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.

Single working mom, Lizzie, who's daughter Quinn is insulin dependent gave up her OB-Gyn practice to be a hospital administrator to spend more time with her daughter. Lizzie has become a bit shut-off and distrusting since her divorce. Along comes former military EMS helicopter pilot, Charlie.

Charlie pushes Lizzie's limits...everything from her fear of flying to her overly conservative rules.

These two seem destined to be together from the very beginning.but the bigger story is the friendship between the grieving widow, Walter, and Quinn who is on a "find a friend" mission. If I knew you could pick up a sweet and kind older gentleman at the grocery store...I'd be spending more time there myself.

This movie was sweet and endearing and had a lot going on...big topics to tackle, but seemed to manage it in the end.

This certainly is one of my favourite feel good, heart warming films.

With all the black themed films and strife in our world, more of these types of films are necessary.

It is refreshing to see different scenarios and plot in this film with much more depth, than so many of the typical Hallmark films with the same plots and scenarios. Here, there is quality performances by all the actors and actresses.

Contrary to some of the reviews for this film, I feel that the two lead characters were solid, realistic, and heartwarming. What is chemistry? Is it supposed to be seen with sparks flying? I try not to slot people in pigeon holes, where they then become no more than robotic characters. Each person is an individual. This is what helps to make life exciting. After all, there are multitudes of people in this world. Thus, I love and appreciate that these two leads do not fall into any "typical Hallmark" character slot. Each of us shows love in different ways. I feel that the characters of both Lizzie (Nikki Deloach) and Charley (Jeff Hephner) were drawn to each other, which developed into a cherished love. Both appreciated the quality, strength, courage, and caring in each other, even though these characteristics were not overdone with more words than were necessary. Expression, action, and understanding was enough. Often, less is more, as was demonstrated here. Similar occurs with the relationship between Walter and Quinn, and the developing relationship between Walter and Charley.

So many true life aspects were covered. A confident veteran pilot (Charley) with a slight hero complex who becomes the EMS pilot who demonstrates his bravery and commitment. A dedicated single mom (Lizzie), who gives up part of her career for her daughter (Quinn) with a chronic illness that was not overemphasized. A grieving husband (Walter) from the loss of his wife, along with the grieving son (Charley) from the loss of his mother. The birth of a child by Lizzie's sister. All these characters intertwined through the evolution of their relationships with each other. All with real life imperfections that include problems and miscommunications, that get sorted out with a happy ending, as love, growth, and understanding overcomes all.

Of course, it would be wonderful if all issues ended this way in real life. :)

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.

The plot and acting were generally good, but I never saw a good reason for the woman to be that attracted to the pilot. At the end, I was thinking that they would break up soon or if it got to marriage then it would end in divorce.