Falling for Vermont

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.

This is one of the better Hallmark movies. I enjoyed every bit of it, and especially liked that it didn't have the usual dumb misunderstandings and contrived drama that most of them have these days. This was very straightforward with an interesting (although not original) plot with excellent character development. I liked everyone in the movie which is so unusual for me. I highly recommend spending time on this one.

The basic premise is understood; woman gets in car wreck, suffers amnesia, temporarily adopted by loving family consisting a single dad and two children.

An hour into the movie and I'm still wondering how incompetent the law-enforcement is in this little town, LOL. The fact the Sheriff finds her walking down the middle of the road would naturally lead law enforcement to the theory that she had a car accident. Work backwards from there, find her car, and her identity is discovered within 24 hours.

That said, I really enjoyed the movie and will hope the good citizens will elect a new sheriff by the time the next movie rolls around, LOL.

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!