You Had Me at Aloha (2021 TV Movie) User Reviews

Love On The Island

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 14 June 2021]

First things first: This production deserves credit for navigating the COVID crisis, especially under the very restrictive mandates in Honolulu. Attentive viewers will notice the preponderance of outdoor shots--which is perfect for a film that wants to capitalize on the beauty of Hawaii---and the emphasis on spacing and small groups.

Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith are a staple on Hallmark. Here they play Paige and Ben, co-hosts of a destination travel show, who come to Oahu to create an episode. Like oil and vinegar at first, they grapple with the incompatibility of their styles. Paige likes things scripted and under control; Ben prefers the ad lib and impromptu adventures.

As a travelogue for Oahu, the film does a satisfactory job. As a romance, it successfully leans on the comedic chops of its stars, who have a practiced and warm congeniality. They were heavily involved in the design and production of this film.

As other viewers have commented, some haircuts are noticeably patchy, but that minor detail is more than compensated for by the aforementioned extra effort required to make this film during civil restrictions and travel limitations.

Okay until the end

[cincy-47983 · 6/10 · 7 June 2021]

The movie is okay, relaxing and typical Hallmark fare. Filming in Hawaii definitely added to the enjoyment. BUT - the ending was ridiculous! Both my wife and I had to ask each other what just happened as every aspect of their filming careers (a central point to the film) was unclear. NOTE to Hallmark - you really, really, really need to hire someone who does a reality check on almost every movie you produce. Hire us we will gladly take on the job and cheaply. It is for darned sure that no one there is giving much attention to simple story line and factual elements which really matter. There is way more to a good story than just a romance with a foregone conclusion.

Made so that Pascale and Kavan could bicker and travel at the same time.

[MIssM19 · 7/10 · 15 June 2021]

Paige is a producer, and ex host, of a travel show. The show is looking for a brand new host so they turn to Ben, also an ex host of said show, to come back and do a season. Little do our leads know that after being filmed accidentally, the network wants both of them to do it after watching them bicker.

Let's be honest, shall we? This movie was made so that Pascale and Kavan could work together and travel at the same time. The fact that the main plot is based on the back and forth between the characters (based on the real one by the actors) is hilarious. It definitely looked like they were having fun. (how dare you that they are a "poor match of a couple"?)

We have have watched Pascale and Kavan have fun and bicker, we have also watched them as Lee and Rosemary and as Molly and Nick on "The Perfect Bride" and honestly, I do not get tired. As much as I love this duo, I don't think this was as funny as other projects of theirs, but I still enjoyed it.

Onto the movie. I liked it. It's definitely not Hallmark's greatest and it's far from it. The true stars were the leads and definitely Hawaii. I just wished we could have seen more but in these COVID times I don't know how restricted it is, so I will appreaciate what was given to us.

I liked that the characters got to spend time together and that the relationship developed naturally. I was surprised by the "pre-ending" trouble, as I liked to call it. While I didn't see it coming, I thought it could have been resolved better.

I literally didn't care about any of the other characters. In fact, there is no secondary couple nor plot.

NOW LET'S GET TECHNICAL.

Maybe some other reviewer can answer this, but isn't Kavan looking straight at the camera around the 59 minute mark?

Now, the worst part of the movie. We see Paige buying a ticket and when she gets to the gate the flight already took off. That's just UNREALISTIC. Why would airlines sell tickets if the flight is boarding or about to board? It is literally looking for trouble and lawsuits. Airlines close check-in before boarding because there are many things going behind the scenes that passengers don't see. ANYWAY, that had me screaming at the screen, I know it's supposed to add drama to the movie but it didn't work for me. I didn't buy it.

In conclusion, you either hate this or love it. I'm just glad I could see these two together again.

These two are like an old married couple.

[Racingphan2 · 6/10 · 7 June 2021]

Apparently Hallmark won't let these two do anything without the other. And their well worn chemistry leads to a very comfortable watch. Not a particularly interesting one, but a nice way to kill two hours.

You had Me at Disappointed...

[ginasharp · 4/10 · 10 June 2021]

I was so excited for this movie because I love the main actors but this movie ended up being so boring. I only watched till the end because of two of my favorite actors. The "goat" embarrassment was stupid to ruin the main actors dreams for so many years. I listened to the "Deck the Halls" podcast and the screen writer said they "Up'd" the comedy. What?!?! My favorite HMM make me laugh or giggle at the characters but this one? No laughing, just boring... Oh, and the side characters drinking in the chairs? Ackward and unhappy.

I felt they didn't take advantage of Hawaii either. They could've entered a sand castle competition together or against each other! They could've went boogie boarding, kayaking, hiking, mixed drink competition, limbo contest!!! Grass shirt lessons, pineapple picking..... So much opportunity for a fun, romantic movie!

Hurron and Smith

[Jackbv123 · 8/10 · 11 June 2021]

There's a simple way to tell if you'll like this movie, and that's how much you like Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith together.

