Raise a Glass to Love

Really enjoyed the movie. Cute story, attractive leads. The sommelier was Master Sommelier Jennifer Huether, who appeared in her first movie role as herself. Obvious she wasn't an actor, but very cool to see her. Learned a lot about wine!

Hmmm, so the Hallmark Winery will definitely come into play, here. I wonder how many orders were received since this aired!? Lol.

Wine is becoming a common topic in this type of movie. In this case, we have the slightly unusual premise of a woman who wants the title of Master Sommelier which requires a high level of proficiency and a difficult exam, but as the movie starts she fails the exam. Add to this the common trope of a family legacy - grandma taught me and I want to make her proud. Once the main players are in place it's not difficult to figure out almost all of the things that are going to happen in this movie. There are almost no great highs or lows and certainly no surprises. The conflict(s) are also pretty obvious from the start.

I love movies with Laura Osnes, even if I am disappointed when they don't take advantage of her beautiful voice. Even so, I had my doubts going into this movie because the previews made the predictability of it pretty clear.

Osnes and Juan Pablo Di Pace have chemistry. All these movies must begin with some friction between the leads and I was glad to see it played out more as caution following a little prank than animosity. It seems really fake to me when one or both of the leads totally torch the other one. Then suddenly, all is forgotten and love begins to grow. This movie doesn't take that path. Unfortunately, from this point on things are pretty average.

There is one nice touch late in the movie. Marcello makes reference to "Maestra del Corazón". Most people in the US can make a good guess at the general meaning, as does Jenna, but in the context where it occurs there is subtext to it which is only obvious if you have some understanding of simple Spanish grammar. It appeared to me that Jenna missed the subtext which heightens the moment. This is not a spoiler because Marcello quickly explains it. There might even two subtexts.

There is a little life lesson behind the story for those who want that. It is only slightly preachy.

The movie is OK. Whether I watch it again in a year or so will depend more on how I feel then than on how good the movie is.

Aside from what another reviewer mentioned about the scarcity of Master Sommeliers (an organization now under attack) and her pouring a Pinot Noir from a Bordeaux bottle; this is very well done, much better acting than normal, especially from the female lead, excellent chemistry between the leads, an excellent supporting cast and an engaging story, would definitely watch again. The ending was rushed, but was well done otherwise- and memorable.

Will admit to not being particularly crazy on the 2021 Fall Harvest Hallmark films. There have been some good Fall Harvest films over the years from Hallmark, but this has got to be the only year where nearly all of them did little for me somehow. Have said more than once about 2021 being inconsistent for Hallmark, but was still pleasantly surprised at how better than anticipated it was. Was expecting it to be a terrible year somehow, but there were some very good films still.

'Raise a Glass to Love' is one of those very good films, not high art but it succeeds very well at its aims (namely light hearted, inoffensive entertainment) and is very well done when taking it for what it is. This reviewer also takes back what was said regarding 'Love Strikes Twice' being the only 2021 Fall Harvest film worth watching elsewhere, 'Raise a Glass to Love' after watching is every bit as good and just loses that slight edge due to it not being as creative as that film.

It's not quite flawless. It does start off a little on the slow side.

Did think too that the ending was a bit too neat, which is not an uncommon problem for Hallmark and one of the biggest recurring problems in the 2021 batch.

However, it is a very attractively photographed film with lovely scenery. Also pleasant is the music, which has presence without coming over as over-bearing or too constant. The direction shows a good deal of confidence and a sense that they knew what they were doing and trying to achieve. The script flows well and is light hearted and nostalgic, shining particularly in the hilarious and affectionate past references and the lead banter.

The story has a lot of heart and charm, and has a nice liveliness too. Really appreciated that the conflicts were a lot more relatable and true to life than most Hallmark films, with the final decision being a lot more buyable than most Hallmark films from 2021. Laura Osnes is immensely charming and has a lot of sparkling personality. She is matched very well by Juan Pablo Di Pace and they have an endearing and natural chemistry together. The supporting cast are solid and the characters worth caring for.

On the whole, very nicely done. 8/10.

Jenna, aspiring Master Sommelier, travels home to her family winery in the Sonoma valley for her parents wedding anniversary. While there she meets Marcelo, her parents new Argentinian wine grower, who has some new ideas for their vineyard...like growing the natural way. Well traveled and easy on the ear Marcelo wins Jenna over and may have her rethinking her life plans.

I don't even drink wine but this film as part of Hallmark's drunk on wine and romance series...is winning me over to the romances at least.

This is an enjoyable romance and will appeal to all the romantics out there.