Love on the Sidelines (2015 TV Movie) User Reviews

Cute rom com

[jewhitmer25 · 8/10 · 21 July 2021]

I enjoyedthis movie.

Emily Kinney as Laurel Welk was new to me, and I was pleasantly surprised, she and John Reardon as Danny Holland had instant chemistry. Reardon has been a favorite of mine since I watched The Christmas Secret with Bethany Joy Lenz.

The story/plot was typical Hallmark formula and gave us everything we have come to expect from Hallmark. Humor, miscommunication, conflict, romance. A sweet movie.

My only complaint is that I thought it was bizzare to name a female dog Knute after Knute Rockne.

My advice - watch this movie, it's worth it.

A romantic film with good human interest.

[a_clee · 8/10 · 23 August 2017]

What you need in a film like this is an attractive young woman who can act; a presentable male lead who can act; and a genuine story involving characters who you feel able to care about. Everyone knows what the plot is and how the story ends, so the mystery and interest lies in the journey as opposed to the destination.

Emily Kinney is a very attractive woman who acts very well. She brings a lot of charm and warmth to her role and male viewers induced by their female friends to watch this film will find her likable and pleasing to watch. John Reardon is suitable to be a male lead and looks like he might be a professional sportsman; he also can act the part. The story is predictable but engaging and well written, with well observed characters and situations. The correct boxes are ticked and more than this, the film is a good entertainment; which after all is the whole point of a film such as this.

Perfect for role

[Jackbv123 · 8/10 · 10 January 2020]

For some reason I watch this movie over and over. The story premise isn't overdone and actually makes more sense than a lot of these movies.

The acting is OK. John Reardon lacks some spark. The rest of the actors are mostly OK.

But what keeps bringing me back is Emily Kinney, both the actress and the role of Laurel. Kinney plays this part perfectly. She's nerdy and sports-ignorant, but she can learn. She's insecure, but has courage. And she is so likeable.

I will admit that this is probably a case of a movie and an actor that caught me just right and so it may be that I am being generous, but I think Kinney is worth watching.

Love not sidelines

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 27 September 2022]

Of the two leads, there is more familiarity with Emily Kinney from watching 'The Walking Dead' in its early seasons (back when it was great) when her character Beth was on the show. Am one of not many who didn't dislike her, despite her there being far more interesting and plausibly developed characters. Have not seen enough of John Reardon's work, but in what has been seen of him has not stood out that much. Watched 'Love on the Sidelines' primarily as someone who has been watching Hallmark films for a while now.

'Love on the Sidelines' impressed me on the whole and it is one of the better faring Winterfest films. It isn't a great film and is not exempt from flaws, but there are a lot of good things as well and it is a nice effort generally. As far as Hallmark films from that year go, 'Love on the Sidelines' is not one of the best. And it is also not one of the worst. Instead one of the solid middle efforts, which is not too bad a position to be in when seeing how variable that year was for Hallmark.

It isn't perfect. There is absolutely no doubt how everything is going to map out or end, the Winterfest films are quite samey structurally and 'Love on the Sidelines' follows the formulaic structure to the letter pretty much. Making it predictable too many times, especially in the final third, and pretty much all the standard Hallmark cliches are here.

Would have liked more spark from Reardon's performance, with him coming over as a little bland at times. The ending is also too convenient for my liking.

There is however a lot to like, with 'Love on the Sidelines' being especially worth watching for Kinney. Who is a real charmer in her role and brings a lot of energy and charm, this is a role that suits her well and it helps that the character is a likeable one. The supporting cast are solid and Kinney and Reardon do work well together, understated but not disconnected and the affection is felt.

It is a good looking film visually, regardless of the lack of authenticity/accuracy the scenery is gorgeous and taken full advantage of in the photography. The music has been known to be overdone and intrusive in Hallmark, it is pleasantly festive here. The script is playfully light-hearted and has a good deal of heart without being sentimental. The story is far from perfect, but it was clear what it was trying to do and wanted to be and it is very charmingly cute and heart-warming.

Overall, nice film. 7/10.

cute fall Hallmark movie

[novagirl11 · 6/10 · 4 September 2018]

I like the characters and her jersey really is super cute! there is a scene that is too close to Two Weeks Notice, but overall it's a cute story and it lacks some of the more annoying qualities of some classic hallmark movies.

Cute and fun movie

[blisskissholly · 9/10 · 3 April 2020]

I really enjoyed this movie and was even surprised a couple times throughout. It was interesting to see how it played out. I'm glad I stuck to it after not loving either character in the beginning because then they had time to grow. I'm a football fan(go Bills!), but they kinda overdid the football analogies. Once I lived through that, it was fun and honestly one of the best I've seen in awhile.

Charming lead actress elevates this one.

[rightisright · 7/10 · 13 August 2019]

First of all, Emily Kinney is just absolutely charming as the star of this movie. It's too bad that Hallmark hasn't brought her back for more movies. John Reardon is really kind of bland as the lead male. He certainly doesn't look like a football player.

Delightful movie. It's funny, sweet, romantic, and better than most.

