Villa Amore

I expected Villa Amore to be just another ho-hum Hallmark formula flick - but the moment Liara set foot in Italy, I found myself unexpectedly connecting with her in deeply personal ways. I came for Kevin McGarry (my favorite!), but Eloise Mumford completely drew me into her character's heart and soul.

Filmed on location, Villa Amore is steeped in vibrant small-town Italian culture. The setting felt so rich and authentic, it was like getting my own mini-vacation.

I don't usually get too invested in side characters, especially when their roles are small, but here, each one added humor, warmth, and context - with satisfying, sometimes hilarious resolutions to their arcs. And that surprise twist at the end with the realtor and Leo's Nonna? Absolutely delightful. My laugh-out-loud moment: the Rome hotel concierge scrambling to erase the "honeymoon" vibe from Liara's suite!

The real surprise, though, was the love story. Sure, the bones of the plot follow the Hallmark template, but the performances, writing, and camerawork elevated everything. Leo and Liara's chemistry made it feel fresh and cinematic - many fans I've chatted with said it's worthy of a big-screen release. And let's be honest: some of the details were just straight-up clean sexy.

Villa Amore played to Kevin McGarry's strengths while giving him room to stretch - from sweet domestic moments and smoldering kisses to speaking Italian and portraying a panic attack with surprising depth. He's at his best as a romantic lead, and this film gave him plenty of chances to shine: tender gazes, hand-holding, soft touches, and yes - multiple swoon-worthy kisses.

If I were asked to come up with some criticism, I would mention the following weaknesses: 1. Although Leo is a skilled handy-man, we never actually saw him work on anything at the Villa. We would have really enjoyed some short clips of him working!

2. In regards to Liara's fiance Kyle, that relationship was so clearly over from the very first scene. It wasn't necessary to bring him back for final closure.

Eloise Mumford is hands-down one of my favorite Hallmark actresses, she brings such warmth and sincerity to every role. Honestly, I've never seen a movie of hers I didn't like, and this one was no exception. The moment I saw the previews, I had a feeling it would be something special. Add Kevin McGarry to the mix, who always brings his A-game, and I was sold.

Liara and Leo's chemistry is almost immediate, and it feels natural-not forced or overly scripted, just two people falling into step with each other in the kind of way that makes your heart flutter a little. And can we talk about the donkey? Absolute scene-stealer. That sweet animal added such a charming, unexpected touch to the story.

But beyond the romance and the postcard-perfect scenery, it was Liara's emotional journey that stayed with me. Watching her pour love, grief, and hope into fixing up the villa for her mother gave the story depth. Her neighbors were quirky and loveable, and even the grumpy postal woman won me over-every side character added to the richness of the story.

There was one moment that hit me like a freight train. When Liara fell off the ladder and broke down, telling Leo through tears, "I just want my dad back," it stopped me in my tracks. I've said those exact words more times than I can count. That ache, that longing-it's something you never quite outgrow, no matter how much time passes. That scene was beautifully done and deeply human.

This movie has heart, humor, and a story that lingers long after the credits roll. It's the kind of film that wraps around you like a warm hug. And with that satisfying yet open-ended finale? I'd happily sign up for a sequel.

8.3 stars.

This is a surprisingly stunning romance for Hallmark to produce in the summer. I am surprised and caught off guard at how wonderful this story is. In fact, 'Villa Amore' is one of the best in the past year, arguably their best of 2025 thus far. We still have six months to go, so who knows if anything surpasses it this year. I'm hoping they crank out a few more like this, because what a pleasant experience for me today!

These two actors have great chemistry and I don't recall if they've both been co-leads together in a romantic film before. I hope they reunite for another, possibly a sequel, because she threw three coins into the fountain. You'll see what I mean.

The story is about a woman who is engaged and is basically dumped after six years of dating this obnoxious man. That first scene where they have some friction and she is caught off guard is clunky, and got the movie started on the wrong foot. He is not a likable actor whatsoever. It was awkward and out of place. At that point, I was skeptical, figuring this was going to be a monumental failure of a movie, even though it stars two of Hallmark's favorite actors. These two don't do silly; they are known for quality films. Thankfully, they maintain their reputation and value in 'Villa Amore'.

After the clumsy breakup, she goes to Italy to find herself again, revisit where her parents fell in love near a villa in a small town. She eventually falls in love with the whole village and a man. He's an American, but spent a lot of his childhood here, because one of his parents is Italian.

In her grief and while she's trying to be more spontaneous, she makes a very impulsive decision and spends the rest of the story trying to climb her way out of a deep rut. Perhaps her new man will help her with the predicament, and maybe they can find fulfillment and love in the process.

I highly recommend this. If you like Hallmark, you will love this and I know you'll watch it, so I need not embellish my high praise any further. Suffice it to say, I will be watching this every year.

I loved Villa Amore so much. If you're looking for an endearing, feel-good romance, this one is for you. The chemistry between the leads was unmistakable. Kevin McGarry and Eloise Mumford were fantastic together. Their characters each had issues they were working through, but this didn't play out in the drama you usually get from a Hallmark movie. Instead, they developed a mature, deep relationship over months (instead of days which is the norm for Hallmark). This movie provided some very romantic moments. In addition, it was sweet, funny, and engaging. Even my Hallmark-movie-hating husband watched and enjoyed. That is high praise for sure! It's my new favorite Hallmark movie.

In many ways, this is a classic Hallmark movie with a plot line we've seen many times before. Of a jerk who dumps the bride at the altar. By a guy who she really didn't recognize as the jerky was. She goes to Italy, and a guy appears in her life that she does deserve, but tension ensues, she resists what she is feeling in her heart at all costs. Kudos to Hallmark... It was actually filmed in Italy! The movie is a wonderful example of how extending yourself and kindness and compassion awakens your own heart and you realize the man you love is right in front of your eyes. And it takes a village to help you realize that! Good story! Congratulations Hallmark.