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.

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.

Nice exploration of sensitive themes, nice acting, sweet end. A story charming for the jewels and gem tree and the rebelious teen niece and the assume of parent status of older brother with not pleasant result.

In short, a seductive Hallmark film , in my case, not ignoring the mentioned motives, for Tom Everett Scott and the sketches for jewels , absolutely poetic, one by one. In the first case, he is one of actors remembering my youth for his early roles and teen stories well interpreted. The seconfd, maybe as wake up of the hidde desire to create jewels .

So, like the other reviewer , I saw it as a pleasant film . And this is not exactly a real insignificant virtue.

While hallmark flare it is better than most. The female leads are quite good and believable. I would watch it again. Better storyline than previews suggest.

Good watch.

I really liked all the cast. I thought both Scott and Maestro did a excellent job but. Ballentine (Gemma) was the real reason this movie was so very good!