It was nice watching a film with these veteran actors. I wish It was a little bit more of them and less if the daughter. The daughter was very annoying and I was actually hoping for the husband to go after that girl at the mall that caught his eye.
19 Reviews
The daughter ruined it
lsudonmco27 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I thought Gloria Reuben and Eric LaSalle were great, but the daughter's overbearing behavior and how she ignored and mistreated her husband. Sure they made up at the end, but it was difficult to watch and took away from the story.
97.5% wonderful, but the ending...
shobbs-8608129 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I was SO fascinated with this movie until the last 5-6 minutes, when all the great writing, characters, acting, and warm feelings went up in smoke when a forced, out-of-character "happy ending" came out of nowhere to take me down. Mom is a headstrong, independent divorced woman until she falls apart in the end and foists herself into her daughter's anniversary celebration (which was meant to salvage HER failing marriage.) So we're set up for the daddy to join this fiasco and make things even more absurd with a wedding proposal that Mom actually accepts, right after a heavy conversation where she has just rejected his bid to continue their courtship. It makes no sense and feels insulting (not just to her, but also to this audience.) I would love to have been in the conversation between writers and actors where they fought over how stupid this ending was (& how it negated all the good stuff before.)
Good, but..
d-robold16 April 2022
I liked everyone in this movie except the daughter. Gloria Ruben and Eric LaSalle were excellent. Jarod Joseph, BJ Harrison, and Latonya Williams added great performances but the daughter's character, played with annoying mediocrity by Alvina August, was a very sour note. To be fair, I think the writing for her character was annoying, superficial, and far too focused on seeing her world as dependent on her ideas and decisions. I wish the story had been more focused on the parents; theirs was a much better plot.
Good story, realistic, good acting.
mamachikn28 March 2022
I gave this a 6 for good for one watching.
I liked the younger female lead in last year's Deliver by Christmas. Her role in this was accurate though she played an annoying character. Quite typical of what her experiences had been.
There is a lot of explaining about the situations, in case the viewers don't understand.
The misunderstanding was a bit annoying but taken in the context of the characters perceptions, it was appropriate.
It ended well, and was better than I thought it would be. I liked the actors. There was no wokeness as one review said. Surprisingly well done. These last Hallmark movies are getting better.
I liked the younger female lead in last year's Deliver by Christmas. Her role in this was accurate though she played an annoying character. Quite typical of what her experiences had been.
There is a lot of explaining about the situations, in case the viewers don't understand.
The misunderstanding was a bit annoying but taken in the context of the characters perceptions, it was appropriate.
It ended well, and was better than I thought it would be. I liked the actors. There was no wokeness as one review said. Surprisingly well done. These last Hallmark movies are getting better.
Love's second chance
TheLittleSongbird13 May 2023
'Second Chance at Love' was mainly seen for Hallmark film completest sake. Their 2022 output, like all their previous years, was unsurprisingly uneven. With some highs, some lows and plenty somewhere in between. But considering the tumultuous couple of years, the standard generally could have been worse. The premise also did sound very cute, though did worry about it being cheesy if not done well as has been the case sometimes with Hallmark.
As far as Hallmark's 2022 output goes, 'Second Chance at Love' is one of the decent somewhere in between films and its execution of the premise is more cute than cheesy thankfully. It is cute and charming, with a good deal of light hearted-ness and heart, but is uneven due to a few of the (significant) problems that have already been cited near-unanimously here. There is a lot that is good here, but not everything worked (which has been the case with many of Hallmark's films this year).
Production values are lovely, especially the scenery. The music is not too loud or used too much. The script is witty and heartfelt, always sounding natural and never juvenile or tasteless. The story, or at least the story with Jack and Brenda, is light hearted and heart warming on the whole, didn't drag or descend into cheese or melodrama too much and didn't feel too predictable despite the formula being familiar.
Most of the acting is also well above average, with very warm and engaging performances from Gloria Rueben and Eriq La Salle. Really liked their characters, they weren't meaty but they were very genuine and amiable. Their chemistry has a lot of natural warmth and wit.
The same however cannot be said for Alvina August who overplays, and do have to agree that her character is incredibly irritating to the extent that it unbalances the film. Also found her plot not near as interesting, tended to go into soap opera land, and the chemistry between her and Jarod Joseph (who did nicely with what he was given) didn't have as much spark.
Do agree also about the ending, which is very rushed and tacked on over-convenience, especially considering what came before it. It felt like a cop out cheat and unearned. The conflict could have had more tension and been less forced.
