I find it strange and annoying that only those who do not appreciate a film leave a review. I liked it, it's really amazing and funny in some moments. The two leads are convincing. I find that Richard Harmon has given depth to his character and shows great comedy skills too. Davida Williams was perfect. She is so much in the character. I really loved her work and the chemistry the leads get to build between their characters. This Is a process though because the beginning is not easy at all. Perhaps someone could expect some more attention to the romantic side in a Hallmark movie, not that I missed it, but here there was really a lot to tell and various aspects of Taylor and Will's personal and sporting life to eviscerate. In my opinion, giving a 1 or 2 to such a film is ridicolous and outrageous of the work of the cast and crew. I would put a 10 to try and remedy but I will not be so unfair and let a more than deserved 7.
16 Reviews
Sports/Romance movie
Jackbv12328 August 2022
Hallmark doesn't do this kind of movie often where a sporting event dominates the story. They do plenty of contests, but this kind of sports movie has a different feel from most of the others by its nature. This one follows the pattern you would expect with a slight twist almost at the last minute.
There was some mild chemistry between Davida Williams and Richard Harmon. The acting was OK. The dialogue had a few good moments but was mostly average. Some sets were almost cheesy since the training facility looked more elaborate than the tournament itself.
There is almost always an aspect where each of the lead couple encourage the other to be a better person. William was supposed to be a John McEnroe type with uncontrollable anger issues, but after we actually meet him, there isn't much of that.
There were lots of Tennis scenes including some coaching of youth players but otherwise the story was pretty simple.
There was some mild chemistry between Davida Williams and Richard Harmon. The acting was OK. The dialogue had a few good moments but was mostly average. Some sets were almost cheesy since the training facility looked more elaborate than the tournament itself.
There is almost always an aspect where each of the lead couple encourage the other to be a better person. William was supposed to be a John McEnroe type with uncontrollable anger issues, but after we actually meet him, there isn't much of that.
There were lots of Tennis scenes including some coaching of youth players but otherwise the story was pretty simple.
If you haven't seen the movie Wimbledon, watch that instead of this
MichaelByTheSea2 September 2022
My son was a nationally ranked tennis player before leaving the tournament circuit to go to college. As you might imagine, I've seen countless matches, practices, and pro tournaments. Sadly, despite Venus Williams' connection as a producer, the tennis scenes in "Game, Set, Love" looked like they filmed some mediocre high school players in a gym.
Davida Williams (no relationship to Venus) plays coach Taylor and, after a clinic, she's shown working on her serve. Yikes. She gets no height on the ball, doesn't extend her body or arm up, and does little more than tap the ball across the net. And yet a woman "ranked top ten in doubles" comes up and says "killer serve" and tells a young girl that Taylor was "way better than me".
Uh, no.
Actually, that doubles player, Ashley Wong, played by Jennifer Khoe, is shown serving the ball with far better skill in a later scene. As for bad boy William Campbell (a fictional John McEnroe), played by the director's brother Richard Harmon (the 2 siblings were both in the long running sci-fi TV series " The 100") he just wasn't convincing as a tennis player. And instead of acting like the brat he was on court, he had a pleasant and affable personality that conveniently meshed with the very attractive Taylor. They had some fun banter and Willam actually had an insightful line about tennis player parents. When referring to the parents of the kids that Taylor coached, he called them "a bunch of people who put all their baggage and expectations onto their kids". I saw a lot of that. And I was probably guilty of that a bit myself.
But there were some weird moments. Why were they playing in the rain?? That's generally frowned on because of safety issues, shoe traction problems, and heavier wet balls that don't reflect match conditions. And during 12 years of tennis clinics, lessons, and matches, my son never once played in the rain.
Also, the big "Georgia Sun" tournament was likely a fake version of the Atlanta Open, which doesn't have mixed doubles. And even if it did, there wouldn't be TV coverage of it, let alone Tracy Austin.
Another reviewer commented about the scoreboard which inexplicably indicated that the "previous sets" were 4-2 and that the total "sets" were 3-1, games 2-1. Later, the scoreboard indicated that the "previous sets" were 4-6, 7-5, and 6-6 and that the total "sets" were 6-4, games 5-5. Huh?
The relationship between Taylor and her father was sweet, but the conflict between William and his parents didn't ring true. A player of William's stature doesn't get there without lots of parental emotional and financial support. And yet the father wanted him to join the restaurant business rather than play tennis? Really?
But I did buy the growing attraction between Taylor and William, and I loved the Lake House.
