This one was confusing. I always enjoy Wes Brown, and I have no complaints about new-to-me Christine Ko, but even though they were believable and pleasant in their roles, there was no real spark or chemistry. I remember Lauren Tom as Julie on Friends as cute and natural. Here, as Carol, she was jolting and forced, with awkward grimaces and unnatural line deliveries. The whole movie was a massive flip-flop between scenes that were pleasant and enjoyable and others that were forced, strained, and over-the-top in trying to be cute and funny. We always laughingly comment on whether Hallmark movies seem to fly by (the good ones) or drag along (this one). Can't really recommend this one.
40 Reviews
Pretty Descent for the first time out!
MoosesWin29 August 2021
CHEERS to Hallmark for finally diversifying their lead characters. It was nice to see Asian actors up front versus always in support roles. It's a good start for th company. As with all Hallmark films, it's predictable but that's why I watch them. Hopefully there will be more coming down the pipeline for Hallmark. It's nice that they finally realize that the viewership demographics are a little more diverse then they probably realized. Wes Brown is always so likable and charming and Christine Ko was cute. It was awesome to see Lauren Tom in a non comedy role where she's usually relegated to doing stereotypical behaviors and voices!
Very Similar
Jackbv12329 August 2021
This movie was extremely close to another Hallmark movie from 2015. I won't even say which one because naming it will give the ending away. Not that you couldn't see it coming from about half way through. There were many other common tropes. There were no great highs or lows or any surprises whatsoever. As is all to common in these movies, the conflict was a manufactured mountain out of a molehill.
This was a nice Hallmark debut for Christine Ko. I'd be happy to watch her again. She had good chemistry with Wes Brown who is pretty reliable in this type of movie. Their relationship was the one positive for this movie.
I didn't care for the characters of Carol and Chris. They were a bit overdone, but that was obviously an effort toward humor.
I've noticed some epic fails at times with Hallmark makeup in the past few years. Christine Ko's cheeks were way to pink several times - if it was intentional, then I guess I'm to far out today's fashions, but it seemed unusual compared to dozens of other similar movies. But worse than that was one of the early scenes with Wes Brown's cheeks that looked like they were recovering from too much sun, and not flattering.
This was a nice Hallmark debut for Christine Ko. I'd be happy to watch her again. She had good chemistry with Wes Brown who is pretty reliable in this type of movie. Their relationship was the one positive for this movie.
I didn't care for the characters of Carol and Chris. They were a bit overdone, but that was obviously an effort toward humor.
I've noticed some epic fails at times with Hallmark makeup in the past few years. Christine Ko's cheeks were way to pink several times - if it was intentional, then I guess I'm to far out today's fashions, but it seemed unusual compared to dozens of other similar movies. But worse than that was one of the early scenes with Wes Brown's cheeks that looked like they were recovering from too much sun, and not flattering.
Fresh Twist.
film_grrrl30 August 2021
It was nice to see a Hallmark that is not shot in BC or Toronto, with the same cast we have seen too often. Miss Ko is refreshing, and has a strong affinity for the material. She has a nice mix of fun and strong. Perhaps we will be lucky and see more of her. Hallmark needs a younger and fresher leading lady (and man) set.
Future Buddy Film?
lnmilne-641111 September 2021
Not much spark here
TheLittleSongbird16 June 2022
Most of the 2021 Hallmark Summer Nights films didn't do much for me, and most of them for reasons that are quite similar. Of course, not all of them were average or less, 'The 27 Hour Day' for example had a lot of good things and 'Her Pen Pal' also had much to recommend. A few had some standout performances in a bad way, like the female lead in 'Sand Dollar Cove'. 'Sweet Pecan Summer' was not seen with high expectations, but was still seen because of liking Wes Brown's acting regardless of his filmography.
'Sweet Pecan Summer' is sadly yet another 2021 Summer Nights film that doesn't hit the mark. To me it is actually one of the worst of the seasonal block. It isn't terrible and Hallmark did do worse that year, but it also could have been much better and one of Hallmark's best and most consistent regular actors deserved much better than this. There were actually quite a lot of surprisingly good and even good films from Hallmark in 2021, especially in the latter parts of the year, but 'Sweet Pecan Summer' isn't one those.