Concluding, worth seeing but uneven. 6/10.
As far as Hallmark's 2022 output goes, 'Second Chance at Love' is one of the decent somewhere in between films and its execution of the premise is more cute than cheesy thankfully. It is cute and charming, with a good deal of light hearted-ness and heart, but is uneven due to a few of the (significant) problems that have already been cited near-unanimously here. There is a lot that is good here, but not everything worked (which has been the case with many of Hallmark's films this year).
Production values are lovely, especially the scenery. The music is not too loud or used too much. The script is witty and heartfelt, always sounding natural and never juvenile or tasteless. The story, or at least the story with Jack and Brenda, is light hearted and heart warming on the whole, didn't drag or descend into cheese or melodrama too much and didn't feel too predictable despite the formula being familiar.
Most of the acting is also well above average, with very warm and engaging performances from Gloria Rueben and Eriq La Salle. Really liked their characters, they weren't meaty but they were very genuine and amiable. Their chemistry has a lot of natural warmth and wit.
The same however cannot be said for Alvina August who overplays, and do have to agree that her character is incredibly irritating to the extent that it unbalances the film. Also found her plot not near as interesting, tended to go into soap opera land, and the chemistry between her and Jarod Joseph (who did nicely with what he was given) didn't have as much spark.
Do agree also about the ending, which is very rushed and tacked on over-convenience, especially considering what came before it. It felt like a cop out cheat and unearned. The conflict could have had more tension and been less forced.
Concluding, worth seeing but uneven. 6/10.
Annoying and disappointed
chachacrouse4 April 2022
Loved this
dotsugardesigns24 April 2022
I loved seeing Gloria Reuben and Eriq LaSalle together. And I'm so happy to see a movie aimed at a more mature age range. I get it, millennials have a lot of buying power, but they are not the only demographic. Come on Hallmark.
The acting was great. I've watched this one 3 times already.
Yes, the daughter was a bit annoying but the movie is absolutely worth checking out.
The acting was great. I've watched this one 3 times already.
Yes, the daughter was a bit annoying but the movie is absolutely worth checking out.
So Sad
12101968kaw22 April 2022
I liked the reunion for Gloria and Erik from their ER days. The acting was decent. I found this story to be so sad. The daughter is so annoying and just pushing her parents while not realizing her marriage should take priority. Normally there is some fun in the Hallmark movies and this one was just sad droopy characters. Hallmark needs some change with their format. 2021 and now the start of 2022 have been mediocre movies at best. So many character with no chemistry. It's ok not to have everyone end up together in the end.
Artistry!
serenacwalker30 March 2022
This film is a well crafted, fresh approach to the light-romance genre. The storyline is original. The characters are relatable. They portrayed vulnerability and pulled you in to the story. The plot is well-paced (except at the end where it rushed to a conclusion). It was simply enjoyable and a wonderful addition to the Hallmark catalog. Well done!
Good but...
nathankristina25 June 2022
The chemistry between Eric LaSall and Gloria Reuben was great. Their story was believable written in everyday life. However, there was no chemistry between Alvina August and Jarod Joseph. Their acting was weak and their interactions felt forced almost as if they didn't like each other. Also, the way they always are too busy to listen to each other mad for a sad story. Overall, I was disappointed in this movie. I was looking forward to seeing the former ER alums together, but their storyline was in the background.
Watchable, although predictable and generic...
paul_haakonsen26 April 2022
When I sat down to watch the 2022 Hallmark movie "A Second Chance at Love", I must admit that I wasn't really expecting a whole lot from writer Chad Quinn and director Alfons Adetuyi. Why? Well, given the fact that this was a Hallmark romantic TV movies just didn't scream top notch. But still, since I hadn't already seen the movie, of course I gave it a chance.
Well, I will say that "A Second Chance at Love" was watchable, and it was actually adequately entertaining enough for the sappy and predictable movie that it turned out to be. Sure, it was watchable, but this is hardly a movie that warrants more than just a single viewing.
The storyline, as written by Chad Quinn, essentially plays on all Hallmark archetypical tropes there is to be played. So you know what you are getting yourself into here when you sit down and watch "A Second Chance at Love", and director Alfons Adetuyi delivers exactly that.
The acting performances in the movie were actually good enough, and Eriq La Salle definitely carried the movie quite well with his performance. A shame that Latonya Williams wasn't given more on-screen time because she seemed like she really could have spruced up the movie quite a lot.
