I really enjoyed this Hallmark Christmas movie. Both the script and acting were strong, and of course, it had a warm Christmas feel to it. As another reviewer has suggested, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries tends to have deeper, more meaningful storylines than its sister network, the Hallmark Channel. This movie is no exception and is an excellent start to this year's Miracles of Christmas series. Our two protagonists of this story are Beth (played by Heather Hemmens), a violinist who recently returns home after the death of her mother, and Sean (played by Luke Macfarlane), a reclusive country music star who is a widower and a single father. The two connect when Sean, unknowingly, hires Beth as his daughter Katie's (played by Maria Nash) violin tutor in preparation for the upcoming holiday concert. And so their romantic journey begins. The movie touches upon a number of challenging, real-life issues such as the loss of a loved one, interracial identity (e.g., being proud of who you are), and the raising of a child as a single parent. The script was well written (keeping in mind that this is a Hallmark movie). The dialogue was down to earth; that is, it felt real. There were some nice scenes, for example, between Sean and Katie. I especially enjoyed the banter between Sean and Beth regarding country versus classical music. That is, I enjoyed how they scrutinize each other's genre of music, which led them to appreciate and respect the differences between the two, adding, I felt, to the development of mutual admiration and their romantic connection. The acting overall was brilliant. Both Hemmens and Macfarlane had outstanding performances. The chemistry between the two was excellent. As noted above, you could feel this from the start via their banter at the music shop. Towards the end, when they were saying goodbye, I found myself wanting them to kiss, cheering for them to kiss, that is. I could feel the chemistry on screen. The supporting cast too was superb. Nash's performance as Katie was absolutely adorable. She is a future star. The movie too had a nice warm Christmas feel to it. For example, the holiday concert at the end was lovely. If you are in the mood for a more meaningful Hallmark Christmas movie, then Christmas in My Heart may be just what you are looking for. It is a warm and heartfelt Christmas movie with some wonderful performances. I highly recommend it.
30 Reviews
Missed the mark
claudiab-8758423 November 2021
I love Luke MacFarlane in many roles but not this one. First, Hallmark should have chosen an actor who could be more convincing with a Southern accent. I'm happy Hallmark is trying to incorporate more diversity, but it still needs to be believable and this was not. There was so much going on in this movie that I found myself distracted by trying to figure out all the relationships. Finally, Luke is not believable as a country star, whereas Heather is brilliant. They seem unequal in that respect.
Ok Christmas Movie
brennancmb1212 November 2021
Very solid Hallmark movie
jensenholmesPA24 October 2021
I always enjoy it when Hallmark holiday movies include musicians and music. This one stars a country music star (Macfarlane) and classical violinist (Hemmens). There are a few musical numbers, which were terrific. I could have listened to a lot more of that.
Macfarlane also has a daughter he's raising alone, which introduces a nice family vibe to the romance. Grief is a theme as both the country music star and the violinist recently lost someone important. Both main characters are in multi-racial families, and the script actually brought up issues of racial identity (in a very light way) which I appreciated.
A really solid Hallmark movie worth keeping.
One con - Luke Macfarlane has a scene where he sings--there's a reason why he's an actor not a singer. But points to him for putting his heart into it.
Macfarlane also has a daughter he's raising alone, which introduces a nice family vibe to the romance. Grief is a theme as both the country music star and the violinist recently lost someone important. Both main characters are in multi-racial families, and the script actually brought up issues of racial identity (in a very light way) which I appreciated.
A really solid Hallmark movie worth keeping.
One con - Luke Macfarlane has a scene where he sings--there's a reason why he's an actor not a singer. But points to him for putting his heart into it.
Points for allowing ethnic diversity to be diverse.
rebekahrox28 October 2021
I appreciate Hallmark's efforts to incorporate more diversity into their love stories. But so far they have not tailored the script to even acknowledge the difference in ethnicity or the unique challenges that an interracial relationship might entail. The black (or other) person of color might just as well be played by a white actor. It's been giving a new meaning to "color-blind." They don't in this one either. But they do touch on the complications that a white father might have raising a black daughter. The black mother of his late wife has a talk with her granddaughter while discussing her hairstyle options for a special concert. The young girl, beautifully played by Maria Nash, states that she thinks it would look more "professional" slicked back. The grandmother (Sheryl Lee Ralph) then takes the opportunity to encourage her to be proud of her heritage and her different hair and to be herself. But also, what ever she chooses, she will look beautiful. In another scene, the young daughter confides in her black mentor and her father's love interest that she almost quit playing the violin because she didn't see any other violin players that "looked like me." Also the father, Luke McFarlane, a favorite of mine, is overprotective of his daughter. He is a big country star on a hiatus due to the death of his wife, and although not stated, it is implied that he fears some friction or hostility from social media and the tabloids because of his black daughter. I was curious, and I checked the writers of this. And sure enough, one of the trio of women writers is black.
