'Valentine in the Vineyard' is the third film in the 'Into the Vineyard' trilogy, after 'Autumn in the Vineyard' and 'Summer in the Vineyard'. It is also the first of the 2019 Countdown to Valentines Day films, a very short series of films this year, followed by 'The Story of Us' and 'Love Romance and Chocolate'. Of the other two 'Into the Vineyard' films, 'Autumn' is the best one and that was pretty good, while 'Summer' disappointed while still being watchable enough.
As far as the 'Into the Vineyard' films go, 'Valentine in the Vineyard' is in the middle. Better than 'Summer' but not as good as 'Autumn', with strong flashes of what was good about 'Autumn' but also with flashes of what disappointed about 'Summer'. Of the three 2019 Countdown to Valentine's Day films, it is second best after 'Love Romance and Chocolate'. 'Valentine in the Vineyard' is not great or flawless, but it's enjoyable enough if not too much is expected. It is my feeling though that one does have to see the previous two films beforehand to save any confusion.
Will agree that the indecision and constant flip flopping of decision making was a bit too much and annoying, which makes one frustrated by the characters and motivations at points. It also tries to do a little too much in the plot, on paper it does sound thin structurally but the double wedding and double engagement sees a good deal going on and it started feeling on the busy side.
It doesn't always flow in the dialogue and some of the sentiment could have been toned down. While Rachael Leigh Cook does fine, her character is a bit too neurotic this time.
However, there is a lot to like. Cook and Brendan Penny are still very engaging and bring a lot of charm and heart to their roles, never looking uncomfortable or bored. Their chemistry is sweet and never felt forced. The supporting cast are good as well. The characters could have had more dimension but they are not as one-dimensional as they are in 'Summer'. The direction is never hyperactive but also not pedestrian.
The vineyard setting is beautiful and made the most of, the scenery in general is beautiful and shot well. The music doesn't overbear or intrude, things that can happen in Hallmark films. The script isn't perfect, but it is sincere, has playful moments and doesn't take itself overly seriously. The story is warm-hearted and charming, if on the busy end of things, with some nice energy, and the ending is less predictable than most endings for Hallmark films.
Overall, decent end to the trilogy. 6/10.
