Love at the Shore (2017 TV Movie) User Reviews

Good summer movie.

[MIssM19 · 7/10 · 12 August 2017]

I started this movie without reading the plot or anything, I just knew it was Peter Porte (Baby Daddy) and summer.

I'm gonna be honest: the movie it's nothing out of the ordinary, typical Hallmark. But if you enjoy these type of movies, you'll definitely like this. What I liked the most was the summer vibe (it's winter where I live and I miss it) and let's say i'm a sucker for romance. I found myself grinning more than once.

The movie as a whole was good, a few details here and there that we can let go. The chemistry was good. The children were adorable. I personally believe that Lucas was very charming and Jenna wasn't that uptight, that's what moms should be like.

This is the perfect movie to watch in the evening or at night with a big glass of soda or ice cream under the fan, with the whole family.

Prettily filmed sea side romance

[phd_travel · 6/10 · 8 August 2017]

The scenery on an island off the coast of Georgia is really beautiful. It's more prettily filmed than some Hallmark movies. The interiors are attractive and color co-ordinated. The beach is attractive.

The story is fairly predictable. A divorced single mom of 2 kids moves into a summer rental so her kids can go to camp. Her neighbor is at first glance a bachelor who enjoys surfing and partying and has a cute dog - not the family type. But of course he turns out to have more substance than that. He turns out to be nice to the kids and is well off and does good things.

I love Amanda Righetti since the O.C. and she is pretty here though her hair dark color is a bit severe for her. Peter Porte plays the guy and hd is fine but flashes his pearly whites a bit too often.

One flaw of the story is she is so uptight about her kids I can't see why he would be interested in her.

Why

[Jackbv123 · 6/10 · 23 September 2017]

Why would anyone ever like this control freak woman? Not only that but she was rude, arrogant and demanding. How could he start falling for a family woman? This is contrary to his basic nature.

Why would a mom of two, with controlling tendencies, ever give in to the charms of a stubborn, messy, surfer? This was contrary to her basic nature.

The writers used one of the standard romance devices of busy man who let his business deal get ahead of the promise to a kid. Usually in romance movies, the business man doesn't fail to keep his promise. But what made me mad here was that the business deal was very important, not just to him, but for many kids. If they had made the deal something less philanthropic, I could have allowed it. True, it turns out his mistake was in making the promise more than staying to close the deal, but I didn't like the way the two issues, both worthy, were pitted against one another.

Why didn't Amanda Righetti give that beautiful megawatt smile more often instead of waiting until the end?

Ummm, too many misses

[imdb75093 · 2/10 · 15 April 2018]

I fell in "like" with Amanda Righetti's soft-spoken, yet tough-as-nails, acting abilities when she was a cast member on The Mentalist. Peter Porte, however, is just a tad to pretty. And they really had only a forced chemistry. Why didn't they rent a house with their best friends? That made zero sense. Why rent a beach house and expect quiet work hours? Unrealistic! Why didn't Lucas take the investors to the big event at the Camp to show them a bit of the Camp experience instead of going out drinking? Why would anyone who was interested in investing in KIDS prefer to go out partying instead of going to see the kids? Additionally, Tybee Island is a stone's throw from where I grew up. So, Hallmark, take note of several incorrect script and location and costume items: 1) it's the "beach" never the "shore" 2) Tybee has an historic lighthouse, you missed an opportunity to showcase it. The puny, rundown one you showed was an affront to southeasterners. 3) in the summer, it is NEVER EVER chilly. She wouldn't have wanted or need a cardigan for a walk on the beach or an out door dinner. 4) speaking of hot and humid, her long thick hair would not behave survived out of a ponytail or braid - it would be sticking to her neck and face all day long. 5) another reviewer mentioned this: no Savannah? Are you kidding? She's a teen fiction writer! Of course she would visit Savannah. So would the summer camp! Home of the Girl Scouts!

