This movie was hitting all the right notes for me as I was watching, and it is great for a night with your friends. My one complaint is the conclusion felt just a bit rushed, and I think if the movie was about five minutes longer, that ending would have been more satisfying. Part of the reason it felt rushed to me was because there was one side plot that felt unfinished. Still as far as romance movies go, there are plenty of worse ones out there, so this might be worth a watch with your gal pals.
29 Reviews
No resolution
onmyownangel17 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I hate movies that leave storylines up in the air. This is one such movie. There should have been closure for Sarah and her Inn. Annie and Hunter should've taken up her cause and raised awareness for the inn. Not to mention the fact that Hunter's "uncle" was forcing her to marry his son. This is a story if written better would have not left people and storyline up in the air. It was a VERY GOOD movie until the ending.
NOT A HALLMARK MOVIE!
toncincin21 July 2020
This is an UpTV movie. Not all romance movies are Hallmark... that being said ...
This is a pretty cute movie. It's the second one The actress has been in with Trevor Donovan. She's believable in her role. But the surfer boy who plays her ex-boyfriend dweeb is annoying. Tatum Onesl plays evil well!
This is a pretty cute movie. It's the second one The actress has been in with Trevor Donovan. She's believable in her role. But the surfer boy who plays her ex-boyfriend dweeb is annoying. Tatum Onesl plays evil well!
An Amish romance
TheLittleSongbird17 May 2023
The most well known faces in 'Runaway Romance', or at least to this reviewer, are Trevor Donovan and Tatum O'Neal. Donovan is good in the right role and with good material, which are hit and miss (enough hits though thankfully), while O'Neal is capable of good performances (brilliant in 'Paper Moon', but has never equalled or bettered her work in that since). Also saw this as someone who likes romance, as someone who liked the premise and as someone who has liked some of UPTV's other work.
As far as UPTV's films go, 'Runaway Romance' is neither one of their best or worst. As far as films seen this and last week go, it is also not one of the best or worst (somewhere firmly in the middle). It is above average and engaging enough with more than enough to like, but it could have done a good deal more with its potential (which is not squandered as such but isn't used to full potential either) and as others have said didn't feel complete. Donovan is represented well as are the female leads, but O'Neal is not at all.
'Runaway Romance' has a lot to like about it. Danielle C Ryan and Gabrielle Stineman are immensely engaging, full of charm and quirkiness, and Donovan is easy going, subtly charismatic and charming. The romantic chemistry does have some spark and is pleasing enough, though maybe it could have featured more. The production values are also pleasing, especially the scenery. The supporting cast are mostly solid.
Writing-wise, 'Runaway Romance' doesn't take itself too seriously while not treating things as a joke, with the right amount of light hearted-ness. The story is sweet and has warmth and heart, the sentimentality not being too much and very little coming over as too silly. On the whole, the characters were ones worth caring about, loved the three lead characters that weren't written too perfectly while also being so likeable.
Some significant things stop the film from being great however. A few of the characters are very annoying and too cartoonishly stereotypical, especially the ex and his mother. O'Neal also overacts horribly and it jars with the rest of the film, the two emotions felt watching her were unintentional laughter and just wanting her to go away.
Despite being fine in atmosphere, the film did feel jumpy and incomplete. Especially the whole inn subplot and Sarah backstory, a subplot that had the most potential but one that nowhere near enough is done with and then it felt abandoned judging from how many loose ends were left. The ending is very rushed and like they had forgotten to add one.
In summary, above average but promises more than it delivers. 6/10.
As far as UPTV's films go, 'Runaway Romance' is neither one of their best or worst. As far as films seen this and last week go, it is also not one of the best or worst (somewhere firmly in the middle). It is above average and engaging enough with more than enough to like, but it could have done a good deal more with its potential (which is not squandered as such but isn't used to full potential either) and as others have said didn't feel complete. Donovan is represented well as are the female leads, but O'Neal is not at all.