There are things that come over well. The best thing about it is Brown, who has a very easy going charm and subtle charisma that has been present in all his performances without coming over as over-typecast. Am less familiar with Christine Ko, but thought that she also excelled in being likeable and warm hearted without overacting or trying too hard in bringing emotion.
Did also thought the film looked good, some lovely scenery here and the photography complements it well. Some pleasant moments in the music.
For me though, the supporting cast did not work. Lauren Tom fails in particular, she both mugs and is robotic and it made her character very annoying. Actually did find the supporting characters on the annoying side and while the lead characters are more interesting and likeable, the chemistry between them is not there. Too cautious and underdeveloped for it to make much impact. The direction never rises above routine.
Moreover, the script is too cheesy and schmaltzy (even for the setting, the writing felt too sweet) and also very awkward. The story is very predictable and is slow moving and too flimsy, also with a contrived final act that finishes on a too tidy note. While Ko and Brown are fine individually, the relationship between their characters is too underwritten for their relationship to be interesting or investable, the spark is never there.
Concluding, lacklustre. 4/10.
'Sweet Pecan Summer' is sadly yet another 2021 Summer Nights film that doesn't hit the mark. To me it is actually one of the worst of the seasonal block. It isn't terrible and Hallmark did do worse that year, but it also could have been much better and one of Hallmark's best and most consistent regular actors deserved much better than this. There were actually quite a lot of surprisingly good and even good films from Hallmark in 2021, especially in the latter parts of the year, but 'Sweet Pecan Summer' isn't one those.
There are things that come over well. The best thing about it is Brown, who has a very easy going charm and subtle charisma that has been present in all his performances without coming over as over-typecast. Am less familiar with Christine Ko, but thought that she also excelled in being likeable and warm hearted without overacting or trying too hard in bringing emotion.
Did also thought the film looked good, some lovely scenery here and the photography complements it well. Some pleasant moments in the music.
For me though, the supporting cast did not work. Lauren Tom fails in particular, she both mugs and is robotic and it made her character very annoying. Actually did find the supporting characters on the annoying side and while the lead characters are more interesting and likeable, the chemistry between them is not there. Too cautious and underdeveloped for it to make much impact. The direction never rises above routine.
Moreover, the script is too cheesy and schmaltzy (even for the setting, the writing felt too sweet) and also very awkward. The story is very predictable and is slow moving and too flimsy, also with a contrived final act that finishes on a too tidy note. While Ko and Brown are fine individually, the relationship between their characters is too underwritten for their relationship to be interesting or investable, the spark is never there.
Concluding, lacklustre. 4/10.
Another Positive Step For Hallmark
alar6229 August 2021
I'm so happy Hallmark decided to include an asian cast in this movie. I enjoyed the storyline about the pecan farm and I thought Christine Ko was a wonderful leading lady. I hope to see her act in many more Hallmark movies in the future. Lauren Tom was so much fun to watch and as always, Wes Brown was a perfect leading man.
Thanks Hallmark!
Thanks Hallmark!
Not bad but not great
spikeluvr29 August 2021
I don't mind if the plot is predictable. It's like watching your favorite movie over and over. As long as it's a good story and there's good acting and great chemistry you have an enjoyable couple of hours. The problem with Sweet Pecan Summer is that the two leads didn't have any chemistry, writing wasn't that good and the smaller roles filled by the supporting cast were horrifyingly bad. I'm talking about the lead actress' coworkers. They acted like they were super caffeinated all the time. Fatally perky and excited. I know Hallmark is trying to be diverse and at least this time having an Oriental family didn't feel as forced as their "one each black, Asian and Indian" casting usually goes. I've always loved Lauren Tom but Christine Ko just didn't have any chemistry with Wes Brown. And he usually has chemistry with every leading lady. Hallmark needs to put more thought into their castings. This was a wasted opportunity.
Eh! I wish I Had Watched The News
YabbaDabbaDabba31 August 2021
Not that bad, but kind of boring. I wish the trees were actually pecan trees, as it kills the authenticity. Maybe they were giant avocados. Actors weren't first string and the lines were forced sometimes. The aunt and her giggles drove me kind of crazy. And at least it should have resembled the terrain of Georgia instead of a flyover state. Authenticity was lacking. After considering all the negatives, I think I need to drop the rating to a one.
