Falling for You (2018) Reviews

• Finally, a Hallmark movie where they kissed before the end!

  smithduke2018-10-11

  I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and have always been a fan of Taylor Cole. To me, she's very genuine, unlike what other reviewers felt. I don't recall ever seeing Tyler Hynes in a Hallmark movie, and I thought he was believable and perfect for this part. The two had great chemistry in my opinion. Finally, Hallmark allowed a kiss go uninterrupted by a phone call, a child walking in, co-worker, etc. Well, it was interrupted at first, but they threw caution to the wind and kissed anyway. I would like Hallmark to add a little bit more physical romance to their movies, like a real relationship. The film had an interesting plot albeit, predictable but that's what I love about Hallmark. It's not as bad as the reviewers made it out to be and I've seen worse. Relax and enjoy it.

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• Taylor Cole and Hallmark fans will probably like it.

  MIssM192018-10-22

  We all know what Hallmark movies are good for: to get away from real life just for a little while and dive into a "perfect small town life" you only see in American tv. As a whole the movies was alright. It wasn't the best out there but I think it's not as bad as reviewers claim it is. I like Taylor Cole. Even after the reviews I decided to give this a chance only because she was in it. It was worth it. Regarding the other lead character, Zac, I understand that it was part of his character but even at the ending, it lack a little bit of charm, at least for me. The characters kissed even after being interrumpted. Thank you, for surprising me and avoiding that annoying cliche at least for once! I like the plot, it was original . And Pleasant Valley? I have a lot of problems with that name. While it was not a favorite, and probably won't see it again, I enjoyed it.

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• A Movie About Relationship Not Romance

