I enjoyed this. Interesting and unique characters and lots of stunning nature shots. More of a drama than a comedy but lighthearted. Of course the plot relies on some conveniences, but I couldn't have cared less.
27 Reviews
Cute movie, beautiful scenery
fandomfatale29 January 2021
Cute, Scenic RomCom
film_grrrl10 February 2021
Small budget, tiny cast, big heart. We've seen this plot a zillion times before, but the cast manages to pull it off. Danielle Chuchran is always appealing, and her physicality is an asset here. Nice way to spend 90 minutes.
A Walk in the Mountains
larasevacan13 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I like the movie. I find it to be a nice and entertaining romantic comedy. It reminds me a bit of "A Walk in the Woods" (2015, directed by Ken Kwapis; cast: Robert Redford, Emma Thompson, Nick Nolte), insofar as in both films the characters seek to solve their respective personal conflicts through contact with nature, which is what allows them to discover who they really are, which they are their defects and their virtues, and the value of those things that they didn't consider important.
In "Love, Lost & Found" the journey teaches the protagonists to accept themselves, to know themselves better, and to reflect on aspects of their lives that their fast daily routines had prevented them from realizing. The further they go into the mountains, the further they move away from the city, from their work, from their social commitments, that universe that for them constituted their inner circle, the social representation of their self. Claire and Joey only measured their self-esteem based on their work success and the number of followers it gathered on their social media. Both of them undertake an introspective journey in which, the more they distance themselves from technology and their cosmopolitan environment, the more they penetrate into their own personality (the more outward, the more inward).
It's as if the city, technology and work have absorbed their personality and they have always lived deceived. Claire and Joey lived by and for other people, but not for themselves, until their accidental separation on the cliff made them think about what each really wanted. It's paradoxical to observe how Joey was more concerned with picking up his phone than going down to the river to rescue Claire. It's as if his love for her is summed up in a fictitious anecdote to gain more followers and satisfy those who already follow him. When he meets Nathalie he begins to stop recording so insistently and the turning point is marked by the moment when they both play throwing their respective phones to the ground.
I think this is well-reflected in the script. I even have the feeling that these actors also needed a getaway to the mountains during the harsh months of confinement, those days when every human being on Earth longed to get lost in some remote paradise free from the pandemic and its harmful effects.
Another notable aspect of the film is its photography, very well cared for. Those landscapes of Utah are wonderful, and the chosen music accompanies perfectly, being immersive, charming and perfect for the development of the story.
The length of the film seemed a bit short to me and I think it could have used 20 more minutes of footage, especially to add a little more depth to the characters and their experiences, since I have the feeling that the encounter with the bear solve too quickly the romantic adventure of the four protagonists.
The performing seem correct to me, although I notice that Joey Buf is somewhat forced. He's a bit overplayed in the first 10 minutes. He is portrayed as a young social media-obsessed influencer, funny, naive, clueless, boastful, likeable and eccentric ... perhaps too eccentric, and eccentricity seems like a stereotype applied to youtubers and influencers in film and on TV. Fortunately, he is maturing thanks to Nathalie. It's a shame that Nathalie and Joey didn't kiss like Claire and Colt, as I miss that romantic chemistry we saw between Marek and Dagen in the "Mythica" series.
It's a plesant proposal for a weekend movie afternoon. The plot may not be very original and groundbreaking; the budget, cast and crew are limited, but it's a brave production having in mind the circumstances in which it was shot. A very homemade-handmade rom-com. For all these reasons, I'll give it a rating of 6'5 stars out of 10 (6/10).
******
In "Love, Lost & Found" the journey teaches the protagonists to accept themselves, to know themselves better, and to reflect on aspects of their lives that their fast daily routines had prevented them from realizing. The further they go into the mountains, the further they move away from the city, from their work, from their social commitments, that universe that for them constituted their inner circle, the social representation of their self. Claire and Joey only measured their self-esteem based on their work success and the number of followers it gathered on their social media. Both of them undertake an introspective journey in which, the more they distance themselves from technology and their cosmopolitan environment, the more they penetrate into their own personality (the more outward, the more inward).