Who cares if a gay man is playing a straight role

[ricster55 · 10/10 · 26 July 2020]

To the person complaining about out gay men playing straight roles, this is why it's called "acting." If you're going to fuss over this, then why don't you fuss over all the straight men playing gay roles? Personally, I found Peter Porte to be very convincing in this movie.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie!

A little bit awkward...but the couple does have chemistry.

[cgvsluis · 3/10 · 10 September 2021]

Opposites single mom Jenna and single surfer Lucas end up sharing a duplex on the shore for five weeks in the summer. These two are initially like oil and water. Jenna takes her two kids to the shore annually while the kids do day summer camp...she works on her book or she would like to if it wasn't for her noisy neighbor.

Harsh truth, as much as I like our lead actress formerly from The Mentalist, I thought she was stiff in this role and very un-mother-like. And my final complaint...is no collegiate volleyball player plays like that!

Now on to the parts they got right in this romance...the beach backdrop is gorgeous and Jenna and Lucas really do have chemistry...and that is what kept me watching till the end, that and Lucas was really engaging.

Best part...rules and guidelines at the end...especially rule number one.

I shore like this new film from Hallmark! It's beautiful and has two great stars

[inkblot11 · 8/10 · 7 August 2017]

Jenna (Amanda Righetti) is a divorced mother of eleven year old twins. She is just beginning a new career as a teen book novelist, having had one successful book. But, alas, she has been experiencing writer's block so she takes her family to a beautiful duplex on Tybee Island. As there is a summer camp for kids, her children can go swimming and hiking while she devotes her energies to meeting her publishers deadline. But, wait, wait! Next door there is a great looking single man, Lucas (Peter Porte) who, nevertheless, proves problematic. He has a carefree attitude about noise, beach parties, and his wandering dog. This stresses Jenna in a big way and she immediately erects a larger fence so the canine can't wander over to her patio. More importantly, after initial bad impressions of this man, his winning ways and handsome smile are diverting Jenna the most! But, with his not-ready-for-marriage-kids attitude, should she let herself get to know him better? Will her son become a better competitive swimmer? WILL SHE FINISH HER BOOK ON TIME? At this point, what can a romantic comedy fan say but a thousand thanks to Hallmark for continuing to provide funny, wholesome, and very romantic films for those who love the genre best. Righetti is beautiful and assertive while Porte, a dead ringer for Jim Caviezel, is a handsome, head-turning star. All of the secondary cast, sets, costumes, script and direction combine to create a film to savor and sigh over. As its brand new, do try to catch a viewing at the earliest possible moment.

In the South, it's not the "shore."

[rebekahrox · 3/10 · 7 August 2017]

Let's get one thing out of the way immediately. This movie is set and filmed on Tybee Island off the coast of Georgia and a short way from cultured, historical, and photogenic Savannah Georgia. In the South, it's called the beach, not the shore. We are farther away from New Jersey than just miles would indicate. Also, it's too bad the producers could not take advantage of the beauty that is Savannah to set some scenes there. Just clueless.

This Hallmance just did not work for me. I thought Jenna, the female lead seemed more like his mother that his love interest. I also found the character unlikable and unreasonable. She is at the beach, during the summer, and living in a duplex and she expects everyone else on vacation in her vicinity to cater to her need for quiet. She should have gone to a cabin in the mountains. There was no chemistry between the two leads. She was a mature and settled mother of 2, and he was, she thought, a happy-go-lucky beach bum. She didn't consider him a possible match until she found out he was her very well off landlord and the owner of a soon to be franchised summer camp. He was so handsome and prone to hanging around without a shirt, he looked more like a boy-toy than a father to her children. I didn't like how she reacted when she found out this good smart guy was coaching her son, and didn't like how he promised her son to be there for the swim meet and then just blew him off. It seemed very out of character and just manufactured to create some conflict. This was a by the numbers lazy effort. The kids and the dog were the only bright spot.

