This one was soo funny, I liked, that the main heroine was a little sarcastic and not the usual Hallmark darling that pleases everybody. Also liked the plotline and the scenery. Not the greatest movie of all time, but definitely worth watching at least once.
37 Reviews
Love location not the characters
hallmarkmov7 August 2021
Love the tropical location. Seems to be Hawaii but not sure. Its an interesting premises making fun of the bachelor franchise but I found the characters very harsh and irrational. Found the leading actress very annoying and unlikeable, a bit arrogant too. Her best friend was also not likeable and very fake, even before they get on the reality tv show. It seemed like everyone was reading off lines even when they weren't supposed to. Her fashion line was also very underwhelming.
Actually pretty funny in places.
rebekahrox6 August 2021
Chloe Bridges, the lead actress, has certainly gotten some bad reviews for her performance. As an actress, I thought she was good with even some decent comic timing. Unfortunately her portrayal was derailed by a god awful case of of vocal fry. Like other, I almost changed the channel. Even worse than early Jessica Lowndes. This somewhat accounts for some reviewers labelling her whiny and sarcastic and unlikable. She kind of was, the first two, but it was made worse by her voice. Her best friend and partner in entering the Bachelor-type competition was a sweetheart. She made Hayley seem even more annoying by comparison. The actress, Taiana Tully, was natural and enthusiastic with a perky charm. She may have been cast for the diversity factor, but hopefully this will lead to more roles. The two best friends enter a bachelor reality show. Hayley, a fledging designer, to promote her line of dresses, sweet appealing Bree, I don't remember why. But neither one wants to actually win. Unfortunately Perky nice girl falls in love with the male star almost immediately and it's mutual.
There were actual some good laughs in this one, particularly the scene when the mean chief rival is painting a portrait of herself and the bachelor as mermaid and merman to the nice guy's horror ("did you notice the scales are actually to scale?) The black production assistance was great as well. She reminded me of a young Wanda Sykes. The two male leads were not bad. Perfectly acceptable. And the last few scenes where Hayley foils the phony plans of the phony reality show, ruining their fake storyline without regard to real reality is very entertaining. I have to take it down a star for the sappy cheesy speeches that the bachelor guy had to make. I know it was a send up of that ilk of reality shows, but they were a little too on point for me. I can't wait for those shows to go the way of westerns, afternoon soap operas, and afternoon game shows.
There were actual some good laughs in this one, particularly the scene when the mean chief rival is painting a portrait of herself and the bachelor as mermaid and merman to the nice guy's horror ("did you notice the scales are actually to scale?) The black production assistance was great as well. She reminded me of a young Wanda Sykes. The two male leads were not bad. Perfectly acceptable. And the last few scenes where Hayley foils the phony plans of the phony reality show, ruining their fake storyline without regard to real reality is very entertaining. I have to take it down a star for the sappy cheesy speeches that the bachelor guy had to make. I know it was a send up of that ilk of reality shows, but they were a little too on point for me. I can't wait for those shows to go the way of westerns, afternoon soap operas, and afternoon game shows.
Very Funny, New Faces, Different Vibe! A win for this senior!
mamachikn4 August 2021
It appears people either love this movie or hate it. I'm thinking that the haters are die-hard fans of reality shows such as The Bachelor. I've never watched them, but this spoof seems quite accurate. It's all about ratings, after all.
The fresh new faces on this Hallmark movie were great! Hope to see more of them in future shows. The script was funny. The lead actress was sarcastic, and funny. I liked the whole cast. Karen Malina White was the best! She delivered her lines flawlessly, and we laughed out loud several times! If you haven't seen it, I urge you to give it a try. Remember it's supposed to be a spoof, so don't take it seriously. An enjoyable evening.
The fresh new faces on this Hallmark movie were great! Hope to see more of them in future shows. The script was funny. The lead actress was sarcastic, and funny. I liked the whole cast. Karen Malina White was the best! She delivered her lines flawlessly, and we laughed out loud several times! If you haven't seen it, I urge you to give it a try. Remember it's supposed to be a spoof, so don't take it seriously. An enjoyable evening.
A generous 6 - probably closer to 5
dpowelldwp5 August 2021
This is not a typical Hallmark movie so I'm going to have to go with the old positives and negatives.
Positives:
1) I like the premise, dating shows are fun to parody 2) Hawaii is awesome 3) Most stuff on TV sucks so "the bar" is low 4) The male lead was OK, his love interest was the best thing about the movie - she was adorable.
Negatives:
1) Lead female was not good nor was her romance believable or set up well 2) Formulaic even for Hallmark - the writers were on cruise control.
Summary:
Something to do when you don't have anything else. There you go. It isn't as horrible as the 1/10 reviews might suggest - the 10/10's need to watch more TV to get perspective. If you think that the reciting of resumes between the lead female and the producer constituted chemistry I don't know what to say.