It's as if the city, technology and work have absorbed their personality and they have always lived deceived. Claire and Joey lived by and for other people, but not for themselves, until their accidental separation on the cliff made them think about what each really wanted. It's paradoxical to observe how Joey was more concerned with picking up his phone than going down to the river to rescue Claire. It's as if his love for her is summed up in a fictitious anecdote to gain more followers and satisfy those who already follow him. When he meets Nathalie he begins to stop recording so insistently and the turning point is marked by the moment when they both play throwing their respective phones to the ground.
I think this is well-reflected in the script. I even have the feeling that these actors also needed a getaway to the mountains during the harsh months of confinement, those days when every human being on Earth longed to get lost in some remote paradise free from the pandemic and its harmful effects.
Another notable aspect of the film is its photography, very well cared for. Those landscapes of Utah are wonderful, and the chosen music accompanies perfectly, being immersive, charming and perfect for the development of the story.
The length of the film seemed a bit short to me and I think it could have used 20 more minutes of footage, especially to add a little more depth to the characters and their experiences, since I have the feeling that the encounter with the bear solve too quickly the romantic adventure of the four protagonists.
The performing seem correct to me, although I notice that Joey Buf is somewhat forced. He's a bit overplayed in the first 10 minutes. He is portrayed as a young social media-obsessed influencer, funny, naive, clueless, boastful, likeable and eccentric ... perhaps too eccentric, and eccentricity seems like a stereotype applied to youtubers and influencers in film and on TV. Fortunately, he is maturing thanks to Nathalie. It's a shame that Nathalie and Joey didn't kiss like Claire and Colt, as I miss that romantic chemistry we saw between Marek and Dagen in the "Mythica" series.
It's a plesant proposal for a weekend movie afternoon. The plot may not be very original and groundbreaking; the budget, cast and crew are limited, but it's a brave production having in mind the circumstances in which it was shot. A very homemade-handmade rom-com. For all these reasons, I'll give it a rating of 6'5 stars out of 10 (6/10).
******
Breathtaking scenery in a ok movie
mosquitocyn11 March 2022
This is a pretty decent romance comedy made more watchable because of the breathtaking scenery. It's a romance of 2 couples, decent acting and good entertainment for a family or couple or even on your own. Chemistry in both couples a little lacking but the outdoor scenery and nature lovers will be happy with the movie.
Danielle C. Ryan sucks in this
skpn1237 March 2022
Trevor Donovan - usually great but didn't resonate with me here. Buff, an obnoxious cheeseburger aaah. Basic premise of the movie fine but the flow of the film and the connection between the characters - non-existent.
I could not overstate how much this movie irritated me. I would have run away from that hideous girl right at the outset. There was nothing likeable about her and then when we found out what she did to Colt it all added up perfectly. Kick her to the curb, fast and keep on running......
I could not overstate how much this movie irritated me. I would have run away from that hideous girl right at the outset. There was nothing likeable about her and then when we found out what she did to Colt it all added up perfectly. Kick her to the curb, fast and keep on running......
Wait for a rainy day to watch
cbisbee-739959 January 2021
Text: If you can make it past the first 5 or so minutes without uttering once 'Will you shut up please', then this movie is for you. Romance it is with an outdoors vibe to it, so much so they could have titled it 'Love in the Mountains'. If, on the other hand, you did utter those words or possibly a few 'huh' or two, then I would wait for when you don't mind suspending all belief in reality (I don't mean sci-fi) and just go blotto-brain.
Remember, when going into National Parks to take out what you bring in. Summary: Watchable, for when nothing better is playing.
Thank you,
Remember, when going into National Parks to take out what you bring in. Summary: Watchable, for when nothing better is playing.