"Karen" at the Shore

[koolhandkarl · 3/10 · 14 June 2021]

This lady right here. She temporarily moves next door to someone who actually lives at the beach, who makes their home there and then presumes to dictate what he does, changes the property by putting up a fence, has the AUDACITY to walk down to the beach front while they are playing volleyball and listening to music to tell them to keep it down because, gasp, she has to work. Wow. Get some noise canceling headphones and get over yourself. The world shockingly, does not revolve around you.

I am having trouble liking this leading lady if you couldn't tell.

She's judgmental, close minded, and petty. The leading man is fine, most noteworthy for his ability to take what she dishes out with out screaming and tearing his hair out, which would be understandable.

The kids are cute enough, the scenery pretty enough, but this character is everything you do not want moving anywhere near you.

very lighthearted summer movie for the entire family

[tofuti45 · 9/10 · 10 August 2017]

This was a very lighthearted,relaxing summer romance movie for the entire family to watch, with NO violence, No filthy words, No sex, nor abundant nudity, just good clean entertainment. I would like to salute the Producer, the director, the writer, and the entire crew of the Cartel, for making a movie "these days" without all that stuff, and thanks to Hallmark ( my all time FAVORITE channel) for showing it--keep up the good work !!! The movie was filmed in Tybee Island and they did a fantastic job of spanning some of the best views of that Island, I know because we were there at the time of the filming. Almost like a quaint ole' fashioned shore (or beach) town that reminds one of the times when they were not so commercialized, with awesome and "unusual" food-eateries, and huge sandy beaches, just relaxing beautiful days and nights.

Chemistry of two robots

[Kay_movie_lover · 4/10 · 27 June 2020]

I think that her acting is much worse than his, but these two have the chemisty of two stiff robots--so okay, not the feeling robots with emotions--trying to connect. This is one of the worst Hallmark movies.

It was pathetic really, and that's the crux of my view. Why say more.

Despite it's flaws , it's a good feel-good movie

[Lew777 · 8/10 · 14 March 2019]

I've read some of the earlier reviews and they're right about some of the film's inherent flaws - ie a writer going to a busy Summer Camp to get quiet to finish her novel; letting a total stranger be alone with her kids; an uptight Mum ; a single bachelor is just going to want to take on a woman and 2 kids without even kissing her, and believing people on holiday in public places will keep the noise down ??!! However, I loved the 2 leads in Amanda Righetti and Peter Porte who elevated the film beyond kitsch. Amanda has such a beautiful smile that would melt even the stoniest hearts and their scenes together were cute. The kids too gave very mature natural performances and the scenery at Tybee Island was incredible - I just want to go there !

Don't have much love for this

[TheLittleSongbird · 4/10 · 29 December 2021]

'Love at the Shore' is the first 2017 Summer Nights film, which somehow managed to be seen after the other films in the Summer Nights block from that year. Did actually like the idea of the film and have seen the leads elsewhere and liked them, Peter Porte being the more familiar one to me. Hallmark did make some good films in 2017 (such as 'The Birthday Wish' and 'The Perfect Catch'), and overall, but that year was very hit and miss for them (when it missed it really did).

While not one of the worst of the misfires, 'Love at the Shore' could have been much better. It could have been a nice, relatable if done right film, but the character writing of the female lead significantly let the film down. The 2017 Summer Nights block in general was rather mediocre, with the only watchable effort being 'Summer in the Vineyard' in my respectful view. 'Love at the Shore' is probably somewhere in the middle of the batch, though the Summer Nights films from that year geerally are quite close together in quality.

It's not all bad. It does look lovely and is one of the better looking 2017 Summer Nights films. Especially the scenery, which is gorgeous and is every bit as prettily filmed. The music isn't exceptional, but isn't discordant and is pleasant.

Porte does decently with what he is given and is quite likeable and the kids are charming.