But the movie became all about their success on the court rather than off it. And the tennis just didn't seem remotely authentic. In fairness, sports movies are hard to do. They often seem fake unless there's a big budget. Wimbledon was a great tennis movie. This was not. But Hallmark did make at least one decent sport movie. Love on the Sidelines succeeded because it focused more on the off the field action. That's what they should have done here.
Davida Williams (no relationship to Venus) plays coach Taylor and, after a clinic, she's shown working on her serve. Yikes. She gets no height on the ball, doesn't extend her body or arm up, and does little more than tap the ball across the net. And yet a woman "ranked top ten in doubles" comes up and says "killer serve" and tells a young girl that Taylor was "way better than me".
Uh, no.
Actually, that doubles player, Ashley Wong, played by Jennifer Khoe, is shown serving the ball with far better skill in a later scene. As for bad boy William Campbell (a fictional John McEnroe), played by the director's brother Richard Harmon (the 2 siblings were both in the long running sci-fi TV series " The 100") he just wasn't convincing as a tennis player. And instead of acting like the brat he was on court, he had a pleasant and affable personality that conveniently meshed with the very attractive Taylor. They had some fun banter and Willam actually had an insightful line about tennis player parents. When referring to the parents of the kids that Taylor coached, he called them "a bunch of people who put all their baggage and expectations onto their kids". I saw a lot of that. And I was probably guilty of that a bit myself.
But there were some weird moments. Why were they playing in the rain?? That's generally frowned on because of safety issues, shoe traction problems, and heavier wet balls that don't reflect match conditions. And during 12 years of tennis clinics, lessons, and matches, my son never once played in the rain.
Also, the big "Georgia Sun" tournament was likely a fake version of the Atlanta Open, which doesn't have mixed doubles. And even if it did, there wouldn't be TV coverage of it, let alone Tracy Austin.
Another reviewer commented about the scoreboard which inexplicably indicated that the "previous sets" were 4-2 and that the total "sets" were 3-1, games 2-1. Later, the scoreboard indicated that the "previous sets" were 4-6, 7-5, and 6-6 and that the total "sets" were 6-4, games 5-5. Huh?
The relationship between Taylor and her father was sweet, but the conflict between William and his parents didn't ring true. A player of William's stature doesn't get there without lots of parental emotional and financial support. And yet the father wanted him to join the restaurant business rather than play tennis? Really?
But I did buy the growing attraction between Taylor and William, and I loved the Lake House.
But the movie became all about their success on the court rather than off it. And the tennis just didn't seem remotely authentic. In fairness, sports movies are hard to do. They often seem fake unless there's a big budget. Wimbledon was a great tennis movie. This was not. But Hallmark did make at least one decent sport movie. Love on the Sidelines succeeded because it focused more on the off the field action. That's what they should have done here.
Wow. Anyone affiliated with this movie EVER play tennis??
maestromeg28 August 2022
Beyond laughable in its representation of professional tennis. The ludicrous plot line details were so far removed from reality that we laughed through the entire comedy - except it wasn't supposed to be funny THAT way. The sequences of play action were so disjointed, it was as if they teleported across the court. The scoreboard camera shot in the final match was absolute gibberish in representing what had happened in the course of the match with the points, games, and sets won. And a mildly injured player agonizing over whether to play the FINAL match point to win? I won't even delve into the relationship plot and the lack of chemistry among the leads, who in no way sold themselves as professional athletes. If you know anything about tennis at all, watch it for either a laugh at Hallmark's expense - or to be majorly frustrated at the stupidity. Just to be clear, I enjoy Hallmark movies for pleasant entertainment. Not this embarrassment.
DOUBLE FAULT
JT332 September 2022
Hire a Hall of Fame player to be producer, another Hall of Fame player to play an announcer, hype the heck out of the movie on your network and lead everyone to think they're going to see a good tennis movie (a rarity). This sort of requires that you deliver a good movie. This movie fails miserably.
When you combine terrible acting with a terrible script AND terrible tennis, it results in a straight set loss. Call it love and love for the absolute nothingness this movie has to offer.
Where to start. Let's begin with the two leads, Davida Williams and Richard Harmon (who just happens to be the brother of the director). Williams brings a pleasant enough presence to the screen, but is absolutely unconvincing as a tennis pro. Part of the problem is the weak dialogue she is given, but the more significant problem is the fact that she does not look the part at all.
Harmon's character might as well have been played by a cardboard cutout, as that's about as much depth as he brings to the part. His complete lack of athleticism is strikingly apparent and makes him completely unbelievable as a tennis pro. He would also be completely unbelievable as a tennis student, a ball boy or anything else related to tennis. I picture nepotism as the only reason he was cast and those responsible should be ashamed.