True the plot is inconsequential - it's predictable. It's an excuse to put these two people on the same screen. I didn't see the twist coming, but I should have because the plot is almost the same as another movie that I can't remember the title. (If I describe it, it's too close to spoilers even if it is predictable.)

The point is that Hutton and Smith have worked together for years and the chemistry and ease of their real relationship is obvious.

That's not to say these characters are anything like those on When Calls the Heart because they aren't. In fact the two actors almost switch personalities. (It makes me wonder if someone said to Smith - see how close you can imitate Rosemary and maybe likewise to Hutton as Lee.)

I enjoyed it. There are only so many new plots that fit Saturday night on Hallmark Channel. I do love it when there is something fresh, but barring that, I look for the relationships and this pair came through again.

WHAT THE HECK IS THIS?

[sellexcel · 1/10 · 7 June 2021]

Someone stated it gets better as it goes, so I fast fwd and hour. Still awful..

This is really bad. They would've done way better just making it a full on realty show visiting different businesses & doing adventures in Hawaii.

Love Hawaii!

[hallmarkmov · 9/10 · 8 June 2021]

Hallmark movie in Hawaii? And doesn't star the typical boring hallmark leading ladies? YES PLEASE! These seasoned veterans have great chemistry. Add beautiful Hawaii as a backdrop, how can this get any better? Enjoyed the story and all the activities. The ending has me a bit confused, did she get the show she pitched? Or was this his show? Other than that I really enjoyed it! Give it a watch!

👎

[agambre · 1/10 · 6 June 2021]

Can't go beyond 30 minutes watching this ridiculous movie. Hallmark, you made this the 2021 summer night opener? I pay too much to subscribe HM and HMM. Aurora Teagarden Mysteries but especially Mystery 101 are the two shows that keep me from dropping my subscription. I wish I can only subscribe to HMM. Maybe HM needs new writers. LOL what a waste of resources.

Could not finish watching!

[kalderton-63269 · 2/10 · 6 June 2021]

Usually I like both actors, but this is basically unwatchable. So boring. The back and forth dialogue was far from entertaining.

Kavin's haircut has so blotchy, I couldn't take my eyes off it. Lol.

What a real hallmark movie really should be like

[RaniaALDMR · 8/10 · 31 December 2021]

Watching romantic comedy is for me an escape, a way to forget the ugliness of our world today. Contrary to popular belief, this is one of the most difficult genres of movies to make. Unfortunately, lately, few movies succeed in meeting the challenge of creating the magic of feeling in love and making people laugh. The majority of Hallmark movies increasingly look like superficial products where the main thing is to please the majority of viewers; even the cast of the main actors is terrible: they often have no chemistry. However, I was pleasantly surprised first by the secondary actors who are usually simple extras who add nothing to the story. Then the main actors are really good together, the story is told well and some moments are funny and some are really romantic. I really enjoyed the movie.

Didn't have me engaged enough

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 21 January 2022]

'You Had Me at Aloha', seen as part of a newly started project of watching more non-Christmas Hallmark films, is another one of the Hallmark films where expectations were mixed. Hallmark have done many misses but also many surprising hits, so there is absolutely no bias for or against them. Hawaii is a stunning place. The two leads have been at least watchable in other things. The story did not sound great though and had heard and seen comments from trusted reviewers about it being bad.

Watching it, 'You Had Me at Aloha' (one of Hallmark's Summer Nights films) didn't strike me as anywhere near as bad as has been said, and not the awful film that was to be increasingly honest expected. Some things are done very well and considering the circumstances it could have been worse. There are a lot of major and distracting however and the film overall is also not particularly good and is instead on the whole very, very average.

Starting with the good, 'You Had Me at Aloha' looks beautiful. Hallmark was no stranger to beautiful scenery and Hawaii is as stunning a locale as one can get, captured photogenically by the photography. The music is pleasant and nostalgic, as well as more authentic than most Hallmark soundtracks (an aspect that was always variable to problematic with them). There are some cute and entertaining moments thanks to the delivery of the two leads.

Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith are immensely appealing leads and their chemistry to me was natural and warm. The supporting cast are also more than able, considering what they were given.

However, 'You Had Me at Aloha' had a lot wrong with it that stopped me from engaging with it. The story is very messy, with a choppy and rushed first act, a sometimes charming and fun middle act despite realism going out of the window and a contrived and truly ridiculous final act. Actually got the sense that the writers had little idea how to end the film. The script has too much cheese and awkwardness and is also far too talky and over-explanatory.

The pacing could have been a lot tighter as well, as it does suffer from the story furthermore being as thin as a wafer and being excessively predictable due to rehashing well worn ideas. Meaning that it feels pedestrian too much. The direction tends to be too routine and for all the cast's best efforts the characters are underdeveloped and don't come over as real enough. More could have been done with the Hawaiian culture, not much of it to the extent that the setting could have passed for anywhere.