Righetti makes a valiant effort in her role and has some winning moments, but she can also try too hard in the more melodramatic moments. Also thought that the film went well overboard on the overblown character flaws for her character, where she came over as too disproportionately controlling (i.e. That really over the top reaction to learning of the coaching) and quite cold. There are moments of nice chemistry between her and Porte, but it could have done with more development and generally could have been warmer if it had toned down the controlling.

Most of the characters didn't connect with me other than the children, and this was a scenario where rooting for the characters was somewhat necessary to me. The script is awkward sounding and is quite trite, not much substance here despite the subject. Wouldn't have minded the big amount of predictability that the story had, from the countless story and character cliches, but it was very difficult to overlook when the story also suffered from being dully paced, not particularly realistic and at times quite thin. The direction is workmanlike at best.

Concluding, pretty mediocre but not a complete loss. 4/10.

Terribly Bad

[Anonnamus · 1/10 · 8 March 2019]

If a local high school held a contest where the student could write a screenplay and be voted on by a class full of their peers, and the prize was seeing their work on the big screen, I imagine it would look exactly like Love on the Shore.

Amanda Righetti plays Jenna, a humorless, controlling, super-uptight mother to two annoying children. Peter Porte plays the good-looking neighbor (Lucas) without a care in the world and seems to only be looking for a good time. Neither character is likable, but they are sure pretty. Throughout the movie, you wonder why one is supposed to fall in love with the other and don't even realize they do until the very end when they kiss. Then again, maybe they're just friends because I'm not convinced he was even into women. If you want an idea of the riveting dialogue, here is a sample.

Lucas: Hey, bud. I'm sorry I let you down. That was my bad.

I can usually find something cute in everything I watch. Not this. Took me three days to get through the entire thing. Don't recommend.

A very pleasant surprise!

[ceepeetee · 9/10 · 16 February 2019]

I was agreeably surprised watching this lovely movie! The acting was far above the usual in this Hallmark production. This movie cinematography made me want to visit this shore and reminded me of my favourite holiday town by the sea when I was growing up. Couldn't change the channel, even during the commercials, which for me is way outside my normal. The chemistry between the leads was crackling. A thouroughly enjoyable movie experience on all points.

So bad I had to change the channel

[Rocket-Panda5 · 1/10 · 4 March 2019]

Disclaimer: I tend to like Hallmark movies. Sure, they're silly, but they are clean and end happily.

This movie was beyond my capacity to even finish it. I'm in the writing business. Who goes to the beach during the summer to write? When I'm at the beach, I bring ear plugs and my noise-canceling headphones so I can work.

And what the others said: The mother was far too controlling. The dog isn't allowed to roam where it wants (I get that), but her children can bother the owner whenever they want? How is it possible for a person to shut down volleyball games during the summer--the busiest season? IRL kids make far more noise at the beach than the adults. The mother was way too negative and uptight. This movie was a contradiction of typical Hallmark fare. Very disappointing. And yes--it's called the beach and not the shore, Hallmark.

Wet enjoyable

[pefiglar · 8/10 · 22 May 2021]

Want an evening of lighthearted viewing ? This is your answer. Very beautiful setting, good acting including two adorable children, good chemistry all around.

Queue triumphant unearned music..

[hsaakairo · 3/10 · 4 June 2021]

Hallmark movie indeed - incredibly bad! No idea why it's so well rated here. When the child actors hold a scene better than the leads, it really isn't promising. Felt like a 12 year old girl wrote this script.

