Love in the Maldives

I really like Jocelyn Hudon (Rae) and she's perfectly cast here in a role that requires her character to spend a lot of time in flattering swim suits. But she's not just a beautiful actress; she also convincingly conveys Rae's joy, confusion, anxiety and frustration. And she has a megawatt smile that shines bright when she's happy (that smile reminded me of Hallmark vet Ashley Williams).

Jake Manley (Jared) was a bit muted as a former med school student (really?) who looks like a California surfer. I didn't see much emotional range in his performance but he certainly looks the part of a resort diving and yoga instructor. And as the real life husband of Jocelyn Hudon, chemistry was a given.

For those of us who love Hallmark movies, but are a bit tired of nearly every one of their movies being filmed in Canada, even when set in the U. S., this gorgeous location was a very nice change of pace. The movie was actually filmed on Rangali Island, one of nearly 1,200 islands in the Maldives, which is in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It was set at the 151 room Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, which has been voted one of the best hotels in the world and is famous for its underwater restaurant.

Rae reminded me of the travel writer (Poppy) in Emily Henry's wonderful "People We Meet on Vacation", but the movie started with a scene that seemed very unlikely:

Boss: I need you to spend a week at a luxury resort in the Maldives. The fancy suite that I want you to stay in costs $15,000 a night, and it costs more than $2,000 just to get there, but we'll pay for everything.

Rae: Nah, that's not really me.

What????

And when she gets there, she basically blows off her boss' express instructions despite being informed that her print magazine (not many of those left) was merging with another magazine and going online (a little late). Such mergers typically result in job cuts and yet Rae was initially a bit blasé about her situation.

But she bonds with another solo traveler in a place where virtually all the guests are couples. I liked that relationship, which tied in nicely to Rae's column, and her relationship with Jared was light and breezy. In real life, these unattached singles would likely have just "hooked up". I though the escalation from introduction, to like, to love, in just a week, seemed... unlikely. But that's not uncommon in Hallmark movies.

Also, these kinds of geographically challenged relationships always have me asking what Drew Barrymore once asked in "Ever After": "A fish may love a bird, but where would they live?" And I certainly wasn't sold on the marketability, viability and value of Jared's Clarity Connection program.

But there were some clever dream sequences (including a fun transition to reality) that really worked for me and the location was beautifully filmed. Especially the many underwater scenes.

Still, if there's a line that shows up in more Hallmark movies than any other it might be "I haven't seen him this happy in a long time." It's a legitimate observation, but it is just soooooooo overused.

I liked this exchange though:

Jared's friend: "He's been a bit adrift" Rae: "Like the wandering shipwreck." Jared's friend: "And just like it, Jared has a heart of gold."

As for that shipwreck, well, a blind sailor could probably have found it.

My final quibble is, in fairness, about an annoying trope that shows up in most Hallmark movies: the 4th quarter conflict that is based on a misunderstanding that could have been cleared up in 30 seconds if anyone had made the slightest effort.

But this was such a visually appealing movie (including the gorgeous Jocelyn Hudon) that I gave it a relatively high (and probably undeserved) 8 stars.

If this has been filmed in Vancouver, as usual, and without Hudon, I doubt I would have given it more than a 5.

If you're watching a hallmark movie for original content then you're going to be terribly disappointed. It's a well known joke that all the plots are pretty much the same. You can almost clock the pace of the story right down to the conflict with about 15 minutes to go. A conflict that could've been avoided with simple communication.

That said it is what it is. But I'm glad that they are branching out with the locations - we have enough snowy small towns, pumpkin patches, made up European countries with a Prince or Princess. And it's nice to see different faces and a wee bit more diversity with the supporting casts. As a long time watcher, it's been the same 10 actors for about a decade.

I'm chuckling at the comments about the frosted hair on the male lead. Seriously '90s boy bands called and want their look back.

What can I say. It's a hallmark movie. Enjoy the scenery.

Come on Hallmark.. You can do better,well at least you did years back.

The leads had average chemistry,which is odd since read someplace they are an actual couple.

The female lead was over the top in her actions role,who directed her to act like this?

The only saving grace when shown,was the various locations.. Many pretty scenes,but all the clichés & other subpars ruin it.

You can fall asleep or basically predict what is or will be going on with,Hallmark movies without watching the whole movie.

The overall acting to actors chosen,was in addition to the leads also average.

Cinematography was pleasant,music needs fine tuning but was better than in past overpowering voices.

Would I recommend this? If your bored,need something to watch,enjoy any actors or like a cheesy(eye roll)movie.

The stories has been used before, but the scenery was absolute spectacular, and there was very very good chemistry between the two main characters. It was definitely believable, and I understand they are married in real life and you could see the spark between them.

I thought it was a good touch, showing people traveling alone and interracial couples cause that's part of life. I liked the older woman character whose husband had passed away, that was a nice addition to the story. Maybe Hallmark will do more movies about older( i.e. Over 40) people finding love and life.

It's Hallmark don't expect Bergman or Woody Allen dialogue or story but it's enjoyable and just a good piece of fluff.

A travel reporter is challenged to find something new for her and sent to this resort to find it. As far as story, what follows is very common for this premise combined with the idea of an exotic tropical location. The conflict was exactly as I expected it and likewise common for this premise. Same thing for the conclusion. Strictly in the sense of predictability. The last part of the movie was disappointing and unsatisfying.

The scenery was beautiful. Throw in some sets that show an underwater bedroom (enclosed obviously) as well as an unwater dining and party area. Some of the water scenes show luminescence of both fish and algae. One flaw in the natural scenery is that Rae is repeatedly shown snorkeling in about 6 feet of water with a smooth bottom having little plant life or obstructions. One of these scenes shows her looking for interesting objects and finding one. This is not where experienced people go to snorkel.

Jocelyn Hudon is one of Hallmark's youngest regular leads and she is one of my favorites for the under 35 crowd and has a fairly extensive portfolio or resume of rom/coms. Hallmark and the other networks need more actors in her age bracket.

Hudon and Jake Manley have decent chemistry. The dialogue, like the story, is nothing special making this movie more appealing for nature and scenery than for script.