Junebug

Love Autumn Reeser and Aaron O'Connell is okay, so wanted to check this out. Read an article that it took Autumn five years to get this made, so thought it would be something special. As I watched, I had the feeling I'd seen this before. Did a little digging and, sure enough, If You Believe was the original. I remember enjoying that film with Ally Walker and Hayden Panettiere. Junebug changed some details, but not enough to make this film original or warrant a five year production cycle, in my opinion. Autumn is always great and has wonderful chemistry with any scene partner, so if you're a fan of Hallmark movies you'll like this one. I recommend you watch the movie it's based on as that one was really good.

I always enjoyed Autumn Reeser in her movies on Hallmark. She always brings a freshness and realness to her characters . This movie was no exception . And Aaron O'Connell has a naturalness on camera and he's very handsome to look at.

This movie was very enjoyable. The two leads had a wonderful chemistry and the young actor playing the child Junebug was adorable and talented. I also love the actor playing the café employee. I have seen them in a few other roles on Hallmark. They really need to be included in many more.

The scenery was beautiful. The whole movie gives you a warm, cozy feeling, and puts a smile on your face.

I absolutely adored this movie! The premise was sweet, and I could relate to the inner child aspect. It was a different angle, which I appreciated.

Juniper was quite uptight initially but loosened up as the movie went along, thanks to her young self, Junebug. The premise really made me think about my young self and those dreams/wishes I had back then.

Autumn's co-star Aaron O'Connell, who I haven't seen in a while, was a lovely match. They had awesome chemistry. The evolution of their relationship was realistic.

The boombox sealed it for me.

It is definitely a rewatch and I am pleased with the news summer movies.

Juniper (Autumn Reeser) is stuck in life. Her boyfriend is a dud. Her children's book publishing workplace is under threat. She's a great editor, but her writing dreams have been sidelined. She's turning 40 and her parents gift her the wish box from her childhood. When she starts digging into the box, her eight year old inner child self Junebug (Mila Jones) appears to her and Junebug has issues with her 40 year old self. She has a meet-cute with hot mural artist Alex (Aaron O'Connell) and sees him as her illustrator.

This is very cute. Adding the little girl to the standard Hallmark romance is a great move. He's super hot and Autumn Reeser has always been great since the O. C. In the end, they can't get too far from the Hallmark of it all. There is very limited drama. She really needs to give him the book much sooner, but they leave it to the midway point. Give it to him at the end of the first act and drum up more drama. I am reminded of a commentary where the filmmaker says that every scene is an opportunity to add drama. Hallmark is usually missing that and this is no different.

Junebug Review

The noted playwright Paddy Chayefsky wrote for Hallmark Hall of Fame. Today's Hallmark Channel is moving away from mushy romcoms and putting out some mature films. Junebug, a 5-year endeavor by the multi-talented actor and producer Autumn Reeser, recently came to the screen. Her project was well worth the effort.

Reeser's acting range is broad, from serious drama to films like this, slapstick with a touch of poignancy. She's an intelligent artist and this film demonstrates her talents. Her screen partner, Aaron O'Connell, is a good match and there is definite chemistry here. The screenplay is very solid with a crisp dialogue. The young effervescent Mila Jones adds joy to the cast.

It must be mentioned that Autumn Reeser shines with a talent for cometic timing (See her film I do, I do). She as well as the audience is having fun. Yet, the film is a fable, and has serious undertones. Rediscovering the lost child in a person so they can move on with a fuller life. Not easy to pull off these days. The photography is beautiful as is always, Autumn Reeser. A pleasure to watch her again and again. The cast, crew, writers, and producers all deserve kudos.