User reviews

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!

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.

Think that Hallmark has run out of new ideas,therefore we get a recycled(modern)version of much better older movies.

Still feel Ashley comes across fake in Hallmark productions,which again falls on those in charge.

If this movie was in Autumn it felt really blah from color to scenery,was the props department on a budget?

Anyway predictable with clichés.. Could fall asleep & wake up to feeling nothing was missed,which makes for a bad storyline.

Will point out at least.. It wasn't about a fest,yay!

Overall was cast decent & acting average,feel they did the best possible with scripts given.

Use to look forward to new movies,but find myself skipping more than anything.

Want a movie that gives you,Autumn feels? Personally recommend,looking elsewhere or not watching this one.

While the main female lead cannot act (it's like watching cardboard - how is she employed?) the film in general was okay. I do like Luke McFarlane in general - he's very engaging- and the premise was quite interesting. I'd defo prefer another main female lead; its just awkward watching Ashley, she's so painfully hard to view, but overall not a bad film, and I'm so happy to see gay story-lines become that much more mainstream. Feels like we're actually starting to b part of main-stream culture, which i love. There were a few quiet patches in the film, but i did enjoy it and would recommend to any of my friends.

While the main actors and actresses are decent, the writing was poor and too predictable - even for a Hallmark movie. The 2023 Hallmark movie releases have been disappointing and we find ourselves watching older Hallmark movies instead of movies like Notes of Autumn. The musicians in the quartet that were highlighted in the movie were actually rather poor and the writing subplot was forced and unconvincing. I'd encourage everyone to look at other romantic comedies instead of Notes of Autumn. Again, while they have some decent main actors and actresses, the writing was very disappointing for this viewer.

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!

I get that concert pianists are probbbbbbably not hanging around Hallmark studios. But would it be too much to ask that an actress playing a concert pianist actually watch one or two to see how the hands actually - shock! - follow the direction in which the music is going, high or low? I mean, after all, she IS a Juilliard grad... My husband and I about fell out of our chairs laughing at the ridiculously poor portrayal of playing the piano. And then I just got mad at how horrendous the portrayal was, again, since it would be SO easy to fake a decently realistic performance. I'm also a bit tired of the ubiquitous gay storyline. Absolutely nothing organic happening here. And it made me sadder because I loved the whimsical scenes with the story characters waiting for their new storyline. We stuck it out in hopes of redemption; alas, there was none.

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.

I'm not a big fan of Ashley Williams (although I did like her role in Christmas in Evergreen), Marcus Rosner, Luke MacFarlane & Peter Porte but carried on watching because of Kavan Smith & Pascale Hutton who I love in When Calls the Heart - their cameos were very funny. The fake piano & violin playing was so obviously fake. I thought that Hallmark made films that were family friendly (they used to) & have been watching their films since 2018 & have a large collection of DVDs of my favourites. On this occasion I was glad I was watching it on my own. When you think they have made some wonderful moving films & series like When Calls the Heart, the Gift of Peace & The Presence of Love, Chesapeake Shores & Good Witch - this film definitely falls short.

... bad acting, fake sets and predictable moments.

But I wanted to review it just cause in the few instances I've seen gay characters on Hallmark, then I've checked reviews here and it was honestly hilarious: all they do is their usual predictable love story and then share a peck in the last 3 minutes.

And then I came here to find reviews like: "well, I just wanted to relax, I didn't came here to find political propaganda" or "I don't know why Hallmark needs to do movies like these"...

People finding outrageous such a completely plain movie just cause of the gay factor was really something. If you can't even enjoy a movie because of that, wow lol.

Cheer up and revisit your priorities in life.

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.

The movie focuses on two characters; Ashley Williams who plays Ellie Matthews, a former pianist currently working as an an Event Planner and gets fired from her job, and her friend, Leo Carrington, played by Luke Macfarlane, who is an author with writer's block. The two friends agree to exchange locations and houses thinking a change of scenery will help them deal with their personal crisis. WeMeet Leo's friend, Sam Perkins, played by one of my favorite actors, Marcus Rosner, he tries to convince Ellie to return to her musical roots and perform in a recital with a community group. Meanwhile Leo meets Ellie's friend, Matt, played by Peter Porte, who has permission from Ellie to use her kitchen to test recipes for a restaurant he is trying to open. The plot involves the journey of the heterosexual couple Ellie and Sam, and the gay couple, Leo and Matt. There are very few romantic moments between between Sam and Ellie as their interaction focuses on the recital, there definitely needed to be more romantic action here, it's the gay couple where you can sense their romantic feelings for one another, (perhaps there's a hidden agenda here by Hallmark?, It's not my thing so I found it a bit cringe worthy, but I will say its the first realistic portrayal of a gay couple in a Hallmsrk movie I've seen rather than their usual overexaggerated stereo type normally featured).