  WyzOldGuy2018-10-22

  "Falling for You" is a story about Lacey and Zac's relationship. Lacey is trying to save a small town's radio station due to recent town budget cuts. To make up the missing funds, Lucey creates a "Bachelor Bake-Off." At the same time Zac arrives to town. Zac created the software which revealed that the town was short funds and needed to make the cuts. There's something wrong with the software and Zac is under pressure to fix it. The "Bachelor Bake-Off" loses a contestant and Lucey convinces Zac to become replacement. They have an understanding that Zac will help her with the budget and planning while Lucey helps him learn to bake. As they spend time together, their feelings and admiration grow. With the "Bachelor Bake-Off" getting closer they both get wonderful opportunities in each of their careers. What will happen to their love? Will they go their separate ways? Will they rise to the new challenges? Can they find a solution? I've watched this movie three out of the four times it showed during Hallmark Fall Harvest premiere month. It wasn't until the third time that I was able to appreciate the movie for what it was. It shouldn't take three times to figure out a romantic comedy. In part that is the writer and director's fault. It also was partially my fault because I assumed that this movie would be a formulaic Hallmark movie. I was lazy, not looking carefully nor deeply into what was going on. Hopefully, this review can help you appreciate this movie without dismissing it. Why watch this movie: Watch this movie to see Taylor Cole in a different role. Usually she's the organized, confident, career-focused professional. In "Falling For You" she portrays a "force of nature," who by her enthusiasm and personality inspires others. She is insecure and unsure. She is a free-spirit being better at dreaming and talking than organizing and consequences (Think Ashley Williams' characters in "Love on a Limb," 2016, or "October Kiss," 2015). Taylor does a good job of bringing a different range of expressions, movements, and voice inflections. I thoroughly enjoyed it after I got over the shock. This was the best part of the movie for me. Watch this movie to see Lucey and Zac's relationship. As the plot progesses, it is touching to see the small ways they begin to adopt the things they admire in the other. They speak to each other frankly and realistically. They challenge each other to be better and try new things. At the end they embrace a new, better future which includes each other and all their dreams. I was glad that they both knew that it was better to talk to each other when things got tense rather than assume the worst and cut off communication. In all, this is a refreshing relationship and provides a glimpse of what good communication and relationship give and take looks like. In quite a few Hallmark romances we only see the mistakes and an apology. Lucey and Zac's relationship dynamic is the key to understanding this movie. It's Lucey's words that finally made sense to it all, "I want to marry my best friend who I also happen to be madly in love with," after which Zac agrees. (not an exact quote). They want the relationship to be right above all. Watch this movie for some great moments from the supporting cast. 1. Alison Wandzura convincingly, wondrously plays Sandra, the good-hearted, supportive BFF of Lucey. Alison played the selfish, hard-nosed antagonist role as Courtney in "Truly, Madly, Sweetly" (2018). Her performance in "Falling For You" convinced me that Sandra is a genuinely good person in the movie and that Alison is in real life. I hope we get to see her in a romantic lead role in the future. 2. Madison Smith (Max Buckman) and Matt Visser (Lucas Buckman) who are hilarious as brothers. Some might say "cheesy," but their timing is perfect. 3. Agape Mngomezulu as Ty. Agape's protrayal gives us no choice but to cheer for his delightful, yet struggling character. Ty is a talented geek who feels like a misfit. Both Zac and Lucey have heartwarming moments helping him see his value especially because he is not like everyone else. Why not to watch this movie Do not watch this movie for the romance and the big climax where you say "Awww" and tear up. (I did tear up in places.) The first time I saw the movie, I said "awkward" at their climactic kiss. Later, once I understood, I could appreciate what was going on. Here are the facts. There is no physical contact between the Lucey and Zac for the first half of the movie. See the buying of tickets scene at the beginning of the movie for what is to follow. The first contact is elbow to ribs, a sign of friendly familiarity, not romantic at all. Expect to see Zac and Lucey standing apart (like 4 feet) while talking. There is no accidental touching of hands. No touching of hair or face. They don't hold hands and they don't hug until the end. There are two kisses. The passionate one is in the middle of the movie. To "get" the relationship, you have to accept this is intentional. This reflects what I've read about the book it was based upon (Baking for Keeps by Jessica Gilmore). Do not watch this movie for the "Bachelor Bake-Off" and the quest to save the radio station. The bake-off takes only a few minutes. We don't see any bidding drama nor do we see the baked goods. There is some baking but not much. Frankly, don't feel bad if you don't root for a certain bachelor or the radio station's survival. What would have made this movie better. It would have helped if the "cooking together" scene contributed to the story rather than telling us more of the same about the individual characters. It told us that Zac is tied to his phone which at this point is nothing new. I still haven't figured out what Lucey's reference to "baking with love" was meant to tell us. There was nothing of the typical Hallmark "cooking scene" in this. Lucey and Zac work in isolation with no playful interaction. When they taste their respective cakes, they remain spatially separated. Not even their forks touch. It would have been better if Zac and Lucy had honestly communicated about their first kiss. Tyler and Taylor during their kiss communicate a lot about what their characters are feeling for each other. It is as good as any Hallmark kiss. But without a context and no further romantic progression/clues, I didn't know what to do with it. At first I was thinking, "Aww" and "Wow," but as the movie progressed it eventually became meaningless to their relationship dynamic. It would have been better if we had more clues as to what is going on with Tyler Hine's character. Tyler has a winning smile and he adequately portrays Zac's admiration for Lucey. However, there were several times when I wasn't sure what Zac was thinking or feeling. Especially with Zac Malone's straight, tight-lipped not-quite-smile expression. It didn't communicate interest or attraction for Lucey; maybe it is meant to communicate insecurity or shyness or seriousness. The problem is I'm not sure. For us to understand the relationship dynamic, the cerebral character needed to give us more clues; either by the director, script, or actor.

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• Falling For Falling for "Falling For You"

  jagallag2018-10-25

  Few earthly delights are as pleasurable as falling in love. But it is simply an ecstatic feeling to fall in love with falling in love. Wow, is it great. Anyway, Falling For You is a profound gift. It has everything- apple trees, knit cardigan sweaters, men who need to take phone calls for business-related reasons, perms, the phrase "small town" repeated 312 times, checkered table cloths, female characters who don't comprehend basic financial planning, and more. Watching this movie is like laying on one of those heated massage beds-you'll probably fall asleep, but at least it isn't because you're in a drug induced coma. The performances are very much there. Several people are in this movie, and many of them say things. The dialogue is delivered in American English, and it is for the most part comprehendable. Thank you.

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• A Decent Bake

  Lew7772019-01-10

  Throw in a busy software engineer, an ambitious small-town radio host, a fundraising Batchelor Bake-off , plus add the delicious Taylor Cole and good acting from Tyler Haynes - then it must be a Hallmark movie ! This film works well - the support acting was good, the small-town community was very close-knit, and the 2 leads were great together. This was one of Taylor Cole's best Hallmark roles and Tyler did a great job too. All in all a typical storyline but above average acting . Well done !

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