Love, Fall & Order

7.4 stars.

How many of these films do they change the titles on? Can't they stick with a movie name and just not budge for once? Anywho, we have a woman visiting her hometown and her father's farm only to find out there is a land dispute in the works between an old "flame" and his aunty and her dad's farm which are right next to each other. He stumbles on an old deed, appears to show something different, she disagrees, of course they are both lawyers, I mean it wouldn't be Hallmark if there wasn't a crazy coincidence... They fight for land, they are way too agreeable with each other... In the real world there would be bickering and underhanded backstabbing at every turn, mark my words. Funny how Hallmark makes these relationship so easy going, breakups are smooth, deadly rivalries are resolved by a smile and a handshake, and even with them kissing at the end. Nah.

A cute, somewhat typical Hallmarker. The characters were well-cast and the addition of the cute dog was great!

Oh, my goodness!!! Could a Fall harvest movie be any more colorful than this one? Almost every scene is bathed in orange..leaves, trees, festival booths, and, cleverly, even the leading lady's clothing! In her first visit to her hometown in Vermont, she is shown in an orange coat, carrying a green pocketbook..again reminding us that this is a Fall movie. Other than the visual overload, this movie actually delivers a lovely story of life in a small New England town, with two families sparring over the boundaries of their farm properties. Of course, one knows a Hallmark movie will end happily with issues resolved. But the road to that resolution is well-handled in this film, with mature professional leading characters. Both are lawyers, both are extremely competitive, and both realize that their lifelong friendship is more than a casual friendship in the end. The secondary leads are quite well portrayed, especially with a mature Gregory Harrison as the heroine's father. He brings a familiar face to this lovely story. The heroine's best friend and that woman's husband are also shown as a mature, supportive couple. Their two little girls are charming, with the younger one,perhaps all of 2 or 3 years old, acting remarkably like a professional! The husband is actually depicted drinking a beer with his buddy, the leading man. Hallmark is maturing! Men do have a beer now and then. Bravo to Hallmark for this engaging film. Once the orange overload fades a bit, the story of two very likable professional adults comes through and evolves in a rational and sensible manner.

It was good to see two different faces, new plot (I felt that some legal things were odd, but I'm no lawyer), and very colorful scenes. I really like when the two leads share a past, it seems more realistic. While I really liked it, probably won't watch again. Lovely movie.

Erin Cahill is a Hallmark regular and has shown more than once her likeability, have not liked every film of hers (i.e. 'Last Vermont Christmas') but others have left me pleasantly surprised. Am a lot more mixed on Trevor Donovan, with the right material and leading lady he is charming but in colourless roles he is stiff and bland. 2019 was a hit and miss year for Hallmark, their best work being very well done and their weakest being awful, the Christmas output showing both extremes.

'Love Fall and Order' is much closer to being in the very well done category, though not quite there. It was on the whole a very enjoyable film with a nice concept, and leagues better than the previous 2019 Fall Harvest film 'Over the Moon in Love' (which to me was very weak). At least 'Love Fall and Order' felt like a Fall Harvest film, whereas that film didn't seem to belong in any seasonal blocking, without it being too rubbed in the face or heavy handed.

Is it perfect? No, it is predictable and can get too silly at times. Especially in the final quarter, which did get on the over the top side for my liking.

The backing and forthing/bickering also could have been a little less.

Unlike 'Over the Moon in Love', 'Love Fall and Order' didn't have much wrong. Cahill is immensely engaging and has such a radiant presence that is easy to endear to. Donovan's performance here is one of his most natural, easy going and sincere. Really liked the chemistry between them, it's playful but also heartfelt and it develops in a way that doesn't rush or feel aimless. The supporting cast are all fun (even KC Klyde, who shows some nice comic timing), the standout is Gregory Harrison who always does well meaning father figure very well. The chemistry between the actors never feels forced or static.

Production values are very good, the scenery is beautiful and while the colour orange is used a lot it doesn't come over as too heavy. The music at least fits and doesn't feel overused or overscored. While not always subtle, the dialogue is generally witty, flows well and has honesty. While not perfect, the story is heart-warming and light-hearted with any character conflict being more realistic and less strained than can be usually be seen with Hallmark films following similar plotlines. A good deal happens but not in a way that comes over as over-stuffed and disjointed. The characters may not be complex, not that sort of film though, but have personality and likeable ones too.

Overall, very enjoyable. 7/10.