'Runaway Romance' has a lot to like about it. Danielle C Ryan and Gabrielle Stineman are immensely engaging, full of charm and quirkiness, and Donovan is easy going, subtly charismatic and charming. The romantic chemistry does have some spark and is pleasing enough, though maybe it could have featured more. The production values are also pleasing, especially the scenery. The supporting cast are mostly solid.
Writing-wise, 'Runaway Romance' doesn't take itself too seriously while not treating things as a joke, with the right amount of light hearted-ness. The story is sweet and has warmth and heart, the sentimentality not being too much and very little coming over as too silly. On the whole, the characters were ones worth caring about, loved the three lead characters that weren't written too perfectly while also being so likeable.
Some significant things stop the film from being great however. A few of the characters are very annoying and too cartoonishly stereotypical, especially the ex and his mother. O'Neal also overacts horribly and it jars with the rest of the film, the two emotions felt watching her were unintentional laughter and just wanting her to go away.
Despite being fine in atmosphere, the film did feel jumpy and incomplete. Especially the whole inn subplot and Sarah backstory, a subplot that had the most potential but one that nowhere near enough is done with and then it felt abandoned judging from how many loose ends were left. The ending is very rushed and like they had forgotten to add one.
In summary, above average but promises more than it delivers. 6/10.
Average but nice change
rinna-loves-you15 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the premise behind this movie. I even really enjoyed the movie. I'm not happy with the ending however. We get closure on our protagonist but not on our deuteragonist (Sarah). I think they should have had some closure for the her part in the movie.
I can't believe I actually watched this
usagiherochan4 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly, when I was scrolling through Bing (yes I do use Bing) I was searching up a bunch of random prompts, all different in titles. At the end, I came up with one, that being 'Famous Actor x Ordinary Girl?' Not precise, but definitely somewhat like that. Runaway Romance fits the criteria though in a gender-bend way. I never watched any films of this niche before, if I am gonna be honest; this is my first. I didn't expect to actually like it, but it's good, it's average. Although it would be better if Hunter as a character didn't exist... He was basically useless. Ann's ex and Jimmy had more screentime than him! (and this is supposedly a romance... Yeah right.) I don't know, I also feel that the connection between the Innkeeper (forgot her name) and Ann was way stronger than the non-existent chemistry between Hunter and Ann (way more screentime, I'll tell you that). I wish we could've seen Ann go home and really connect with her past, but we get what we get, I guess. ALSO, I'll be really honest here, I think what could be perfected in this niche is the type of music playing in the background. It's always so happy, joyous, and overall full of gaiety type beat, which gets so annoying and it doesn't really match with the feelings of particular scenes and what they really could evocate with the perfect soundtrack. Overall, very average.
The ending sucks
reedme101831 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The two leads are likable people and they have great chemistry together. Plus, Annie gets a fantastic revenge on her ex and his horrible mother.
Unfortunately, the movie also gets us involved in the story of Sarah (who runs an Amish inn) and has a marriage proposal. Neither the future of the inn nor the marriage proposal (that she doesn't want to accept) is resolved in the end, which was really sad because I liked Sarah.
It's also not resolved what Annie will do for work now or even where she's going to stay. I do like that she didn't decide to become Amish for a man. You shouldn't change your faith to get married.
Unfortunately, the movie also gets us involved in the story of Sarah (who runs an Amish inn) and has a marriage proposal. Neither the future of the inn nor the marriage proposal (that she doesn't want to accept) is resolved in the end, which was really sad because I liked Sarah.
It's also not resolved what Annie will do for work now or even where she's going to stay. I do like that she didn't decide to become Amish for a man. You shouldn't change your faith to get married.
Involving romance - better than Hallmark standard
phd_travel13 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this romance movie. The story and acting is above the Hallmark standard and it doesn't get silly or annoying at any part like some TV romances. The 2 leads Danielle Chuchran and Trevor Donovan look good together. Remember watching them in some other Amish movie which was quite good too Love Finds You in Charm. It's amazing how much better she looks in her disguise as a blonde with less make up than as an over made up brunette, Liked all the characters and relationships in the movie.