Positives:
1) I like the premise, dating shows are fun to parody 2) Hawaii is awesome 3) Most stuff on TV sucks so "the bar" is low 4) The male lead was OK, his love interest was the best thing about the movie - she was adorable.
Negatives:
1) Lead female was not good nor was her romance believable or set up well 2) Formulaic even for Hallmark - the writers were on cruise control.
Summary:
Something to do when you don't have anything else. There you go. It isn't as horrible as the 1/10 reviews might suggest - the 10/10's need to watch more TV to get perspective. If you think that the reciting of resumes between the lead female and the producer constituted chemistry I don't know what to say.
It's cute!
angelstiara6 August 2021
Finally, An Unpredictable Hallmark Movie!
alar626 August 2021
Lies, cameras spying on everyone, cheap tricks
Jackbv1235 August 2021
Yes that's reality TV which is the basis of this story.
I'm not a fan of reality TV especially the Bachelor type ones so it was hard for me to get into this.
The leads didn't win me over and even they weren't exactly honest. Chemistry? 5/10 at best for that.
I'm not a fan of reality TV especially the Bachelor type ones so it was hard for me to get into this.
The leads didn't win me over and even they weren't exactly honest. Chemistry? 5/10 at best for that.
Loved it!
watermelon_sarah20 October 2021
It's a great Hallmark Movie!
I love hallmark movies they are not appreciated enough!
A movie doesn't have to have a high budget and expensive high tech to be good.
Give it a try and make your own opinion.
I like it's a bit different and I enjoyed the story.
I really like the actors in it and I believe they did a great job!
Movies are just another way of telling a story.
I love hallmark movies they are not appreciated enough!
A movie doesn't have to have a high budget and expensive high tech to be good.
Give it a try and make your own opinion.
I like it's a bit different and I enjoyed the story.
I really like the actors in it and I believe they did a great job!
Movies are just another way of telling a story.
About all I liked was the location, Hawaii
Avidviewer-028473 August 2021
Leads didn't seem to have chemistry, Chloe Bridges has a nasally New York accent that is irritating and her acting was flat, a caricature of a New Yorker. Taiana Tully and Corbin Bleu were good and Karen White was funny.
Typical formulaic Hallmark movie, just a different location.
Typical formulaic Hallmark movie, just a different location.
Cute Movie
pattersonjamie-120798 September 2021
Terrible Lead Character
medvito1 August 2021
I am usually a big fan of Hallmark movies, they're such nice fluff and escapism. However after the first few minutes I already did not like the main character - whiny, annoying, stupidly sarcastic, etc. It made it hard to watch. I did watch it anyway and it only got worse. Yikes, get the original writers back! This SUCKED!
Really Good!
japrice-782329 August 2021
This Hallmark was special- interaction between two female friends so real. A plot that deviated from the norm and a sweet, romantic ending. Those who have been to Hawaii will love the scenery. And rainbows in Hawaii are beautiful just as shown.
great send-up of "reality" dating shows
sarajimi4 January 2022
Maybe the people who dislike this so much are fans of dating shows and hate having their bubbles burst? I haven't been a fan so i thought the movie was pretty good. Did not like the lead actress - yes, her voice was rough but more, it lacked inflection. I had to watch her face to tell what her character was feeling, which was difficult since her default expression is a scowl. But the witty script and co-stars balanced it out to bring it above the hallmark average.
Lead Actress Rined it For Me
gaitenskopper-666546 August 2021
Looked forward to the Premiere. Had to turn it off due to the Chloe Bridges, Her voice was unpleasant, but her facial expressions were even more annoying, I tried to watch, I really did.
I'm a faithful Hallmark movie fan. Love the clean family-friendly productions. But I couldn't watch her another minute. I'm not trying to be mean, but in my mind she was a poor choice.
I'm a faithful Hallmark movie fan. Love the clean family-friendly productions. But I couldn't watch her another minute. I'm not trying to be mean, but in my mind she was a poor choice.
Fun. Loved it. Shot on location. Not the usual HM.
tridotter2 August 2021
First, the litany of bad reviews typical of HM movies I believe are from dudes who's wives made them watch the movie out of desperation. Mainly because they can turn on Fast and Furious 18 without thinking about but haven't turned on their wife in ages.
Love, for Real was fun because it wavered slightly from the formula and it was shot on location with beautiful visuals. It was also written with wit, humor, and some good dialogue.
The two female leads were adorable, but it was Chloe Bridges that was somehow allowed to act outside of the HM norm and played a real person that you might actually know or meet in real life. She balanced a tough exterior and a vulnerable side with real people flaws that made you root for her all the way. She had good chemistry with the male lead and her best friend, I'd like to see her in more movies.
Love, for Real was fun because it wavered slightly from the formula and it was shot on location with beautiful visuals. It was also written with wit, humor, and some good dialogue.
The two female leads were adorable, but it was Chloe Bridges that was somehow allowed to act outside of the HM norm and played a real person that you might actually know or meet in real life. She balanced a tough exterior and a vulnerable side with real people flaws that made you root for her all the way. She had good chemistry with the male lead and her best friend, I'd like to see her in more movies.
