I mostly wanted to watch this movie because of the equestrian angle. But I should have known that it was going to be not well done on that point. Anytime any of the stores are supposedly on a horse and jumping their head isn't in-frame because it's someone else doing it. A horse show of this magnitude would have jumps twice as high. And since jumping shows are timed events, these horses would be Galloping and not a nice little Canter. Oh and last but not least, there is no play-by-play commentary while you're in the ring jumping. It's silent just like golf.
37 Reviews
Second chance at love.
MIssM1910 October 2021
Second chance at love is a trope I enjoy very much if it's well done. And I like Nikki DeLoach. She is one of my faves so my expectations were high. However they were not fulfilled.
Sam is going home to write an article. We have seen this trope literally a hundred times. I still wonder how they convince the bosses to give them so many days or even weeks. They must be the best bosses ever. Anyway her ex husband Luke is there working and helping her father, who is going to compete in this championship Samantha's family is hosting.
Wow, surprise surprise her father can't compete and she is going to take his place. We saw this coming the minute the title appeared. So, she has to spend time with her ex. The problem wasn't the chemistry, because it was there, but there weren't enough scenes to see it develop. I mean, these two were divorced and I found their relation too good to be true. In my opinion, it didn't "re-develop" very naturally. I understand they only have a limited time but it could have been done better.
I actually enjoyed more scenes between Sam and her father and them mending their broken relationship. It was cute to see them reconnect.
At the beginning I was SO sure that they were going to pair up Alex and Mathew (saw that a hundred times a well) but the closure of that little story surprised me. So kudos for that.
Anyway, I still enjoyed it due to the fact that Nikki was there but I didn't care much about the romance or the horses.
Sam is going home to write an article. We have seen this trope literally a hundred times. I still wonder how they convince the bosses to give them so many days or even weeks. They must be the best bosses ever. Anyway her ex husband Luke is there working and helping her father, who is going to compete in this championship Samantha's family is hosting.
Wow, surprise surprise her father can't compete and she is going to take his place. We saw this coming the minute the title appeared. So, she has to spend time with her ex. The problem wasn't the chemistry, because it was there, but there weren't enough scenes to see it develop. I mean, these two were divorced and I found their relation too good to be true. In my opinion, it didn't "re-develop" very naturally. I understand they only have a limited time but it could have been done better.
I actually enjoyed more scenes between Sam and her father and them mending their broken relationship. It was cute to see them reconnect.
At the beginning I was SO sure that they were going to pair up Alex and Mathew (saw that a hundred times a well) but the closure of that little story surprised me. So kudos for that.
Anyway, I still enjoyed it due to the fact that Nikki was there but I didn't care much about the romance or the horses.
Contest
Jackbv12326 September 2021
The story revolves around a horse farm, an equestrian event, and a divorced couple thrown together by her family. For the first part of the movie, it was a build up to what was supposed to be the awkward reunion of a divorced couple, made that much worse by the fact that everyone but Sam knew it was coming. For the viewer, it didn't seem that awkward unless you count Sam chewing out her parents. Then like so many Hallmark movies and their clones, the animosity disappears almost instantly. By about half way through the move, you could almost forget it happened that way because Sam and Luke were getting along great.
I've seen most, if not all, of Nikki DeLoach's Hallmark movies. At first, no big deal, but Two Turtle Doves sealed it - this is one of Hallmark's best lady stars. There are others that appeal to me more for various reasons, but every time I see Nikki, she grows a little more on me. Unfortunately, this movie did her no favors.
For what little screen time they had together, Nikki and Scott Porter had chemistry.
As I mentioned, the climax of the movie is the equestrian contest. From slightly past the midpoint when all the pieces were in place, it was obvious almost to the minute details what was going to happen. And the event consumed more and more of the story. I'm not a fan of rom/coms where some contest takes up significant time and attention. I'm much more into the people and relationships.
I especially didn't like some of the camera angles during the riding scenes. Poor Nikki didn't look good. It wasn't quite fear, but it wasn't flattering.
There were some scenes which were very flattering for her physically. I don't usually think of her that way.
I caught one scene, where once again on Hallmark, face makeup didn't look right. I don't see it in similar movies by other companies.
I give what I feel is an overly generous rating thanks mostly just because the movie had Nikki DeLoach.
I've seen most, if not all, of Nikki DeLoach's Hallmark movies. At first, no big deal, but Two Turtle Doves sealed it - this is one of Hallmark's best lady stars. There are others that appeal to me more for various reasons, but every time I see Nikki, she grows a little more on me. Unfortunately, this movie did her no favors.
