Romancing the Birthday Girl

Overall, this is worth watching. I like that the lead character has issues and quirks, which make her human. The story doesn't meander much or get distracted by unnecessary B-plots.

What I don't like is how the leads exude goofiness with each other throughout. I guess that's how they work the "com" into "rom-com," but to me it becomes annoying and detracts from any sense of romance. Having a laugh with each other is important, but these two would probably joke their way through wedding vows, all while pretending they aren't actually getting married.

A review for a Hallmark Rom-Com movie can be hard to do. So here goes. First, it is an Hallmark movie. Enough said. Second, the story seemed believable, even if it has been done before. Third, the actors played well together and had chemistry. Four, it was just a pleasant watch, like a soak in the tub with fragrance.

Taylor is a type A kind of gal. She is very organised, she follows her routine everyday, she has everything scheduled. So, on her 30th birthday her parents lead her to a time capsule, in which there are 6 challenges she has to complete in order to get the real present.

I liked it, I thought it was nice. I may be biased because I really like Emilie and I always find something in her characters that I relate to (this was no exception). I thought she and Clayton had little chemistry, but still enjoyable.

So, this movie is about Taylor stepping out of her comfort zone, partly thanks to Josh. And isn't that lovely? Having someone who helps you overcome your fears and anxieties? I could see myself in Taylor but I wished it was that easy to make the next step.

Other than that, there is nothing to highlight about the movie. This was filmed during the pandemic, so there aren't many more characters. The Sara storyline was unnecesary and Josh's daughter was boring. (sorry)

An entertaining hour and twenty three minutes, but it won't go on my favourites list.

On her thirtieth birthday, Taylor (Emilie Ullerup) receives a set of six envelopes containing challenges. They were written by her deceased mother, perhaps because she knew her daughter would need a catalyst to produce meaningful changes in her life. Indeed, Taylor lives an extremely structured new-age life, full of affirmations without many realizations.

A new neighbor, Josh (Clayton James), enters her life, and he becomes her aide in fulfilling the maternal injunctions. It's a natural development that might lead to romance, especially in a Hallmark film.

The problem with this story is the writing, which lacks subtlety (even for a Hallmark romance), beating the viewer over the head with symbolic gestures, coincidences, and too-cute incidents.

I enjoyed Emilie and Clayton in this movie. I loved the journey that her character's mother left her to complete on her thirtieth birthday. Hallmark delivered a story from start to finish on facing and embracing your fears-the movie had a heartwarming and happy ending.