The love interest, also the product of an interracial marriage, is played with warmth and dignity by Heather Hemmens. I like the way she handled Luke rudely telling her to back off when he finds out his daughter has been confiding in her about the loss of her mother. It was well played. I won't critique the plot. There was a lot going on with Luke and Heather's career prospects and their different tastes in music, as well as their attraction to each other. Luke, who is usually in more comedic roles, is very effective in this more dramatic plot. However, I could do without his singing next time. Luke, I love you, and I suspect it was that god-awful song rather than your performance, but I was as stunned as poor Heather looked during the private audition of his new tune. She handled it with tact and kindness.
The love interest, also the product of an interracial marriage, is played with warmth and dignity by Heather Hemmens. I like the way she handled Luke rudely telling her to back off when he finds out his daughter has been confiding in her about the loss of her mother. It was well played. I won't critique the plot. There was a lot going on with Luke and Heather's career prospects and their different tastes in music, as well as their attraction to each other. Luke, who is usually in more comedic roles, is very effective in this more dramatic plot. However, I could do without his singing next time. Luke, I love you, and I suspect it was that god-awful song rather than your performance, but I was as stunned as poor Heather looked during the private audition of his new tune. She handled it with tact and kindness.
Very beautiful story and great depth
heatherbauer-0111714 November 2021
Much deeper story than the typical Hallmark fare. I thought the race issues it tackled were done incredibly well and aided the connection between the characters. I appreciated that it was Luke voice and I had no issues with his singing. Lovely story and romance. My only issue at all was with the editing. Note to Hallmark or Dish - the cuts to commercial were the most awkward ever and really distracted from this wonderful movie.
A little painful
nycdch25 December 2021
Deeper than just more Christmas fluff
Jackbv12324 October 2021
The Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel offers a different kind of movie that the other channel, including, maybe especially Christmas movies.
There are a lot of levels in this movie. Like Two Turtle Doves, there is a lot in here about loss.
This movies adds to the little girl's loss the element of being different. Yes it chooses to use the race issue for that complexity. Unfortunately, right now in this country, a certain approach to racial issues is highly controversial. Two sides of that issue are deeply divided, and extremely emotional. As a result, when a movie like this comes along, some people will choose to totally reject it, without giving it a chance, without listening to the messages contained in it. Isn't doing that just proving the bigotry some people are accused of? Don't judge this movie as a (sneaky) tool of the opposition. Judge this movie on how well it's presented, and on whether it contains any truth, regardless of how that truth may challenge beliefs. This country should be about open discussion of values and beliefs, not censorship. Rejecting a movie without truly listening to the message is as bad as censorship.
I want to see more movies that freely and honestly discuss problems that real people face. This movie does that. First it discusses loss and on top of that it adds being different. No matter what our origins, don't we all deal with those things in one way or another?
I happen to think this movie did it all pretty well and I think it does it while evoking some positive feelings.
The conflict leading into the climax started to tick me off because I thought it was going to be the same cliché done in so many other Christmas movies. I was pleased to see that there was just enough of a twist to turn it into a very nice ending.
There are a lot of levels in this movie. Like Two Turtle Doves, there is a lot in here about loss.
This movies adds to the little girl's loss the element of being different. Yes it chooses to use the race issue for that complexity. Unfortunately, right now in this country, a certain approach to racial issues is highly controversial. Two sides of that issue are deeply divided, and extremely emotional. As a result, when a movie like this comes along, some people will choose to totally reject it, without giving it a chance, without listening to the messages contained in it. Isn't doing that just proving the bigotry some people are accused of? Don't judge this movie as a (sneaky) tool of the opposition. Judge this movie on how well it's presented, and on whether it contains any truth, regardless of how that truth may challenge beliefs. This country should be about open discussion of values and beliefs, not censorship. Rejecting a movie without truly listening to the message is as bad as censorship.
