Mes parents terribles

'A Lesson in Romance' was one of those films where this reviewer was very unsure as to whether she would like it. Have always liked comedy, and there are many great ones (some being favourites), and do like it when it revolves around family. The premise was potentially cute and amusing, though it was also one of those it could go either way ones. Have seen Kristy Swanson in a lot of things and have liked much of it, whether in comedy or in drama.

Was quite surprised, pleasantly so, by 'A Lesson in Romance'. The premise was not as cheesy as feared in hindsight, and while not as good as the positive reviews here suggest with it falling short of great, it is much better than the too low rating indicates. It is easy to expect something terrible looking at it, having seen films with similar ratings actually being that bad or worse, but while there are far better comedies out there 'A Lesson in Romance' was nice inoffensive fun taking it for what it is.

The acting is better than average, with Swanson bringing a lot of zest to her role. The chemistry between the cast is very easy going, full of charm and wit, and never looks stiff. The characters are strongly written, with strengths and also flaws without either extreme being exaggerated.

Moreover, the various relationships are on the whole done well with nothing being far fetched or too silly, and did appreciate that the film took its time exploring them. There is lots of comedy here and a lot of it is very funny and laugh out loud in quality, not subtle but the silliness doesn't go too far and there isn't anything crass or vulgar. The film is nicely made and the music fits well enough.

However, 'A Lesson in Romance' could have been a good deal better. The story is often very predictable, especially the easily telegraphed and too neat ending, and some of the pacing is a bit too leisurely. Especially when the story got thinner, which it did in the second half. Not all the writing hits either, the comedy is mostly just right apart from moments where it goes a touch too over the top. The more serious moments are a little too on the saccharine side.

Plus that first work dedicated to the Spanish language goof is pretty facepalm inducing and pretty unforgivable in a film centered around education.

Overall, fun and better than expected if unexceptional. 6/10.

This was a feel-good, light-heart'd and fun movie. I was quite surprised and that's why I never really take the ratings for my own face value. The only reason the ratings are good sometimes, is because the higher rated movies tend to get watched sooner than the lower rated ones. I make them more a priority by focusing on them because I only have one life to enjoy them right now (until I discover how to have more than one life, I have to take advantage of the super good movies now while I have one life to live). But there are some gems and quality movies out there that I want to form my own opinion upon. This was one of them. It was funny, and light! I like these kind of movies. I actually raised my hands and clapped after this movie in praise. More movies like this are in store and in order for me. I'm not going into too much detail about this one because it's the kind of movie one has to form their own opinion about AFTER VIEWING IT! When a stressful day calls for a perfect anecdote, this is the kind of movie I want coming to my rescue. Keep bringing it Hallmark, you're picking them just fine right now, in my honest opinion. I'm enjoying all of them. So thanks very much!

This cute but not painful comedy about parents who enroll in college to be near their twin children is surprisingly funny and different. The story is cleverly written without getting slapstick.

The leads are likable too. Kristy Swanson (original Buffy) has now moved into mature roles and she is quite good. Allie Gonino of The Lying Game plays her daughter and is the other familiar face. In less capable hands things might have come across as painful in parts but here things are done quite well and the dialog and scenarios kept fresh.

Worth one watch.