Love at Sunset Terrace

The story is pretty simple based on a lot of formula elements. Burnt out exec follows her gran from years before to a beautiful, slow-paced, vacation setting. She meets a widower with a pre-teen daughter who is afraid to move forward. She convinces him to throw a party and they work together to do it. She promises to be there for it, so you can figure out the rest of the movie like many before it. No real surprises or tension.

But this movie catches the secret of living life at a slower pace. It's funny how one reviewer sees things one way and another totally opposite. I thought Ellen Woglom and Carlo Marks had great chemistry. Throw in the daughter and the combination is even better. Through a big part of the movie's middle, at least two of these spent a lot of screen time together because the director doesn't drag out presenting the situation causing the tension. We get to see the relationships blossom.

I loved Kailey especially "We're going to have a party!!!!!"

The setting for the movie was gorgeous and there are a lot of shots and sequences that take it all in.

I really loved the story and the setting; Carlo Marks, as usual, is very good.

However, I think that the choice of the actress was not a smart move: she looks older than him even if she is a good actress.

This movie is cute and sweet. A great way to spend a couple of hours. I am a fan of Carlo Marks. So that is always enjoyable to see him in movies. He plays Michael a protective Dad to his daughter Kailey. Michael is also a widower. When along comes Sophie who is 'burned out' from her job. Carlo Marks and Ellen Woglom have great chemistry together in this movie. I like the moments of comedy and a bit of flirtation between them in some scenes. Erica Tremblay plays the adorable daughter Kailey. Who sees an opportunity to play matchmaker for her Dad Michael. I love Hallmark Movies. So I know how they work. I love that there is always a happy ending.

'Love at Sunset Terrace' (2020)

Opening thoughts: 'Love at Sunset Terrace' was watched with high expectations, after wanting to see some films that weren't Hallmark or Lifetime but were in similar vein. The title is absolutely adorable. Have liked Carlo Marks in other things. Was not as keen on the premise, which is one of those not much special could go either way ones. Not all the reviews were promising either.

While it is far from perfect, there for me was still a lot to like about 'Love at Sunset Terrace'. Was not so sure about the female lead character for example, though other films have fared a lot worse at less than likeable characters including from this company. 'Love at Sunset Terrace' is though a lot more appealing than it sounds and much easier to relate to than initially thought. Not great, but worth watching with a lot of good things.

Bad things: Getting the not so good things out of the way, it is indeed very formulaic, a lot of cliches here (was expecting this considering the summary, but there are films that are cliched but do something different with them) and very few of them are given freshness or variation. Meaning that everything maps out pretty much what is expected.

Also found that it took a while for me to connect with the female lead character. Her behaviour in the first quarter is too over the top and unrealistically so. The pacing could have been tighter as well in spots.

Good things: So much is done well in 'Love at Sunset Terrace' however. Ellen Woglom, once her character calmed down and her behaviours became more realistic, gives still a charming and vigorous performance and the character becomes more relatable. Marks has the much more consistently likeable character and he is very amiable and down to earth in it, always looking comfortable without being too laid back. Erica Tremblay is simply adorable and not cutesy or annoying at all.

The chemistry between the three of them was poignant and heart-warming, not just the sweet genuine chemistry between the two leads but also Tremblay's heartfelt, smile worthy rapport with both leads. On the whole, the characters are done well and easy to get behind. The production values are beautiful to look at, the scenery being gorgeous.

While not mind blowing, the music is pleasant at least and fits, didn't find it too loud (a tendency with this type of film) or drab. The direction is sympathetic while also having momentum. The script flows well and is not awkward, too cheesy or too sentimental. The story ia immensely charming, light hearted and moving, as well as easy to relate to, in spite of the pacing inconsistency and predictability.

Closing thoughts: Not great but quite good on the whole.

7/10.

I disagree with some of the reviewers here who criticized Ellen Woglom more severely than she deserves. The very thin actresses look unhealthy. So, it is great to see healthy actresses, such as Ellen, in these better romantic films.

She could have worn more flattering pants through the film, if one is looking at what the actors/actresses wear. Male actors get away with non-flattering clothes. Double standards here, right?

Not everyone is focused on wearing designer clothes all the time.

I enjoy Carlo Marks. His acting is never overdone, and he appears to be great with children. The romantic films I have seen him in, include children.

Ellen also did not over-act as in too many of the romance films where the actresses have way too many fake smiles and acting, etc. Ellen appears more down to earth, relaxed, and comfortable. As Carlo was.

The story, taking place in a modest B&B, rather than a high end resort, is a welcome change as well.

Enjoy this feel good, romantic film, with a great story!