I want to see more movies that freely and honestly discuss problems that real people face. This movie does that. First it discusses loss and on top of that it adds being different. No matter what our origins, don't we all deal with those things in one way or another?
I happen to think this movie did it all pretty well and I think it does it while evoking some positive feelings.
The conflict leading into the climax started to tick me off because I thought it was going to be the same cliché done in so many other Christmas movies. I was pleased to see that there was just enough of a twist to turn it into a very nice ending.
music & grief
MIssM1931 October 2021
Sean's daughter, Katie, has a concert at school, so they hire Beth, a violinist to help her practice for 3 weeks.
At first, I didn't realise this was a HM&M movie, so I was confused about what was going on. You know how their movies tend to be a little more complex. This is no exception. They deal with grief, and something that really surprised me, racial identity. Music is, of course, the main thing going on. And I discovered that Hallmark movies that base their plot around music are not my thing.
In my opinion, it was okay. At the beginning, there is no much going on, and it can be quite boring. The exciting things happen at the end. At the beginning they deal with the topics I mentioned before. I was more interested in the secondary relationships (Beth and Katie, Sean and Katie, Sean and his mother in law, Katie and her grandma) that in the main one. I want to point out one particular scene at the beginning with Katie and her grandma, that just filled my heart with love.
I would love to see Heather in a more cheerful character. But good performances by the whole cast. I do not think there is chemistry between the leads, which is a bummer because I love Luke.
Anyway, not a fave, but it touches very important themes.
At first, I didn't realise this was a HM&M movie, so I was confused about what was going on. You know how their movies tend to be a little more complex. This is no exception. They deal with grief, and something that really surprised me, racial identity. Music is, of course, the main thing going on. And I discovered that Hallmark movies that base their plot around music are not my thing.
In my opinion, it was okay. At the beginning, there is no much going on, and it can be quite boring. The exciting things happen at the end. At the beginning they deal with the topics I mentioned before. I was more interested in the secondary relationships (Beth and Katie, Sean and Katie, Sean and his mother in law, Katie and her grandma) that in the main one. I want to point out one particular scene at the beginning with Katie and her grandma, that just filled my heart with love.
I would love to see Heather in a more cheerful character. But good performances by the whole cast. I do not think there is chemistry between the leads, which is a bummer because I love Luke.
Anyway, not a fave, but it touches very important themes.
Okay, but slow
isabelros27 November 2021
I enjoyed the music and the Dad/daughter dynamic. I didn't feel any chemistry between the main characters. It felt like she felt she'd get cooties from touching him. Both nice characters who can gain from their friendship but more than friendship felt forced.
To add; I see many reviews speaking on the racial items here. I personally love seeing so many ethnicities represented. I agree that many in this set of movies, are like this one, and seem to lack the character chemistry and writing. The diversity is blamed, likely because that's the major obvious change. Are they focusing so much on it that they are losing their identity? We don't really know if this is why they are lacking. Personally, I prefer Hallmark not try to tackle any present day issues in the movies. They never have before aside from grief and love. They were the place to escape into for awhile, the place where everyone got along, communities love each other and people matter. They are our ideal. They pointed the way without pointing the way. I hope they bring back the chemistry and writing soon.
To add; I see many reviews speaking on the racial items here. I personally love seeing so many ethnicities represented. I agree that many in this set of movies, are like this one, and seem to lack the character chemistry and writing. The diversity is blamed, likely because that's the major obvious change. Are they focusing so much on it that they are losing their identity? We don't really know if this is why they are lacking. Personally, I prefer Hallmark not try to tackle any present day issues in the movies. They never have before aside from grief and love. They were the place to escape into for awhile, the place where everyone got along, communities love each other and people matter. They are our ideal. They pointed the way without pointing the way. I hope they bring back the chemistry and writing soon.
Warm and Meaningful
ladya-8229331 October 2021
It was such a heartwarming story! It talks about loss and grief and it's portrayed in a beautiful way. It is also good to see a diverse cast with a beautiful message about being proud of who you are. I also love the music element! Great job Hallmark! More like this please.
Slight Correction to jensenholmesPA
Aussie0826 October 2021
Enjoyed the film for many of the reasons already listed here, but I wanted to add that MacFarlane *is* actually a singer. I just looked this up myself, because I thought his acting while singing was ... rough. He doesn't play the guitar as well as the professional who provided the audio, but does his own singing, and the audio was recorded live.
