It Was Always You

I was completely enchanted with this romantic and funny film featuring Tyler Hynes and Erin Krakow, while watching it last night on our DVR. They have "zing," the word used in the movie for chemistry, and it is not just because we are told in the movie that they do. There were real, laugh out loud moments, great one liners and crackling exchanges between the characters. I loved the romantic confession at the end of the movie that perfectly mirrored an earlier moment. I also loved the idea that a true love challenges you to remember and be your true self. This seemed to be the central theme of the film, and the wonderfully spunky Paula Shaw (who really should be in more Hallmark films!) was the one to expound on this theme for us as the grandma. This movie felt fresh in the world of Hallmark films and stayed with me after watching it. Sometimes a Hallmark movie is enjoyable enough in the moment, but the next day I barely remember what happened in the film, as though it was a vapor or cotton candy. This film has more to recommend it. It is truly a delight.

This was a great storyline with great acting. Please let's have a sequel!

The first really annoying scene was at the restaurant that wouldn't sell a slice of Key lime pie unless the customer orders and eats 3 dozen oysters, which appears to be all it sells. It employs a waitress who brings 2 bottles of beer to customers who ordered a Chardonnay and a water, then drops off a check without apologizing. That's not charming and a restaurant like that would likely (and should) go out of business. That said, it does set up a nice moment later on.

The movie also goes a little overboard in making Erin Krakow's Elizabeth and Giles Patton's George seem like fun hating nerd robots. George is basically a caricature and the scene where Lizzie places a complicated ice cream order (presumably meant as an homage to Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally) was not endearing (although she was thoughtful enough to hand the worker a written list).

Tyler Hynes' David comes across as a pleasant free spirited guy at first, but he orders ice cream without having any money and then selfishly and thoughtlessly plays bad, really loud rock music in the kitchen at 2am which wakes up Lizzie (and presumably everyone else). He then interferes with Lizzie's wedding appointments after promising not to.

But, eventually, the movie settles into a more enjoyable groove (love the use of "How Will I live"). And every artist on the planet will have artist studio envy once they see the location of Louise's studio. The house is also quite lovely and the cool treehouse is worth a star just by itself.

I enjoyed the gradual awakening by Lizzie and her growing affection for David. I just wish he was a cousin instead of George's brother, although that was handled gracefully at the end.

It's probably a 6 star movie but that treehouse was really cool.

This was a good one! I really enjoyed it. It's a lighthearted romcom with good writing and acting. Fun plot, even though it was predictable. Believable chemistry and cute banter from Erin and Tyler. 8/10!

The 2 lead actors are always a fan favorite. This is the only Hallmark movie introduced this year that I enjoy. I watch it whenever I see it is on. I see comments on Erin's hair, but I think it suits her character in this role.