This is part one of a two part handling of After Ever Happy which is the conclusion of Tessa and Hardin's story. This is the fourth film and I was happy to see that they kept as many cast members as they had considered some of the major changes between films one, two and three.
I am a big fan of the books (guilty pleasure) and recognize that this is not the healthiest of relationships, but in this film we see a subtle shift to Hardin in which he does some healing independent of Tessa and Tessa does a little growing up independent of Hardin. These are some signs of moving towards a healthier relationship.
In this installment we pick up right where the third film ended with Hardin discovering that his mom was unfaithful to his father and in fact he has a different biological father. This of course sets Hardin off on his usual path of destruction. Tessa makes one attempt to reach him, but then decides she has to look out for herself and heads back home to America where she makes a devastating personal discovery (I would actually say two discoveries). Hardin finally realizes that he should be there for Tessa when she needs him. But it seems that this revelation is a little too late as Tessa decides she needs time apart and goes to New York with Landon. This film ends at an odd moment that leaves you looking over your shoulder for the next film with the "wait is that it?".
As a fan of the story, I am still thrilled that it is getting a film treatment and I love the two main actors. They seem to have wonderful chemistry which really helps sell the story. I have big hopes for the next film. There are not as many steamy scenes in this film as our main characters spend a lot of time apart...but don't let that deter the romantics, I think you will still be happy.
Strong recommendation to fans of the story and to romantics I say hang in there, I think you will ultimately be happy.
I am a big fan of the books (guilty pleasure) and recognize that this is not the healthiest of relationships, but in this film we see a subtle shift to Hardin in which he does some healing independent of Tessa and Tessa does a little growing up independent of Hardin. These are some signs of moving towards a healthier relationship.
In this installment we pick up right where the third film ended with Hardin discovering that his mom was unfaithful to his father and in fact he has a different biological father. This of course sets Hardin off on his usual path of destruction. Tessa makes one attempt to reach him, but then decides she has to look out for herself and heads back home to America where she makes a devastating personal discovery (I would actually say two discoveries). Hardin finally realizes that he should be there for Tessa when she needs him. But it seems that this revelation is a little too late as Tessa decides she needs time apart and goes to New York with Landon. This film ends at an odd moment that leaves you looking over your shoulder for the next film with the "wait is that it?".
As a fan of the story, I am still thrilled that it is getting a film treatment and I love the two main actors. They seem to have wonderful chemistry which really helps sell the story. I have big hopes for the next film. There are not as many steamy scenes in this film as our main characters spend a lot of time apart...but don't let that deter the romantics, I think you will still be happy.
Strong recommendation to fans of the story and to romantics I say hang in there, I think you will ultimately be happy.