Love Takes Flight

Set and filmed in Savannah, for us it revived pleasant memories of our long weekend there a few years ago. A noted surgeon has developed a new transplant technique, she is looking for a hospital where she can make it work. A missing piece at the moment is no helicopter pilot, the transplant material has a very short required transit time.

They find a pilot, former military, but he is also attracted to the pretty and capable doctor who has become the hospital administrator. The attraction turns out mutual but, following the Hallmark formula, something gets in the way. Only at the last possible moment are they able to get on the same wavelength.

My wife and I enjoy Hallmark movies, they are pleasant entertainment and always under 90 minutes. As this one is. We watched it at home on DVD from our public library.

Dr. Lizzie Beauman (Nikki Deloach) is busy as a hospital administrator and a single mom to Quinn. The precocious Quinn befriends an elderly gentleman named Walter. Lizzie reluctantly hires Charley Allen (Jeff Hephner) as a helicopter pilot for a two week probation. It turns out that Charley's father is Walter.

It's a rather bland Hallmark romance. I think it pales in comparison to the daughter and the elderly father combination. I like that duo more although it's an awkward start. It's like an old timey record where the B-side is the hit. Quite frankly, that relationship has more potential for drama and melodrama. The A-side is rather forgettable.

With the exception of the pilot character calling the helicopter rotors 'propellers' in the beginning, this movie hit solidly on several themes: Closed-off single mom, hurting widower father and adult son, job romances, job pressures and dangers.

Yes, there is the usual break-up around the bottom of the 2nd hour that seems to be a Hallmark movie requirement, but all the elements come together in the end.

I appreciated the less than saccharine tone, choosing to deal with real-life issues providing more depth than many a Hallmark movie. Well done. A keeper.

Other than Hallmark film completest sake, my main reason for seeing 'Love Takes Flight' was Nikki DeLoach. While her filmography is hit and miss, her performances have always been consistent in a good way. Was also interested to see whether it deserved its spot on the Hallmark Hall of Fame and do appreciate it when any film explores real life family relationships and conflicts, while Hallmark can do well and has done.

'Love Takes Flight' on the most part does this aspect well. While not being sure whether it is Hallmark Hall of Fame worthy, it is (even with its flaws) one of the better 2019 Hallmark films along with 'Love on the Menu', 'Love to the Rescue', 'Love and Sunshine' and 'The Christmas Club' for example. Though not as good as those films. 'Love Takes Flight' is far from perfect, but its sincerity was never in doubt and its good intentions laudable.

Am going to begin with the not so good. It is at its weakest with the central romantic relationship, which is not developed enough, the other relationships had a lot more heart and development whereas this one is too drifting in and out with not much distinction. The chemistry between DeLoach and Jeff Hephner is far from non-existent, their relationship is too underwritten.

Did think that some of the film dragged, especially in the early portions where the set up takes too long. Some of the dialogue is too on the sappy side.

However, a lot is good. DeLoach is just great in a charming and heartfelt performance. Hephner has a subtly natural charisma and matches DeLoach in the charm factor. The supporting cast are more than up to their level, with the standout being adorable and affecting Skylar Olivia Flanagan (neither cutesy or bratty). Did like the development given to the characters and appreciated that they felt like real people in real conflicts rather than typical ciphers. Nobody comes over as too perfect or has flaws exaggerated.

Other than the romantic relationships, the family relationships are done very well. Very heart-warming and moving, without being too treacly or heavy. The Charley and Quinn relationship is especially beautifully done, with the mother and daughter one close behind (one that was quite relatable to me).

It is a good looking film, especially the scenery. Something that Hallmark often delivered on, even in their misfires. The music isn't over-scored or too constant. The script isn't awkward and has a few amusing moments amongst the many very sweet and touching dramatic ones while keeping sentimentality at bay. The story is not innovative but clearly knew exactly what it wanted to be and do, and has lightness, warmth and charm. As well as well meaning honesty.

Summing up, worth a look. 7/10.

Lizzie is the COO of a hospital, and has an adorable 5 year-old, Quinn. At work, she hires a new EMS pilot, Charley, who happens to be the son of Quinn's new friend, Walter. These two find each other when they needed it the most and we see Charley and Lizzie beside them in this new adventure.

Writing the review as I watch the movie: Walter and Quinn are adorable. The mother-daughter relationship between Lizzie and Quinn is heartwarming. I think I have said it before but Nikki DeLoach, a favorite for the Hallmark scenery, always light up the room with her performance and her smile.

Jeff Hephner, new to the Hallmark scenery, but not my case (Jeff Clarke, to me) plays a confident pilot, with a hero complex who is there to fix things with his father after the passing of his mother.

I liked it. A fresh idea, instead of an overused plot, good supporting actors and a satisfying script. My only problem was that the main characters did not have enough time alone, which is require for the grand finale we are so accostume to. I didn't feel enough chemistry either, which honestly was disappointing.

The other relationships were more precious to me than the main one. It is worth the watch but won't become a favorite. Sorry Hallmark.