[annettelevin · 10/10 · 15 January 2016]

I saw this charming movie at a sneak preview at the USC School of Cinema a few nights ago. Emily Kinney was present for a Q&A. She is wonderful in this movie and there's great chemistry between her and John Reardon who plays the role of Danny Holland. Emily reminds me of a young Judy Holiday and she has great comic timing.

The story is about a young woman (Emily Kinney) who lands a job as a personal assistant to a slightly chauvinistic and egotistic star quarterback who is sidelined with an injury. He never had a female assistant, and she knows nothing about football. There's great banter between the two and the side characters are fun and more than the usual stereotypes. There's also a small role featuring legendary NFL quarterback, Joe Theismann (as Danny's father).

cute

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 8 October 2019]

Football star Danny Holland (John Reardon) has a season ending injury. He fires his incompetent assistant and needs a new one. Cash-strapped fashion designer Laurel Welk (Emily Kinney) needs a job and knows nothing about football. At first, he rejects her declaring that he needs a guy to do the job. He reluctantly accepts her and she slowly wins him over.

It's got cutie patootie Emily Kinney. John Reardon has the looks although he doesn't look like a football player. That's all fine. They are both pretty. There are plenty of pretty people here. Danny has a good meet-hate and has a good progression. His one mistake is the classic romantic sudden jump kiss. It's a new era and he can't do that anymore. The character is a big name in that world and he can't go around kissing his employees without consent. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen. Quite frankly, he should Mike Pence the main reason why he can't have a female assistant. Consent can be sexy if it's done right. At the very least, these movies need to slo-mo that standard move so that they can nudge nudge wink wink the consent. Otherwise, this is a function Hallmark romance with a cute couple.

bland and not well acted

[jml1988 · 4/10 · 22 November 2021]

I didn't feel the chemistry between ANY of the characters, either romantic or even the friendships. Parts of the plot didn't make much sense, and the male protagonist was entirely unlikeable and self absorbed.

Adorable Movie

[vulturemadam · 10/10 · 19 January 2016]

It's a guilty pleasure, but I must admit I love movies such as the ones the Hallmark and Lifetime movie channels show. "Love the on the Sidelines" was wonderful escapism; yes, the formula of girl-meets-boy, girl-and-boy-clash, girl-and-boy-discover-they-love-each-other has been done many times before, but the writing was sharp and the characters likable. The Emily Kinney character was reminiscent of a true Girl Friday character from films of the 1930s; she retains an edge about her and you believe this is a gal who knows how to take care of herself (instead of the usual victims so many TV films portray women as). I thought the movie sweet and, although you have a good idea of how it will turn out, still didn't take away from the enjoyment of it.

a different love story

[eladsivad-850-780625 · 7/10 · 17 January 2016]

An injured quarter back from a pro team h as to hire a new assistant..who has always been a male...someone in his entourage tells the agency...gender does not matter....girl shows up...QB NOT a happy camper...but he has no choice but to keep her....she proves pretty good...as I s a I'd Not a typical a love story..I enjoyed it The main actor and actress seem to fit the part well. And an ex football player is in the movie and plays a dad The ego of a famous person is portrayed pretty well and w h at you Would expect... Story ended well. And I wanted to see more of the st o r y T h at I s when I know I :h ave enjoyed t h e mo v I e

Cute, mindless

[juneebuggy · 5/10 · 11 February 2018]

This was cute and pretty mindless, another one of those Hallmark made for TV movies I get stuck into from time to time. This one starred Beth Emily Kinney from the Walking Dead, it was nice to see her doing something blood and gore free here.

She does a good job with this romancy role, very sweet, playing a personal assistant to an injured professional football player -even though she knows nothing about the sport or how to be a PA for that matter.

As 'Laurel' bluffs her way through her new job 'Danny' attempts to protect his public image while coming to terms with having a female assistant. Of course love happens because this is Hallmark.

cute movie

[scoutzmom · 8/10 · 18 January 2016]

Very cute movie!

A bit more intelligent than the usual Hallmark stuff. Sparkling dialogue and good casting. At first I wasn't gonna watch it as I know nothing about football but I was delighted to find out that it was light on the spory and long on the romance!

I did not know Emily Kinney before, she is adorable.

And the lead male is quite handsome...

I really liked the young woman who played Ava. I would like to see her star in something.

Thanks for making my Saturday nite more enjoyable.

Well-done rom-com - hit all the right notes

[rodor1 · 9/10 · 7 February 2016]

Up front I should say I'm not really a big rom-com fan, and it takes something special for me to sit through one. I caught this one while surfing with the remote - came in about 5 minutes late and wound up staying for the whole thing. Thought the chemistry between the two leads was strong, and the supporting cast was pretty good as well...and I'm not even a football fan either. Just an interesting and unique combination of elements that just worked and worked well. Going to record it next time it's on for the first few minutes that were missed. From where I sit, kudos to all involved for a solid movie. Some cute and amusing moments, and recommended.

Most unlikable male lead ever?

[oldmrmablehall · 1/10 · 7 March 2022]

This is the worst male lead in any Hallmark movie I've seen, and possibly the worst Hallmark movie I've seen.

