I liked this movie. Yes, it is formulaic. There is no doubt in your mind this is going to be a boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl. It is simply this: a feel good movie. And if you don't mind seeing a movie that has "been done before", slightly different plots, different actors, cute kids, at Christmas, and you love the moment the boy and girl realize they love each other, then get your mug of hot cocoa, grab some holiday presents you need to wrap, and watch something that doesn't require your rapt attention. I personally am a sucker for romance: corny, Disney, Classics, Jane Austen, Bronte, TV shows/ movies, etc, etc. As long as boy gets girl, happy ending, I'm in! It's okay to like movies like this: fluff entertainment. Every movie doesn't need to be deep.
28 Reviews
Corporate exec needs a wife to finalize a deal
helpless_dancer23 December 2001
When a businessman decides to move the shop to Mexico for an improvement in profits he must impress the buyer with, not only the price, but with his image as a solid family man. The problem is he's a swinging bachelor. A plot is hatched to hire a woman and her child to pose as the spouse and offspring of the executive in order to push through he deal. After the "wife" moves in everything moves along smoothly for awhile but eventually begins to unravel. A christmas angel in disguise is present to soften the businessman's uncaring heart. Good holiday film.
Cute made for TV film
lisafordeay7 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Roma Downey from Touched By An Angel teams up with Eric McCormack from Will & Grace star in this cute romantic film about a single mother(Downey)who has a little girl named Zoey who spots a mysterious house that belongs to Kathleen(Downey's)character's boss Sam (played by Eric McCormack)who is expecting a visitor(played by Princess Diaires Hector Elizondo) who thinks that Sam is a married father. So he asks Kathleen and Zoey to pretend to be his wife and daughter for 2 weeks in order for the deal to work. But with romance on the cards can Kathleen and Sam ever get together?
I thought it was a nice film especially the little child actress as Zoey she was adorable. The romance between McCormack and Downey was cute and the film itself is very heartwarming. Overall if you loved While You were Sleeping,The Proposal,Maid In Manhattan than you will enjoy this film.
B+
I thought it was a nice film especially the little child actress as Zoey she was adorable. The romance between McCormack and Downey was cute and the film itself is very heartwarming. Overall if you loved While You were Sleeping,The Proposal,Maid In Manhattan than you will enjoy this film.
B+
A wonderful Christmas movie
donjasper23 December 2003
Yesterday, on TV, my wife and I watched this movie for the first time, We found it to be an unexpected pleasurable movie discovery. Young Sarah Rosen Fruitman as Zoe "stole" every scene in which she appeared. This movie should definitely be a part of my collection. I strongly recommend it.
Worth Watching Once
Christmas-Reviewer24 March 2017
BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM VERY FARE ABOUT THESE FILMS.
A year before "Will & Grace" Eric McCormack, starred in this film. If watch closely you can see has acting range is limited. He is good in this film but in the future I do not see him winning a Tony Award for Acting in a revival of "Death of a Salesman".
Sam Field (Eric McCormack) is a high-powered businessman and scion of a rich industrialist family with his own factory. Though a workaholic, Sam manages to enjoy a playboy lifestyle, having one girlfriend after the other, while struggling with never having lived up to his father's expectations. One day, his spokesman and best friend Dave Hebert (Shawn Alex Thompson) explains that a wealthy potential buyer of his company believes that Sam is a loyal family man. Even though he is not amused by having to pretend to be a married father, he agrees to the scheme of hiring actors to play his wife and son. After some unsuccessful rehearsals with his hired family, Sam is about to give up all hope of landing the deal, when a 7-year-old girl suddenly enters his house.
The film is not overly complicated. It is what it is. It has some very nice moments. My main problem is that you know how its going to end. The film however is a perfect example of a "Hallmark: film. Its family safe and you know what you are getting.
A year before "Will & Grace" Eric McCormack, starred in this film. If watch closely you can see has acting range is limited. He is good in this film but in the future I do not see him winning a Tony Award for Acting in a revival of "Death of a Salesman".
Sam Field (Eric McCormack) is a high-powered businessman and scion of a rich industrialist family with his own factory. Though a workaholic, Sam manages to enjoy a playboy lifestyle, having one girlfriend after the other, while struggling with never having lived up to his father's expectations. One day, his spokesman and best friend Dave Hebert (Shawn Alex Thompson) explains that a wealthy potential buyer of his company believes that Sam is a loyal family man. Even though he is not amused by having to pretend to be a married father, he agrees to the scheme of hiring actors to play his wife and son. After some unsuccessful rehearsals with his hired family, Sam is about to give up all hope of landing the deal, when a 7-year-old girl suddenly enters his house.
