Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone

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.

I did not get very far into this movie. I just couldn't get past the character of Gemma. I can put up with a lot of convenient plot, bad acting, and general "cheese" from Hallmark stuff, but bratty children plot devices are my line in the sand. Gemma is, quite possibly, the most annoying adolescent character I've ever come across in a Hallmark film. Not even Mary from The Secret Garden (1987) is this annoying and she's *supposed* be a snot at the beginning. Gemma just shows up out of nowhere, claiming she's Benedict's niece. The next thing you know she's living with him, managing his diet, and telling him how to run *his* business! Now, she might be right about the client not wanting the more traditional ring, but there's a time and a place, and that was neither. This might be a perfectly fine, straight down the middle Hallmark film, but the annoying lead girl irritated me enough to turn it off. I don't understand how this is getting so many 9 and 10 reviews.

4/10 Because I liked the actors who played Benedict and Emilia, and that beautiful, beautiful location.

Wow! This movie was the first "marriage recovery" story I've ever watched that didn't feel at all depressing. In fact, it was beautiful and sweet and full of hope. For me, it was the niece's bright cheeriness and the uncle/husband's precious loyalty and gentlemanliness that made this movie so good.

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.

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.