Deux billets pour le paradis

Say "Hallmark movie" and you almost immediately can guess the progression of the plot. That's not a criticism as it's always in the execution. And this particular show executes well with a man and a woman who meet after being jilted on their wedding day and end up at the same honeymoon hotel in Hawaii. Yeah, you can guess what happens. But Ashley Williams is so FUNNY and delightful that you almost forget this is a Hallmark movie. Whether it's weeping uncontrollably in a bathroom, freaking out at a Haunted Hawaii tour or estimating the risks associated with jumping off a waterfall (she's an actuary) Ashley is a lot of fun. Paevy has an easygoing charm as her romantic foil and, for those who may be interested, actually takes off his shirt a couple of times.

I enjoyed this movie. Ryan Paevey and Ashley Williams did a nice job with this Hallmark show.

They really didn't sizzle together, but were still fun.

There were a couple of miscast characters. Becca was decidedly boring and Hanna's mother looked younger than Ashley Williams.

Ryan Paevey was mighty easy on the eyes and was a shirtless treat. The story was a pleasant departure from the usual Romcom fare. Thank you Hallmark.

Another storyline from Hallmark I haven't seen before.

Also another Hallmark movie where I couldn't guess the ending. Watched till the end.

Great scenery-loved the location. Got the true island feel.

Ryan Paevey brought his usual natural approach to his character while Ashley Williams seemed a bit over the top in some scenes.

Chemistry had more a friend vibe than romantic.

Also enjoyed the scenes with the newly married gay couple. I'm friends with people like that couple. They're fun to be around. Thank you, Hallmark for including them.

And lastly, Hallmark has to give Ryan Paevey a sequel movie or show starring his character in this movie.

It's kinda funny, but sad too, that we're so polarized these days, and that people will waste their time review-bombing a tv-movie because they're so afraid of reality.

They're mad that after years, even decades of bland, by-the-numbers, dated storylines, Hallmark is finally embracing reality and including gay characters in their movies.

And what's so funny -- and ironic -- is these terrified folks have no idea how many of Hallmark's (and any other soap opera-type channel's) LEADING MEN are in fact gay, including some of their most popular. On top of that, some are publicly out -- like Peter Porte, Luke MacFarlane and Jonathan Bennett -- and not ashamed or afraid of what anyone thinks of their orientation.

Having said that, it's indeed sad that there are still people out there who have been taught to condemn, shame, and even disown their own children, simply for loving someone of their own sex. They didn't choose to be gay, it's not a "lifestyle choice"...yet they're cast out because they're different. But that too is changing big time. Fewer and fewer people every year are going to these evangelical churches and believing all the bigotry and hate.

So go ahead, downvote all you like. That won't change the FACT that the overwhelming majority of the public is not only not afraid of gay people, they have gay friends and acquaintences they love -- and enjoy movies like this one where Hallmark is starting to embrace what has always been a small percentage of the population.

Thank you Hallmark for making an effort with movies like this, to include characters that represent everyone. And also for hiring gay actors who aren't ashamed of their orientation. This movie was pretty damn good, especially compared to all the cheesy Christmas fluff.

Hannah Holt (Ashley Williams) and Josh Wyatt (Ryan Paevey) are both dumped on their wedding days. They happen to meet soon after and are thrust together by coincidences time and again until they coincidentally find themselves staying at the same Hawaiian hotel. Having shared the same fate, they commiserate. The chemistry between these two is good, and individually the two characters are very likable.

Since this is a Hallmark romance, the eventual ending is no surprise, but the journey getting there is filled with spectacular Hawaiian scenery and lighthearted fun.

Watch for Kimee Balmilero who plays the part of the spunky hotel employee, Kailani, adding energy to her scenes and serving as an unofficial Hawaiian ambassador. The island of Oahu looks so inviting. Anyone for shave ice?