Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone

Benedict Stone (Tom Everett Scott) is breaking up with his wife (Mía Maestro). One rainy night, his niece Gemma Stone (Ella Ballentine) suddenly shows up. He's been estranged from his brother for 20 years and has never met his niece. She claims to have lost her phone and can't remember her dad's phone number.

The movie starts with the obvious question of who is Gemma. There are some obvious possible avenues to take. One must also remember that this is Hallmark. There are a few possibilities. One big clue is Ben's comment that she looks like her brother. That zeroed in on a couple of solutions and it becomes a matter of waiting. The story itself is not that compelling. The characters are not that interesting either. Ben is moppy. In Gemma's case, she's random and obviously pushing an agenda. The mystery is not actually that mysterious. In that sense, the mystery remains the same throughout and it's a lot of waiting for the reveal. In the end, the reveal is underwhelming. It's probably the safest and least interesting of all the possibilities. This is not that interesting.

The film is fine, but the lead apparent 16 year old is not only incredibly annoying but she is clearly 21 and literally is plus the overacting of her pretending to be is dreadful.

It's hard it ignore when she is in most scenes.

Otherwise it's a typical TV movie.

This is a romantic story about a separated couple being shepherded back together by a supposed 16 year old niece. For me, the niece Gemma was the highlight, but the reconciliation story was sweet also.

Acting is good. There is chemistry between Mía Maestro and Tom Everett Scott. Despite the separation, Gemma's line that they are hopelessly in love (or just hopeless) is accurate even from the beginning. Emilia's character has been too much taken for granted and she needed far more comfort from her husband through their failed efforts at conceiving a child. That's where Gemma comes in. All of this is laid out fairly early in the story.

The general outcome is predictable as is Gemma's role in it. Even so Ella Ballentine's energy as Gemma, and how she infects Benedict with it, is a joy to watch. Maestro is immediately sympathetic as Emilia. She has a elegant beauty and a appealing personality.

Perhaps I should have expected the conflict because something from that direction was inevitable, but it caught me a little by surprise in how it played out.

My only complaint is that the 20 year old, Ballentine, seemed even more mature to me and I had a hard time accepting her as 16.

This is a beautiful movie about second chances with romance, mystery, funny scenes and gemstones as Benedict Stone turns his life around with the help of his young niece.

7.4 stars.

Two brothers Benedict and Charlie Stone, have been estranged for about 20 years. Charlie's 15 year old daughter shows up at Benedict's home out of the blue and reveals to him that she's his niece. Let the drama commence. Benedict is also on the outs with his wife and she is staying at a friend's house. Benedict's life is upside down. His niece Gemma whom he's never met, methodically changes him into a better man. His previously fulfilling and successful life is put back in order. The end.

There are several glaring incongruities in this film, however it's very entertaining and informative. I was entranced by how all the actors work very well together. The niece is intriguing and fun, and Benedict's character simply needs a few tweeks to get him back on track. The aspects that are difficult to believe are that Gemma is 15, because the actress is obviously closer to 20 years old. The reasons that his wife has "separated" from him are shallow and lacking in originality and depth. Can't get everything right in these films, so I just decided to go with it and enjoy the experience. I was not disappointed. 'Rise and Shine...' is a good time. Not quite a 7.5 star (rounded up to 8) in my opinion, so I'll settle on 7.4.