Fiona Gubelmann is an amiable enough actress and Brendan Penny is good with the right material and leading lady (and also if his character is written well, all three have varied). 2019 was a mixed bag of a year for Hallmark and the Spring Fever block had both winners (i.e. 'Bottled with Love') and misfires (i.e. 'A Brush with Love'), but was very interested in seeing a Hallmark film centered primarily around Easter, which luckily is made the most of here without being abused.
'Easter Under Wraps' is worth seeing. It isn't great, with a few noticeable and not exactly small shortcomings. As far as the 2019 Spring Fever films go, it's neither one of the best or worst. Likewise with the whole 2019 Hallmark output overall. Instead solid middle and one of the just a little above average inoffensive one time watch type of films. Which is not too bad a position to be in. So quite liked 'Easter Under Wraps' without being mind blown.
Am going to start with the shortcomings. It does start ropey with some awkward, cheesy dialogue and dull pacing, while also not connecting at all with Penny's character (a case of character flaws being taken to extremes). Like a vast majority of Hallmark's output, 'Easter Under Wraps' is formulaic plot wise, a familiar structure done little new with.
Wasn't a fan of the daughter character, do agree that she was too cute and too much of a superfluous plot device.
However, 'Easter Under Wraps' works in many ways. Gubelman is immensely charming throughout and once Penny's character relaxes his quiet charisma and easy going nature shine throughout. While not exactly firing on all cylinders, the chemistry between them is there and is natural and sweet. The supporting cast on the whole are solid. The characters aren't complex but also don't come over as one-dimensional, though Penny's character was close to that to begin with.
It is a good looking film, especially the scenery. Something that Hallmark often delivered on, even in their misfires. The music isn't over-scored or too constant. When the film gets going, the script flows more and becomes more mature (without being too sentimental) and manages to balance amusing and sentiment well as well as individually. The story doesn't start off promisingly, but again when it gets going it is light-hearted, warm and has a lot of charm and sincerity.
Nice, undemanding if not exceptional Spring Fever film on the whole. 6/10.