Generic, sappy and predictable, this is essentially what "A Second Chance at Love" turned out to be. But then again, isn't that what we've come to expect from Hallmark?
My rating of "A Second Chance at Love" lands on a very bland five out of ten stars.
Well, I will say that "A Second Chance at Love" was watchable, and it was actually adequately entertaining enough for the sappy and predictable movie that it turned out to be. Sure, it was watchable, but this is hardly a movie that warrants more than just a single viewing.
The storyline, as written by Chad Quinn, essentially plays on all Hallmark archetypical tropes there is to be played. So you know what you are getting yourself into here when you sit down and watch "A Second Chance at Love", and director Alfons Adetuyi delivers exactly that.
The acting performances in the movie were actually good enough, and Eriq La Salle definitely carried the movie quite well with his performance. A shame that Latonya Williams wasn't given more on-screen time because she seemed like she really could have spruced up the movie quite a lot.
Generic, sappy and predictable, this is essentially what "A Second Chance at Love" turned out to be. But then again, isn't that what we've come to expect from Hallmark?
My rating of "A Second Chance at Love" lands on a very bland five out of ten stars.
Great actors, did not like daughters character
pamuelahalliwell4 September 2022
I'm giving this movie ten stars because I truly support hallmark creating content for the Black community. As a Black woman, it is upsetting to not be able to see yourself on tv, not able to see yourself in relationships with Black men, and not be able to see Black families happy and couples in love. That being said, I, like many others, found the daughters character annoying and found it quite irritating how her focus continued to be on her parents and her inability to resolve her feelings of them divorcing and thereby neglecting her own marriage with a good man most of us Black women would have jumped over football fields for. I cannot speak for everyone, I fear though her character replicates a stereotype of a child who had divorced parents who was never able to get over the fact they are divorced. Many, many children have divorced parents and are able to live happy lives without this being trauma issues, after all divorce, unfortunately, is quite common and parents are still able to parent even if they don't live together, which from a therapeutic standpoint, is best for the children than living with parents that don't love each other anymore and don't want to be together.
Another Woke Hallmark failure
jodw-9015227 March 2022
Gloria Rubin is a fine actress shaming herself by participating in this project. Poor storyline, dull script & actors that would feel perfectly comfortable in a Soap Opera job.
Hallmark has turned its back on decades of high quality family entertainment and now just grinds out trash to appease a tiny, but vocal, segment of the population.
Hallmark has turned its back on decades of high quality family entertainment and now just grinds out trash to appease a tiny, but vocal, segment of the population.
Absolutely loved this movie and the actors
cody-fein5 April 2022
Excellent
friesena29 March 2022
Ignore negative badmouthing. The acting was great! The story probably wouldn't happen as often as we wish it would, but it was entertaining. Daughter's character was annoying, although not unlike many within everyone's family. I rank myself as one of many that want more diversity in entertainment. My ancestry is primarily Scottish and Irish and applaud Hallmark for providing this movie.
A good movie with older principal actors
cleancupboards28 March 2022
I very much enjoyed this. It really is nice to see the main characters builder for a change. Personally I would love to see one of the movies with the woman playing the grandmother as the main star. She always puts a smile on my face!
God and Family First
rebekahrox27 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Gloria Rubin and Eric LaSalle play Brenda and Jack, the divorced parents of happily married Alicia. We learn from Alicia's voice over in the beginning that when her family put God and family first, they were happy. But when her two parents started getting too involved in their careers, they grew apart and when she was twelve they divorced and virtually ceased contact with each other.
As the title and the trailers suggest, this is about the parents finding each other once again after many years apart. But it is also about Alicia's and her husband Arnold's marriage as well. While at first their marriage seems solid we see fairly quickly that there are subtle cracks. Arnold is way too flattered when a pretty girl smiles at him. Alicia is way too involved in her parents lives, to the point that Arnold feels like he is losing his wife and the intimacy of their relationship. The father dates quite a lot, but when things get serious, he breaks up with them. The mother has no interest in dating, insisting she is fulfilled by her career, NOT LONELY, and is happy on her own. Except she is not on her own. Whenever she feels at loose ends, she goes over to Alicia and Arnold's or calls Alicia on the phone. Alicia sees what is happening but can't and won't distance herself from her mother. She is very conflicted. She keeps saying the right things but keeps doing very foolish things, pushing her loving husband to the limit. Brenda finally wakes up to her pattern of behavior thanks to her own mother who leads a very active social life (the wonderful BJ Harrison) and agrees to "get back out there." Brenda and Jack, using the same dating app, accidentally meet on a blind date with each other.
