Great message, and an important one. One of the best movies Hallmark has put out in quite some time. A believable pairing with real chemistry between the leads. I really wish writers would aim to get away from including somewhat awkward dance scenes as filler in every film, this one included. Also, the ending felt a bit contrived, especially with the naysayers suddenly seeing the light, but all in all, very enjoyable.
34 Reviews
Jaicy Elliot shines
acborgia15 August 2022
Juicy Elliot proves she is more than just the supporting character she plays on Grey's Anatomy. A sweet story that focuses more on the body positivity side than it does the romance. It's a sweet and refreshing modern take on Cinderella and honestly, it took me a while to catch on to that. The ending wrapped up a tad confusing but overall this is worth the watch.
Really disappointing
kristenbrewer-6579429 January 2024
This had the makings of a great movie. I think the 9s and 10s previously given as ratings are from all of the overweight women. I say that as the size 16 woman that this movie is geared towards. While I do think the fashion industry caters to the Size 0s of the world and I love the idea of pushing the industry to actually change, I do not think it is any healthier to push obesity, which is what Size 16 is, in the name of "body positivity". Again, this comes from a woman who knows her Size 16 needs to be more like a Size 6. I love the leads from Grey's and Code Black and was excited to see them together. I didn't see the chemistry everyone talked about even though they are both great actors. The writers made it VERY difficult to like Ella. She was so rude and condescending to the guy she supposedly liked that I couldn't figure out why he'd ever want to be with her anyways. I had higher hopes given the actors, but this was a miss.
Decent..
ts-000014 August 2022
Nice seeing a different look from the typical actors,especially female lead wise however..
Hallmark has ways of turning things into clichéd or in your face messages(like drilling in a viewers head,this movie was about body positivity)instead of simply a plus-sized person in fashion versus otherwise dealing with everything along the way.
Which begs the question would Hallmark act like this,with a thin person?.. Give a plus-sized person another lead role,without only using them for their stereotype.. So feel a bit mixed,on their intentions currently.
Enjoyed the overall casting,cinematography,outfits & is worth seeing if you haven't.
Which begs the question would Hallmark act like this,with a thin person?.. Give a plus-sized person another lead role,without only using them for their stereotype.. So feel a bit mixed,on their intentions currently.
Enjoyed the overall casting,cinematography,outfits & is worth seeing if you haven't.
Rigged
MickyG33324 January 2023
7.1 stars.
This movie showcases very stellar storytelling and anecdotes the following message: noteworthy underdog climbs to the top and overcomes adversity. This is not a romance, and if you are looking for a palatable love story, move along, there is nothing to see here. It's not plausible. Why do we watch romance movies with pretty people? I'll let you answer that question. You want to push the boundaries, cross several lines, go right ahead. You want to mix it up, fine, but don't expect great ratings, and if the strangely high ratings are engineered to sway the masses, the insult to our collective intelligence only throws more fuel on the fire.
The majority of reviews are biased in favor of high ratings for a very specific reason. I won't even give the powers that be, or the people behind the curtain the satisfaction of disliking my review for the sake of padding the positives without me theorizing why. If you don't believe it, just read the reviews, note any negative ones are disproportionately drowned in thumb downs.
While this movie is well done, almost a 'Devil Wears Prada' impression, does not mean it's a masterpiece. Far from it... but it has some entertainment value, thus my rating. But the message, the romance, the x-factor: lost on me, absent, and nada, respectively.
This movie showcases very stellar storytelling and anecdotes the following message: noteworthy underdog climbs to the top and overcomes adversity. This is not a romance, and if you are looking for a palatable love story, move along, there is nothing to see here. It's not plausible. Why do we watch romance movies with pretty people? I'll let you answer that question. You want to push the boundaries, cross several lines, go right ahead. You want to mix it up, fine, but don't expect great ratings, and if the strangely high ratings are engineered to sway the masses, the insult to our collective intelligence only throws more fuel on the fire.
The majority of reviews are biased in favor of high ratings for a very specific reason. I won't even give the powers that be, or the people behind the curtain the satisfaction of disliking my review for the sake of padding the positives without me theorizing why. If you don't believe it, just read the reviews, note any negative ones are disproportionately drowned in thumb downs.