Poor acting MIGHT have been overcome if the tennis action were good. Likewise, poor tennis action MIGHT have been overcome if the acting were top notch. However, in this case the tennis action is just as painful (maybe even more so) than the acting. The awful filming painfully hides the lack of athletic ability of ANYONE in the cast. There are no long range shots of the game being played, only cheesy studio close ups of players stumbling, balls landing close to the line or players 'swinging' a racquet. The outfits, sneakers, movement and physique of the actors in no way portray any tennis pro I've ever seen. They don't even portray a modern 4.5 player.
The sets were awful. The finals were held in some sort of studio mock up with what was probably half a court. It's really a slap in the face to try and convince the viewers this is real tennis when you cannot even film in a real tennis venue. Of course, the producers (one is mentioned below) and the director must have realized early on they weren't going to be able to make it look like real tennis because they didn't hire anyone who could play tennis.
The contrived 'drama' of the 'high ankle sprain' scene at the end played as if written by a middle school net judge. I can't imagine any pro player having any doubt about finishing a match at that point. And they wouldn't be conversing it with their father, either.
For the life of me, I can't understand why Venus Williams and Tracy Austin would want to be associated with this dreck. They surely must have seen how poorly the actors were at tennis. Somebody must have asked them during auditions if they can play. Somebody must have looked at them during filming and seen how dreadful they were. And despite all this, they continued with the filming.
In all good conscience I cannot give this movie even one star - it's that bad, even by Hallmark standards. I'm not really a Hallmark fan - my wife watches all of their movies - but I do catch a few things here and there. I'd heard about this movie during the previews, and as an avid player, I thought I'd take a look. For a company which sends movies out to real tree farms, real restaurants, real kitchens, real locations - I really cannot fathom how they approved this absolute sham of a movie. All involved should be banned from center court.
When you combine terrible acting with a terrible script AND terrible tennis, it results in a straight set loss. Call it love and love for the absolute nothingness this movie has to offer.
Where to start. Let's begin with the two leads, Davida Williams and Richard Harmon (who just happens to be the brother of the director). Williams brings a pleasant enough presence to the screen, but is absolutely unconvincing as a tennis pro. Part of the problem is the weak dialogue she is given, but the more significant problem is the fact that she does not look the part at all.
Harmon's character might as well have been played by a cardboard cutout, as that's about as much depth as he brings to the part. His complete lack of athleticism is strikingly apparent and makes him completely unbelievable as a tennis pro. He would also be completely unbelievable as a tennis student, a ball boy or anything else related to tennis. I picture nepotism as the only reason he was cast and those responsible should be ashamed.
Poor acting MIGHT have been overcome if the tennis action were good. Likewise, poor tennis action MIGHT have been overcome if the acting were top notch. However, in this case the tennis action is just as painful (maybe even more so) than the acting. The awful filming painfully hides the lack of athletic ability of ANYONE in the cast. There are no long range shots of the game being played, only cheesy studio close ups of players stumbling, balls landing close to the line or players 'swinging' a racquet. The outfits, sneakers, movement and physique of the actors in no way portray any tennis pro I've ever seen. They don't even portray a modern 4.5 player.
The sets were awful. The finals were held in some sort of studio mock up with what was probably half a court. It's really a slap in the face to try and convince the viewers this is real tennis when you cannot even film in a real tennis venue. Of course, the producers (one is mentioned below) and the director must have realized early on they weren't going to be able to make it look like real tennis because they didn't hire anyone who could play tennis.
The contrived 'drama' of the 'high ankle sprain' scene at the end played as if written by a middle school net judge. I can't imagine any pro player having any doubt about finishing a match at that point. And they wouldn't be conversing it with their father, either.
For the life of me, I can't understand why Venus Williams and Tracy Austin would want to be associated with this dreck. They surely must have seen how poorly the actors were at tennis. Somebody must have asked them during auditions if they can play. Somebody must have looked at them during filming and seen how dreadful they were. And despite all this, they continued with the filming.
In all good conscience I cannot give this movie even one star - it's that bad, even by Hallmark standards. I'm not really a Hallmark fan - my wife watches all of their movies - but I do catch a few things here and there. I'd heard about this movie during the previews, and as an avid player, I thought I'd take a look. For a company which sends movies out to real tree farms, real restaurants, real kitchens, real locations - I really cannot fathom how they approved this absolute sham of a movie. All involved should be banned from center court.