The male lead is mean and openly looks down on women throughout the whole movie. He's just awful.

The movie doesn't really portray this as a major fault (it feels more like a minor misunderstanding, on about the same level as the female lead not really knowing about football). At the end, there's some attempt at an explanation/resolution, but he doesn't really seem to change. The movie seems to reinforce a lot of stereotypes about women, too.

The football puns are also incredibly off-putting. There are so, so many, and they're so uncreatively shoehorned into the script, that they're physically painful (even as someone who likes puns).

I wish I had given up on this movie.

Loved this movie

[rhonnie-43139 · 10/10 · 27 March 2021]

I liked the plot and all the characters. The storyline was good. I've watched it more than once and probably will do so again.

Should've stayed on the sidelines

[alliebebenroth · 3/10 · 5 February 2020]

We watched this movie based on the good reviews and oh my gosh were we disappointed! My fiancé and I love a good cheesy Hallmark movie, but this was one of the worst. The acting was fine, but the chemistry between the 2 leads was absolutely non existent. And the storyline of them falling for each other and getting together didn't flow in the least. Awful. The best part of the movie was the best friend's husband. By far.

Additional comments: the football puns deserved a penalty for trying too hard

Delightful rom-com with sports twist (spoilers!)

[jerrylazar · 10/10 · 17 January 2016]

3 cheers for this made-for-TV football-flavored rom-com that spikes it in the end zone... We get to see a whole different side of The Walking Dead's super-talented Emily Kinney, who plays a perky upbeat personal assistant to an earnest pro-football champ quarterback (Canadian Ken doll John Reardon) who's been sidelined with a leg injury... Alas she's an aspiring fashion designer who knows nothing about sports (but needs a job and so is willing to fake it), and so you've got some built-in nerd vs. jock friction at the outset, but since this is a Hallmark movie, you can safely predict the final resolution -- heck, it's revealed in the film's title!... The fun is getting the ball down the field, so to speak, as the writers and director have cleverly plotted and paced the arc of their romance... There's only a smattering of hardcore football footage, as most of the action takes place off the field, as he hobbles around his home/office or his sports bar hangout, but football fans will be delighted to see none other than the legendary Joe Theismann (who was famously sidelined himself with a devastating real-life leg injury) ) in a rare acting role as the hero's father... In all, a lighthearted romantic romp whose leads are easy on the eyes... Score an extra point for Kinney, a TV and Broadway vet (and accomplished singer/songwriter) , whose film career will surely get jump-started with her victorious star turn here...

Classic TV Rom-Com

[okaybyeseeya · 10/10 · 21 January 2016]

I found this movie while flipping through the channels. It was just what I was hoping for, an old-fashioned sweet, fun and funny rom-com, this time set in San Francisco in the colliding worlds of fashion and football. Plenty of twists and turns throughout to keep you guessing and hoping up until the end. The cast was great, including some supporting stand-outs, and it was especially enjoyable seeing former NFL star Joe Theismann in the cast.

How I wish the big networks still made these, but so glad Hallmark has continued the tradition. Keep them coming, Hallmark. I've got a new dvr and 150 hours of space for more.

Sexism ruins a perfectly fine (and original) hallmark movie.

[dayenne_meijer · 3/10 · 18 August 2021]

The main male character is straight up sexist throughout the entire movie. This absolutely ruined his character for me and made him extremely unlikeable. In the movie his sexist comments are accepted and the stereotypes make play into this sexism. They call the sexist comments he makes being chauvinistic, which is quite strange.

So cute

[laurenmariiie · 8/10 · 3 February 2019]

So cute - kept me intrigued and I love Laurels character- wish she would be in more hallmark movies !

Poor

[mazcalling-248-292986 · 4/10 · 7 September 2020]

The storyline had potential but unfortunately it lacked in a few areas. Critically, there wasn't tension/chemistry with the leads and another annoying point were the parents, very pretentious.

Great movie starring Emily Kinney

[duducomo-901-361481 · 10/10 · 4 November 2016]

The movie is great , funny, dramatic and it leaves you on edge every second. A thing that I really didn't like was the instant transition between scenes, it's too fast, it would have been better to give a few more seconds to the characters to end every scene, but being a very low budget movie, not a James Cameron one, I can say that the plot is very interesting. Emily Kinney is a very talented actress and this role made her shine. All her cute, shy and in the same time courageous personality was perfect for the Dany's assistant. I hope she will make more movies because this is a great start.I give it 10 for Emily Kinney and I advise you to watch it.

Wonderful Film

[scienceofexcellence · 10/10 · 9 April 2016]

I love football movies and this took me by surprise. The characters are wonderful, the story is great, and the ending a surprise. It was great to see the football characters off the field and to follow their lives. The dialogue is brilliant, funny, and keeps you enthralled from beginning to end. You will love this movie. I was not expecting to laugh and cry and found the emotional journey very well done. The acting was excellent and the they did justice to the excellent dialogue. I won't give away the surprise ending but this movie will leave you feeling you want to see more of these characters. I hope Hallmark is planning a sequel or a series.