While this movie is well done, almost a 'Devil Wears Prada' impression, does not mean it's a masterpiece. Far from it... but it has some entertainment value, thus my rating. But the message, the romance, the x-factor: lost on me, absent, and nada, respectively.
Predictable as usual, but well-done
dataferret-875246 September 2022
I encouraged my wife to watch this movie after it's first premiere. I watched half the recorded movie, and wanted to share it with her. She doesn't usually care for Hallmark movies (she says they're too sappy, stupid, formulaic, and predictable), to watch it, after I saw half of it (recorded). Among her many talents, my wife is a skilled seamstress and former show-biz costume designer. She has always been (shall we say) rubenesque and very much knows first-hand about the difficulty in finding clothes to fit, and competing with the svelte ones.
Her one complaint was that the protagonist was not really "plus-sized", but she thoroughly liked it, That should be endorsement enough. We both liked that a talented professional woman would be recognized for her talent and skills, and not compromise herself for a relationship.
Her one complaint was that the protagonist was not really "plus-sized", but she thoroughly liked it, That should be endorsement enough. We both liked that a talented professional woman would be recognized for her talent and skills, and not compromise herself for a relationship.
Worth the watch
grammajanie-2881114 August 2022
This was a really powerful and positive and realistic story. The 2 leads were so good together. Jaicy Elliot proved herself on Grey's Anatomy and this took her to an even higher level. She's so much fun to watch and was the perfect choice for this role. Important message presented in a positive way - nothing gets in her way for long. ( obviously Hallmark had to have the "misunderstanding " between the leads at the end because it's what they do). Benjamin Hollingsworth was a sweet foil for her despite his "eligible bachelor" role. This is a keeper I'll re-watch. Don't see many of those anymore. Substance. Yes!
Great Story Depicting the Required Slow Change Occurring in the Fashion Industry and More
dorothyexeter14 August 2022
Unlike the one poor review that has been written thus far, I give high praises to this film. Here is a beautiful story of how the fashion world should be ... and is slowly becoming. As we all know, these major changes do not occur overnight.
This is a great reflection of those who are instrumental in making these changes evolve in reality.
Yes, there is a romantic relationship evolving with Ella and Derek It is great that it is not the over the top style that too many Hallmarks are!
It is more realistic with how quality relationships evolve.
... A small take on the Cinderella story ... her name is Ella after all! :)
Jaicy (Ella) played this role very well ... Confident, but not over confident ... after all she is standing up to the prejudices that exist in the fashion industry. What does one expect? Size 16 is not that much bigger than 14!
And I can vouch that the sizes in numbers appear to have come down to be smaller than they were years ago! So, 16 is most likely the 14 of years ago! Great to see skill admired and rewarded.
Great to see a sound character at the helm of this fashion company, Benjamin (Derek) to assist with these changes. A comment was made by a reviewer of her dislike of Ben in the Virgin River series. In that series he was becoming a good person as he learned from his mistakes. He plays the role in this film very well and believable! Here he is a good person from the start.
Hurray to such a relationship starting, with both of them spearheading the progressive and quality future changes in the fashion industry! Perhaps a sequel? This warrants one much better than some others that Hallmark has done ... and ensure the quality remains the same in the sequel!
Enjoy everyone!
This is a great reflection of those who are instrumental in making these changes evolve in reality.
Yes, there is a romantic relationship evolving with Ella and Derek It is great that it is not the over the top style that too many Hallmarks are!
It is more realistic with how quality relationships evolve.
... A small take on the Cinderella story ... her name is Ella after all! :)
Jaicy (Ella) played this role very well ... Confident, but not over confident ... after all she is standing up to the prejudices that exist in the fashion industry. What does one expect? Size 16 is not that much bigger than 14!
And I can vouch that the sizes in numbers appear to have come down to be smaller than they were years ago! So, 16 is most likely the 14 of years ago! Great to see skill admired and rewarded.
