me of my Joanie, I was really onto something!
