Hallmark may be very inconsistent in all their season blocks every year (their Christmas films particularly), but there are films of theirs that are surprisingly well above average and more in every season block and every year. Their 2017 output did have misfires throughout the year ('At Home in Mitford'), but also films that impressed me ('The Birthday Wish'). Was intrigued by 'Love Locks' due to the cast and because it was one of the Hallmark Hall of Fame films.
'Love Locks' may not have quite wowed me, but it is not undeserving of being a Hallmark Hall of Fame film and is a very promising and very good way to start, or at least lead into, the 2017 Hallmark Valentine films period. Is it a great film? Not quite. Is it worth watching and has a lot of good things? Yes, and as far as Hallmark's 2017 output that had been aired already goes it's one of the better ones and among their better ones overall that year.
There is very little to criticise here. It is formulaic and doesn't have many surprises, almost everything is obvious well before it happens (and it is not just the neatly wrapped up ending) and did think that Bruce Davison seemed out of place and didn't fit his role.
On the other hand, 'Love Locks' is a beautiful looking film and one of the best looking 2017 Hallmark films. Especially the Parisian scenery, which is nothing short of magnificent. One has to be an amateur to find some way somehow of making Paris look visually ugly, and luckily that doesn't happen here. Photography is very loving towards it. The music is not overbearing or overused, while still having personality and variety.
While not a script that will win awards, the script is light-hearted and witty, clearly knowing what it was trying to be and clearly understood the genre the film fits under. Doing so without trying to throw in too much tonally or adding anything unnecessary. The story is not original, but is full of charm and never takes itself too seriously, while also treating the subject with maturity. The pace never felt dull while not being rushed.
Also felt that the characters weren't too stereotypical and were more than just typical Hallmark cliches that is seen too often with Hallmark. Also cared for them, with them being true to life with personality traits that appealed with situations worth relating to. Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell are very appealing in their roles, with a nice light hearted energy and also heart. Their chemistry really charms.
In conclusion, liked it very much on the whole. 7/10.