Thank you,
Sweet story, fantastic scenery, enchanting music
perez-leeann9 January 2021
This film was a joy to watch. Some humor, some chemistry, set in the splendor of Utah (couldn't take my eyes away from the scenery sometimes), and the musical score by James Schafer is simple, sweet, and enchanting. It follows your basic rom-com format, and there's nothing wrong with that, you know what you're getting: a happy ending. What made this one interesting for me was the characters were so ill-matched in the beginning, and the way their story lines progressed was fun. Melanie stone and Jake Stormoen work so well together as always. Trevor Donovan is a Hallmark movie alum, both he and Danielle C Ryan did a fine job of it, too.
If I could rate it a 0, I would
hilary_mae-912-8056127 July 2021
I'd bet good money that the people who left "oh what a joy this movie is" comments are friends of the actors.
This is why I hate social media "influencers". All they influence is each other on how to be utterly stupid and how to waste their life. What a pity it wasn't him that went over the cliff, never to be found. He can't stop videoing himself and she can't stay off her cell phone. Annoying, annoying, annoying, immature, childish people. Overacting, ridiculous dialogue. I couldn't make it through the movie even if the scenery was really lovely
Scenery is lovely....yes, the only positive thing about this movie.
This is why I hate social media "influencers". All they influence is each other on how to be utterly stupid and how to waste their life. What a pity it wasn't him that went over the cliff, never to be found. He can't stop videoing himself and she can't stay off her cell phone. Annoying, annoying, annoying, immature, childish people. Overacting, ridiculous dialogue. I couldn't make it through the movie even if the scenery was really lovely
Scenery is lovely....yes, the only positive thing about this movie.
Adorable, funny, touching movie, very well shot, and very nice music
corbazbeatrice14 January 2021
I loved this movie, the beginning made me laugh out loud (my god it feels good), beautiful landscapes, funny and moving scenes, excellent music, I can only admire the work of this little one team, and thank them for this wonderful time in which I spent seeing Love, Lost & Found a real little gem, and I think I would always have so much fun seeing it again
Unlikeable characters so I gave up
SunnyDaise14 January 2023
I simply just didn't like the characters so gave up. I want to watch people who inspire me to be better, not those who are distracted by the busy yet so often futile activities of today. Yes we all gotta do something with our lives, but in balance. Don't be so busy making plans that you miss now. The present is the only thing we can guarantee yet it is gone in an instant, so don't miss it like these work-a-holics do. The movie probably comes good in the end, but I need good people throughout a film to make it worth watching, and sadly this presentation was a bust for me. Also needs a wider age range.
What has happened to Trevor Donovan? Idiotic movie to be honest!
smithduke19 February 2022
This movie was absolutely ridiculous and stupid! I used to love Trevor Donovan but he's had some big misses lately. His ex is in the middle of nowhere after falling off of a cliff with no injuries. Give me a break! She refused to go with him at first after he rescues her. I haven't seen a movie this stupid from Hallmark in years and I'm not picky.
A cute and funny movie
angeliquedawalibi21 June 2021
Not Much To See
kcterrell-2504611 April 2022
Occasional competent acting and beautiful natural scenes don't compensate for a dragging, silly plot. I was seriously annoyed by the characters of Claire and Joey from the beginning and was caught up wondering why these self-absorbed people would even think of getting married. I stayed with it because the title suggested something redemptive and the obvious assumption was that these two would individually awaken to the fact that there is something more to life than social media. The second Colt arrives, however, the meaning becomes otherwise obvious and the second half of the film is just playing out the inevitable.
Overall, half the movie is walking through beautiful woods and open fields. Hardly the making of a compelling drama. A satisfying predictable ending doesn't compensate for the jerky character development and miles and miles of hiking.
I suggest a pass and look elsewhere for a valuable two hours of entertainment.
Overall, half the movie is walking through beautiful woods and open fields. Hardly the making of a compelling drama. A satisfying predictable ending doesn't compensate for the jerky character development and miles and miles of hiking.