Who Told Luke Macfarlane he could sing!?!
tonihollandth17 December 2021
Would have been higher
maestromeg1 January 2022
Loved Heather. She was a beautiful breath of fresh air. Normally love Luke McFarlane. But as both a southerner and a professional musician, I cringed at his performance. The southern accent literally came and went from phrase to phrase. Ya know, not ALL country singers have one. It would have been wiser to allow him to use his own speech pattern consistently. And the singing was sooooo painful. I did physically cringe through the entire song. Disappointing that a wiser choice from the Hallmark stable of leading men wasn't cast.
Plot was heartwarming and worked. I would have given a much higher rating. Just couldn't get past the miscasting here.
Plot was heartwarming and worked. I would have given a much higher rating. Just couldn't get past the miscasting here.
Yyyyeeeessssss!!!!!
txharrington16 December 2021
A heartfelt Christmas
TheLittleSongbird3 December 2021
'Christmas in My Heart' is the first 2021 Miracles of Christmas film, and the third 2021 Hallmark Christmas film seen (they were a very mixed bag this year but the overall quality of the block could have been worse). The subject is a beautiful one and Hallmark have done a number of good serious themed films, though there was the worry as to whether it would be too sentimental and take itself too seriously as those two things can happen easily with this subject.
Neither is the case with 'Christmas in My Heart' in my view. It is a very good start to the 2021 Miracles of Christmas block and one of the its best. Of Hallmark's 2021 Christmas films overall (we are also including the Countdown to Christmas block), 'Christmas in My Heart' is easily one of the best and infinitely superior in every way to the very disappointing 'You Me and Christmas Trees' and 'Boyfriends of Christmas Past'. It is one of the most serious of the year for Hallmark and is also one of the most heartfelt, also a very good representation of the two leads.
It is not a perfect film, with it being a slow starter where the story takes a while to find its footing momentum wise and there is an over familiar vibe throughout the first act.
Stick with it if unsure, because 'Christmas in My Heart' does become very good and not just one of the best 2021 Hallmark Christmas films but one of their overall standouts that year. Luke Macfarlane brings his usual effortless subtlety and easy going charm to wholly likeable effect, while Heather Hemmens gives a very deeply felt performance. They do have chemistry together, it's an understated one but it wasn't dull and is very natural and genuine. The supporting cast are very strong, with Maria Nash being one to watch.
This is one of the few 2021 Hallmark Christmas films where all the characters were interesting and investable in my view as well, Hemmens' character's circumstances did move me and was relatable. The script sounds natural and has real sincerity throughout, it doesn't sugar coat the serious theme while having some playfulness to avoid over-seriousness. Seeing the two leads bonding over music has been done before with Hallmark quite a lot, but it is done much more poignantly than most others.
Apart from some pacing problems early on, the story is very heart warming and moving. Was very uplifited, moved and inspired by the ending, one of the few endings of the 2021 Christmas output to not be a problem for me. The drama is not too soapy or over sentimental and it doesn't feel forced. Visually it looks pleasing, with the photography and scenery being equally attractive. The music plays a key role in the film while not being used too much, it has presence but isn't dominant in sound.
On the whole, very well done. 8/10.
Neither is the case with 'Christmas in My Heart' in my view. It is a very good start to the 2021 Miracles of Christmas block and one of the its best. Of Hallmark's 2021 Christmas films overall (we are also including the Countdown to Christmas block), 'Christmas in My Heart' is easily one of the best and infinitely superior in every way to the very disappointing 'You Me and Christmas Trees' and 'Boyfriends of Christmas Past'. It is one of the most serious of the year for Hallmark and is also one of the most heartfelt, also a very good representation of the two leads.
It is not a perfect film, with it being a slow starter where the story takes a while to find its footing momentum wise and there is an over familiar vibe throughout the first act.
Stick with it if unsure, because 'Christmas in My Heart' does become very good and not just one of the best 2021 Hallmark Christmas films but one of their overall standouts that year. Luke Macfarlane brings his usual effortless subtlety and easy going charm to wholly likeable effect, while Heather Hemmens gives a very deeply felt performance. They do have chemistry together, it's an understated one but it wasn't dull and is very natural and genuine. The supporting cast are very strong, with Maria Nash being one to watch.
