A Country Romance

6.5 stars.

Just barely rounds up to a 7. It's somewhat difficult to manage placing this story in the realm of possible for several reasons. The main actor is not straight, so envisioning him as it is already difficult. But that's the reality of Hollywood, once an actor comes out, there's no stuffing themselves back in. Sure, we could say it's no different than trying to believe a straight portraying a non character. So be it. It's all about getting into the romance and enjoying the experience of attraction between two leads, knowing that one of them isn't capable of being that for the other. Ok, like I said, so be it.

Now let's talk about the movie. This story is presented to us in slow motion. I am not kidding. The tempo of conversation is literally turned down to 65%. Every sentence is deliberate, so the 90 minutes of run time is telling a 60 minute story. The story itself is not original in any way. In fact, this is about as unoriginal and monotonous as they come. So what was good about it? It's very relaxing and ASMR-like. This is a good film to unwind and end your hectic day with. Just too slow moving for any entertainment, but it has value in other respects.

The other reviewers are pretty much echoing my sentiments about this film. The lead actress is just awful, although it's hard to make to like a character who is so dumb about harvesting grapes that she Googles "graping" to find out what to do. Jonathan Bennett, who was the main reason for watching, doesn't seem to be working all that hard. And the plot holes are ridiculous. The dad doesn't have farmhands he hires on a regular basis to harvest the grapes? Who puts a hotel in the middle of a vineyard? The acting, save for the niece, is BAD. I know films like these aren't supposed to be great cinema, but that's not an excuse to have a lame story, weak actors and terrible pacing.

First off, Jonathan Bennett being cast as a heterosexual love interest in 2021 (and a "country farmer" role at that) defies logic. And it shows in his acting and his relationship with the female lead.

I actually watched this movie because it sounded troupe-y. And it did not disappoint here. It was incredibly generic...and I loved this. Hence why it is getting four stars. Otherwise it would get one.

Because the acting was incredibly wooden. This is somewhat surprising given the seasoned veterans cast in this one. But wow was it bad. It felt like no one (except the little girl) really wanted to be in this film. The chemistry is non-existent. Any attempted banter falls flat.

My theory is that everyone involved secretly was a little embarrassed in Jonathan Bennett's puzzling role, including Bennett himself. So it just all comes across as awkward.

Nice harlequin vibes for a night on the couch but could not look past her foundation that was only on her face and not on her neck.

Anyway, if you like to know the plot after 5 minutes of watching (which is very nice at times) this is the movie for you!

It was a very formulaic film, city girl reconnecting with roots blah blah blah, put her in cute country clothes which never get mucky (dirty for non northern English people). The lead actress seems sweet and extremely pretty but lacked acting ability or emotions, whether that was because her character was two dimensional or on the actor's part, I don't know. The supporting actress is a much better lead and actress when I have seen her previously, so would have made a better lead. None of the males shined but possibly also due to a dire script.

The grapes with synthetic leaves, daffodils in harvest time and very red, waxed apples, just fallen from the tree were, as usual, very silly.

The positives were a beautiful setting, lots of sunshine to enjoy on a dull winter's day and an inoffensive way of relaxing.