A reality star / chef flees LA after a bad breakup and gets stranded in Amish Country. There she meets a widow who runs a B&B and also an architect who is her romantic interest. Of course the reality show catches up to her in bucolic Amish Country.
Hope the UP Network makes more of these kinds of movies - they are a notch above Hallmark.
A reality star / chef flees LA after a bad breakup and gets stranded in Amish Country. There she meets a widow who runs a B&B and also an architect who is her romantic interest. Of course the reality show catches up to her in bucolic Amish Country.
Hope the UP Network makes more of these kinds of movies - they are a notch above Hallmark.
What about the Amish girl?!!
hallmarkmov28 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Just finished the movie and all I can think of was what about the Amish girl?!!! I didn't care for the main characters much, but I really liked the Amish girl who ran the inn and wanted to know what would be her ending. I hope she didn't marry the bishop's son! Let her run the inn and be independent!
Overall it was a good movie although I found the characters were pretty one dimensional. The poor main girl who we are suppose to pity, the quiet main guy who may have said only a few lines throughout the whole movie, and the villains of reality tv who are suppose to be the kardashians or some other reality tv people. I agree with other reviewers that it was a very rushed ending. So much was happening and I wanted a better ending that wrapped up the other storylines.
Overall it was a good movie although I found the characters were pretty one dimensional. The poor main girl who we are suppose to pity, the quiet main guy who may have said only a few lines throughout the whole movie, and the villains of reality tv who are suppose to be the kardashians or some other reality tv people. I agree with other reviewers that it was a very rushed ending. So much was happening and I wanted a better ending that wrapped up the other storylines.
Standard TV Movie
ThomasColquith23 January 2022
"Runaway Romance" is one of those standard cable TV movies which feature nice cinematography and colors but are somewhat tepid and slow, populated by wooden stock characters and predictable plots. However that said, these sorts of movies do have a certain charm and purpose as a relaxing way to spend 90 minutes if this sort of thing suits you. I give these films a 5/10. And, as others have noted, a secondary storyline is not resolved in this film.
Better than most
majoq16 January 2021
Unique, but it ended without telling the whole story!
weniwuna22 July 2021
I really enjoyed this movie the entire way through. But the reason I couldn't give it a higher rating is because it wasn't resolved completely. Without spoiling anything, there is a secondary storyline that is completely left up in the air. What happens to the secondary character and her hopes and dreams? They say they are going to fix it, and everything will work out because the lead character has a plan. But as in all Hallmarkor Up movies, after the kiss, the story and the film ends abruptly and you never know What happened to the very important secondary character and her life. She is so likable and such a major part all the way through that I was so disappointed! I will have to read other reviews and see if this bothered anyone else, or if they were just so happy with the lead characters story that it didn't occur to them when they wrote their review.
new set dressers needed
linda-plant25 September 2019
Are we really expected to believe that the young female lead character lived in a huge house with furniture that wouldn't have looked out of place in an elderly care home ? Heavens above, my parents chucked out furniture like that over 30 years ago ! What is wrong with the set designers ?
And she didn't have to bother showing us the package of hair colourant in the motel, she just needed to take off her wig, it was so obvious.
And she didn't have to bother showing us the package of hair colourant in the motel, she just needed to take off her wig, it was so obvious.
An OK afternoon watch
michpixlondon10 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Been watching a ton of these types of Hallmark-ish movies on Movies24 (in the UK)
Trevor Donovan is always a huge plus in any of these sloppy romances (yum 😋 😇 but his parts never seem too demanding and are often identical) & whilst the story wasn't terrible,SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was left wondering did Sarah, the Amish girl, give up the Inn?? Was she forced to marry their miserable Bishop (or whatever his job title was) 's son etc etc???? It seemed as if they all wanted an early finish that day so just cut the end off without tying up the loose ends. That said, if you want to watch something not too demanding for an hour or so, then this was ok. Oh and where was that cave they went to?!? 😲 It was awesome!!