Beyond belief

[heidibetrug · 1/10 · 14 April 2018]

This movie - typical Hallmark fare - was one of the worst I've ever seen. That it has a predictable plot is putting it mildly; it's a cacophony of cliches. Driven career woman/ single mom tries to relax and finish a book during a summer at the shore. The rented duplex just HAPPENS to have a handsome "tenant" who is her opposite; relaxed, a bit messy, seemingly unambitious. But wait for it.....they share a mutual attraction to each other which she fights and he gets around by schmoozing with her kids . And he of course, is not what he seems! Surprise, right? The character of Jenna is so controlling, such a helicopter mom and so pointlessly rude that it's not believable that this or any guy would fall for her. And the actress is so stiff, so one dimensional. Her face is frozen into one blank expression throughout the entire movie and she delivers her silly lines like a bored robot. The other characters and actors are okay but Jenna, the star, throws a wet blanket over the entire production. She MUST be related to someone in the production company to have landed this role; surely she didn't best others in auditions. Given that this is from Hallmark, the ending is supposed to be happy and heartwarming. And I guess it is...it gave me heartburn.

Better than expected

[SunnyDaise · 10/10 · 23 May 2021]

For some unknown reason, I wasn't expecting much from this movie, but it's good! Whilst obviously not entirely original, some different little plot turns later on kept me interested and of course the scenery is great. There's just the right amount of music to emphasise mood without drowning the dialogue. Best of all, it's nice to see an all-age friendly film where the youngsters have fun in constructive not silly ways.

Hard to watch

[toncincin · 3/10 · 16 March 2019]

Are there no more straight men to cast in romantic roles WITH woman? Hallmark continues to cast openly gay men in their romance movies. Peter Porte is a nice looking man - but it's hard to make the romantic story involving his attraction to a woman believable ... he is openly gay. Hallmark does this over and over and over ...

This is a Hallmark 9 (just saying)

[dpowelldwp · 9/10 · 15 October 2022]

The leads were very good, the kids were better than the average brats in movies. Holy smoke. Peter Porte is beyond charming in this movie and Amanda as far as I am concerned played her role well, strong, beautiful with a bit of fragility.

Anyway, this one does not have any stupid plot twists just a slow burning romance. For not insulting the audience I give this a 9 and it is enjoyable to watch.

Commenters complaining that Porte is gay or that Amanda isn't athletic enough to be a former college volleyball player are just nit picking and trying to push some sort of agenda. The background of the beach helps make the movie more enjoyable.

Love at the Shore

[studioAT · 2/10 · 28 July 2022]

This Hallmark film didn't do much for me I'm afraid.

Too slow a set up, too much 'witty' dialogue that led nowhere, and I'd didn't buy the chemistry between the leads.

The character of Jenna grated on me too.

So, overall, not an outright flop, but equally not one of the Hallmark films I'd rush to watch again.

Acute seething resentment

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 22 April 2023]

7.8 stars.

Jenna brings her kids to the shore for 5 weeks while she is finishing her novel and they share a beach duplex with a very attractive surfer named Lucas. Lucas and Jenna practically hate each other at the beginning, but eventually they warm up to each other and fall in love, which is to be expected for all Hallmark films. There are always happy endings. But heed my warning, these two have very palpable disdain throughout most of the movie and it feels quite authentic. This is not tailored for a fragile audience so beware...

I found the script to be fantastic even though there are very limited sets and locations. This whole movie takes place on the beach in proximity of the duplex, and a few times at a pool and maybe once at a restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised by the clever and humorous dialogue full of intelligent repartee. All of the characters are very smart and there is a lot of sarcasm, but it's nimbly balanced with serious moments too. Each person develops organically and will really grow on you, including the supporting cast. The children do not play second fiddle in this story. This is a must see summer at the beach family film, and as a bonus there is a very lovable dog.

correct

[Kirpianuscus · 20 May 2023]

Correct is, i sppose, the fair term to define it. A simple and efficient recipe, nice acting - especialy the kids - Luke loveless is just good - and dog, fair location, familiar moments and the expected end. And, sure, Peter porte who has as virtue , basic one, in fact, his simple presence for a reasonable romance mark Hallmark.

A surfer and a mother.

Few good things, few dessillusions.

The house , one of good points of film.

And few nice - realistic problems of every day, not very profound explored but fair used.

In short, just the lighthearted film who you deserve . And this is not insignificant thing for appreciate it.