Just One Kiss

I was surprised to see all the 10 reviews for this movie. Don't get me wrong. This movie has a lot going for it, but even relative to the genre it's in, is it a 10? (I'm all for giving a 10 to movies that don't have A list actors or appear in theatres if they have something special going for them. If it hits me in a special way.)

Hallmark has been in a rut now for a while with a lot of really bland movies. Sure, there's been a couple that were better than that, but many of us who rarely miss a Saturday night have felt something missing from so many of those movies. The same goes even more so for the other "knock off" channels.

I can see why so many people welcome this movie as a break from that. It has a lot of really good elements going for it. The dialogue is very good. The leads have chemistry. There are some little twists and turns here and there. There are a lot of nostalgic old school songs and even a couple of little dance routines. The one with the two kids is a lot of fun. The premise isn't quite the usual stuff. The moms make the viewer wonder about exactly what's going on there. It's a fun movie with a lot of upbeat moments and some slightly tender ones mixed in.

I can't personally give it a perfect score. The story is predictable especially the "misunderstanding". I thought the ending was rushed. I could have easily given the movie another 5-15 minutes screen time.

I had trouble with the background for the divorce. I can easily understand that Mia had good reasons, but the movie's explanations for Casey's failings fall short. For much of the movie, it seems like her only complaint was that his drinking led to some irresponsible episodes. Did they lose their apartment only because he lost his job? That doesn't seem to fit. Mia talks about his lies, but the way it's presented lacks gravity, at least until very late in the movie. Mia tells Casey that she's doing it for Rosie, but Rosie doesn't seem to display the wounds one would expect given her father's drinking. There doesn't have to be abuse to leave a child with trauma. I guess what I'm saying is that for anyone who hasn't seen what alcoholism can do to a family, the movie didn't explain the pain from which the family is trying to recover.

Krysta Rodriguez has a beautiful voice. I would have like to hear more of her. On the other hand, Santino Fontana had some spotty moments, especially early on. For the early part of the movie, I was thinking - this is a headliner? His performances later on get much better.

This was a really good romantic TV movie. Very original, well acted, and a bit of old Frank can never hurt. You always know how a Hallmark movie ends, but this journey was better than most. Very enjoyable.

I loved the singing in this movie. It breaks up the story telling with a nice tune every now & then and the smiles from the actors are contagious. I also enjoyed seeing ethnic characters in the lead, Italian, Jewish, Mexican, the moms were funny. The movie moved pretty fast for Hallmark, I mean he tried to kiss her on the 1st date! Lol I like these actors, they seemed more natural in their roles.

Loved it.

It's definitely worth watching, but all of the 10 out of 10 reviews are overselling the movie. It's good, not great.

I didn't like the bit about the mothers, although I could see lots of people enjoying them. The lead woman, though an interesting character, was overly sour. Her early exchanges with the lead man were heavily tinged with negativity. There were also a lot of coincidences (ex. Everyone bumps into each other in little old NYC) that could leave a viewer rolling their eyes.

But it's a Hallmark romance after all, and we all know the deal when watching these. I think this movie exceeds the average in this genre and delivers on the main selling points. The dialogue in the script and the acting were very good.

Just One Kiss is the most welcome Hallmark movie in a very long time. It departs from every standard device that Hallmark movies have used over and over. Of course, there is the aborted kiss, and the misunderstood moment that leads to separation and reconciliation. But other than those two standard cliches, everything about this films is the most refreshing breath of fresh air in a very long time. The hero is a musician who sings the oldies in a supper club.. He actually sings old Sinatra favorites, classic love songs, and sings them well. Once in a while , there is a slight quarter note off key..but not enough to daunt the listener. Our leading lady is a single mom, in the process of completing a contentious divorce, She is actually an intelligent college professor, and not the typical Hallmark smiling blonde who is looking for romance. She teaches a course in poetry, and is the object of some very insightful comments from her students, mostly about their observation of her love life.

There is a gay couple, portrayed with incredible maturity, love, intelligence, and not in a gratuitous manner. Bravo, Hallmark! Long overdue.

Added to this wonderful mix are the two mothers of the leading actors. One is a "typical" Italian mom, the other one a "typical" Jewish mom. While their behaviors, their love of their children, their efforts to make a match happen are a bit of a cliche, the roles are beautifully played by Aida Turturro and Ileana Douglas, two very established and competent actresses. A surprise ending is very creative and very emotional, bringing tears to ones eyes.

In all, this is a mature, very intelligent movie, with some wonderful music to listen to. Even the leading lady sings and dances beautifully. The relationships are intelligent, love develops in an intelligent, sensible way. This is a definite departure from the Hallmark films we are used to . In the very best way. Hallmark, please, send us more of this kind of movie!