I suggest a pass and look elsewhere for a valuable two hours of entertainment.
Excellent Movie!
athompsonblue6 June 2021
Annoying movie
rhonnie-431398 August 2021
Sappy
jgarner-6747117 February 2021
Man the scenery from this movie is chopped up from all over the place. The place where she slips has no such river. But knowing the area well after living here for so long. It was easy to tell where they moved each location. That said next time consult a local there are far better locations that won't in turn send people going to these more recognizable locations.
Scenery
Jackbv12323 September 2021
The premise is a little unusual so this movie had great potential. Unfortunately, the story doesn't live up to the potential and the acting is poor as well.
I stumbled across it after watching Danielle C. Ryan in a Hallmark movie and looking her up. Browsing her resume I saw Trevor Donovan with her in this movie. Given that it was a recent movie of his I hadn't seen and it was free, I thought I should watch it. This is not one of Donovan's better movies. I didn't think he and Ryan had chemistry. Colt rhymes with dolt and I thought Colt kept behaving like one. The dialog between them was stale.
There are only 4 characters of any notice in the movie. It had the flavor of a low-budget movie and I assume it was. I think all the characters only had one change of wardrobe. Which brings up that this is a time you're glad movies don't allow you to smell them. Claire talks about only wanting a shower, but then she appears to pass up doing that before the final scene.
The other couple in the story were more comedy than romance. Buff was an obvious joke.
This genre isn't known for adherence to reality. The early scene on the mountain goes even farther than most movies to typify that. Neither character would have survived what was portrayed happening, at least not able to walk away in their own power.
This movie has some of the best scenery for a Rom/com and a lot of it. That is the only reason it got as many as 4 stars from me.
I stumbled across it after watching Danielle C. Ryan in a Hallmark movie and looking her up. Browsing her resume I saw Trevor Donovan with her in this movie. Given that it was a recent movie of his I hadn't seen and it was free, I thought I should watch it. This is not one of Donovan's better movies. I didn't think he and Ryan had chemistry. Colt rhymes with dolt and I thought Colt kept behaving like one. The dialog between them was stale.
There are only 4 characters of any notice in the movie. It had the flavor of a low-budget movie and I assume it was. I think all the characters only had one change of wardrobe. Which brings up that this is a time you're glad movies don't allow you to smell them. Claire talks about only wanting a shower, but then she appears to pass up doing that before the final scene.
The other couple in the story were more comedy than romance. Buff was an obvious joke.
This genre isn't known for adherence to reality. The early scene on the mountain goes even farther than most movies to typify that. Neither character would have survived what was portrayed happening, at least not able to walk away in their own power.
This movie has some of the best scenery for a Rom/com and a lot of it. That is the only reason it got as many as 4 stars from me.
Sweet tiny movie (4 human, 2 animal actors), well done, romcom.
LeatherCajun30 January 2021
There something rather charming about this film. It's a tiny film, just 4 late 20 adults having adventure, misadventure in beautiful mountains. It has a good heart, excellent production values for such a small movie. Reasonable writing and acting. Four gorgeous actors who look even better because they are not overly Hollywood made up or dressed. I enjoyed its simplicity. The two brief shirtless scenes could have been longer...but were appreciated. The Australian accent was unfortunate, but I got over it quickly.
Good Movie
jenniferharrison-2882911 January 2021
It was Great to see Melanie Stone and Jake Stormoen working together again as they worked together in the 5 Mythica Movies if you haven't watched all the Mythica Movies I totally advise you to do so if your into Action, Adventure and Fantasy movies all in one movie yes the Mythica series are not the normal high priced made movies but they are still great to watch all the same with magician, priestess, a former soldier/warrior and a half-elf thief
A charming romantic comedy in the middle of nature
renardmasque21 June 2021
A charming romantic comedy in the middle of nature with only 4 protagonists in incredible situations! The chemistry between the actors and the superb natural settings embellish a funny and sometimes unpredictable story ...
