Autumn at Apple Hill

7.8 stars.

Judging by the title, you might be thinking this is just another themed film, one for Autumn, just like any for Halloween, Christmas, Spring, Valentines etc... But this is far from it.

This is a wonderfully presented love story. It has all the great aspects of one, because it starts with some pretty heavy tension between the leads. This tension is not the usual light and quirky kind, it's the real deal, and yet it's not too heavy either. They figured out how to create just the right amount of angst between them and when they finally see what's going on, who they are, who they were, and how they sort of knew each other; it's amazing how things change.

No, this is not a totally crazy awesome romance like some of the mainstream classics, but it's very good for Hallmark fare, no doubt. This would seem to be a must-see every other year. I say that as I'm writing this, but I'm realizing now into about my third year of hardcore Hallmark viewing, that I don't actually have the time to watch all the ones I like more than once every 3 to 5 years. So, this is a must-see every 5 years. Any film I rate between 7.5 to 7.9 is a once-every-five-year film. Anything 8.0 to 8.4 is a 3 year and anything above that is open season. I've loosened my ratings starting right about now. Need to have continuity in my reviews as much as possible.

Cast decisions make or break Hallmark movies. They can elevate movies that we've seen, in different settings and versions, many times before, which is exactly what happened with "Autumn at Apple Hill".

The storyline is an old trope - inn needs saving, in comes some workaholic hotshot from the city, the two leads fall in love and save the inn - but Wes Brown and Erin Cahill make it better. They are some of Hallmark's best. Can't remember ever seeing a bad film from either of them, which is saying something considering their extensive catalogues. With less competent actors, this is a slog.

Good acting, a decent script (even though the story is a retread of a retread of a retread!), spectacular fall-tinged establishing shots. A good start to Hallmark's fall/Halloween slate of films.

We have watched a lot of romcoms since the pandemic, and although this particular movie followed the typical checklist, it had a certain appeal that was lacking in many others. We particularly liked the secondary romance in the background, as well as the great performances by the lead actress and actor.

Initially, we thought that the rich guy coming to the rescue for the Inn keeper would be the winning formula. What was different about this movie however, was surprising - the rich guy did something different.

They of course, still fell in love. And of course, everything worked out in the end.

Erin Cahill is Elise Jacobs, newly divorced, and having inherited her grandparents' property. It is a rustic inn in a smaller community. It needs saving, it has a lot of deferred maintenance, and it is not clear that Elise will be able to afford to save it.

Wes Brown is Luke Bellwether, son of a lady who is the chief of their company. Luke tends to be an overachiever, rarely taking any personal time. His mother basically orders him to get away. So he goes away to where he grew up, Apple Hill.

It turns out Luke and Elise were in school together but he being a couple of grades ahead of her, they didn't recognize each other after 20-ish years. But it is clear that she despises him at first. Then he shows that he is not so bad, therefore it is following the familiar Hallmark story arc.

My wife and I watched it, streaming, as pleasant entertainment. There isn't really anything novel but it is done well with attractive actors.

At home, streaming.

In my opinion, Autumn at Apple Hill is enjoyable from beginning to end and is worth the watch.

Elise (Erin Cahill) has inherited a hometown inn from her grandparents (of course, because who doesn't own an inn in these movies?!), but is limited in funds and is too stuck in her antiquated ways to keep it afloat and relevant. In short, the place is breaking down, bookings have plummeted and it's losing money fast. Enter guest Luke (Wes Brown), a former local who's now a hard-charging hotel titan forced to take a vacay from the family business by his mother (portrayed by Paula Boudreau). As you can guess, Elise and Luke learn a lot about the inn and themselves as the story progresses. Does the inn ultimately get saved? Watch and find out.

I always remember Erin Cahill for one of my favorite Hallmark Xmas movies (Sleigh Bells Ring), and she remains a very watchable lead. Wes Brown never disappoints and together they have very good chemistry. The rest of the cast is just as enjoyable, especially main supporting players Boudreau, Sarah Luby and Adam Hurtig. This is a very good movie to watch as you decorate the house for Halloween or if you're in the mood for an entertaining fall rom-com. I highly recommend it.