Will admit to not being particularly crazy on the 2021 Fall Harvest Hallmark films. There have been some good Fall Harvest films over the years from Hallmark, but this has got to be the only year where nearly all of them did little for me somehow. Have said more than once about 2021 being inconsistent for Hallmark, but was still pleasantly surprised at how better than anticipated it was. The time travel concept is not new for Hallmark, but 'Love Strikes Twice's' take on it on paper already sounded fresh.
And it turned out to be just that. 'Love Strikes Twice' was a much needed breath of fresh air. Not only is it easily the best of the 2021 Fall Harvest films, being the only one to be above the above average level, it is also to me one of the better and more refreshing Hallmark films from that year. One that saw a lot of recycled ideas that varied wildly in execution. As said, the time travel concept is not new for Hallmark, but there was something about how 'Love Strikes Twice' approaches it that felt fresh.
'Love Strikes Twice' is not perfect. It does start off a little on the slow side.
Did think too that the ending was a bit too neat, which is not an uncommon problem for Hallmark and one of the biggest recurring problems in the 2021 batch.
However, it is a very attractively photographed film with lovely scenery. Also pleasant is the music, which has presence without coming over as over-bearing or too constant. The direction shows a good deal of confidence and a sense that they knew what they were doing and trying to achieve. The script flows well and is light hearted and nostalgic, shining particularly in the hilarious and affectionate past references and the lead banter.
The story has a lot of heart and charm, and has a nice liveliness too. While not innovative, the time travel element never comes over as confusing or cheap. Wyatt Nash is a subtly charismatic leading man and the supporting cast are more than solid all round, but the film is most enlivened by a truly great Katie Findlay, who expertly balances witty comic timing and heartfelt pathos. The characters aren't complex but they were ones that to me were worth connecting with and caring for, which has not been the case with too much of Hallmark's 2021 output.
In conclusion, very well done. 8/10.
And it turned out to be just that. 'Love Strikes Twice' was a much needed breath of fresh air. Not only is it easily the best of the 2021 Fall Harvest films, being the only one to be above the above average level, it is also to me one of the better and more refreshing Hallmark films from that year. One that saw a lot of recycled ideas that varied wildly in execution. As said, the time travel concept is not new for Hallmark, but there was something about how 'Love Strikes Twice' approaches it that felt fresh.
'Love Strikes Twice' is not perfect. It does start off a little on the slow side.
Did think too that the ending was a bit too neat, which is not an uncommon problem for Hallmark and one of the biggest recurring problems in the 2021 batch.
However, it is a very attractively photographed film with lovely scenery. Also pleasant is the music, which has presence without coming over as over-bearing or too constant. The direction shows a good deal of confidence and a sense that they knew what they were doing and trying to achieve. The script flows well and is light hearted and nostalgic, shining particularly in the hilarious and affectionate past references and the lead banter.
The story has a lot of heart and charm, and has a nice liveliness too. While not innovative, the time travel element never comes over as confusing or cheap. Wyatt Nash is a subtly charismatic leading man and the supporting cast are more than solid all round, but the film is most enlivened by a truly great Katie Findlay, who expertly balances witty comic timing and heartfelt pathos. The characters aren't complex but they were ones that to me were worth connecting with and caring for, which has not been the case with too much of Hallmark's 2021 output.
In conclusion, very well done. 8/10.