Refreshing Lead Characters
Pvrspecialist31 August 2021
Found this to have much more enjoyable and more realistic characters than the Nikki Deloach/Andrew Walker oh you broke my heart characters. Both Wes Brown and Christine Ko were more down to earth and likeable characters; both on equal footing not the squeaky I'm better Nikki characters. Christine brings a professional aspect to the character and I think more appealing to the audience portraying an established, independent person who yes, has emotions but not the over the top ditzy or sobbing female. Also, these characters do not have the ever present toothy smiles with the dimples, they are much more realistic yet cute. Aunt Carol and Chris might be a bit over the top but bring the levity that the world also needs today, Having an Asian lead is new to Hallmark and hope to see more of Ms. Ko. Hallmark needs some new strong female leads. Blending in diversity in a lead and in support casting speaks to Hallmark recognizing its audience and reality. A very enjoyable movie and especially that special ritual between them.
Very basic Hallmark movie
meca-231 August 2021
I've liked these actors in other roles, but this seemed forced. Lots of rehersed lines without actual feeling behind them. Not much chemistry between the main couple, the aunt was annoying, and please, when you want people to believe the characters are childhood friends/high school sweethearts, cast actors who are and look about the same age, not 6 years apart.
Main leads are very natural, fun light movie.
mccabe-shannon23 September 2022
Christine Ko is just lovely, breath of fresh air. I'd like to see more of her. Wes brown is really good in this, very natural. They do seem like a bit of an age gap when they're supposed to be the same age but it's not enough to be distracting.
Side characters are pretty entertaining- a bit overdone but funny.
Is it predictable well yes, the twist is obvious and exactly like another Hallmark movie. You know where the movie is going and yet it's still entertaining getting there.
All in all I think it's a fun, light, entertaining Hallmark movie!
I do hope she has another foray into the genre soon. She would be cute in a Christmas movie.
Side characters are pretty entertaining- a bit overdone but funny.
Is it predictable well yes, the twist is obvious and exactly like another Hallmark movie. You know where the movie is going and yet it's still entertaining getting there.
All in all I think it's a fun, light, entertaining Hallmark movie!
I do hope she has another foray into the genre soon. She would be cute in a Christmas movie.
Utah is not Georgia
kurlyq-6402125 October 2021
Positives:
-Diversity in Hallmark movies. Finally! Awesome!
-Main actress is super cute and does a great job.
Cons: (where do I start) -I live in Georgia, where this movie is supposed to take place. It was filmed in Utah. Seriously. In no way can Utah be made to look like Georgia.
-No one had a southern accent!!! All the supporting actors sounded like they were from the west.
-The aunt's fake country(?) accent was terrible. She came off sounding like she was from Minnesota every few words.
-The movie was aiming at funny but came off as just weird. (Aunt & best friend guy) -I'm tired of Hallmark using super nice and expensive houses in their movies. This was supposed to be an old farm and farm house.
-I was hoping for a sweet southern movie and was extremely disappointed.
-Main actress is super cute and does a great job.
Cons: (where do I start) -I live in Georgia, where this movie is supposed to take place. It was filmed in Utah. Seriously. In no way can Utah be made to look like Georgia.
-No one had a southern accent!!! All the supporting actors sounded like they were from the west.
-The aunt's fake country(?) accent was terrible. She came off sounding like she was from Minnesota every few words.
-The movie was aiming at funny but came off as just weird. (Aunt & best friend guy) -I'm tired of Hallmark using super nice and expensive houses in their movies. This was supposed to be an old farm and farm house.
-I was hoping for a sweet southern movie and was extremely disappointed.
Bad!!!!
bigolbeardd29 August 2021
Pecan cookie cutter
MickyG33319 March 2023
6.4 stars.
A woman who lives and works in the city returns home on vacation to the countryside where her aunt owns and runs a pecan farm. Her ex-boyfriend has lived there the past few years. They parted ways when he pursued semi-professional baseball and she pursued her career.
"Sweet Pecan Summer" is just another cookie cutter Hallmark film down to the very very nitty gritty last detail. The only angle that differs from 99% of other films is that the lead female is Asian. There is literally nothing to be said about this movie that hasn't been covered in every review thus far. I will sum it up in a long sentence: woman and man part ways at a young age, woman goes to city...man goes somewhere else...they meet back in hometown 10-20 years later...they must collaborate on a project, or some other dramatic issue that coincidentally brings them together to solve a problem...in this case they must save and sell pecan farm...but it has to be to the perfect buyer even though her aunt has to sell due to financial needs...they almost fall back in love...there is a conflict or disagreement...part ways for a short time...see the error of their ways and come back together...realize they were always meant to be...they kiss...credits roll.
