Accidental Family

This is clearly a very low budget local production, the kind of production where all of the extras are listed in the credits. I have seen quite a few of those in my time, and this one has its good points.

The plot has some striking similarities to While You Were Sleeping, and a lot of the same feel. That is really something of a strength, albeit unoriginal. To say it is cheesy would be too obvious, but to me the real cheese was Swiss, as in holes in the story. Just don't think about this one too much and you will enjoy it more. In some ways that is a lot like your typical Hallmark movie, but I think this one is a bit more guilty.

Aside from that, there is something to enjoy here. The lead actress does a good job in her role, even if some of what she does defies logic. The actress playing the fiancé is good as well, to the point that you hate her just like you are supposed to. Most of the other cast act well enough not to be a distraction.

I actually liked the final act. Most of the "twists" are of course predictable, but it is still sweet and satisfying. Like I said though, just don't think about the explanations too much. If this came out of Hollywood, it would be a lower grade, but I have to give it a 5.

Watch the movie if you live or have lived in St Joseph. Wonderful views of the city. Also Joe Morack (Oscar) is the only actor who can act convincingly. Otherwise watch a movie you've seen before again. I can see that the attempt to make a good movie was taken, but the writing and acting make this movie suffer. Few of the actors are believable in their roles. Clearly overacting or in a few cases, not even trying at all. But maybe the actors suffer by the lack of great writing. Overall it's a decent movie for locals, knowing that a movie was made in their town, but for mass consumption definitely not. Made for public access cable channels.

PS. Be wary of the ratings on here. Anything higher than a 4 was made by the production crew and the actors.

This movie was poor quality and a waste of time (it bordered on cringeworthy). We rented it because of the reviews and IMDb rating thinking it was a hidden gem. Read the actual reviews from film critics that are linked (wish we would have before watching) since those are more accurate. The extras in the movie and friends of the director, writer, producer, and editor (all the same fellow) wrote the IMDb reviews. I've never written an IMDb review before, but felt compelled given that the reviews are gamed. Plot was unbelievable and trite, the acting extremely uneven, and the direction was subpar.

This is a cute, family- friendly movie with likeable characters, a small town setting and an evil spoiled. It's not for movie fans who need poignancy and depth. It's just not that kind of movie. Very similar in plot to "While You Were Sleeping," and a number of other rom coms, in my opinion, but most movies are similar to something else these days, particularly in this genre.

We live in such a cynical world, the tendency is to nit pick and tear things apart, turning them into studies instead of sheer entertainment, but the movie is engaging and sweet if you give it a few minutes, say 10 or 15, the acting was fine considering the depth of the script, and the ending ticked all the feel good boxes. I'm not usually a rom com fan, but I enjoyed it.

I had the opportunity to watch the premiere located in St. Joseph, MO. In a charming little rustic church downtown. I was excited to watch this movie due to seeing Christmas at the Chateau and someone who like rom-coms it was a no brainer to go. Hope to go back and try 3 Wishes Bakery, too bad they didn't have those at the premiere for all guests.

The movie was predictable, so it felt to take a while to get to the point. The beginning was slow moving, the rewind/fast-forward motion graphic seemed was not pleasant on the eyes and too much of it.

After doing some research I come to find out the Noyes home, is a real play in St. Joseph, MO however it is no longer an orphanage. Parents/guardians have all legal rights to their children and they are only placed there until the family can be reunited. I am thankful they didn't use this movie for a fundraising attempt.

Back to the movie Olivia's character is relatable by so many in society. Longing to be seen by a certain person, finding their family, wanting to just feel included (which is everyone). I didn't like the part where the chest hit her in the head because you can tell it was super fake. Megan's character was the typical two faced stuck up individual. I do think that it should have played out more on her and Alex. The grandmother was hilarious to watch.

A lot of the actors are theater actor which you can tell on the big screen. The actors haven't fully channeled their characters to fluently play on a big screen. When actors are to cry, they need to cry and not just make the sound of crying.

Oscar was wonderful to watch, the actor was casted fantastic.

The ending was a bit over the top. It definitely pulls at the heartstrings but unrealistic how the end conversation go.

This is the typical movie you would see on Hallmark, would be good to add there due to it being relatable.