Shifting Gears

In my over 2000+ reviews here (ouch,) I have repeatedly discussed the Great Canadian X-Mas Movie Factory, and the Great Canadian Rom Com Machine. Canada's film sector was jump-started decades ago based on changes to their tax code. Who would have imagined that, half a century later, their film output is best known for Santa Claus and soap operas? This one checks all the boxes, the dialog is adequate, and the story is predictable but pleasant. The two oddities are ... (1) viewers checking out the film because of the car angle will be disappointed. Most of if not all of the technical bits are complete nonsense. Memo to producers -- next time, spend $20 on a technical script consultant. And (2) Canadian Tyler Hynes has an edge to his acting which he keeps well hidden because his agent has him doing mainly rom-coms. But one gets the feeling there is an action hero hiding in there somewhere, something he should explore when possible. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

There are so many of the usual elements in this movie including several of the usual plot components. Jess' family business is in jeopardy, and they need the contest money. Jess is bitter about what she believes was Luke's betrayal years ago in keeping quiet about his father then. As usual in this genre, the animosity gets quickly overlooked almost as if Jess' memory was wiped clean.

There were three ways the contest could have gone. There were two ways Luke's dad could have gone and in this case it is the more common one. But there was really only one way Luke could have gone. Luke knows he should tell Jess about his dad's plan, but any regular rom/com viewer knows how that will turn out. We also know what choice he will make in the end. Kudos for a little twist adding some complexity to the conflict between Luke and Jess that threatens to ruin what is starting to rekindle but it still goes the usual direction. As an astute viewer might guess it creates its own opportunity.

It often seems like Tyler Hynes can have chemistry with anyone opposite him and he does here with Katherine Barrell. The acting is mostly good although it seemed at times that Barrell tried to hard.

I'm not a fan of TV contest shows. They steal screentime from the romantic relationships. There are predictable within a few outcomes. You at least know the lead with financial trouble will make the final and somehow the results will provide what is needed. And so often, the epilogue, not the romantic one, is basically the same and it is here.

In short, we have a write by numbers plot with one small twist. The actors make the entirety watchable but no great highs or lows.

I grew up a tomboy and automobile enthusiast. I love stories about female mechanics and restorers, but I expect them to be accurate. For instance, a 1954 Chevy should have a 235 cid inline six cylinder engine. Chevy didn't sell a V-8 until 1955. A 1947-8 Plymouth had a generator, not an alternator. These mistakes occur early on, which distracted me from the romance plot, and were hers. Was it sloppy writing or thinly disguised sexism?

There was humor to balance the tension, and a cute roller skating dance routine. The actors performed their characters well. Too bad the research didn't support the script. Having said that, I still recommend the movie. Just forgive the inaccuracies.

Jess Barro (Katherine Barrell) works at her family's garage and teaches car maintenance to other women. They have fallen on hard times. A TV producer offers her a spot on a $50k competition show. She is surprised when her ex Luke Childs (Tyler Hynes) becomes a last-minute replacement contestant.

I love Barrell, She has a happy cute comedic style. She should be good at doing these types of light Hallmark rom-coms. Tyler Hynes is fine although I wish that he is a couple of inches taller. Maybe he can wear lifts to level up to Barrell. All the car repairs and TV competition stuff is a little less. Simply put, I wouldn't watch this TV show if it's a real thing. This is fine.

As the title suggests, this Hallmark romance has an automotive theme. Luke (Tyler Hynes) and Jess (Katherine Barrell) work on cars for competing garages. The two of them have a romantic history, but Jess now prefers cars over men, because they never disappoint. Emotions between them are further complicated by the fact that the two garages, owned by their fathers, also have a deep history.

The chemistry between the two leads is not off the charts, but the story really leans into the auto restoration contest that Luke and Jess enter. And Jess's father really needs the prize money to bail their garage out of existential financial problems. Still, as the contest goes on, old feelings are reignited, and Jess begins to allow Luke into her heart.

As always in a Hallmark film, a conflict arises in the eleventh hour, throwing a wrench into their love affair. But the viewer knows that love will overcome in the world where romance wears the crown.

In the final minutes, there is a resolution that promises not just a reconciliation, but also a brighter future. Even grease monkeys deserve love in Hallmark land.