This is one of the few 2021 Hallmark Christmas films where all the characters were interesting and investable in my view as well, Hemmens' character's circumstances did move me and was relatable. The script sounds natural and has real sincerity throughout, it doesn't sugar coat the serious theme while having some playfulness to avoid over-seriousness. Seeing the two leads bonding over music has been done before with Hallmark quite a lot, but it is done much more poignantly than most others.
Apart from some pacing problems early on, the story is very heart warming and moving. Was very uplifited, moved and inspired by the ending, one of the few endings of the 2021 Christmas output to not be a problem for me. The drama is not too soapy or over sentimental and it doesn't feel forced. Visually it looks pleasing, with the photography and scenery being equally attractive. The music plays a key role in the film while not being used too much, it has presence but isn't dominant in sound.
On the whole, very well done. 8/10.
Bros before Ho's.
adamjohns-4257525 November 2023
Christmas In My Heart (2021) -
I love Luke Macfarlane and generally his Christmas films are done really well to warm the heart, but it was tough to buy him in his role of Sean in this film. He hasn't really played the part of a tough and aggro guy before, except perhaps in his role of D'avin In 'Killjoys' (2015-9), but even then it was more a case of "I'm a lover, not a fighter". As such his defensive and enigmatic, reclusive country star thing, didn't really work for me.
And I don't know if that was my boyfriend (Luke) singing, but it didn't sound as good to me as they all thought it did (I'm sure it was the sound departments fault and not Luke's).
It was also a bit too obviously clear that nobody in the film was playing their own instruments.
Sean's daughter Katie, played by Maria Nash, delivered her role very well, with none of the sickly sweetness that comes from the brats that are usually in these films.
And Heather Hemmens was fine in her part of Beth, but I didn't actually make any notes about her at all, so I would probably define her as a bit middle of the road.
Other than the tick box of Christmas activities and the lazy writing to create the meet/cute and continued relationship, including daft arguments, the only other thing that I noticed was that once again the number of supporting artists was laughingly insufficient! We don't even cost that much for the day, but tree lighting events and "Sold Out" performances are always under attended by my standards of what a successful event should look like.
I might be inclined to give this film another try in a few years but that would mostly be because Luke Macfarlane was in it. I've seen similar stories done better and I'd rather revisit them.
550.01.
I love Luke Macfarlane and generally his Christmas films are done really well to warm the heart, but it was tough to buy him in his role of Sean in this film. He hasn't really played the part of a tough and aggro guy before, except perhaps in his role of D'avin In 'Killjoys' (2015-9), but even then it was more a case of "I'm a lover, not a fighter". As such his defensive and enigmatic, reclusive country star thing, didn't really work for me.
And I don't know if that was my boyfriend (Luke) singing, but it didn't sound as good to me as they all thought it did (I'm sure it was the sound departments fault and not Luke's).
It was also a bit too obviously clear that nobody in the film was playing their own instruments.
Sean's daughter Katie, played by Maria Nash, delivered her role very well, with none of the sickly sweetness that comes from the brats that are usually in these films.
And Heather Hemmens was fine in her part of Beth, but I didn't actually make any notes about her at all, so I would probably define her as a bit middle of the road.
Other than the tick box of Christmas activities and the lazy writing to create the meet/cute and continued relationship, including daft arguments, the only other thing that I noticed was that once again the number of supporting artists was laughingly insufficient! We don't even cost that much for the day, but tree lighting events and "Sold Out" performances are always under attended by my standards of what a successful event should look like.
I might be inclined to give this film another try in a few years but that would mostly be because Luke Macfarlane was in it. I've seen similar stories done better and I'd rather revisit them.
550.01.
fantastic kickoff
kauling27 October 2021
Enjoyed this movie, and as noted previous, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries could pull this off without the fluff and silliness one finds on their sister channel. Lead actors were solid and had the feel that over time could result in a mutual bonding. Similar to other well done Christmas movies that play on this channel, supporting cast is generally always good and reinforces the overall theme being established. Well, this movie did not disappoint and this cast was great.
As a previous reviewer noted, Macfarlane's singing voice was quite rough, and tho he is an actor and not a singer, does tend to support the idea of a country singer being quite rusty after 3+ years not performing.
Advice to both Heather & Luke, look for more projects on this Hallmark channel, me thinks you will be rewarded.
As a previous reviewer noted, Macfarlane's singing voice was quite rough, and tho he is an actor and not a singer, does tend to support the idea of a country singer being quite rusty after 3+ years not performing.
