A Taste of Summer

This had nothing over and above the usual formula. I do appreciate Hallmarks efforts towards more diversity which this one exemplifies. I found the heroine too glammed up to be relatable or realistic for a hardworking chef in a kitchen. When will Hallmark learn that tarting up their actresses like they were selling cosmetics in a department store is not the way to go. The romance was not front and center which was actually refreshing. But Ironically, I didn't find the chemistry out of the ordinary considering the two leads are married in real life. The actress reminded me of Sandra Bullock but without her appeal and the actor reminded me of Topher Grace.

There's a festival competition to win (which including another common trope at the end but I won't spoil it). Competing restaurants (A Taste of Romance did it way better). A baseball game relying on the kid with no confidence.

I have to say that Gabby is a compelling character. She has strong values. She is an encourager. She is eminently competent.

For two actors married in real life, the chemistry might have been there to some extent, but it wasn't positive. I never cared if these two got together. I wasn't as impressed with acting as could have been.

I wanted to root for Emily, but the baseball game was way too over the top and obvious.

Roselyn Sanchez is pretty and not the most likely Chef with her flowing locks. When a real life couple acts together it's a bit distracting from the story. She and Eric Winter make a nice on screen match. And they overcome the obstacle of the real life couple thing. She adds sparkle to whatever show she is in. The competing Chef thing is very bland.

This is a little different from the typical Hallmark movie. It is not overly sticky sweet, which is a refreshing change. The diversity is also a welcome change. The leading man didn't seem interesting and the leading woman seemed to just read her lines. It would still be nice to see black actors and actresses in lead roles too.

Typical Hallmark movie. The softball team practiced and played a game without getting dirty. Just saying Hallmark at least try to make it authentic looking by having dirt on the uniforms.