Notes of Autumn

7.9 stars.

I don't usually give high praise for these sorts of films. You'll see what I mean if you watch it for yourself as it's very "evolved" and open-minded as a story goes. What I found to be a breath of fresh air was the timing and the brilliant story. The writing is profoundly incredible for this particular type of plot. The dialogue is superb and the emotions that it evokes are very real and fulfilling. I love the back and forth, or the switch and how there can be no resolution without each of them taking a complete leap of faith into the life they were meant to live. They must experience a foreign, yet familiar place, finding love in their opposite's best friend and finding courage under new and fresh circumstances. It's a movie about fate and trust. Wonderful film in spite of the other stuff (you'll see).

If you've been following my blog, you'll know by now that I'm not a huge fan of romantic comedies - simply because I find them predictable. While 'Notes of Autumn' is also every bit predictable, the journey isn't as clichéd. This film also explores a heterosexual and a gay romance all in one. It's like 'The Holiday' with a gay twist.

The first thing about the film that grabbed me, was how likable the characters were, and how wonderful the actors portray them. There's great chemistry between all the characters, not only the romantic ones. I enjoyed the character set-up, and the natural flow of the film. It was relatable instead of sensational, and I loved that.

The absolutely gorgeous Luke Macfarlane stars as novelist Leo Carrington, who is suddenly experiencing writer's block with his latest novel. His editor suggests a change of scenery to inspire him. Leo's best friend is Ellie Matthews (wonderfully portrayed by Ashley Williams). She is working for an event management company but constantly finds herself distracted - by music - and is fired as a result. Also needing a change of scenery, she suggests to Leo that they swap places for two weeks.

So Leo heads off to stay in Ellie's apartment. Only, she never told him she gave access to her kitchen to her chef friend Matt (Peter Porte), who is gay. And Leo never told Ellie he promised his friend Sam (the delicious Marcus Rosner) that Ellie would help him with a music show. Through many hilarious moments, romance ensues.

I enjoyed the fact the romance didn't feel forced. It developed in a very natural way, and the characters were really sweet. I also liked the way sex was the furthest thing from their minds, and their respective relationships were based on true emotion (not lust). Honestly, 'Notes of Autumn' had me smiling from beginning to end; overcome with an unusual sensation of absolute joy! This was just fabulous. I loved it!

This could have been risky for Hallmark - 2 male favorites playing gay (as they really are. It worked for me. I was recently been blown away by the high romantic connection & chemistry in the gay romance 'Red, White & Royal Blue' - and I am straight. Hallmarks are looking a bit inhibited, or Jane Austen, in comparison. Their final kisses should look like they mean it more- rather than 2 friends who like each other congenially. I loved the comedic depiction by Kavan & Pascale as the book characters commenting on the narration. Marcus Rosner is always good too, and Ashley wasn't as over-the-top.

It was a typical Hallmark movie, nothing overly special but still cute. For me the main quality of this one was the amazing chemistry between two brilliant actors Luke MacFarlane and Peter Porte, they just both radiate with kindness and warmth in this movie and make probably the best pairing ever seen on Hallmark. They have so much crazy chemistry that my suggestion would be for Hallmark to make another movie with their characters with Peter opening his restaurant and Luke writing a cookbook for him, it could further develop and cover their love story which was only just superficially shown here. Their two characters and them as a duo definitely deserve another movie together, such chemistry should not be wasted. Wish the focus was more on them and not the other couple. Marcus was great, but Ashley is a bit too over the top and gimmicky in her acting.

Ellie (Ashley Williams) gets fired from a job she doesn't quite love. Leo (Luke Macfarlane) is uninspired and cannot write the following book on a series he has been doing for a while. So while on the phone talking, the decide to change houses for a week to get out of the daily routine and decide what to do next. (Like, you know, one of the greatest movies: The Holiday).

On the other hand we have Sam (Marcus Rosner) and Matt (Peter Porte). They are friends with Luke and Ellie, respectively. So, while they are gone, they enjoy the company of the newly arrived. Ellie helps Sam with a music concert, which forces her to get over her insecurities. And Matt and Leo work together to accomplish their own personal goals.

I thought this was a great movie. At times maybe slow. But the story was believable and something that could actually happen in real life. Both couples had chemistry but what I would like to point out is that this is quite a funny movie and all the actors nailed their comedic lines. Probably what I liked the most: each character as their own person A pleasure to watch.

Speaking of... Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith (My favorites from WCTH) surprised us with a small role but totally unpredictable. They never fail to make me smile.

Do not miss this.