For what little screen time they had together, Nikki and Scott Porter had chemistry.
As I mentioned, the climax of the movie is the equestrian contest. From slightly past the midpoint when all the pieces were in place, it was obvious almost to the minute details what was going to happen. And the event consumed more and more of the story. I'm not a fan of rom/coms where some contest takes up significant time and attention. I'm much more into the people and relationships.
I especially didn't like some of the camera angles during the riding scenes. Poor Nikki didn't look good. It wasn't quite fear, but it wasn't flattering.
There were some scenes which were very flattering for her physically. I don't usually think of her that way.
I caught one scene, where once again on Hallmark, face makeup didn't look right. I don't see it in similar movies by other companies.
I give what I feel is an overly generous rating thanks mostly just because the movie had Nikki DeLoach.
Good Movie
mjpatterson-2008529 September 2021
Cast was great. Story was great. Nikki Deloach and Scott Porter were wonderful. Really hope Hallmark does more with Scott Porter.
Having growing up riding and jumping, some of those scenes weren't great, but it's a movie.
Having growing up riding and jumping, some of those scenes weren't great, but it's a movie.
Nikki DeLoach can act!
seryan-9386526 November 2022
First of all, it's worth, noting how good and actress Nikki DeLoach is. Watch how she listens and responds. She is wonderful. The photography is wonderful. It was shot in Connecticut Corbin Bernsen turns in a solid performance and Janine Turner is really a pro. She's still got it. Yes. It's a Hallmark movie. But isn't that what you want? I get tired of the criticism. The moments that Corbin ad Nikki spend addressing their problems is really touching. And a shout out to the the actress who play the younger sister. She is wonderful as well. Her name is Eliza Hayes Maher. All in all a satisfiying movie.
Getting your mojo back
MickyG3332 March 2023
6.8 stars.
"Taking the Reins" is all about a woman who lost her mojo and needs to get it back. When she lost her mojo many bad things happened in a short period of time. First she was divorced, then she lost her desire to jump horses competitively, which subsequently led to her losing the respect of her father, then she left her hometown to pursue a journalism career in the city, and so on. Sound familiar?
So basically we have the recipe for the same story that was already told a hundred times by Hallmark. What's unique about this film? There is some good horse footage, some jumping and living on a big 1 percent demographic rich family ranch sorta stuff. This time it's about her visiting home and rekindling the old passion with her ex-husband. It's not particularly realistic, but it happens in real life ever so rarely.
The supporting cast are all stellar in their roles, so that's a big plus. Otherwise this film leaves a Hallmark sized hole in the wall as it eludes good ratings.
"Taking the Reins" is all about a woman who lost her mojo and needs to get it back. When she lost her mojo many bad things happened in a short period of time. First she was divorced, then she lost her desire to jump horses competitively, which subsequently led to her losing the respect of her father, then she left her hometown to pursue a journalism career in the city, and so on. Sound familiar?
So basically we have the recipe for the same story that was already told a hundred times by Hallmark. What's unique about this film? There is some good horse footage, some jumping and living on a big 1 percent demographic rich family ranch sorta stuff. This time it's about her visiting home and rekindling the old passion with her ex-husband. It's not particularly realistic, but it happens in real life ever so rarely.
The supporting cast are all stellar in their roles, so that's a big plus. Otherwise this film leaves a Hallmark sized hole in the wall as it eludes good ratings.
Another horse movie ruined by ridiculously bad riding
annie-0997327 September 2021
I take some heat from friends and family for being a card-carrying Hallmark movie dork. I generally love the light, happy entertainment. I get that it's not intended to be complex award-winning drama, and I'm okay with that. But, this movie set the bar so low even I can't forgive it. Why go to the trouble and expense to make a movie entirely centered around riding hunter/jumpers if you're going to ruin it by casting people as supposedly accomplished riders and trainers who clearly have never ridden a horse? Is it so impossible to cast people who can simply ride a horse? The riding in this movie is so bad it's laugh-out-loud ridiculous. It makes the story unforgivably ridiculous. Seriously? A supposed national level competition involving jumping over 1 to 2 foot fences I could step over while the audience oohs and ahhhs. Come on, Hallmark. Try a little bit.
Amazing chemistry
canadian_eh_uk19 October 2021
Why!?!
johanohammar19 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
For me the big question in this film is: Why would Samantha take back her ex-husband Luke?