Trevor Donovan is always a huge plus in any of these sloppy romances (yum 😋 😇 but his parts never seem too demanding and are often identical) & whilst the story wasn't terrible,SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was left wondering did Sarah, the Amish girl, give up the Inn?? Was she forced to marry their miserable Bishop (or whatever his job title was) 's son etc etc???? It seemed as if they all wanted an early finish that day so just cut the end off without tying up the loose ends. That said, if you want to watch something not too demanding for an hour or so, then this was ok. Oh and where was that cave they went to?!? 😲 It was awesome!!
Far from perfect but enjoyable
Jackbv12315 May 2020
The premise of a celebrity running away to a remote town is not new, but it isn't the most common either. Throw in that she runs away to an Amish town and it's still not unique, but even less common. The general course of the story is predictable. There were a couple of other elements that were also fresh.
The actors who were playing decent somewhat normal people did well. Three in particular were very appealing.. I wish Trevor Donavan and Danielle C. Ryan had more screen time together. But I sure wouldn't want to steal that time from Ryan and Galadriel Stineman. I also wish that we could have gotten more of Sarah's story including more resolution for her. As for Tatum O'Neil and Beau Davidson, if you want characters to really dislike, they're it, but maybe with a little too much exaggeration.
I was disappointed that the movie took shots at the traditional Amish. There have been so many horror stories about lack of freedom in that life. A quick internet search tells me that a lot of those negative stories are outdated or at least not universally true. One of the more relevant in this movie is how oppressive the Bishop was to Sarah. Again, the quick internet search points out that women can be more independent than this movie implied. They can run their own businesses. They can choose not to marry even though there is a strong tradition in favor of it. They can vote within their church. Deduct one star for bigotry and stereotyping by the writers. I was especially disappointed that UP Entertainment would participate in this stereotyping.
I enjoyed the movie primarily because of the two female leads. Both were caring and generous and unselfish. Despite her upbringing, Sarah was not judgmental. She was loyal. The two women were true friends. This is more of what I would expect from UP Entertainment.
The second time I watched this I noticed a sub-plot. This is the story of two women where men want to control their lives. Those in power want to sell them into marriages they do not want. It reminds me of the Taliban, especially Sarah's story.
The actors who were playing decent somewhat normal people did well. Three in particular were very appealing.. I wish Trevor Donavan and Danielle C. Ryan had more screen time together. But I sure wouldn't want to steal that time from Ryan and Galadriel Stineman. I also wish that we could have gotten more of Sarah's story including more resolution for her. As for Tatum O'Neil and Beau Davidson, if you want characters to really dislike, they're it, but maybe with a little too much exaggeration.
I was disappointed that the movie took shots at the traditional Amish. There have been so many horror stories about lack of freedom in that life. A quick internet search tells me that a lot of those negative stories are outdated or at least not universally true. One of the more relevant in this movie is how oppressive the Bishop was to Sarah. Again, the quick internet search points out that women can be more independent than this movie implied. They can run their own businesses. They can choose not to marry even though there is a strong tradition in favor of it. They can vote within their church. Deduct one star for bigotry and stereotyping by the writers. I was especially disappointed that UP Entertainment would participate in this stereotyping.
I enjoyed the movie primarily because of the two female leads. Both were caring and generous and unselfish. Despite her upbringing, Sarah was not judgmental. She was loyal. The two women were true friends. This is more of what I would expect from UP Entertainment.
The second time I watched this I noticed a sub-plot. This is the story of two women where men want to control their lives. Those in power want to sell them into marriages they do not want. It reminds me of the Taliban, especially Sarah's story.
Only half a story
rebekahrox2 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I had seen a Hallmark movie with Galadriel Stinemann playing an Amish woman before. In that one, she was also in conflict with some of the Amish community over her more liberated thinking. At first I thought this might be part of series in which her storyline and all of the loose ends regarding her character would be tied up. But no such luck! I looked into it and the characters were different women more's the pity.
