An Uncommon Grace

I liked Jes Macallan in this movie. I've never seen her in anything else and her eyes are so pretty. I love forward to seeing more of her. And the grandmother was none other than Kelly McGillis (from Top Gun). I didn't even notice that while I was watching the movie. I need to start looking at who is playing in the movies I watch these days so I can notice my old favorite actors and actresses. This was a different kind of movie. Thanks Hallmark for going beyond the normal romantic comedies/dramas and working on scripts that may be controversial. Perfecto!!

This movie gets a little heavy on Amish bashing, although the source of conflict is an unusually strict sect. Either way, it shows the worst side of strict organized religion.

This is not the most typical Hallmark romance, but it has some things in common with some of those that have revolved around the Amish.

The story also gets a little convoluted, but I enjoyed it. Jes Macallan and Sean Ferris don't have much time together on screen to show any chemistry, but there is some there.

I can't speak to the accuracy of the full portrayal of the Amish, although it is clear that this represents one of the stricter Amish sects, and they are right about some aspects (i.e. no reflectors on buggies). I thought it was a good story that held my interest. It has some similarities to Witness (not just Kelly McGillis!) in terms of the outsider in their midst. There's good tension in multiple story lines, and a crime to solve as well.

I really enjoyed this one. A little mystery, a little romance, a little light drama, all wrapped up in a Hallmark bow! Sincere, believable acting; gentle, loveable characters. I do wish, however, that Hallmark would take an extra few minutes to make the endings of their movies a little more realistic, and maybe not quite so typical and tidy.

All around unrealistic performances and casting choices, with no on-screen chemistry. A huge missed opportunity to tell and sell a story with potential. Flat, unconventional and unconvincing (over-acting) made it difficult to connect and hold the audience's interest. In particular; Daly's work was overshadowed by her deep need to be seen; she's trying too hard to steal the scene, so much so, her performance was a teaching moment on what not to do, what choices not to make and how crying on cue wasn't enough to touch the hearts of the audience. It was great to see McGillis on the big screen again, giving the audience a realistic performance; leaving us wanting more!