Advice to both Heather & Luke, look for more projects on this Hallmark channel, me thinks you will be rewarded.
Decent story but not really a rom-com
herrcarter-9216127 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This latest Hallmark offering was fairly engaging. It had a lot of their familiar tropes, such as the big city dweller coming back to their hometown, the widowed single dad and the famous music star trying to be something of a normal Joe and connecting with a normal Jane. They combined these tropes into a somewhat different configuration, though, with the Country star already living in the small town in a sort of low-profile existence with his daughter. It made it a bit more interesting.
I didn't really see this as much of a rom-com. It was much more about the relationship between Country star Sean and his daughter Katie and his mother-in-law Ruthie, and the relationship between violin teacher Beth and Sean's daughter Katie. Those relationships were handled much better than the rather unbelievable supposed relationship between Sean and Beth. People kept suggesting that they saw an attraction between them, but I never really saw it. There wasn't much chemistry between them. The attempts at forming an initial adversarial relationship between them came off as a little stupid. Sure, the rom-com formula usually requires this, but it needs to be believable. In this case, they just started trading insults about their respective musical genres, Country and Classical, with no apparent reason. Either give them something really compelling to fight about, or just have the insults about musical tastes be more light-hearted and flirty. I also thought the mid-plot skid between the two leads, also a seeming requirement of the rom-com genre, was handled badly. So, he gets mad at her for talking to his daughter about her dead mom? Really? Glad they had him apologize for that one fairly quickly.
Sean's grief over the loss of his wife, his anxiety over adequately filling the role of a single dad and his sincere desire to do what was best for his daughter seemed heartfelt and real. But I never got the feeling that he was ever in get-into-a-new-relationship mode, nor did I ever feel that Katie was in find-dad-a new-wife mode. Any attempts at putting Sean and Beth together seemed kind of forced.
The actors all did a decent job. Luke McFarlane, as always, did great at portraying the rugged, yet amiable and vulnerable leading man. Heather Hemmens was wonderful as Beth. She came across as super-nice, likable and relatable, and, of course, she's beautiful. What's not to like? The supporting stars were good too, especially Sheryl Lee Ralph as Sean's mother-in-law Ruthie.
It was also interesting that Hallmark actually addressed the race issue, though only briefly and not too overtly, when Katie talked about her hesitation to get into Classical music, because, as she said, none of the players she saw in orchestras "looked like me". Usually, Hallmark seems content to fill up their quota of people of color, with none of the characters reacting any differently to them than they would to a white person. At least the elephant in the room wasn't totally ignored this time. It would have been interesting if they had really explored what it was like for Sean to enter into a mixed-race marriage, form a relationship with a mother-in-law not of his race, and be raising a bi-racial daughter.
This was a decent movie with a decent storyline. The romance element just needed to be handled better in order for this to really be considered a good rom-com.
I didn't really see this as much of a rom-com. It was much more about the relationship between Country star Sean and his daughter Katie and his mother-in-law Ruthie, and the relationship between violin teacher Beth and Sean's daughter Katie. Those relationships were handled much better than the rather unbelievable supposed relationship between Sean and Beth. People kept suggesting that they saw an attraction between them, but I never really saw it. There wasn't much chemistry between them. The attempts at forming an initial adversarial relationship between them came off as a little stupid. Sure, the rom-com formula usually requires this, but it needs to be believable. In this case, they just started trading insults about their respective musical genres, Country and Classical, with no apparent reason. Either give them something really compelling to fight about, or just have the insults about musical tastes be more light-hearted and flirty. I also thought the mid-plot skid between the two leads, also a seeming requirement of the rom-com genre, was handled badly. So, he gets mad at her for talking to his daughter about her dead mom? Really? Glad they had him apologize for that one fairly quickly.
Sean's grief over the loss of his wife, his anxiety over adequately filling the role of a single dad and his sincere desire to do what was best for his daughter seemed heartfelt and real. But I never got the feeling that he was ever in get-into-a-new-relationship mode, nor did I ever feel that Katie was in find-dad-a new-wife mode. Any attempts at putting Sean and Beth together seemed kind of forced.
The actors all did a decent job. Luke McFarlane, as always, did great at portraying the rugged, yet amiable and vulnerable leading man. Heather Hemmens was wonderful as Beth. She came across as super-nice, likable and relatable, and, of course, she's beautiful. What's not to like? The supporting stars were good too, especially Sheryl Lee Ralph as Sean's mother-in-law Ruthie.