What really ruined the movie for me was Ashley Williams, this woman CANNOT ACT!!! In this movie her character seemed like she was actually high on some drug, that's the only way I can describe it, and she included a fake and phony smile that at times, was inappropriate for the dialog she was reciting. She has done the same thing in other Hallmark roles, frankly Hallmark you need to find another actress!!! Ms. Williams destroyed this movie! Other reviews also mentioned her lack of talent.

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.

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).

This movie was so enjoyable to watch with a great cast. I was especially delighted to see Luke Mac.farlane playing a gay man since he has come out as being gay. He's usually cast as a straight man in the Hallmark movies (and in sci-fi) so it's nice to see him playing a role he identifies with. Ashley Williams is always a delight to watch in anything she's in. She brings so much energy and vibrance to any role she's cast in. Ashley and Luke are very believable as best friends. I love their chemistry in this movie. And what a treat to see Kavan Smith and Pascale Hutton portray the characters from the book series that Macfarlane's character writes. I love seeing these two playing a couple (The Perfect Bride, and When Calls The Heart). They were so funny at projecting Macfarlane's character's thoughts. Too bad they didn't get credit in IMDB as cast members even if they did get credit in the movie.

Fall is my favorite time of the year and I hate that Hallmark cuts it short to start Christmas movies in the middle of October. Fortunately I recorded this and other fall movies that I can enjoy the romance of fall/autumn until I'm ready to watch Christmas movies. And speaking of the romance of autumn, how about Marcus Rosner's character? How poetic was his nature tour? Kudos to the entire crew for making such a fun and entertaining movie.

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" succeeds on just about every level. There is strong chemistry between the participants in both couples. The writing is crisp, and there is a prevailing sense of whimsy that lends lightheartedness to the movie. The music is pleasant and appropriate to the theme. The acting is adequate, and it was obvious that the actors enjoyed playing their parts. For the most part, the characters are believable. The plotting is not surprising but avoids being trite. The only plot element that bothered me was that all the characters seemed able to afford impromptu air travel. The pacing is just right for the subject matter, and it never felt like the film's pace sagged.

All in all, this was a fun and entertaining movie to watch.

So very nice seeing Marcus Rosner play a role that wasn't a pretty boy cartoon of a character. He was allowed to play a mature, smart, caring adult. All the actors were very good and seeing the "married couple" on WHEN calls the Heart play the characters in the book was really pretty funny. They were just divine camp. Luke McFarland is one of my very favorite Hallmark actors and he always intelligently plays whatever role he's given...no difference here. He is thoroughly enjoyable. Ashley Williams was given a LOT to do, and handled it well...Im not sure many of the Hallmark actresses could have pulled off that part. It's a quirky, funny heartwarming little show. Not one you want to miss.

I'm not a movie critic and I don't pretend to be one. My reviews are all about if it's good or not - Notes of Autumn is wonderful. The cast is fantastic and has really good chemistry. The movie flows perfectly, has great vibes, scenery and music. The storyline works really well and comes across as realistic - you don't feel like you're watching a bunch of actors, but rather, you feel like you're watching real people.

This is a movie that makes you feel upbeat and is another winner for Hallmark Channel. I hope they make more movies like Notes of Autumn since we need more cheer in this world and people really appreciate them.

What I liked:

• One of the most fun Hallmark movies I've seen in a while.

• Script was tight and - rare for Hallmark - didn't require me to suspend disbelief that much. In other words, it was a relatively plausible story.

• Acting was phenomenal. With a who's who of Hallmark top talent, this isn't a surprise. They seemed like they were having a great time. Most of the main cast had chemistry going into this one, and it showed.

• Laugh out loud funny. Granted the jokes mainly happened towards the start (a running issue I have with Hallmark) but when it wanted to, it was genuinely funny.

What I didn't like:

• Story dragged a bit in the middle
• Neither love story felt particularly memorable.