If she loves this inconsiderate slob so much that she takes him back even though he makes no changes, why did she divorce him in the first place? She would have done so much better in finding a new love with some attractive features like not being a bully.
If she loves this inconsiderate slob so much that she takes him back even though he makes no changes, why did she divorce him in the first place? She would have done so much better in finding a new love with some attractive features like not being a bully.
Very enjoyable movie!
Mysterylover-6019815 February 2022
This movie doesn't disappoint. Nikki Deloach and Scott Porter had great chemistry. Nikki Deloach is a favorite of mine on Hallmark. Hopefully, Scott Porter will do more movies on Hallmark. The scenery was beautiful. Janine Turner and Corbin Bernsen were great additions to the cast.
filming riding movies
odenbachbecky6 January 2022
They kissed before the final scene
mloessel19 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The movie doesn't get cooking until that last 20 minutes. In the beginning there's the usual low energy music. However, 'Taking the Reins' has got a good story and the acting is credible. What i'm not crazy about is the Hallmark's choice of a score. I feel i've walked into an elevator. I did give this episode a chance and some what surprised at the ending. The principal actors were very relaxed and had good chemistry. I was surprised to see a kiss before the final scene. This episode gave me hope that Hallmark is starting to grow up.
Great Story With A Great Cast !!
moonlightlex25 October 2021
We love every Hallmark movie we've ever seen with Nikki Deloach and this one didn't disappoint. She seems really well paired with Scott Porter. It's a good storyline with beautiful horses and lovely fall scenery. Janine Turner and Corbin Bernson were good supporting roles as Nikki's parents. Typical of Hallmark movies the ending is predictable but we loved it all the same.
Don't watch if you know anything at all about horses
staceyedwards-6013128 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It is rare to find an authentic horse movie or show, but this is the absolute worst. It just couldn't be that hard to find someone to fact check. The lead actress is supposed to a jumper rider but her old room shows ribbons for dressage. The sad looking horses must have all been named by six year olds and hardly look like champions. In the final competition, the rider is again dressed for dressage, not jumpers and certainly not hunters. The jumps were quite small for a championship and were hunter style, not jumper style. Rascal's braids looked like someone did them with mittens on - they were all over the place. I've never heard an announcer at a jumper show say that the horse "leaped". The story was pleasant enough and it was nice to see Janine Turner, but everything else was unforgivable.
Loved it!
lisam10025 October 2021
Nikki DeLoach and Scott Porter have AMAZING on-screen chemistry! Even the scenes where they "don't get along" at the beginning are good! Their chemistry is one of my favourite things about this movie! The other is the horses! I have LITERALLY watched this movie a dozen times now and will be buying it on dvd! I hope they have a sequel or star in another movie together! And the supporting cast also did a fantastic job! The only thing that bothered me a bit was that the mother looked a bit too young. IRL they are just 17 years apart.
I wish I could rate this higher
howie141 February 2022
They actually found a couple with chemistry and showed a deft touch with the family relationships, thanks to Corbin Bernsen. If this were just a romance/family movie, it would have been fine.
Unfortunately, the riding is an important part of the story and this movie just doesn't make the equestrian scenes interesting or realistic. This might be a Hallmark film that would have been better made in Canada. Maybe then they could have gotten some of the experts from the CBC series Heartland, who know how to shoot realistic versions of all styles of horsemanship.
Unfortunately, the riding is an important part of the story and this movie just doesn't make the equestrian scenes interesting or realistic. This might be a Hallmark film that would have been better made in Canada. Maybe then they could have gotten some of the experts from the CBC series Heartland, who know how to shoot realistic versions of all styles of horsemanship.
Nikki DeLoach is good as usual, but stay away if you know anything about horses (or divorce)
MichaelByTheSea20 January 2022
I really like Nikki DeLoach (she was great in Two Turtle Doves and The Perfect Catch). And I get that Hallmark sells relationship fantasies. I'm a happy consumer of those fantasies. But it's one thing to reunite old sweethearts from high school or college who went their different ways; it's quite another to reunite divorced couples. It's hard enough for divorced couples just to be civil to each other, let alone fall back in love. Heck, I thought Crashing Through The Snow (which featured a divorced mom spending Christmas with her ex's fiancé's family) was wildly unrealistic.