Overall, not that bad but not particularly good at the same time. 5/10.

Fun movie

[kejjr-27080 · 10/10 · 12 June 2021]

As a When Calls the Heart watcher, it was fun to see these people outside of those roles. And of course, the scenery was beautiful. All in all, very entertaining. I rate Hallmark movies on their own scale, this was a great summer movie.

Boring!

[greg_sargent · 1/10 · 6 June 2021]

Probably one of the worst Hallmark movies my wife and I have ever seen! We had high hopes for this one because of the Hawaiian setting. But the movie just did not click with us. Not worth a repeat viewing.

THIS SCRIPT WAS STOLEN!!

[gsxr_bunny · 1/10 · 27 November 2021]

Everyone involved in this from the screen writer to the costume designer were given copies of the script they stole back in 2017 from my NEIGHBOR! She sent in her screenplay and it was stolen! This is an outrage! Hallmark and all parties involved should be ashamed of themselves. Repulsive and they should be sued!

Very enjoyable

[weniwuna · 9/10 · 6 June 2021]

There is a Hallmark series that I watch and the two leads here are in that program. I guess it wasn't a surprise that the chemistry and ease of acting together was superb. So often I will watch a Hallmark movie that has at least one character that seems to have just been dropped right into the cast without a lot of acting experience. It becomes very distracting. I guess the main thing I enjoyed about this movie was that I could just watch it from beginning to end and believe it! Throughout, there were a lot of comic elements in the script, and that's what made it a very enjoyable romcom as well. I highly recommend it for a low stress, fun watch!

Not Hallmark's Best

[haa4 · 4/10 · 27 June 2021]

Love Kavan and Pascale together. It's beyond time they got their own mystery series on HMM. After the horrible Season 8 finale of WCTH, I was really looking forward to seeing them in another setting. But sadly, this movie didn't live up to expectations. I felt like this was very low budget for Hallmark as evidenced by the small cast and choice of host hotel and activities. It seemed like most of this stuff could have been filmed in California instead of Hawaii. I did like the overall story concept but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.

UGH!!!

[judithkinga · 6 June 2021]

Awful, not worth my reviewing.... Poor match of a couple...

Could not finish watching,, so boring!

Beautiful scenery and great story

[taylornan0909 · 9/10 · 6 June 2021]

I enjoyed this movie, Kavan and Pascale have great chemistry. The scenery was beautiful and made me want to buy a ticket to Hawaii. I will definitely be watching this one again.

So stupid

[lfc357 · 1/10 · 6 June 2021]

It is hard to standout in Hallmark's romance movies, but this one does for all the wrong reasons. This paint by numbers movie is dull, predictable, and has so many unrealistic scenes that it literally insults your intelligence.

You had me at Goodbye

[lalighton · 1/10 · 13 June 2021]

In this case it is a good thing Aloha means HELLO and GOODBYE. In true Hallmark fashion the same actors are recast as different characters in different places in different movies so I know from experience Pascale and Kavan actually do have chemistry not displayed on screen in this painful-to watch romcom. Hopeful that this shipwreck would improve, I kept it rolling while I did things around my house, but alas it never improved. While most of writer Rick Garman's screenplays are set at Christmas his stretch to NOT write about winter along with the most annoying dialogue ever couldn't be saved by the location other than overused snowy Canadian mountains that always stand in for real locations. ALOHA -- and I don't mean HELLO.

Good cemetery

[Benjamin-holstebroe · 9/10 · 30 June 2021]

I like this movie and they play well together.. Of course you know what's happening but it's light fun.

So bad ...

[toncincin · 1/10 · 16 June 2021]

What the heck Hallmark! These two actors are generally pretty good together. Guess you need better writers! This was horrid. It was like a travel lig - with annoying commentators. I watched it for lack of anything better to do - that's two hours I'll never get back...

Always just the best of the Hallmark production

[rozapinky · 10/10 · 7 June 2021]

A remarkable new Hallmark movie. Fun, dynamic and witty until the last minute. The choice of actors could not be better. Excellent Pascale Hutton and the best edition of Kavan Smith. They simply clicked on the camera, the chemistry between the two of them is more than obvious. Their acting, especially Kavan Smith in his best role so far makes this movie special and memorable. In short, a great 90 minutes.

Blotchy Haircuts and No cast

[vintagegeek · 2/10 · 8 June 2021]

Who came up with those haircuts for the guys. Awful. They have bald spots on the sides of their heads. Incredibly distracting. We gave it a half hour and then stopped. Zero chemistry. Way to much of them arguing. Nothing pleasant in watching this Hallmark Movie. Shooting during covid doesn't mean you have to be awful. Only 9 people in the cast. They broke down and had no Wifi. Totally made up. Wifi is ever present everywhere in Hawaii.