This is a movie that deals with challenging relationship problems between couples in love and between parents and children. It is about the impact of divorce. Not everything is black and white with easy solutions. There is a lot of conversation and many one step forward, two steps back situations with both couples. Although both couples have their happy endings, it does not come easily until the end when the carefully constructed challenges collapse into a pile of mush. It's Hallmark. In short, this is a Hallmark that is very (very)unusual. It is well-written and well-acted.
Criticism of Hallmark reached a crescendo this last Christmas. Great exception was taken by some to ignoring God and religion (Christianity) in Christmas movies. In one movie, the carolers La-la-la-ed their way through a Christmas carol about Jesus, which was, indeed, ridiculous. This dissatisfaction is also all mixed up with Hallmark featuring mixed race couples and Gay couples. I hope the disaffected take note of this one. Although not preachy at all or overtly religious, it is not shy about the role of church and the importance of putting God and family first in life. No, it's not the only way to lead a good fulfilling life or to have a successful happy relationship. But it is one way. And this movie is an affirmation of that.
As the title and the trailers suggest, this is about the parents finding each other once again after many years apart. But it is also about Alicia's and her husband Arnold's marriage as well. While at first their marriage seems solid we see fairly quickly that there are subtle cracks. Arnold is way too flattered when a pretty girl smiles at him. Alicia is way too involved in her parents lives, to the point that Arnold feels like he is losing his wife and the intimacy of their relationship. The father dates quite a lot, but when things get serious, he breaks up with them. The mother has no interest in dating, insisting she is fulfilled by her career, NOT LONELY, and is happy on her own. Except she is not on her own. Whenever she feels at loose ends, she goes over to Alicia and Arnold's or calls Alicia on the phone. Alicia sees what is happening but can't and won't distance herself from her mother. She is very conflicted. She keeps saying the right things but keeps doing very foolish things, pushing her loving husband to the limit. Brenda finally wakes up to her pattern of behavior thanks to her own mother who leads a very active social life (the wonderful BJ Harrison) and agrees to "get back out there." Brenda and Jack, using the same dating app, accidentally meet on a blind date with each other.
This is a movie that deals with challenging relationship problems between couples in love and between parents and children. It is about the impact of divorce. Not everything is black and white with easy solutions. There is a lot of conversation and many one step forward, two steps back situations with both couples. Although both couples have their happy endings, it does not come easily until the end when the carefully constructed challenges collapse into a pile of mush. It's Hallmark. In short, this is a Hallmark that is very (very)unusual. It is well-written and well-acted.
Criticism of Hallmark reached a crescendo this last Christmas. Great exception was taken by some to ignoring God and religion (Christianity) in Christmas movies. In one movie, the carolers La-la-la-ed their way through a Christmas carol about Jesus, which was, indeed, ridiculous. This dissatisfaction is also all mixed up with Hallmark featuring mixed race couples and Gay couples. I hope the disaffected take note of this one. Although not preachy at all or overtly religious, it is not shy about the role of church and the importance of putting God and family first in life. No, it's not the only way to lead a good fulfilling life or to have a successful happy relationship. But it is one way. And this movie is an affirmation of that.
The great Eric La Salle and Gloria Reuben of "ER" fame.
sydneyjayz28 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This movie aired its first run on the Hallmark Channel, Saturday March 26, 2022 and it was wonderful!
My only downside was too much emphasis was on the Daughter, who was truly annoying and completely unattractive. Her parts took away from the storyline instead of enhancing the story itself.
The great Eric La Salle and Gloria Reuben of "ER" fame, back together again, as second chance loves in each other's lives. This was a very very good, adult romance that was family oriented and well acted. You will enjoy this first rate film. And I absolutely missed and adored seeing Eric La Salle (an accomplished Director) we need more of him, in front of the screen.
My only downside was too much emphasis was on the Daughter, who was truly annoying and completely unattractive. Her parts took away from the storyline instead of enhancing the story itself.
The great Eric La Salle and Gloria Reuben of "ER" fame, back together again, as second chance loves in each other's lives. This was a very very good, adult romance that was family oriented and well acted. You will enjoy this first rate film. And I absolutely missed and adored seeing Eric La Salle (an accomplished Director) we need more of him, in front of the screen.
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