Great background noise
toncincin2 August 2021
Hayley B. (Chloe Bridges)
aab8746 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Favorite scene with Hayley B. (Chloe Bridges) - Upset at Luke when Marco hurts Bree with his words, Luke trying to explain - to no avail, Emily telling her that if she leaves the Show, she'll be sued and plotting with Bree regarding giving Marco and Luke a taste of their own Realities. BTW #1, a Shout-Out to Columbus, Ohio! Although I was raised in California, my Roots are in Columbus, Ohio! BTW #2, So Dang Cool that Corbin Bleu (Marco) and Sasha Clements (Candace) are married in real life!
Ditto: Don't waste your time
agambre1 August 2021
Cute!
caliemcphee1 August 2021
Mediocrity for real
TheLittleSongbird3 May 2022
There is absolutely no bias against Hallmark. They have made plenty of above average and more films, and that is including this year. They have also done quite a number of below average and less ones. 'Love for Real' did sound quite cute, despite being a scenario that felt done to death with Hallmark long before this was dreamt up and that the setting is one re-visited a lot. That is including their 2021 output, which was hit and miss but could have been far worse.
While there were hits from 2021 for Hallmark (i.e. 'As Luck Would Have It, surprisingly so as that was not an appealing premise), there were also misses such as 'Beverly Hills Wedding'. 'Love for Real' is one of the misses for the 2021 Hallmark output, though not one of the very worst. It is not a terrible film as such and it does have good things. But it also has major shortcomings that sadly outweigh the good things in quality and quantity. Worth a one time watch for Hallmark's completest sake, but not much more than that.
Most of the cast do more than adequately with what they were given (which was poor), with an appealing Scott Michael Foster. The best performance coming from a delightfully perky Taiana Tully, who gives what could have been potentially annoying if overdone a lot of enthusiasm.
Production values are also beautiful, especially the scenery. Some of the tongue in cheek humour is amusing.
'Love for Real' has a number of failures sadly. The worst aspect is Chloe Bridges, who gives a performance that is both robotic and whiny. Really did not like her character, a case of one with overblown character flaws to the extent that it is hard to detect any virtues or what anybody would see in her. She and Foster do not have any chemistry together, too distant and uncomfortable and the relationship in development is sketchy. Of the characters, the only one that appealed to me completely was Tully's. The rest were one dimensional Hallmark cliches.
Did find the music too intrusive and drab and the direction was routine at best. Moments of nice humour aside, the script is incredibly awkward and forced, with the cheese and sentiment too much. The story is very predictable, from doing nothing new with familiar ground, and drags. The charm isn't there either and the conflict is too little and has nothing to it.
Concluding, rather mediocre. 4/10.
While there were hits from 2021 for Hallmark (i.e. 'As Luck Would Have It, surprisingly so as that was not an appealing premise), there were also misses such as 'Beverly Hills Wedding'. 'Love for Real' is one of the misses for the 2021 Hallmark output, though not one of the very worst. It is not a terrible film as such and it does have good things. But it also has major shortcomings that sadly outweigh the good things in quality and quantity. Worth a one time watch for Hallmark's completest sake, but not much more than that.
Most of the cast do more than adequately with what they were given (which was poor), with an appealing Scott Michael Foster. The best performance coming from a delightfully perky Taiana Tully, who gives what could have been potentially annoying if overdone a lot of enthusiasm.
Production values are also beautiful, especially the scenery. Some of the tongue in cheek humour is amusing.
'Love for Real' has a number of failures sadly. The worst aspect is Chloe Bridges, who gives a performance that is both robotic and whiny. Really did not like her character, a case of one with overblown character flaws to the extent that it is hard to detect any virtues or what anybody would see in her. She and Foster do not have any chemistry together, too distant and uncomfortable and the relationship in development is sketchy. Of the characters, the only one that appealed to me completely was Tully's. The rest were one dimensional Hallmark cliches.
Did find the music too intrusive and drab and the direction was routine at best. Moments of nice humour aside, the script is incredibly awkward and forced, with the cheese and sentiment too much. The story is very predictable, from doing nothing new with familiar ground, and drags. The charm isn't there either and the conflict is too little and has nothing to it.
Concluding, rather mediocre. 4/10.
Loved it!!
rhonnie-431391 August 2021
Watch it for yourself and you will see an entertaining movie with great characters. I loved the scenery, the cast, and the story.
I laughed out loud a few times and that NEVER happens with other Hallmark movies. I am watching it again tonight because I liked it so much the first time.
If you pass on this one you will miss an entertaining movie that doesn't have the usual recycled cast you see on Hallmark all the time. That's a plus.
I laughed out loud a few times and that NEVER happens with other Hallmark movies. I am watching it again tonight because I liked it so much the first time.
If you pass on this one you will miss an entertaining movie that doesn't have the usual recycled cast you see on Hallmark all the time. That's a plus.
See also
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