You Had Me at Aloha

First things first: This production deserves credit for navigating the COVID crisis, especially under the very restrictive mandates in Honolulu. Attentive viewers will notice the preponderance of outdoor shots--which is perfect for a film that wants to capitalize on the beauty of Hawaii---and the emphasis on spacing and small groups.

Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith are a staple on Hallmark. Here they play Paige and Ben, co-hosts of a destination travel show, who come to Oahu to create an episode. Like oil and vinegar at first, they grapple with the incompatibility of their styles. Paige likes things scripted and under control; Ben prefers the ad lib and impromptu adventures.

As a travelogue for Oahu, the film does a satisfactory job. As a romance, it successfully leans on the comedic chops of its stars, who have a practiced and warm congeniality. They were heavily involved in the design and production of this film.

As other viewers have commented, some haircuts are noticeably patchy, but that minor detail is more than compensated for by the aforementioned extra effort required to make this film during civil restrictions and travel limitations.

Could be it better ? Obvious. Because the all recipe is reduced at actors and Hawaii. And, no doubts, Pascal Hutton,Kavan Smith,Jennifer Aspen and Valen Ahlo are just inspired options. But it is far to be enough.

The story is a continuous line. You know the end but it is so forced than you are more than disappointed . Because the potential offered by Hawaii is pure wasted. And the nice exposure of the vulnerability of characters becomes fake.

So, could be better with little some effort.

There's a simple way to tell if you'll like this movie, and that's how much you like Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith together.

True the plot is inconsequential - it's predictable. It's an excuse to put these two people on the same screen. I didn't see the twist coming, but I should have because the plot is almost the same as another movie that I can't remember the title. (If I describe it, it's too close to spoilers even if it is predictable.)

The point is that Hutton and Smith have worked together for years and the chemistry and ease of their real relationship is obvious.

That's not to say these characters are anything like those on When Calls the Heart because they aren't. In fact the two actors almost switch personalities. (It makes me wonder if someone said to Smith - see how close you can imitate Rosemary and maybe likewise to Hutton as Lee.)

I enjoyed it. There are only so many new plots that fit Saturday night on Hallmark Channel. I do love it when there is something fresh, but barring that, I look for the relationships and this pair came through again.

I was so excited for this movie because I love the main actors but this movie ended up being so boring. I only watched till the end because of two of my favorite actors. The "goat" embarrassment was stupid to ruin the main actors dreams for so many years. I listened to the "Deck the Halls" podcast and the screen writer said they "Up'd" the comedy. What?!?! My favorite HMM make me laugh or giggle at the characters but this one? No laughing, just boring... Oh, and the side characters drinking in the chairs? Ackward and unhappy.

I felt they didn't take advantage of Hawaii either. They could've entered a sand castle competition together or against each other! They could've went boogie boarding, kayaking, hiking, mixed drink competition, limbo contest!!! Grass shirt lessons, pineapple picking..... So much opportunity for a fun, romantic movie!

Awful, not worth my reviewing.... Poor match of a couple...

Could not finish watching,, so boring!