The film is not overly complicated. It is what it is. It has some very nice moments. My main problem is that you know how its going to end. The film however is a perfect example of a "Hallmark: film. Its family safe and you know what you are getting.
Far-fetched but fairly entertaining holiday fare
SimonJack28 December 2014
This movie is among the modern group of holiday films produced for viewing especially over Christmas time. Gift giving, Christmas trees and a Christmas theme in general provide the setting for these films. Otherwise, most could be set at any time in which they would be part of the genre of melodrama, soap operas or just "feel-good" movies.
"Borrowed Hearts" is somewhat entertaining – mostly for watching the characters unfold, especially Roma Downey as Kathleen and Sarah Fruitman as Zoey. Others have noted the formulaic nature of the film, and so, the ease of guessing its outcome. It is mildly interesting from the somewhat unusual plot ploy. But, that also is the quirkiness that makes it far-fetched. References to angels, faith or fantasy are not what make this film far- fetched. It's the plot of this young mother and daughter as the make- believe family of the male lead. Eric McCormack plays that role of Sam Field well. Most of the cast are quite good. But, the redemption of the hero doesn't play out very believably.
To be a good film in this growing holiday genre, "Borrowed Hearts" would need some screenplay revisions and better fleshing out of the main male character and his background. As it is, there are too many disjoiners. Still, it's mildly enjoyable for a one-time viewing. It's certainly not a film I would want for annual Christmas time replays.
"Borrowed Hearts" is somewhat entertaining – mostly for watching the characters unfold, especially Roma Downey as Kathleen and Sarah Fruitman as Zoey. Others have noted the formulaic nature of the film, and so, the ease of guessing its outcome. It is mildly interesting from the somewhat unusual plot ploy. But, that also is the quirkiness that makes it far-fetched. References to angels, faith or fantasy are not what make this film far- fetched. It's the plot of this young mother and daughter as the make- believe family of the male lead. Eric McCormack plays that role of Sam Field well. Most of the cast are quite good. But, the redemption of the hero doesn't play out very believably.
To be a good film in this growing holiday genre, "Borrowed Hearts" would need some screenplay revisions and better fleshing out of the main male character and his background. As it is, there are too many disjoiners. Still, it's mildly enjoyable for a one-time viewing. It's certainly not a film I would want for annual Christmas time replays.
Fantastic
sundrop19 June 2001
I first saw this movie in a re-run, and only saw the last half. After seeing the last half, I just couldn't wait to watch it from beginning to end. This is the kind of movie that after you start watching it you just can't leave it for any reason until it's over. All of the actors and actresses just made it so believable that you felt like you were friends with the characters at the end. I didn't even realize that Roma Downey was playing Kathleen until I'd been watching it for a few minutes. You wouldn't expect her to be good at the part of a struggling single mother, but she really was. It had the perfect casting combination, and the writers also knew what they were doing. It had a great plot, and is a movie that people would enjoy at just about any age. It's rare that you see a movie like this on television today.
Fanciful, well acted and fun
patbiggam12 May 2020
Yes this is one of those feel good movies. The characters are predictable but not puerile. Kathleen's young daughter is quite precocious but not unpalatable to an American audience. I can't shake the image of Roma Downey from "Touched by an Angel" and can see glimpses of that character in her portrayal of Kathleen. Eric, who plays the unsuspecting bachelor, and Senor Del Campo (sp?), who plays the businessman from Mexico, negotiating for the sale of Eric's company, make this movie.
I value this quality family movie.
j8943424 January 2004
I am an old fashioned piano teacher and value watching a movie like this. It has a happy ending and promotes honesty and moral decisions. My heart feels happy after watching this movie, and I can recommend to my students.
Not good
mitchellrharl3 July 2022
Charming
Zoooma27 March 2014
Fifteen years definitely makes a big difference in the quality of Made-for-Television Christmas movies. Nowadays the formula is often the same and the stupid stories don't even need to take place at Christmas to work. A decade or more ago and movies had more heart to them. Hector Elizondo is excellent and the story is charming if not far-fetched. But take it for what it's worth. It's not terrible for weekend marathon Christmas movie viewing... if you're watching in December... but usually by December I'm darn sick and tired of Christmas so that's why I watch a little bit every month of the year before then. Happy Holidays!
5.5 / 10 stars
--Zoooma, a Kat Pirate screener. Arrrrr!
5.5 / 10 stars
--Zoooma, a Kat Pirate screener. Arrrrr!