It was also interesting that Hallmark actually addressed the race issue, though only briefly and not too overtly, when Katie talked about her hesitation to get into Classical music, because, as she said, none of the players she saw in orchestras "looked like me". Usually, Hallmark seems content to fill up their quota of people of color, with none of the characters reacting any differently to them than they would to a white person. At least the elephant in the room wasn't totally ignored this time. It would have been interesting if they had really explored what it was like for Sean to enter into a mixed-race marriage, form a relationship with a mother-in-law not of his race, and be raising a bi-racial daughter.
This was a decent movie with a decent storyline. The romance element just needed to be handled better in order for this to really be considered a good rom-com.
Epitome of trying too hard
susanseu25 November 2021
I liked
brisakriner1 November 2021
Now, this movie I liked. The storyline was perfect, I just didn't enjoy the ending. This movie deserved a way better ending. The couple had amazing onset chemistry, why not take advantage of that chemistry. Why not add them holding hands, cuddling, kissing but not the awkward fake kissing most of them do, which they stay still for almost a minute of kissing. Why not have them sing a better song together as a family, I mean the possibilities are endless instead of the same awkward kiss for all the movies.
Heather Hemmens is great, as is Maria Nash as the daughter; but I didn't buy Macfarlane as a Big Country Singer
MichaelByTheSea26 November 2022
I watched this because I enjoy watching the beautiful and talented Heather Hemmens. She did not disappoint. Her character Beth is a violinist who is reluctantly teaching Katie, a sweet young girl played by Maria Nash. Luke Macfarlane stars as her father, Sean Grant, supposedly a big country music star. Rebekahrox has a review noting Hallmark's now firmly established commitment to diversity, which I also applaud. She also raised several interesting points about how to feature a person of color. Again, quite valid. And I also agree with her characterization of Sean's song to Beth as a "god-awful song". But I don't agree that he would've done better with a different song.
I often have difficulty enjoying movies that have characters that are presented as "big stars" when they sure don't sound like they make any money as a singer. It's easier to fake being a movie star than a successful singer. I recently saw a movie starring real life singing star LeAnn Rimes (It's Christmas, Eve) and when she sang I was just mesmerized by the quality of her voice. THAT was believable (and she wasn't even playing a famous singer). But Luke as a famous singer? No. Just no. And that really impacted my enjoyment of the movie.
On the other hand, I have no idea whether Heather Hemmens can play violin, but she fooled me. Perhaps a true aficionado of classical music can spot something amiss but I couldn't.
Finally, on top of all the other factors that would push Sean Grant and Beth apart, his character was rather annoying (I blame the writers, not him, for that). I get how he wanted to protect his daughter, but he was pompous when he first met Beth and waaaaay out of line when he criticized her just for talking to his daughter about their moms. It made no sense and undercut any attempt to build chemistry between the two leads, which was iffy at best to begin with. That's a shame because I liked the way they handled Sean and Beth's different tastes in music.
The movie came on again today. I often rewatch the better Hallmark movies, but even though I had it on in the background during this second viewing, I turned it off after that annoying garage scene.
This is probably more a 5 or 6, but I grade Hallmark on a curve. Plus, I liked the father daughter interactions, and the interactions between Katie and Beth.
I often have difficulty enjoying movies that have characters that are presented as "big stars" when they sure don't sound like they make any money as a singer. It's easier to fake being a movie star than a successful singer. I recently saw a movie starring real life singing star LeAnn Rimes (It's Christmas, Eve) and when she sang I was just mesmerized by the quality of her voice. THAT was believable (and she wasn't even playing a famous singer). But Luke as a famous singer? No. Just no. And that really impacted my enjoyment of the movie.
On the other hand, I have no idea whether Heather Hemmens can play violin, but she fooled me. Perhaps a true aficionado of classical music can spot something amiss but I couldn't.
Finally, on top of all the other factors that would push Sean Grant and Beth apart, his character was rather annoying (I blame the writers, not him, for that). I get how he wanted to protect his daughter, but he was pompous when he first met Beth and waaaaay out of line when he criticized her just for talking to his daughter about their moms. It made no sense and undercut any attempt to build chemistry between the two leads, which was iffy at best to begin with. That's a shame because I liked the way they handled Sean and Beth's different tastes in music.