Wrong Casting
bumblefiction1 September 2022
Probably the least believable tennis movie I've seen. I did expect a bit specially the game scenes as this was co-produced by Venus Williams but was let down with how it played out. My biggest issue with this is you're somehow supposed to convince me Richard Harmon with his very white skin and small build is a pro tennis player? Pro tennis players who generally have ridiculously jacked thighs and arms and olive skin tone from playing in the sun? His acting all throughout the movie was also a really big problem as I find it a bit too disinterested, I get that he is the 'bad boy' of tennis (😂) but I think there's a difference between a hard headed character and a bored actor. I also wasn't convinced about the chemistry between the two actors, a Hallmark movie should be bursting with cheesiness and emotions and this one just felt too flat.
About as much knowledge of tennis displayed as I have about American football
jamesr1318 January 2023
While I enjoy many of the Hallmark movies, this was a total fail due to lack of research. You need to win 6 games to win the set. You need 3 sets to win the match. The far right screen stays at 40 on both players the entire time. Next shot in either result is game. The next shot EVERY time in the film script should actually give the entire match to the other team. Why people were tasked with this movie and no research team is beyond me. It would be like me making a movie about American football, even though I've never seen a match (actually as I understand it, scripting that may be easier...I just add loads of advert breaks?). However, I still wouldn't know how to do the scoring without visiting something simple like the Tennis Scoring System on Wikipedia. Aside from such a MAJOR mistake for international audiences, where we DO play tennis, I think the comments over story and characters in other reviews are also well made.
I liked it
jenrn-097225 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I know it wasn't even remotely realistic with the tennis playing, but Hallmark movies are never close to realistic with any sport they portray.
I thought the leads had nice chemistry and played off each other well. There was really nice relationship and character development. I agree with another comment that the lead character, William, should have been more tan though - tennis IS an outdoor sport and he was a bit pale.
The plot was refreshing, that there was no villian, no major catastrophe, just an evolving partnership turned relationship. I loved that the ending was more 'real' - no unnecessary over-the-top declarations of love and forever, just implications that the relationship would continue. The only thing missing, I thought, was William's relationship with his parents should have gotten a little more development since it was the source of his angst - it was mentioned then ignored.
This was a nice, feel-good movie, and I haven't been able to say that about many of Hallmark's offerings as of late...
I thought the leads had nice chemistry and played off each other well. There was really nice relationship and character development. I agree with another comment that the lead character, William, should have been more tan though - tennis IS an outdoor sport and he was a bit pale.
The plot was refreshing, that there was no villian, no major catastrophe, just an evolving partnership turned relationship. I loved that the ending was more 'real' - no unnecessary over-the-top declarations of love and forever, just implications that the relationship would continue. The only thing missing, I thought, was William's relationship with his parents should have gotten a little more development since it was the source of his angst - it was mentioned then ignored.
This was a nice, feel-good movie, and I haven't been able to say that about many of Hallmark's offerings as of late...
Forfeit this one.
rebekahrox30 August 2022
My main problem with this one was the casting of the male lead. He did not have an athletic build and didn't look strong like a tennis player at all. His complexion was pasty like he did not spend anytime outside on a tennis court. As an actor, he came across as cold and disinterested. While in "resting face" or not consciously making an effort, there seemed to be nothing behind his eyes.
He was too young for Davida Williams the female lead. This age mismatch was exacerbated by the characters' personalities. She was a mature educator and task master as a coach. He played a whiny entitled childish brat. Throughout. The way he treated his parents near the end was despicable and mean. This dynamic does not make for a believable romance.
I find it hard to believe that Venus Williams and Tracy Austin were associated with this production.
He was too young for Davida Williams the female lead. This age mismatch was exacerbated by the characters' personalities. She was a mature educator and task master as a coach. He played a whiny entitled childish brat. Throughout. The way he treated his parents near the end was despicable and mean. This dynamic does not make for a believable romance.
I find it hard to believe that Venus Williams and Tracy Austin were associated with this production.
Almost unwatchable
speppers-6745829 August 2022
Probably the worst Hallmark movie I've seen. Script was bad. Acting was bad. Davida Williams wasn't bad but Richard Harmon was 1000% miscast for this lead role. There was no chemistry and it was just difficult to watch. I was ready to turn it off about 20 minutes in. Finished watching it only to leave a review. It's dishonest to leave a review for a movie you only watched part of. And I agree with other reviewers about the tennis aspect being off. Most Hallmark movies at least have romance. This one misses the sport and the romance.
My 2 stars was being generous. One step above horrible. There really isn't much more to say...but I keep getting the warning box that is telling me I haven't said enough.
