Date with Love

A tribute to the films of John Hughes, "Date with Love" is loosely based on his film "Some Kind of Wonderful". Unfortunately, it does not live up to that 1987 teen classic. Especially in the early going, the writing is uninspired and the acting is average.

But I must admit that the lead actress, Shenae Grimes-Beech, who plays Hollywood actress Alex Allen, grew on me. In the end, she gives a charming performance as the star who accepts a proposal to a high school prom as a publicity stunt. Also notable are Milli Wilkinson as Devyn, younger sister of high school student David, and Bailee Madison as Heidi Watts, the best friend of David.

While the parallels of this film to "Some Kind of Wonderful" kept me entertained, that novelty did not elevate this TV movie. Also, a lack of chemistry between the two pairs of love interests dampened the film's appeal.

Just rewatched this movie. I've seen it a few times - so I know the story. This time watching it, I am picking up the 80s "hidden" references - and even the music used has that "80s sound." It's a cute movie - a little forced at the beginning - but that overcome. The younger sister - well we can do without her. She's not essential to the story - and even detracts from it. Love how the two kids get together. The ending is sweet. Watch it with an open mind - and embrace the 80s decade of movies and music.

High school senior David Rogers (Quinn Lord) has asked every girl in school to be his prom date except his best friend since the first grade, Heidi Watts (Bailee Madison). Of course, the only girl left to ask is Hollywood starlet Alex Allen (Shenae Grimes-Beech). Alex has recently been dumped by her boyfriend on the red carpet. Her publicist best friend Paige Sumner suggests doing some PR repair by accepting the kid's invitation. The media circus descends on the suburban neighborhood. Alex goes on the run and she falls for driver's ed teacher Mr. Walsh (Andrew W. Walker) after almost getting run over. He doesn't know who she is.

This Hallmark Channel romance is the lightest of rom-com. This is strictly a made-for-TV affair. The adult romance is weak. She's a Hollywood brat and he's bland. Neither are compelling and they probably deserve each other. I don't know why she shows up in class other than to engage in banter with Mr. Walsh and the story needs stirring. It's all rather sloppily and formulaically written. It's very manufactured. The pairing doesn't actually have any hurdles. It's not like it's a real date with David. Her best PR move is to bring David and Heidi together while having a fun time with the teacher. That's where the hijinx can happen. David is clueless and the mean girl can get in the middle. The kiddie romance has one good move which is telegraphed from the very beginning. It provides the only good acting pairing between Shenae and Bailee. The kids should be the stars of the movie but it insists on staying with the adults with their manufactured problems. I don't know why she's putting up decorations. The premise has potential but it goes down the wrong path.

I was reminded of this movie when I watched a new movie with Shenae Grimes-Beech called When I Think About Christmas. It was her first Hallmark movie in the 6 years since Date With Love which I remembered with some fondness. In this earlier movie, she plays Alex Allen, a famous movie star who needs some good publicity. She accepts a student's request that she be his high school prom date as a publicity stunt. Sadly, the student who proposed wasn't very popular and was blind to the feelings of his best friend Heidi, played by the very cute and talented Bailee Madison. Andrew Walker plays his teacher Vincent Walsh and Andrea Brooks plays assistant Paige Sumner

I enjoyed this movie because of Shenae Grimes-Beech. And Andrew Walker went on to become one of Hallmark's biggest stars. These stories are basically a variation of the popular trope of a Royal falling in love with a commoner. This was fun, even if the prom kid got on my nerves a bit.

The first 45 minutes was difficult, and we were ready to turn it off, but it then got marginally better and we watched it to the end. Guess I'm used to more mature movies from Hallmark so this one didn't grab us.