The movie came on again today. I often rewatch the better Hallmark movies, but even though I had it on in the background during this second viewing, I turned it off after that annoying garage scene.
This is probably more a 5 or 6, but I grade Hallmark on a curve. Plus, I liked the father daughter interactions, and the interactions between Katie and Beth.
The Accent, The Singing, The Horror
andersomo26 October 2023
I am late to the party on this review. I am watching this movie mid-morning in October 2023 despite the movie being released in 2021. I had to come here and read the other reviews to see if it is just me - Luke Macfarlane is just awful. I generally like him but whoever cast him in this movie and why he accepted the role is beyond me. His accent went in and out and out and in, and even when it was in it was out - just terrible. Many country singers don't even have an accent but manufacture that twang when they sing - think Keith Urban, who has an Australian accent and then sometimes has that country twang when he sings. Taylor Swift manufactured a twang when she sang country. Luke should have never attempted the accent without a dialect coach and you know that Hallmark isn't springing for that. Also, he is an awful singer, not even remotely believable that he is a country star. Those two things were too distracting to even enjoy the movie. The guy pulls off being heterosexual like a champ, but the singing and the accent - not so much.
Also, please stop casting diversity for diversity purposes only. It's okay to have an all white, hispanic, asian, etc cast. Not everyone has a black, white, latin, asian or gay friend. Almost every production and TV commercial nowadays has an interracial couple and a gay best friend, it's overkill and just not believable.
Also, please stop casting diversity for diversity purposes only. It's okay to have an all white, hispanic, asian, etc cast. Not everyone has a black, white, latin, asian or gay friend. Almost every production and TV commercial nowadays has an interracial couple and a gay best friend, it's overkill and just not believable.
The healing power of music
MickyG3336 December 2022
6.5 stars.
I see many people rate based on diversity, I do not. I cast my vote based on entertainment value, chemistry, music, writing etc... The point is that it needs to be beautiful, wonderful and warm, and hold my attention. I'm not looking for a political, or social message. A Hallmark movie isn't the platform for it IMO.
It's a good story, and it provided average enjoyment, although the writing is prosaic. The lead female is endearing and alluring. I love her nuanced expressions, she has a lot of skill as an actress, and I hope to see her in more of these. The daughter (of the lead male) is fun, and a great little actress. She has potential. The lead male is in many Hallmark's and he is satisfactory in this. His intense bitterness from the loss of his wife was slightly over the top, but it created extra drama for drama's sake. Several supporting cast had more pivotal personalities, and they performed well.
The best part of this movie is the music. Did I cry during the lead female's violin solo: you bet your life. I watched it 3+ times. That track of music was amazing, and the way she moves and expresses, choreographed to perfection.
This is a laid back romance, very slow. It builds up toward the conclusion which was still every easy going and nice. The final piece was musically inspiring as well.
I see many people rate based on diversity, I do not. I cast my vote based on entertainment value, chemistry, music, writing etc... The point is that it needs to be beautiful, wonderful and warm, and hold my attention. I'm not looking for a political, or social message. A Hallmark movie isn't the platform for it IMO.
It's a good story, and it provided average enjoyment, although the writing is prosaic. The lead female is endearing and alluring. I love her nuanced expressions, she has a lot of skill as an actress, and I hope to see her in more of these. The daughter (of the lead male) is fun, and a great little actress. She has potential. The lead male is in many Hallmark's and he is satisfactory in this. His intense bitterness from the loss of his wife was slightly over the top, but it created extra drama for drama's sake. Several supporting cast had more pivotal personalities, and they performed well.
The best part of this movie is the music. Did I cry during the lead female's violin solo: you bet your life. I watched it 3+ times. That track of music was amazing, and the way she moves and expresses, choreographed to perfection.
This is a laid back romance, very slow. It builds up toward the conclusion which was still every easy going and nice. The final piece was musically inspiring as well.
Well Done, Hallmark
film_grrrl25 October 2021
It has the warm, friendly Hallmark vibe, but also touches on more profound social and romantic issues than is common from the studio. And that it does so without being preachy or smarmy or just plain annoying is an achievement. Plus the plot is far less predictable. Heather Hemmens is an excellent choice as a lead, and she shows a range of talent that gets wasted in too many of her other projects. Attn Producers: Give her better roles. She can deliver. And Hallmark: We want more films like this.
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