My One & Only

Ironic that many reviews about the very best thing about this film: it's not your typical Hallmark formula! The ending isnt some nonsensical sudden change in the characters' values, but rather a (relatively) realistic stalemate of --but being willing to "do it scared."

Somehow none of the reviews mentioned the central theme: facing challenges even when it's scary or disheartening. It reminded me of the famous Gretsky quote "you miss 100% of the hits you don't take."

If you want a film with a meaningful message, a less predictable plotline, and genuine chemistry among ALL the characters, even the families friends and the "friendzoned couple" as my spouse called the set-up duo, then check this one out. My spouse often gets grumpy at Hallmarks but he was loving it and thought the reality show couple did an excellent job at acting "friends not lovers." I was very pleasantly surprised with this film after we have endured a couple "meh" Hallmarks--this one finally brought a new context (a reality show) with an assertive woman (we often get impatient with the clumsy/pushover woman leads of many Hallmarks--definitely not the case with this one!)

I did notice people complained about Sam's unkempt look, but that's clearly contrasted with the other male lead who is the clean-cut city boy. I found Sam's scruff hot.

Also, I want to figure out who played Sam's mother because she was spot-on! She stole every scene she was in!

What a refreshing film this is! It combines the modern day concept of TV show "dating"..the idea that someone can meet a perfect stranger and develop a relationship in a matter of weeks..and then it introduces a twist. The leading actress, Pascale Hutton, played with her usual maturity and grace, is presented as an intelligent, striving employee of her firm, hoping to be considered for a significant promotion. She is sensible, cautious, and mature...a woman that many viewers can relate to. While she is reluctant to enter the TV dating show, she moves forward with skepticism and wisdom. The man who is presented to her as her bachelor "match" could not be a more inappropriate a partner for her. They are as opposite as any two people could be, but they strive to make the show's premise work..clearly without much success. The "hero" of the film is Sam Page, always an appealing and attractive leading man, with flawless acting skills, and with his engaging smile. There is a slow and cautious relationship developed between the two leads, something neither of them anticipated, and something that is clearly much more real than the TV show's contrived match-up. As the ranch owner/guide who is assigned to help the two contestants get to know one another through various activities, it becomes clear that he has much more in common with our heroine than the match she is set up with.. One of the very touching and poignant connections he makes with the young woman is that while some of her fears keep her from trying new experiences, she should take her fears and just do the dreaded activity while she is afraid. This simple act of kindness and understanding endears the two to one another..and she is able to take some risks she had not dared to take before. It is a life lesson for any viewer who is hobbled by a fear they cannot surmount. Two very small drawbacks..As is typical in a Hallmark movie, there is a misunderstanding that causes a rift. It gets resolved, of course.,.Also, the ranch guide's mother, is played by the wonderful Susan Hogan. While she has the most expressive features, deep and haunting eyes.. she seems to have a problem with a hairdo that could be better managed and kept from flying in her face. A small criticism.. To Hallmark's credit..this movie allows out leading lady and hero kiss before the last 30 seconds..What a delightful treat!! Send us more of this!!

Start with an experienced talented cast, add the perfect location, then add a brilliant but different story. Now you have the possibility of a ten star movie. This one does not deserve ten stars because of some missing ingredients. First is chemistry between the lead characters. It was almost absent partly because the makeup department failed in their job. No woman wants to spend time getting her makeup perfect then go kiss a porcupine. Sam did not have a beard, he had a dirty face with 3 days of stubble on it, so no kissing until a mandatory kiss at the end. The most important missing element was Love. She cared more about her job than she did him, and he loved his ranch more than her. That is not Love and therefore not a ten star movie.

A really feelgood movie with a beautiful story and characters.

Did appreciate that 'My One and Only' tried to do something different to usual, though different doesn't always mean that it is immediately good. Pascale Hutton has always been a likeable performer and while Sam Page is not as consistent he's given charming performances too. Was very intrigued as to whether they would gel well together. Was mostly not particularly impressed by the 2019 Summer Nights films, with 'Love and Sunshine' being by far the best.

'My One and Only' is worth watching and it's charming enough, though it is uneven. With good things but also some things that didn't come off too great. Really appreciated what it tried to do and that it tried to not be too formulaic, but the differences don't always succeed. While it is a long way from being 'Love and Sunshine', it is much better than the previous Summer Nights film 'All Summer Long', which had a different setting but had too many typical elements not executed well.

There is a lot that is good here. It looks good, especially the scenery which is lovely. Other Hallmark films fare a lot worse when it comes to having ill fitting and intrusive music, neither of which were an issue really with me here. While the script is not Oscar worthy material, it at least has a natural flow and doesn't come over as too cheesy, schmaltzy or waffly.

Generally the story has a warm centre, is light-hearted and doesn't feel dull. The supporting cast all do solid work, especially for the mother courtesy of Susan Hogan. Hutton is the best thing about the film, she is so graceful and confident, while never coming over as arrogant or too perfect. Page is naturally easy going, though his character is not as interesting. Really liked the very relatable themes of facing and overcoming challenges, as someone who faces all that daily that resonated with me. The characters don't bore or irritate.

It is a long way from perfect. There are still familiar tropes that are not much done with that is new. The mystery date element comes over as very silly and forced, and any twist attempts come over as clumsy.

Really do have to agree with those that have panned the abrupt and incomplete feeling ending. Would have liked more chemistry between the leads, which seemed too cautious. Maybe it was an intentional choice for relationship development sake but it was so cautious and careful it came over as too distant.

Overall, uneven but decent. 6/10.