The Real West

In this Hallmark romantic film, Rebecca is a professor of the American West who is chasing tenure. She takes her kids, Ollie and Noah, to a working ranch with her Mother Maureen and her sister Cassidy. There she meets a handsome cowboy, who turns out to be a former rodeo star and current horse whisperer...who just happens to be her sister's new boyfriend.

I have loved Lucas Bryant ever since he played the romantic lead Nathan in the Haven series. So, I was thrilled to see him in this Hallmark film. My favorite scene was the meet cute in the hat shop, when Jake picks out three hats for the kind of woman Rebecca is. I loved seeing James Denton and I thought Lynda Boyd, who played Rebecca's mother Maureen, was wonderful.

Kimberley Sustad does a great job playing the widow Rebecca, who is not only trying to do the right thing...but questioning herself. I thought she and Lucas Bryant had great chemistry and I am hoping they will get more screen time.

I loved the song Cowboys Like Me...it was an instant Shazam for me and I will be adding it to my playlist.

This is a big recommendation to romantics who love hallmark films.

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

Darn-this character minimum.

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

Wow, had to pull out my phone and Shazam the song Cowboys Like Me. I hadn't heard of Coffey Anderson before, but his voice...and this song... are amazing! Went to YouTube to listen to the whole song, wow!

I thought this movie was well done and that the chemistry between the leads was off the charts. Both Kimberly Sustad and Lucas Bryant showed through their body language how attracted they were, yet how life circumstances held them back from acting upon their desires. It seemed totally plausible to me. Having spent a vacation at a ranch in Montana, I know how quickly you can feel closeness with the other people who stay there.

The plot was not simplistic and insipid (as it was in the "Heiress" movie from last week). It was a well written script with excellent performances by everyone in the cast. Definitely recommend it and would watch it again (and again and again).

(How much more can I add to this review to meet the minimum character requirement?)

The female actresses in this movie were believable. Kimberley is a favorite, with her down to earth, 'someone I could hang with' portrayals. She does not over act and that is one of the reasons I selected this movie. She, her movie sister and mom co-stars, were great. The 2 main male actors in this movie, I gotta say, pretty sexy and the acting was engaging. I've been a fan of Denton for some time and this Bryant ?!?!... I may want my own hand selected cowboy hat (sorry husband). Readers, you'll have to watch to get that. 🐎 This movie had substance and was not a chop off the predictable block. Very enjoyable.

It is always nice to see Kimberley Sustad in something other than a Christmas movie because she is such an exceptional actress and, here, she delivers again. This is a multi-layered story dealing with several issues - accepting the death of a loved one, a mother coping with her teenage son growing up, sisters finding balance in their relationship, and a man realizing what is important in his aging life. It is nicely written and directed and the entire cast is very good and realistic. Sustad plays her character Rebecca with intelligence, emotion and sincerity as well as delightful humor - it's the full package, as always with her. The real surprise is Lucas Bryant as a steely-eyed cowboy - unlike anything he has ever done before and he's terrific, too. The rest of the performers excel with Marlie Collins as sister Cassidy and James Denton as the ranch owner of particular note. The on location scenery is quite attractive which only serves to make this film as believable as Sustad and the rest of the cast.

This is a really enjoyable production that keeps your interest throughout.