These 2 spent six (6!) years together, couldn't make it work, got divorced (the reasons were fuzzy), and it was apparently so bad, her family was afraid to tell her that her ex would be at the ranch (that was weird by the way). But then Poof! They're hanging out, riding horses and falling back in love. Sorry. I didn't buy it. Divorce is more than just a break up. A lot more.
I also thought the focus on the big horse riding event was a bit off. I loved taking my daughter to her horse riding lessons. She loved horses, and I loved seeing her happy. But, as others have noted (in impressive detail), Hallmark really screwed up in making that event and the riders seem believable. And it came at the expense of an unrealistic love story that needed more time to seem plausible. If Hallmark wants to target some demographic clamoring for stories about divorced couples getting back together, those stories should be told, if at all, over time in a series like Chesapeake Shores.
And as someone who applauds Hallmark's efforts to make their movies more diverse and inclusive (the intolerant pearl clutching "PC alert" crowd should be ashamed of themselves), I thought the same sex couple was thrown in to win quota credits in lieu of treating them as fleshed out characters. In contrast, I loved the realistic and interesting lesbian sisters in Unexpected Christmas and Every Time a Bell Rings. Still, I suppose even a token effort should be acknowledged as progress that, just 5 years ago, seemed unlikely.
These 2 spent six (6!) years together, couldn't make it work, got divorced (the reasons were fuzzy), and it was apparently so bad, her family was afraid to tell her that her ex would be at the ranch (that was weird by the way). But then Poof! They're hanging out, riding horses and falling back in love. Sorry. I didn't buy it. Divorce is more than just a break up. A lot more.
I also thought the focus on the big horse riding event was a bit off. I loved taking my daughter to her horse riding lessons. She loved horses, and I loved seeing her happy. But, as others have noted (in impressive detail), Hallmark really screwed up in making that event and the riders seem believable. And it came at the expense of an unrealistic love story that needed more time to seem plausible. If Hallmark wants to target some demographic clamoring for stories about divorced couples getting back together, those stories should be told, if at all, over time in a series like Chesapeake Shores.
And as someone who applauds Hallmark's efforts to make their movies more diverse and inclusive (the intolerant pearl clutching "PC alert" crowd should be ashamed of themselves), I thought the same sex couple was thrown in to win quota credits in lieu of treating them as fleshed out characters. In contrast, I loved the realistic and interesting lesbian sisters in Unexpected Christmas and Every Time a Bell Rings. Still, I suppose even a token effort should be acknowledged as progress that, just 5 years ago, seemed unlikely.
Good chemistry
lnmilne-6411121 February 2022
I'm not going to complain about the equestrian mistakes because I don't really care. All of the reviewer complaints reminds me of when I watch any scene with poker being played and the characters can't follow the very simple rules (you can't raise if nobody has even bet!) or even take their turn in order. Lol
I liked the chemistry and that this was a rare Hallmark movie where they admit they are in love before the final minute of the movie. Corbin is a favorite and I'm not into horses but I enjoyed this movie. Yes, the horse part wasn't correct. After all of the ridiculous ice skating scenes that Hallmark makes us suffer through (on a tiny "rink" that makes me claustrophobic to watch) I knew that the horse jumping would be equally as inept.
Seriously?
aliasbwb27 September 2021
I know horse people have a hard time with the weak riding in films involving an equestrian theme but this one was painful! A national championship with people that couldn't even hold the reins properly? And the braiding jobs...I cringed. I mean try a little bit. Obviously no one at Hallmark has been to an A-rated horse show. Don't think they have even been to a schooling show because even super green riders on backyard ponies ride better and turn their horses out better. Now if the story had been decent I might have been able to tolerate the total miss on the equestrian side but the story was pretty pathetic as well. Just awful.
The most romantic hallmark movie ever
vjf3626 September 2021
A mostly lacklustre ride
TheLittleSongbird16 June 2022
There were two primary reasons for watching 'Taking the Reins'. One was for completest sake, with it being one of the 2021 Hallmark films that have started been reviewed since last December and as part of my Hallmark film complest quest. The other was for Nikki DeLoach, who has impressed me a lot in a lot of things and to me she is one of the best and more consistent Hallmark regulars. The 2021 Hallmark output was an uneven bunch, but there was a lot to like about most of the Fall Harvest films.
For me, 'Taking the Reins' is one of the weakest of the Fall Harvest films and is another one of the films that is not one of the very worst of the year for the Hallmark films but still in the lesser end. Had no issues with the acting, but the writing sides of the film was where the film was nowhere near as good to put it lightly. Very few of the 2021 Hallmark films were too weak and few really were terrible as well, but quite a number of the films from that year could have been done a lot better and that is true for 'Taking the Reins'.