The plot of this one was pretty dull and I didn't like the lead actress. I did like the good comeuppance for the Hollywood bad buys. I was more invested in Galadriel's Amish character and her problems. Hopefully we will get a sequel in which she saves her Inn and gets a happy resolution to her relationship troubles and the bullying Bishop.
Ridiculous Casting.
mmarston-5849918 April 2021
2 minutes in, we already know how stupid this thing is. Beau Davidson? Really? I know this is a low budget debacle, but are we really supposed to believe our gorgeous heroine in the terrible wig is supposed to be heart broken over being dumped by this no talent actor with eyes a full inch too close to each other??? Sorry. Hollywood BS in spades! This sort of thing is psychologically abusive to every woman on the planet. Just sayin'. MM.
Another good one for Trevor Donavan
ronbokirk10 January 2018
This movie is well worth watching and follows the usual formula for good romance movies. There is magic or sparks between the leads, emotion, conflict, and of course sub-plots. It's failure to resolve the situation between Sarah and the Bishop cost it one point. What did she end up doing? All the loose ends should be tied up at the end. My score is 9.
Awful movie
fluffchop10 November 2021
Easy to follow, some pretty chicks. The ending was rushed. Amish chick wears makeup and has a device. The Bishop is first class ass hat and not needed as a character. He adds nothing to the story and only detracts. It doesn't live up to it's rating whatsoever. I feel sad I bothered watching it.
Cheesy and predictable, but earnestly enjoyable and warmhearted
I_Ailurophile18 December 2022
On the one hand, I suppose it's a great credit to the hair and makeup artists that as the picture begins (until she changes her look), star Danielle C. Ryan is completely unrecognizable; once her character's name was spoken I had to check against the credits to confirm that, yes, that's her in the lead. On the other hand, the exposition in those first 12-13 minutes is preposterous beyond all compare; the line between fiction and reality is blurred, to the point that I don't think either the characters or the writers know which is which, and I've never been more glad that I've never tarried with "reality television." At least that baloney provides foundation for the plot in a movie whose very premise is outrageous - but it's safe to say that one's suspension of disbelief must be undefeated in combat to even think about engaging with this title, for the very notion is as contrived as a TV movie romance could be. 'Runaway romance' is An Experience, to say the least.
On the bad side, the plot development and scene writing tends to feel forced, especially when it comes to protagonist Ann readily falling in love with her new surroundings and even more immediately with a new beau. Moreover, a few sparing instances play out with an artificiality that has scarcely been seen in cinema since the very early days of the silent era, where the stilted direction and emphatic separation of shots and scenes lent to a heightened sense of the course of events being staged. One might also note that the narrative is familiar in ways both general and specific, for Ann's time in the countryside will change her, and she will change the people around her. This is, indeed, a formulaic and predictable TV romance, and the only surprises to be had are in just how far-fetched some particular moments may be.
Then again - on the good side, 'Runaway romance' only ever intends to be sweet and charming, and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't that. Yes, the plot is light, and in the broad strokes nothing we haven't seen before. Even at its worst, however, it can claim a welcome earnestness that's refreshing compared to most big budget features of this or any kind. That includes chief stars Ryan and Trevor Donovan, and in supporting parts, Grace Wilson and Galadriel Stineman, fully embracing the warmheartedness; Ryan especially I've seen before elsewhere, and here as before she shows how capable she is. Other cast members are just as swell in bringing their characters to life, and the story, not least Ken Strunk as the overbearing bishop. Furthermore, I think this is well made in all other regards, with strong direction, cinematography, production design, art direction, costume design, and yes, hair and makeup work. The film may be a fluff piece, but it's a solid one - and honestly quite enjoyable such as it is, with just enough drama to make the plot modestly compelling, and a cheekily satisfying ending.
Predictable, cheesy, saccharine, and not exactly full of substance - yet sincere, lighthearted, cozy, and entertaining for those who can appreciate the flavors. There's hardly any need to go out of your way for this, and it's probably most recommendable just for those who are fans of the cast or the kitschy genre to which it belongs. I'm pleasantly surprised, however, at how much I actually like 'Runaway romance,' and that's saying something since I didn't expect much. Save it for a day when you need something to feel good, and just soak in the ham-handed bliss.