I wasn't sure if I could get through this....
jnh-123-74678624 January 2021
But there were a few redeeming moments and I got there. Not the best movie I have seen of late but bearable. The one thing that really grated was Jake's attempt at an Australian accent. Arrrrggghhhhh!!! Trust me not everyone down under talks like Crocodile Dundee and thank heaven for that. Worse ways to spend 90 minutes.
Love This Romantic Movie!
ruggierml24 February 2024
The on screen chemistry between the handsome, talented Trevor Donovan and the beautiful Danielle C. Ryan is very palpable and alluring. (Side note: They also co-starred in 'Love Finds You In Charm' in 2015 and 'Runaway Romance' in 2018); Melanie Stone and Jake Stormoen wrote a very sweet, albeit predictable and were fun to watch. The outstanding music soundtrack by James Schafer perfectly suits this movie. John Lyde's cinematography and direction were great!
With all of the insanity going on in the world, its nice to watch rom coms with beautiful lead actors and happy endings...and this is one of my favorites!
With all of the insanity going on in the world, its nice to watch rom coms with beautiful lead actors and happy endings...and this is one of my favorites!
Trevor Donovan at his best.
druatlax20 July 2022
With Danielle, Melanie, and Jake Stormoen, there is a good story, beautiful scenery, and adventures galore.
Fantastic chemistry, comedy, and respect between Trevor and Danielle. They are the home, the center of this story.
I love Jake. In this movie, though, he is a bit over the top with the too loud, too rushed - fake Aussie-speak. Detracts at times.
Countered
But, the story is well written and tight with drama and comedy for all.
This is a good, compelling story for all audiences to enjoy. Highly recommend it. Enjoy.
Fantastic chemistry, comedy, and respect between Trevor and Danielle. They are the home, the center of this story.
I love Jake. In this movie, though, he is a bit over the top with the too loud, too rushed - fake Aussie-speak. Detracts at times.
Countered
But, the story is well written and tight with drama and comedy for all.
This is a good, compelling story for all audiences to enjoy. Highly recommend it. Enjoy.
Cheesy but charming
I_Ailurophile6 November 2021
There are no surprises here. Either a romantic comedy is the sort of movie one can abide, or it isn't; anyone watching is surely already on board with the notion one way or another, so there's no need to fret the ham-handed indelicacies - just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. 'Love, lost & found' isn't necessarily one to stand out amidst countless other romcoms, but it's suitably charming and entertaining.
Unless one is specifically browsing genre titles, it's a fair guess that this is most likely to enter one's purview on account of the cast. I'm not familiar with Trevor Donovan, but he's just fine in his role as Colt, believably portraying the friendly, put-upon outdoorsman. Danielle C. Ryan embraces the mild impetuousness of Claire with a modest forcefulness that belies able poise. Jake Stormoen, as Joey, illustrates his ability to wholly lean into and realize a character, no matter how outlandish. And Melanie Stone exhibits wonderful nuance and natural charisma, on top of sharing her co-star's qualities, as park ranger Natalie. I've seen most of Stone's films at this point, and whatever the role, she consistently demonstrates a admirable, graceful ease and range in taking on whatever comes her way.
Stone and Stormoen, having previously shared the screen in the highly enjoyable 'Mythica' series of fantasy films, split writing duties in 'Love, lost & found - her first credit to that end, and his second. I suppose there's something to be said for the bare simplicity of the romantic comedy genre; one may reasonably argue that anyone could pen a light-hearted slice of cheese. This is hardly to discount the pair's capabilities, however - the screenplay is undeniably silly, and kitschy, but also earnest, and endearing. The characters have just enough personality to feel real, and dialogue echoes that slant while helping to actualize themes of letting go, and finding oneself in the process. And the scene writing and overall narrative are unquestionably gawky, and pointedly clichéd - further painted over with a warm but flat tone that forgoes any especial sense of drama. But on the other hand, the melodrama often inserted into most romantic comedies comes across as grossly inauthentic, and a weakness of the genre, so avoiding that trope is a little refreshing. In any event - once more, for emphasis: Anyone watching this already knows exactly what to expect, so why fuss over the details?