Excellent! Touches your heart! Great Family Christmas Movie!A+++++
MelissaJHargett20 December 2004
Wonderful movie. I have to watch it every year at Christmas. It is one of my favorites. I must buy this one for my children to watch in the future. A real touching movie. Zoe is a little girl who loves her father and doesn't understand why he left her and her mother. She searches for answers while God has special plans for her and her mother. Zoe gets in trouble at school and her mother had to leave work to pick her up. Her mother took her to a friends house so she could return to work. The lady tells Zoe when you hear music playing but there is no music really playing, means that there is an angel around. So Zoe makes a wish for a house just like her doll house and for her father to come home. Well an angel is sent to give Zoe her wish. Just not the way that she wanted it to happen but much better. God looks out for us and does what is in his best interest whether we like it or not.
Sweet and clever film.
sherryp-149115 January 2023
Shawn Thompson and Eric McCormack were good comedic actors and had a rapport between them. Roma Downey is very beautiful and a fine actress. There was a pleasant chemistry between McCormack and Downey. The characters seemed authentic. Except for Kevin Hicks as Jerry Russell, his performance wasn't very convincing as Zoey's father. Zoey was a very realistic and sweet child (most of the time), good acting for an 8 year old. I thought the story was original (to me). I enjoyed it and the clever banter among the characters. It was a nice distraction from the cares of life. I liked Hector Elizondo's performance of a mixture of kindness and honesty. Reviewers: give credit where credit is due!!
RENTED HEARTS
mmthos24 September 2021
Top TV actors serving up a heaping helping of Xmas corn-pone in a It's a Wonderful Life-Bishop's Wife rehash.. Even the smart alek cherub. Dressed In Laura Ashley neo-Victorian frocks beside the traditional Tannenbaum, straight out of Currier and Ives, with a halo of big golden hair and the angelic gap between her 2 front teeth is practically perfect..
Excellent
jazmin295226 December 2003
I think this movie is excellent--I watch it ever year at christmas time. It gives you a little fantacy to believe in that someday some dreams may come true. The little girl believes that her daddy is coming home soon and thinks the angel is going to help her.
Simple charming TV movie
Pro Jury21 April 2005
BORROWED HEARTS (1997) (TV) is extremely similar to SECOND HONEYMOON (2001) (TV). Both have Roma Downey as the leading lady. Both have a mysterious Mexican man (Antonio in SECOND, Javier Del Campo in BORROWED), who is much more than he seems, playing the busy matchmaker. Both try to tell a heartwarming light comic/romantic "mature boy gets mature girl" tale.
There are some differences. BORROWED HEARTS takes place in the cold north during winter/Christmas. SECOND HONEYMOON takes place in the warm tropics.
SECOND HONEYMOON, unfortunately, tones down the charm, and plays up the conflict and comedy. Too bad. Tim Matheson and Roma Downey might have caught fire given enough music and romance. BORROWED HEARTS is a much more solid production. If in the mood for cute light romance, BORROWED HEARTS is the better of the two.
There are some differences. BORROWED HEARTS takes place in the cold north during winter/Christmas. SECOND HONEYMOON takes place in the warm tropics.
SECOND HONEYMOON, unfortunately, tones down the charm, and plays up the conflict and comedy. Too bad. Tim Matheson and Roma Downey might have caught fire given enough music and romance. BORROWED HEARTS is a much more solid production. If in the mood for cute light romance, BORROWED HEARTS is the better of the two.
Pleasant two hours
caa82120 December 2006
I saw "Touched by an Angel" perhaps twice, and I have never seen even one episode of "Will and Grace" -- so I may have been less familiar with the two leads than virtually anyone else who watched this film.
A friend who was visiting had seen it advertised, and wanted to see it, so this was the only reason I saw this movie, since I had not noted its listing myself.
It may not be anything vastly different from a lot of the Christmas-season films, and the "couple coming together" plot has been the theme of a lot of movies, holiday season or otherwise.
However, I found it thoroughly engaging, and well worth watching, and happy my friend had discovered it. The leads and the young actress playing Downey's daughter were all pleasant, realistic (within the somewhat improbable theme), and none were "over the top," something not unusual in these flicks.
The ex-husband was also believable - so often these characters are portrayed as more evil than Jack the Ripper, but here, this part was portrayed at a restrained, believable level.
Hector Elizondo is a talented actor, who always gives an excellent performance. He did so here, in a light role, which, while not taxing his full level of capability, also added pleasantly to the proceedings.
This type of film - especially those made for this season - aren't meant to be another "Citizen Kane," or rival the super-budget, big-screen extravaganzas, but to provide a pleasant two hours' entertainment. This one succeeds in this.
