The Real West

My wife and I enjoyed this movie last night, and although we were prepared for something a little more hokey, we were pleasantly surprised by the storyline, the level of acting, and undeniable chemistry between the two leads. The strong silent type is underrated.

The scene where the family shares their emotional good-byes was very touching... Watching it again right now, and picking up on little nuances I missed last night, and enjoying some poignant moments once more. Both actors gave Hallmark tenure, but together they are believable, enjoyable and memorable. Now that I'm inspired, where is my cowboy hat?

I thought this movie was well done and that the chemistry between the leads was off the charts. Both Kimberly Sustad and Lucas Bryant showed through their body language how attracted they were, yet how life circumstances held them back from acting upon their desires. It seemed totally plausible to me. Having spent a vacation at a ranch in Montana, I know how quickly you can feel closeness with the other people who stay there.

The plot was not simplistic and insipid (as it was in the "Heiress" movie from last week). It was a well written script with excellent performances by everyone in the cast. Definitely recommend it and would watch it again (and again and again).

(How much more can I add to this review to meet the minimum character requirement?)

I loved this movie. It was romantic (which is the Hallmark standard), but it wasn't formula (you know, the tired old story about a boy meeting a girl, they hate each other then fall in love...yawn). We have a unique plot and a mom who loves her kids and whose kids love her back. Yes, she's a widow (but how can an older woman fall in love again if she isn't a widow and ex-husbands tend to be so messy). The young men who play their sons do a great job and the girl who plays the oldest son's girlfriend was absolutely adorable!

Without giving away the story line, I think I'll just say die hard Hallmark fans will love this movie.

P.s. I didn't give it a 10 because I reserve that for Oscar-worthy movies, but a 9 means I love, love, love it.

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

Darn-this character minimum.

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

In this Hallmark romantic film, Rebecca is a professor of the American West who is chasing tenure. She takes her kids, Ollie and Noah, to a working ranch with her Mother Maureen and her sister Cassidy. There she meets a handsome cowboy, who turns out to be a former rodeo star and current horse whisperer...who just happens to be her sister's new boyfriend.

I have loved Lucas Bryant ever since he played the romantic lead Nathan in the Haven series. So, I was thrilled to see him in this Hallmark film. My favorite scene was the meet cute in the hat shop, when Jake picks out three hats for the kind of woman Rebecca is. I loved seeing James Denton and I thought Lynda Boyd, who played Rebecca's mother Maureen, was wonderful.

Kimberley Sustad does a great job playing the widow Rebecca, who is not only trying to do the right thing...but questioning herself. I thought she and Lucas Bryant had great chemistry and I am hoping they will get more screen time.

I loved the song Cowboys Like Me...it was an instant Shazam for me and I will be adding it to my playlist.

This is a big recommendation to romantics who love hallmark films.