Great to see a sound character at the helm of this fashion company, Benjamin (Derek) to assist with these changes. A comment was made by a reviewer of her dislike of Ben in the Virgin River series. In that series he was becoming a good person as he learned from his mistakes. He plays the role in this film very well and believable! Here he is a good person from the start.
Hurray to such a relationship starting, with both of them spearheading the progressive and quality future changes in the fashion industry! Perhaps a sequel? This warrants one much better than some others that Hallmark has done ... and ensure the quality remains the same in the sequel!
Enjoy everyone!
Nice try, but more miss than hit
fhwhmjqp12 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While I appreciate the message being touted here, it was overdone, and not done well. The lead (Ella) spoke in a monotone, and her attitude was uncalled for and confusing. She wasn't being "honest" and "confident" but flat-out rude much of the time. I couldn't figure out what possibly would have attracted the male lead to her. But the worst part was the ending, where the witch with the horrible British accent convinced her that she was being used. This woman has been nasty and conniving the whole movie - why would Ella listen to and believe her now, and cause her to doubt him? And then for the two bosses to suddenly, with no reason given, have a change of heart during the final photo shoot? Ridiculous. The only reason I gave this a 5 instead of a 3 was because I appreciated the topic.
Full of Life
d-robold14 August 2022
Instead of a typical, stale plot, this movie made statements without preaching, and the romance was secondary. The chemistry between the leads was not forced or cringeworthy, but easy and believable. The lead actors were so natural and really likable that the story was a pleasure to watch. The movie flowed beautifully and I sincerely hope Hallmark makes more of these types of movies.
Hallmark in decline
kirkendog3 February 2023
It's good to see other people see what I'm seeing, how a character can be so rude & condescending but we are supposed to like her & cheer for her to find love, & the rich guy also likes her, on what planet is this happening? It's like the Prince loves the commoner story, unrealistic & complete fantasy.
For some of the actions that she did she would have been fired in real life, but not in Hallmark where we must support angry women. Since she is overweight, it would have been more likely for her to win people over by being so nice.
The guy saved 2 other companies but now has no brain & needs her to show him everything.
For some of the actions that she did she would have been fired in real life, but not in Hallmark where we must support angry women. Since she is overweight, it would have been more likely for her to win people over by being so nice.
The guy saved 2 other companies but now has no brain & needs her to show him everything.
Refreshing and unique
famielovez17 August 2022
Hallmark is finally making movies that bring a true connection with the characters and to the audience. This movie was enjoyable to watch, and the chemistry between the main two actors is sweet and romantic. I'm so glad Hallmark is trying new stories. They made this one into gold.
Fresh and Wonderful
sgtmikey1314 August 2022
Mediocre at best
jenrn-097227 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was only ok. The female lead, Ella, was over the top ridiculous and a total contradiction - telling the male lead, Derek, she doesn't want a relationship, but gushes to her bestie she "really, really likes him". She preaches body positivity, but doesnt believe it for herself. She is nice one minute, an arrogant know-it-all who hops on her soap box to tell people what they should think the next. She "sees people for who the are", then believes the worst of Derek when the evil witch who has been trying to sabotage her the entire movie, lies to her about him. The movie had potential but fell short due to the wishy-washy characters, too much soap box preaching, and a lot of over-acting. A one-time watch.
Refreshing Story
beth62814 August 2022
I loved the lead actors. They had real chemistry. I wouldn't be surprised if they are a real-life couple. But, the story was great and not preachy, which can be a concern for Hallmark movies when they try to be socially aware. I am enjoying the female empowerment being center stage with the romance a half-step behind. I'm adding these two to my list of actors whose movies I always check out.
A definite miss
star-9071626 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Hallmark is known for movies with heart, but the heart here is hard and bitter. I appreciate messages about inclusivity, but I don't appreciate being beaten over the head with it! The lack of chemistry is also painful to watch. Weirdly, the female lead delivers her lines in a monotone, yet somehow manages to sound angry & unsympathetic throughout the movie. The male lead is weak and unbelievable as the magazine savior and follows Ella's lead with no original ideas of his own. It's no wonder his dad hovers in the background. One character says "I can't tell if she's the boss or the assistant." How true! An actress with minimal acting skills, and an actor miscast makes for a movie painful to watch. I promise you can miss this one.
