Falling for Vermont

I really love Hallmark movies, especially those that feature a single parent because then we have a more mature lead actor or actress and not a bridezilla or silly story lines about the leads having petty fights with each other to kick start their fledgling careers or one up the other.

And the 2 leads in this show really came across as a very lovely mature couple. It left me rooting all the way for them - other than the fact her boyfriend is really annoying "Go for Brad"? Yeah, no thanks.

Given that Angela and Jeff establish themselves as mature adults with successful careers and Jeff is a single dad, to then watch them getting all silly in the photo booth made me smile. It is so nice to see 'grown ups' remembering to be young again.

Julie Gonzalo (Angela) played the part of the amnesiac so well. She was lovely and held her own but with a hint of fragility. Benjamin Ayres (Jeff) also did a great job as a very compassionate doctor and a super great dad. I loved the part when she needed to leave and the kids were heartbroken; he just stooped down physically to their level and hugged them. That is so much more comforting than platitudes like "it's gonna be alright." Of course it is gonna be alright but it doesn't feel alright now so the best thing from a parent is a hug and he did it sooo well.

There is good chemistry between the leads and we can feel the yearning. Very nice. I was very taken at how Jeff was watching Angela give an interview 'far away' from him and the look on his face spoke volumes of how much he missed her. He turned the TV off and put the remote control on the table but he did that wordlessly but at a speed and in a way that told us of his heartache - wow that is some masterful acting.

At the end, I love the way the two of them caressed each other's faces with their eyes before kissing. The actual kiss though was a little off but it did not take away from the show. Some great Hallmark kisses were in 'Autumn in the Vineyard' and 'Love at First Bark' - totally and completely toe curling kisses!

Jeff's parents are lovely and so are the townfolk. Makes me want to move to a small town! Vermont in autumn is always so beautiful.

I would definitely watch this again even if I have other shows to watch!

Throughout my recently started Hallmark film completest quest expanding (so The Spring Fever, Summer Nights, Fall Harvest etc blocks on top of the Christmas films) an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with the Christmas output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level.

One can definitely see effort in 'Falling for Vermont', which may be derivative but it is far from cash in level. Of the four Hallmark films seen this weekend (the others being 'Love on Ice', 'Love at First Bark' and 'Eat, Play, Love') this was for me by far the best. It is not flawless or a classic, but have come overtime to not expect any of those things watching Hallmark's Christmas output overtime or take it too seriously. Really liked the ideas here and they are executed well.

'Falling for Vermont' isn't perfect. It is a bit slow to begin with, the set up taking a little too long. As said, it is predictable from being derivative of other films with similar premises (ie. 'A Christmas to Remember').

Some of the dialogue early on is pretty ropey too, the cheese really stinking up the room. The music could have been toned down too tonally and in placement, too constant and too loud.

If in any doubt early on, it is worth sticking with. The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments. The dialogue is not great to begin with but improves when the plot properly kicks in, not being too sweet and it flows at least.

Furthermore, the story is light-hearted and really warms the heart without going into over-saccharine territory. As well as being very poignant in the more emotional moments. The characters were on the most part ones easy to get behind and carry the film well. The acting is well above average, very good in the cases of Julie Gonzalo (in one of her better Hallmark performances in an affecting performance) and Benjamin Ayres (on sympathetic but never dull form). The chemistry between them is natural and genuine. The children are also strong, especially the daughter, and the relationship has a lot of heart.

In conclusion, not great but well worth watching. 7/10.

I thought the writing was well done, very realistic. First time seeing the two main character actors and I think they did a really good job, very believable in their roles. Definitely worth watching.

I know this is almost a doppelganger for A Christmas to Remember with Mira Sorvino & Cameron Mathison - but I liked it anyway ! The 2 leads here, Julie Gonzalo & Benjamin Ayres give assured mature performances and the supporting roles were great. Julie has such expressive features & i could be held spellbound by her beautiful eyes ! Try to come up with more original storylines next time tho' Hallmark !

Although Hallmark keeps using the same format many times, it was great to see Julie Gonzalo back in action since I haven't seen her since her stint on the "Dallas" reboot on TNT. Since Jesse Metcalfe, her on screen husband from that show is on "Chesapeake Shores," I said Bravo to Hallmark for getting those actors/actresses for parts on their network. Having said that, this is a delightful movie and the casting was great all the way around. I felt the hustle, bustle at the beginning of the movie and wanted a break myself after listening to her staff tell her about all that was planned ahead. The writers made me feel the urgency of her request to take a week and enjoy it being FALL. The rest is wonderful story that ends....well you'll have to see, but it's well worth the time to sit down and watch or like myself, DVR and save for a lazy Sunday afternoon to enjoy!