My 2 stars was being generous. One step above horrible. There really isn't much more to say...but I keep getting the warning box that is telling me I haven't said enough.
This Missed the Mark
therusticapothecary28 August 2022
I wanted to like this movie because I play tennis, love the sport, and it's a different type of storyline; however, the lack of chemistry was hard to get past. There were times I wanted to change the channel, but I always liked to watch the movie in its entirety. There was just something about the film that felt off; I don't know if it was the acting or the slow storyline, but it was not good. Definitely, not a rewatch for me, and I really wish Hallmark would bring their fall movies. Those were always some of the best. I don't know why they play new movies that have nothing to do with the season.
Why is this a "Fall/Autumn" movie?
mounthebron1 September 2022
Not a complaint on this particular movie, but this year's Hallmark "Falling into Love" movies have yet to showcase a movie actually set in the autumn which I thought was the whole point. Certainly tennis is considered a summer sport, so it's not even close to being on point in that regard. Every movie so far has people in short sleeves surrounded by trees full of green leaves. Maybe the couple remaining movies will be better, but so far this year has been disappointing to say the least in capturing the season. Not to mention every year they push the seasons farther back such that the first Christmas movie will be out before Halloween, and the last fall movie will be done before October. Apparently Hallmark has forgotten how seasons work.
Really Disappointing
kerryhowe-7383616 October 2022
Both leads are clearly not athletes or even have the semblance of a believable athlete - plot was drab, cast not great. Please please please do not recast the lead man - side supporting actor, fine, just not lead. Female lead was decent though! Was hoping for a better more athletic tennis story with Venus Williams's name attached to it but was pretty disappointed there. It's a basically a tepid sports rom-com with two leads that have ZERO chemistry. Pretty sure the lead biddy had more chemistry with her best friend who was injured that she had to replace. And overall no one had chemistry with the male lead at all.
Copy cat movie
drbreakwell29 August 2022
I just started to watch the movie and it has all the similarities of the much better movie Wimbelton. Why can't the writers who work for Hallmark write an original script that doesn't follow the same old scenario. Boy/girl meet, they dance, bake, or go to a farmer's market. Then they "fall in love," argue, one leaves, then changes their mind and "then lives happily ever after." The male lead trys too hard to emulate McEnroe " the outspoken" tennis star. The female lead is too old for the male lead and doesn't make a good couple. Hallmark needs to seriously change their movie format. Hallmark needs to stick with their more successful mystery movies such as Mystery 101.
Utter waste of time
m0vi3land12 September 2022
I tried watching it but couldn't even last 10 minutes in. The actors have 0 chemistry and the acting is beyond bad plus the plot is weak. I know it's a Hallmark movie and some would say that the standards aren't too high for them but some movies are quite pleasant for a lazy Sunday in.
Also the fact that the Harmon brothers are linked to this project make it seem like its a total case of nepotism at its finest. Probably Richard Harmon did his sister a favor but it shows he didn't put any effort into his acting and it's dull and he comes off as bored and wanting to be anywhere other than the set of this movie.
I'd suggest anyone who wants to watch this to maybe take a nap ... you'd be more satisfied by that than this movie.
Also the fact that the Harmon brothers are linked to this project make it seem like its a total case of nepotism at its finest. Probably Richard Harmon did his sister a favor but it shows he didn't put any effort into his acting and it's dull and he comes off as bored and wanting to be anywhere other than the set of this movie.
I'd suggest anyone who wants to watch this to maybe take a nap ... you'd be more satisfied by that than this movie.
Hallmark continues to subliminal market for LGBTQ+
yitir-1883411 September 2022
Hello from the sane Hallmark viewer group, you should follow Netflix and quit bending the knee
Notice at the 6 min mark the LGBTQ+ flag purse? Venus Williams as a consultant to this TV movie, one would expect nothing else.
The main leads have no chemistry and are not a convincing couple.
When Hallmark manages to create some worthy content with good story and convincing characters, then maybe a glimmer of its halcyon days would be in view. Bringing back Lori Laughlin to the Hallmark group is definitely going in the wrong direction. Hallmark values an unethical person says a lot. Paying her gobs of cash to be that self entitled prat is even more egregious.
The main leads have no chemistry and are not a convincing couple.
When Hallmark manages to create some worthy content with good story and convincing characters, then maybe a glimmer of its halcyon days would be in view. Bringing back Lori Laughlin to the Hallmark group is definitely going in the wrong direction. Hallmark values an unethical person says a lot. Paying her gobs of cash to be that self entitled prat is even more egregious.
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