A Fresh take
amancayb14 August 2022
This was wonderful, ground-breaking, important, needed... and both thrilling and difficult for me to watch, personally.
It could've gone so wrong... and mostly I wish there was either some kind of redemption or kock-back to the antagonists that made everything so difficult along the whole way. That bit stayed dangling for me, then again that is fairy realistic.
The chemistry between the leads, the sass and truth sprouted by the heroine, the history she shared, and the sheer audacity some have trying to quash any sort of true representation in fashion.., it was all very relatable.
It could've gone so wrong... and mostly I wish there was either some kind of redemption or kock-back to the antagonists that made everything so difficult along the whole way. That bit stayed dangling for me, then again that is fairy realistic.
The chemistry between the leads, the sass and truth sprouted by the heroine, the history she shared, and the sheer audacity some have trying to quash any sort of true representation in fashion.., it was all very relatable.
Long overdue topic handled well in this movie!!
deck-6916620 August 2022
Kudos to Hallmark for finally addressing the subject of a real woman's size, not only in the fashion world, but in everyday life with the female lead being pleasantly bigger than a size 2. If what is said in the movie is true, the most common woman's size is 16. Stop body-shaming women who are not size 2 and accept the fact that most women don't fit into that mold. The female lead is a beautiful woman who will hopefully have many more leading roles. Congratulations Hallmark!!!
Like 99% of Hallmarks movies since their rebrand, lots of potential but a major miss.
Lily-3214 August 2022
The cast can act. That's about all one can say for this. Their noble message is lost as the viewer has to dodge the onslaught of over the top baseball bat messaging. Unable to discover the possible charm of the characters and story, one can only mourn what could've been. The whiplash of contradictions in Elle is exhausting. She's not confident, she's arrogant. She comes off more like the undesirable second male lead with all the personality turn offs. Which is an actual disservice to the actress who could and should be playing the lead the audience wants to root for. There are a handful of moments where you see the possible chemistry between the leads but it's quickly squashed by the chip on her shoulder. I'll be shocked if she has an actual character arc by the end.
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!
praisemovesgreenforest15 August 2022
Wanted to Like It BUT...this was Terrible. Overweight Girl Boss
Dark_Lord_Mark18 August 2022
Fat girl with terrible personality meets charming and handsome man who loves her for no reason. She bosses everyone around, and is awful throughout.
It's the most impossible love story. At least be nice and a positive personality.
I saw the reviews and was like okay. Saw it and realized people liked it because she was fat,rather than the movie being good.
It's the most impossible love story. At least be nice and a positive personality.
I saw the reviews and was like okay. Saw it and realized people liked it because she was fat,rather than the movie being good.
A relatable story with standout characters.
iamnotalonerw14 August 2022
Great movie
Fish1315 August 2022
Fake romance with awful style
carlmurr9 April 2024
How can a handsome rich guy fall in love with a ugly arrogant fat bossy with no taste in clothes .
From minute one until the end . Not one scene is believable. The lead female is just there because she is fat . The lead male is just begging her all the time to go out with him without any reason . This movie is just failed propaganda to say that fat woman can get rich beautiful guys. I have nothing against fat woman , but at least give us one reason to like the girl . She is arrogant , no taste in anything she wears , not even funny , nothing attractive about her but she gets the most attractive bachelor in new york to be begging her all the movie to date her . This movie will go down as the worst tv movie and netflix movie that i have ever seen.
From minute one until the end . Not one scene is believable. The lead female is just there because she is fat . The lead male is just begging her all the time to go out with him without any reason . This movie is just failed propaganda to say that fat woman can get rich beautiful guys. I have nothing against fat woman , but at least give us one reason to like the girl . She is arrogant , no taste in anything she wears , not even funny , nothing attractive about her but she gets the most attractive bachelor in new york to be begging her all the movie to date her . This movie will go down as the worst tv movie and netflix movie that i have ever seen.
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