The leads do not exude much charm whatsoever and there is a overt lack of chemistry until they kiss, and kiss again, and a third kiss. This film needed at least a dozen kisses to bring romance to fruition.
What are some of the oddities (you might say) in this film that set it apart? Her aunt is a strange sort, so it's interesting to watch her quirkiness. That's the only feature that stands out.
A woman who lives and works in the city returns home on vacation to the countryside where her aunt owns and runs a pecan farm. Her ex-boyfriend has lived there the past few years. They parted ways when he pursued semi-professional baseball and she pursued her career.
"Sweet Pecan Summer" is just another cookie cutter Hallmark film down to the very very nitty gritty last detail. The only angle that differs from 99% of other films is that the lead female is Asian. There is literally nothing to be said about this movie that hasn't been covered in every review thus far. I will sum it up in a long sentence: woman and man part ways at a young age, woman goes to city...man goes somewhere else...they meet back in hometown 10-20 years later...they must collaborate on a project, or some other dramatic issue that coincidentally brings them together to solve a problem...in this case they must save and sell pecan farm...but it has to be to the perfect buyer even though her aunt has to sell due to financial needs...they almost fall back in love...there is a conflict or disagreement...part ways for a short time...see the error of their ways and come back together...realize they were always meant to be...they kiss...credits roll.
The leads do not exude much charm whatsoever and there is a overt lack of chemistry until they kiss, and kiss again, and a third kiss. This film needed at least a dozen kisses to bring romance to fruition.
What are some of the oddities (you might say) in this film that set it apart? Her aunt is a strange sort, so it's interesting to watch her quirkiness. That's the only feature that stands out.
Appealing actors, lousy writing
joeiparker10 October 2021
What a sweet movie!
wterrie26 February 2022
I am watching this in 2022 because I'm a little bored. I really like this movie. A sweet story thus far, with romantic leads that look like actual people. And, most importantly, not the usual suspects. I'm looking at you, all the male and female leads who are pretty long in the tooth for these kinds of Hallmark movies. Also, loving Aunt Carol.
Too bubbly. Omg
cujorocky25 January 2022
15minutes and I want to scream. So bad, I had to pause it I was getting so annoyed. Severe over acting from all secondary characters. Way too over bubbly. Like watching cheerleaders. Every scene is overblown. Overblown acting, smiling, laughing, it's maddening, like eating sugar. Absurd teaming up of 2 leads. Crapolla.
Funny, interesting movie
tfberry1 September 2021
First, the acting was fine IMO. Second, was this probably like 14 other Hallmark movies....probably. But what Hallmark plot hasn't been used 25 times? I assume the same writers ink all their scripts because otherwise there would be copyright violations out the wazzou! The most repetitive one is where either the male or female is royalty and the other person in the relationship doesn't know it. But this had funny parts, a very believable plot, and like someone said, at least it wasn't filmed in Vancouver. Wes Brown is always good in his movies and Christine Ko who I had never seen before was good also.
People were apparently paid to pretend to be actors for this movie.
Sir-Fred31 August 2021
Couldn't stand the lack of acting skills. And the squeaky voices didn't help. I bailed on it after a few minutes and my wife lasted another 5 or 7 minutes before she said she couldn't stand it any longer. Could have been a good generic formula Hallmark movie that we enjoy regularly. Don't miss any on purpose. This is maybe the second or third we bailed on in the last couple years.
Another dud
drbreakwell29 August 2021
Ugh!
kallyholiday11 September 2021
Great summer movie!
hallmarkmov4 September 2021
Nothing like a good movie to end the summer. This was definitely one of the good movies from the summer line up! I hated the reality show based ones. A farm, harvest, property being sold, high school exes, and a beautiful backdrop lead to a classic summer movie. Only thing missing would be some festival to save the town which I enjoyed not seeing! It was a great story, the characters all had deeper backstories than typical hallmark movies. I enjoyed all the actors, some I haven't seen in a while and many new faces. Hope hallmark continues having movies like this one and last year's violin Christmas movie with more Asian leads and family stories!
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