Falling for Vermont

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.

This movie just debuted tonight (9/23/2017) and I really enjoyed it. In fact, I think I'm the first one to add a remark. The main actress is very pretty and she's from Argentina, who would have guessed? She's been in the U.S. since she was 8 years old as I found out from IMDb website. I wonder if she speaks fluent Spanish because she's definitely fluent in English. I liked this movie because the topic was different than the typical Hallmark flick. This one was about amnesia. I often wonder why we get amnesia, what causes it and do some people never regain their memory once they have it. I have often 'imagined' having amnesia and wondered how I would handle it if something were to happen to me and I lost my memory. It makes you wonder, that's all. But this is worth watching. Sweet film. 7 Stars from me! The only downside to this movie is the fact that it was not filmed in Vermont. There is no such place in Vermont. I know because I currently live in Vermont. The location was fictitious or taken from a place in Massachusetts. It was filmed in Canada, not Vermont, disappointed in that only.

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.

Thanks to the excellent acting of all concerned, especially the two leads, this was a very enjoyable little movie. The gimmick in this one was amnesia. This is not one of the usuals. A stressed out and manipulated best selling young adult author makes her getaway right before she is about to be interviewed on TV. Yes she leaves everyone in the lurch at the last minute. She has an automobile accident and loses her memory. This is where a little suspension of disbelief kicks in because she needs a week or two without her memory for a story and a romance develop. She is a world famous author who was about to be on the red carpet for a movie premier of a movie based on one of her novels. And no one except her sister and her boyfriend/manager knows she is missing. Add to that the police do not search for a car which should have been found in hours as a tree fell across the road where her car drove into a gully. That is where her cell phone is and the clues to her identity.

Oh well, these are the little things you just have to roll with when looking at a Hallmance. These things rest on the appeal of the leads and secondary characters and based on this, it was a win. The actress, Julia Gonzalo, reminded me of another actress, and it was driving me crazy until I figured it out: A little known in America English actress Charity Wakefield. Looked just like her. I liked the widowed doctor as portrayed by Benjamin Ayers as well. Very likable guy.Pleasant scenery, gentle romance, nothing much to mock. The amnesia trick added some suspense and interest as well. I loved the way the set decorators stuck fake orange leaves in random places as well to convey the Fall theme. Very amusing. Well worth watching.

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.