On the bad side, the plot development and scene writing tends to feel forced, especially when it comes to protagonist Ann readily falling in love with her new surroundings and even more immediately with a new beau. Moreover, a few sparing instances play out with an artificiality that has scarcely been seen in cinema since the very early days of the silent era, where the stilted direction and emphatic separation of shots and scenes lent to a heightened sense of the course of events being staged. One might also note that the narrative is familiar in ways both general and specific, for Ann's time in the countryside will change her, and she will change the people around her. This is, indeed, a formulaic and predictable TV romance, and the only surprises to be had are in just how far-fetched some particular moments may be.
Then again - on the good side, 'Runaway romance' only ever intends to be sweet and charming, and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't that. Yes, the plot is light, and in the broad strokes nothing we haven't seen before. Even at its worst, however, it can claim a welcome earnestness that's refreshing compared to most big budget features of this or any kind. That includes chief stars Ryan and Trevor Donovan, and in supporting parts, Grace Wilson and Galadriel Stineman, fully embracing the warmheartedness; Ryan especially I've seen before elsewhere, and here as before she shows how capable she is. Other cast members are just as swell in bringing their characters to life, and the story, not least Ken Strunk as the overbearing bishop. Furthermore, I think this is well made in all other regards, with strong direction, cinematography, production design, art direction, costume design, and yes, hair and makeup work. The film may be a fluff piece, but it's a solid one - and honestly quite enjoyable such as it is, with just enough drama to make the plot modestly compelling, and a cheekily satisfying ending.
Predictable, cheesy, saccharine, and not exactly full of substance - yet sincere, lighthearted, cozy, and entertaining for those who can appreciate the flavors. There's hardly any need to go out of your way for this, and it's probably most recommendable just for those who are fans of the cast or the kitschy genre to which it belongs. I'm pleasantly surprised, however, at how much I actually like 'Runaway romance,' and that's saying something since I didn't expect much. Save it for a day when you need something to feel good, and just soak in the ham-handed bliss.
Atrocious
linda-846-90701312 June 2020
I love cheesy romance movies. But I couldn't get more than 30 minutes into it. The actress who plays the main character looked so plastic. Her face was so unreal I couldn't stand looking at her. I didn't expect this to be a documentary on Plain Folks, but the heavy makeup on the Amish lady and the exaggerated accent (what even accent is that supposed to be?) were so offensive. Writing was lazy even for this genre and acting was painful to watch. Give this one a pass.
chick flick
sandcrab2775 July 2020
A poor representation of the male species ... never trust a left handed blonde architect that doesn't shave nor a woman that has an axe to grind ... never ever get involved with reality tv because its never real ... tatum o'neal sounded like some old male fart about to croak ... casting for this film was way too bad
I need closure
amarnold-5245326 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I gave this movie a 9 because it didn't give closure to Sarah's and the Bishop's situation. Did the writers or producers not think that the viewers needed to know what was the end result? I am so frustrated right now. Also, I was annoyed with the way Trevor's character treated the lead actress when Scott came into town. Why not hear her out and see what she had to say? I loved Sarah's character. It was hard not to like her. Her story didn't get fully told though. Did she get to keep the inn? Did she get better at cooking? Did she marry the bishop's son? Did she leave the Amish community? I need closure. Please.
Wonderful to see Galadriel Stineman again.
beachy-384319 January 2018
I did not even know she was in the movie when I watched it. I watched it because Trevor Donavan was in it and I have loved his work for years. I have liked Galadriel's work since she was Cassidy on The Middle. This was so much better than that. If I have any complaints it is that her beautiful hair is hidden for the entire movie. I have come to love red hair and her's is beautiful. For me she and Trevor were the real stars of this movie. The biggest disappointment was Tatum O'Neal, unless she was to play an evil witch. If that is the case, she did a wonderful job. And UP managed to make the self-centered boyfriend not have greasy hair like Halmark does.
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