Notes of Autumn

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.

Notes of Autumn set the Fall season for me. I am a fan of Luke MacFarlane, and was happy to see him in this movie. The female lead, Ashley Williams, is delightful. She reminded me of a young Cybill Shepherd.

Luke and Ashley are best buds who live in different cities. Both are having work problems and decide to switch houses for 2 weeks.

In the switch, each meets a friend of the other, and friendship and eventual romance blossoms. (It is Hallmark). Luke meets Peter Porte, an aspiring chef, and Ashley meets Marcus Rosner, who is a musician .

I am so very glad Hallmark included the gay storyline, casting two out gay actors in the roles. The movie is typical Hallmark, but it was sweet and cute and well done.. I'm hoping to watch Luke MacFarlane in more movies.

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.

Notes of Autumn is well worth watching, for the dual main "will they or won't they" storylines to the casting to the strong element of music. I usually give any Hallmark movie a chance when Luke MacFarlane and Ashley Williams are in it, but add Marcus Rosner and Peter Porte in and you've got yourself a darn good party. And how genius it was to cast Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith in minor, but meaningful, humorous roles. Those two together elevate any show/movie they're in.

The storylines were well written and delightfully acted and that also goes for everyone in the supporting cast. This particular ensemble worked really well together and all the pairings had a very believable, easy chemistry. Hallmark would be wise to continue tapping into the ensemble format because this movie proves it can do it very well and the possibilities are endless. If you're looking for an interesting, fun fall romcom, look no further. For me, it was like opening up a box of chocolates and finding all good pieces. Very enjoyable!

This is a lovely movie and a joy to watch. No over-the-top, formulaic drama-just a nice premise about good people learning to take leaps of faith in life and love. Each of the cast members is a good fit with the other; and whether love interests or friends, they all have great on-screen chemistry. It's believable and fun, and especially nice to see a normal storyline among gay men-no one's dying or persecuted-just living a normal life with personal struggles that are relatable to all of us. Luke Macfarlane and Peter Porte make a perfect couple, as do Ashley Williams and Marcus Rosner. With its great cast and beautiful fall filmography, Notes of Autumn truly embodies the warmth of fall and is one of those films you can enjoy over and over again.