When talking about the best aspects, the top one is the acting. DeLoach does not disappoint, and gives a committed and charismatic performance. She has good chemistry with equally sturdy Scott Porter., who individually gives a very appealing and charismatic performance. The acting in fact here is well above average in my view.
Moreover, the film looks good. Especially in the truly lovely scenery that is accompanied every bit as well by the photography. The music is pleasant enough.
Did feel though that the story felt very formulaic and dragged out, with very little done with old material. There is very little excitement, which is what a film with this subject needs. The script can be very awkward sounding and also could have been tighter and less cheesy. Will agree too about the riding being distractingly bad in a way that takes one out of the film.
Am not one of those who marks a film down immediately if something isn't right as that tends to be really petty and occasionally also bigoted but for a film where riding is at the centre of the film that is actually a bit of a problem. The character writing is not very well fleshed out or interesting, basically typical Hallmark cliches with nothing to make them stand out. The direction is rather routine.
Concluding, pretty lacklustre. 4/10.
For me, 'Taking the Reins' is one of the weakest of the Fall Harvest films and is another one of the films that is not one of the very worst of the year for the Hallmark films but still in the lesser end. Had no issues with the acting, but the writing sides of the film was where the film was nowhere near as good to put it lightly. Very few of the 2021 Hallmark films were too weak and few really were terrible as well, but quite a number of the films from that year could have been done a lot better and that is true for 'Taking the Reins'.
When talking about the best aspects, the top one is the acting. DeLoach does not disappoint, and gives a committed and charismatic performance. She has good chemistry with equally sturdy Scott Porter., who individually gives a very appealing and charismatic performance. The acting in fact here is well above average in my view.
Moreover, the film looks good. Especially in the truly lovely scenery that is accompanied every bit as well by the photography. The music is pleasant enough.
Did feel though that the story felt very formulaic and dragged out, with very little done with old material. There is very little excitement, which is what a film with this subject needs. The script can be very awkward sounding and also could have been tighter and less cheesy. Will agree too about the riding being distractingly bad in a way that takes one out of the film.
Am not one of those who marks a film down immediately if something isn't right as that tends to be really petty and occasionally also bigoted but for a film where riding is at the centre of the film that is actually a bit of a problem. The character writing is not very well fleshed out or interesting, basically typical Hallmark cliches with nothing to make them stand out. The direction is rather routine.
Concluding, pretty lacklustre. 4/10.
Slow, Plodding, Predictable, Boring & Unimaginative
mounthebron28 September 2021
Really Enjoyable
lorid-7382815 January 2023
I came upon this movie today and when I saw ND was in it I decided to watch and I'm so glad I did! ND & SP had great chemistry together. The script was just ok but these two actors carried it along nicely!! I'm telling you in my opinion, Nikki D is the best Hallmark actress by far. I don't find myself rolling my eyes or tuning out when she's in the movie. I truly think she's a very good actor. The landscape of this movie was oh so pretty and I love the fact this movie highlighted such beautiful horses. I'm thinking this is probably someone's true property - wow - and the stable, magnificent!! Job well done to all.
Lazy research
susanpenter3 October 2022
As the Hallmark style movie goes I enjoyed this one. The characters were nice and there was no over the top other character getting in the way when there was zero chance the lead was interested in them - that always vexes me if it lasts too long. It didn't have all the feels that some of the Christmas ones do but was pleasant and relaxing.
The scenery was beautiful and the house was amazing - as a Brit one of their rooms was nearly as big as a whole floor of our house. 😆
One of the things that irked me the most was when it came to the show jumping. A one minute search of the internet would tell them that knocking down a fence is given a score of 4 and yet they referred to it as 1. It is hard to imagine that there wasn't anyone on set at the time that could have corrected this. (Unless some US States don't use the International/Olympic scoring conventions in which case I apologise.)
The scenery was beautiful and the house was amazing - as a Brit one of their rooms was nearly as big as a whole floor of our house. 😆
One of the things that irked me the most was when it came to the show jumping. A one minute search of the internet would tell them that knocking down a fence is given a score of 4 and yet they referred to it as 1. It is hard to imagine that there wasn't anyone on set at the time that could have corrected this. (Unless some US States don't use the International/Olympic scoring conventions in which case I apologise.)
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