Director John Lyde has helmed no small number of TV movies, or heavy-handed fare that could be easily mistaken as such; this is not truly any different. Moreover, Stone and Stormoen's screenplay welcomes establishing shots of the beautiful scenery of the setting, and Lyde assuredly fills part of the runtime with the mountains, forests, and wide open spaces of the park. Composer James Schafer's score is wholly unremarkable, but adequate. And the end result of all these many elements is a picture that doesn't particularly strive to grab our attention, but aims only to be a pleasant, feel-good viewing experience. There's nothing to proverbially write home about, but in a feature that just wants its audience to have a good time, and succeeds in that modest goal, nor is there anything to harshly critique - unless one is abjectly opposed to the type of movie this represents, in which case, why are you watching in the first place?
I like the cast, I appreciate the screenplay, and I think the movie itself is a minor delight: 'Love, lost & found' is a satisfyingly sweet if slightly chintzy romcom, and anyone who is receptive to the genre will find this a welcome diversion.
Unless one is specifically browsing genre titles, it's a fair guess that this is most likely to enter one's purview on account of the cast. I'm not familiar with Trevor Donovan, but he's just fine in his role as Colt, believably portraying the friendly, put-upon outdoorsman. Danielle C. Ryan embraces the mild impetuousness of Claire with a modest forcefulness that belies able poise. Jake Stormoen, as Joey, illustrates his ability to wholly lean into and realize a character, no matter how outlandish. And Melanie Stone exhibits wonderful nuance and natural charisma, on top of sharing her co-star's qualities, as park ranger Natalie. I've seen most of Stone's films at this point, and whatever the role, she consistently demonstrates a admirable, graceful ease and range in taking on whatever comes her way.
Stone and Stormoen, having previously shared the screen in the highly enjoyable 'Mythica' series of fantasy films, split writing duties in 'Love, lost & found - her first credit to that end, and his second. I suppose there's something to be said for the bare simplicity of the romantic comedy genre; one may reasonably argue that anyone could pen a light-hearted slice of cheese. This is hardly to discount the pair's capabilities, however - the screenplay is undeniably silly, and kitschy, but also earnest, and endearing. The characters have just enough personality to feel real, and dialogue echoes that slant while helping to actualize themes of letting go, and finding oneself in the process. And the scene writing and overall narrative are unquestionably gawky, and pointedly clichéd - further painted over with a warm but flat tone that forgoes any especial sense of drama. But on the other hand, the melodrama often inserted into most romantic comedies comes across as grossly inauthentic, and a weakness of the genre, so avoiding that trope is a little refreshing. In any event - once more, for emphasis: Anyone watching this already knows exactly what to expect, so why fuss over the details?
Director John Lyde has helmed no small number of TV movies, or heavy-handed fare that could be easily mistaken as such; this is not truly any different. Moreover, Stone and Stormoen's screenplay welcomes establishing shots of the beautiful scenery of the setting, and Lyde assuredly fills part of the runtime with the mountains, forests, and wide open spaces of the park. Composer James Schafer's score is wholly unremarkable, but adequate. And the end result of all these many elements is a picture that doesn't particularly strive to grab our attention, but aims only to be a pleasant, feel-good viewing experience. There's nothing to proverbially write home about, but in a feature that just wants its audience to have a good time, and succeeds in that modest goal, nor is there anything to harshly critique - unless one is abjectly opposed to the type of movie this represents, in which case, why are you watching in the first place?
I like the cast, I appreciate the screenplay, and I think the movie itself is a minor delight: 'Love, lost & found' is a satisfyingly sweet if slightly chintzy romcom, and anyone who is receptive to the genre will find this a welcome diversion.
See also
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