Dear Viola

Not the highest budget film, definitely cheesy, but I liked it. Very cute, feel good movie. I easily connected to the characters. It wasn't overly deep, but if you like a sweet romance...you'll find it here.

This is a great film. All levels are tops. Kellie Martin plays a Dear Viola columnist for the newspaper for which she is the accountant. A letter comes in, and he needs advice on moving on after his wife has died. Kellie keeps the town interested with her good advice to him. She knows him and his eight year old daughter, Kira Gelineau, from church. I love the church singing. Jefferson Brown is the dad and does start dating a beauty, but the daughter and she don't hit it off. The daughter runs away, and Kellie and he find her. The ending is so perfect. I love this simple, well told story where everything works, and there is a joy in the actors' acting. I feel they all love the story.

Not too bad for a Hallmark, though apparently it wasn't that. Kellie was 39 when this was filmed but defying the odds for Hollywood, but she looked 49. I have noticed this before with Kellie. WTH? Can we please get some good lighting or a competant make up person for this poor woman?

This could have been better. The acting is over-the-top, exaggerated facial expressions and physical movements, sort of...high school stage acting. Sorry that the directing wasn't better.

I have liked Kellie Martin since I saw her as Christy. This is a cute film that address some tough issues in a Hallmark style. Her outfits are adorable. I gave it and 8 because the character "Jamie" was a little over the top and kitchy.