Unleashing Mr. Darcy

Elizabeth Scott (Cindy Busby) is a beloved teacher at a prestigious private school. She gets fired and threatened with a lawsuit when she refused to accept a bribe from Grant Markham, a parent of one of her failing students. When she participates in a dog show, she is smitten and frustrated with the seemingly arrogant judge Donovan Darcy (Ryan Paevey).

This Hallmark romance is trying to adapt Pride and Prejudice into the modern world. There are themes in the classic novel that are nearly impossible to adapt into modern America. The central need for wealth and English class system are not easily transferred. In order to make wealth an issue, there needs to be an uber wealth involved which is hard to make on a Hallmark budget. The premise's difficulty needs an inventive solution which I do not have. I do like Busby's huffy annoyance. Paevey is rather stiff but that's ok for Darcy. One hopes for greater charisma but at least, he looks great. At the end of the day, I like their combative relationship and her frustration with him. I like the couple and that's enough for a pass.

I am kind of Hallmark Channel aficionado (also stayed at a Holiday Inn express) so I know the formula. No oscars will be won, but some are heartwarming, touching, funny or just crazy...but this one...wow (not in the cute meet wow sense) First, I don't get the attraction between them...but then there is this sister, and she is beyond clueless....🙄 I screamed at the TV in frustration because of what she kept doing to the main character...if she is supposed to be Jane from the book...oh vey...anyway, ya'll know the book, you can imagine the story line...it's your two hours

I am not sure whether knowing the novel will be a hindrance or a help, meeting Mr Bingley will definitely throw you, as will some of the other names, but for lovers of the BBC adaptation, they have Mr Darcy exiting the water. One thing I realise reviewing this piece is the importance or Mr & Mrs Bennett or in this version Scott, they are integral to the story. Watchable, but only just.

I thought this was a good film and the dogs were SOOO CUTE. However, I felt that Elizabeth was being rather unfair, especially how she was treating the titular character, Mr. Darcy throughout most of the film. It's pretty obvious she judged him and didn't really give him a change as it was a real gentlemen throughout the film. Despite that however, I thought this was a good film with a lot of elegance. Plus it's always interesting to watch a new couple come along as every relationship and love story is different. Plus I love Donovan's sister.

A school teacher meets her Mr Darcy while entering a dog in a dog show. He's a wealthy standoffish dog show judge. The cast and the animals are cute. For fans of 'Pride and Prejudice', there are enough plot elements from the classic novel wound into this story. He's standoffish but it's revealed he is good inside etc. After a while it's like enough already! Just get on with it.

Cindy Busby plays an unlikeable character in "Cedar Cove". It's nice to see her play some one likable instead. She doesn't play it too cute which can often happen in some Hallmark movies. She is quite nicely paired with Ryan Paevey as Mr Darcy. Frances Fisher plays a disapproving aunt - kind of similar to her Titanic role.

Worth one watch.