A friend who was visiting had seen it advertised, and wanted to see it, so this was the only reason I saw this movie, since I had not noted its listing myself.
It may not be anything vastly different from a lot of the Christmas-season films, and the "couple coming together" plot has been the theme of a lot of movies, holiday season or otherwise.
However, I found it thoroughly engaging, and well worth watching, and happy my friend had discovered it. The leads and the young actress playing Downey's daughter were all pleasant, realistic (within the somewhat improbable theme), and none were "over the top," something not unusual in these flicks.
The ex-husband was also believable - so often these characters are portrayed as more evil than Jack the Ripper, but here, this part was portrayed at a restrained, believable level.
Hector Elizondo is a talented actor, who always gives an excellent performance. He did so here, in a light role, which, while not taxing his full level of capability, also added pleasantly to the proceedings.
This type of film - especially those made for this season - aren't meant to be another "Citizen Kane," or rival the super-budget, big-screen extravaganzas, but to provide a pleasant two hours' entertainment. This one succeeds in this.
I could not take the way they portrayed the little girl's attitude
lisamariechr5 October 2020
I love Roma Downey, I picked this movie because she was in it. I found I could not get through the whole thing and skipped to the end after about 40 minutes. I guess I am the only one who found that incredibly cute little girl actress utterly annoying. She was a spoiled brat, didn't listen to her mother and her antics were smart aleck rather than cute. If they had toned her down just a bit and had her listen to her mother once without the constant attitude, I would have really enjoyed this movie.
My wife's favorite Christmas movie.
daniel-3918 May 2017
My wife watches this movie just about every year since it first came out on TV. We now have it on DVD, I would love to have an Ultraviolet copy of it too. I also like to watch it with her. The story is a little predictable, but it is still entertaining after all these years. I recommend that everyone should watch this movie at least once, you never know it may become your favorite too.
A fantastic movie, my husband even likes this one.
dwelch_4930720 November 2002
This movie really needs to be put on video. This would add the perfect touch to not only mine but alot of family's video collection. Believe me I know alot about movies and videos. This is a great opportunity to reach alot of homes during the holiday.
Really Good
Crazi2125 September 1998
Warning: Spoilers
This Movie was great, I thought it was a good Love story, but I didn't like how the little girl's real Daddy split on her and her Mom in the Movie, and I didn't like how he never came to see her until the ending of the Movie.
How can you resist those curls
Jackbv12318 August 2017
Sarah Rosen Fruitman is quite cute. For a kid actor she did what she needed to in order to make you fall in love with her. Without her, you lose at least 3 stars.
Roma Downey was believable as the single mom and attractive as the potential love interest. Eric McCormack was stiff most of the time, but that was his character.
The plot is both predictable and still has a little twist that becomes obvious about half way through.
I've enjoyed this movie several times spread out since 1997.
Roma Downey was believable as the single mom and attractive as the potential love interest. Eric McCormack was stiff most of the time, but that was his character.
The plot is both predictable and still has a little twist that becomes obvious about half way through.
I've enjoyed this movie several times spread out since 1997.
Wonderfully Heartwarming.
firebird-9058910 December 2020
I absolutely recommend this movie! It's charming, and warm, and fun to watch. The story has one of the best I've watched. There is true chemistry between every one of the characters. The interaction between Zoe and Dave will have you laughing, because Dave is like a little kid himself! It's full of love and comedy and just plain old-fashioned laughter. One of the best Christmas movies that should become a classic!
Disgustingly Sweet!!!!!
tresjolie914 February 2002
The one reason I had for watching this film was Eric McCormack. In this film he is GORGEOUS!!!!!
Unfortunately the plot is so disgustingly sweet, and the little girl so disgustingly irksome, that whatever Eric McCormack contributes to it is lost :(
Unfortunately the plot is so disgustingly sweet, and the little girl so disgustingly irksome, that whatever Eric McCormack contributes to it is lost :(
Everything I love about Christmas movies.
vitalyozerov15 March 2024
This film is an essential part of my childhood. Everything I dreamed about as a child is embodied in this film. Every Christmas I used to watch this movie at least once. At first I had it on a video cassette. Now, having searched all the kiosks and stores with Blu rays, I have found this film once again. Borrowed Hearts is a bright Christmas fairy tale, which helps me maintain a shred of that childish belief in the miracle of the New Year and Christmas...
Perhaps I'm strongly nostalgia-biased, but I believe that this movie does everything what a good Christmas movie should do. It's a near perfect simple fun family experience that lifts your spirits.
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