Coup de foudre aux Maldives

First of all, I base my number of stars off a combination of both my score and my grandmother's score whom I watch these movies with. I rated it a three, she rated it a five hence the official score of four. The first negative to this movie was the fact that this story line has been done before. I realize every movie is basically the same, but this had zero originality to it. Just from the drop it was hard to try and stay engaged and interested in the movie. It did have some beautiful scenery shots that were well done, but it's in the Maldives so that should basically be a given. The acting in general is the other big negative to the movie. I can't remember the main lead males name (sorry), but his acting was absolutely atrocious and came across as extremely cheesy. This movie is definitely a hard pass for both of us.

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.

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.

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.

Rae Parker (Jocelyn Hudon) is a travel writer forced to go to the Maldives on an assignment. Jared Joseph (Jake Manley) is the Experience Director trying to get his plan together. She's looking for a story especially a legendary shipwreck.

I don't know these actors. They are beautiful people, but seem more like secondary performers. She's mildly humorous and he's mildly charming. This is not really about the acting or the story. It's location, location, location. It may be shown on Hallmark, but it's more fitting on the Travel Channel. I am often looking into the background more than paying attention to the characters. It's a great looking resort although the filmmaker could make it look more epic.