Many romance movies are just average.... this one is a little different. I loved the story and I loved the actors. Somehow the friend and the boss were just right. And don't we just love someone going through mud......just to look charming. It sure is worth watching when you love romantic movies.
27 Reviews
Must Watch
Anonnamus13 February 2019
I wasn't expecting much from this flick as I didn't know much about Sara Rue and I have never seen the lead actor in anything else before. Considering the fact that he was obviously much older than she, I didn't think there would be much chemistry there. Boy, was I wrong. Everything about this movie, from casting to especially the writing (witty, charming, funny) is a win. Rue is absolutely adorable, and she has great comedic timing. I recommend this to all rom-com fans.
Whether Hallmark or Lifetime, this was great
mjanssens2625 December 2021
Caught this on Prime on Christmas day 2021. Not sure if it was a Hallmark or Lifetime production. It's definitely one of the more heartwarming romantic comedies I've seen in a while. Silly me, caught myself smiling widely with glee at certain points while watching this. The two leads have great chemistry and were nice to look at which is always a plus. Check it out if you like romance movies.
Le Sigh
kz917-117 October 2017
A romance novelist needs help getting the "seal" aspects of her next book just right. Well, well her editor just happens to have a hunk of a brother that is a former NAVY Seal! Surprise, surprise they love/hate each other. Soon sparks are flying though neither will admit it. Will they be bone headed and let each other slip away or admit their feelings to themselves and each other?
Standard Hallmark fare elevated by Sara Rue
dallas_viewer5 April 2019
Hallmark movies, for me, are usually 4-to-5-star affairs, formulaic and moderately cute, with interchangeable actors. But Sara Rue completely elevated this movie, in my opinion. She took a character that most other Hallmark actresses would have turned into your stock "America's sweetheart" heroine and made her quirky and engaging. She gave off a "Reese Witherspoon" vibe. Rue totally elevated the script she was given; I actually watched the film thru to the end.
Also a shout-out to Teryl Rothery, who plays Jo's editor. I thought she, too, did a great job with the material she was given.
Now, to be clear, the story itself was still (IMHO) formulaic. I think the plot points unfolded in a very predictable manner.
So for me, the plot is, like, 4-to-4.5 stars, but the actors elevate everything enough to raise my IMDB rating to a solid 6.
Oh, and I felt the first part of the movie--where Jo starts attending the seal boot camp--was a shout-out to the wonderful movie Private Benjamin. Or rather, Private Benjamin as it would be played by Legally Blonde's "Elle Woods" character.
Also a shout-out to Teryl Rothery, who plays Jo's editor. I thought she, too, did a great job with the material she was given.
Now, to be clear, the story itself was still (IMHO) formulaic. I think the plot points unfolded in a very predictable manner.
So for me, the plot is, like, 4-to-4.5 stars, but the actors elevate everything enough to raise my IMDB rating to a solid 6.
Oh, and I felt the first part of the movie--where Jo starts attending the seal boot camp--was a shout-out to the wonderful movie Private Benjamin. Or rather, Private Benjamin as it would be played by Legally Blonde's "Elle Woods" character.
Seal of approval
TheLittleSongbird31 December 2021
Throughout my recently started Hallmark film completest quest expanding (so The Spring Fever, Summer Nights, Fall Harvest etc blocks on top of the Christmas films) an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Which never was the case. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level.
For me, a good deal of effort was seen with 'All for Love' (or 'All Anything or Love'). It is far from perfect, more uneven, and isn't great, with one or two things particularly unbalancing it somewhat (such as finding it very difficult to get behind the female lead character). But there was a lot to like about 'All for Love', and the best aspects were pretty impressive (primarily most of the cast). As far as the 2017 Hallmark efforts go, it is in the middle of the pack category, though credit is due for trying to do something different to usual for Hallmark at this point of its filmography.
Am going to start with the good things about 'All for Love'. It is a very nice looking film, one of Hallmark's best looking 2017 films in my view. The scenery really does entrance and the photography doesn't cheapen it at all. The music at least fits tonally and in placement and has presence without being over-loud. The dialogue is sharp enough and flows naturally, while also having the right amount of sentiment (not too much in quality and quantity).
Characters aren't complex, then again that shouldn't be expected watching Hallmark, but aren't too stereotypical and are generally likeable enough. The story may be predictable and not perfect in execution, but it is incredibly charming, sweet without being too sugary and very heart-warming. There is a nice lightness to it too on the whole. The cast on the whole are impressive, with Steve Bacic a truly subtly charismatic and easy to like lead. Teryl Rothery does no nonsense so well and is a definite scene stealer.
Less good is Sara Rue. She does try hard, but in my mind too much of the time her efforts came over as over-compensating where she exaggerates her character's flaws (of which there are plenty to the extent it is not easy seeing her virtues). Her character Jo is pretty hard to take, too whiny, too spineless, too indecisive, too quick to jump to conclusions, too disrespectful and quite childish. Actually found every bit as difficult to swallow what Bacic's character saw in her and why he put up with her.
While the central chemistry is there and has appealing moments, there are times where it too low key. The story is formulaic and other than the setting and some of the scenario not much is new so there are parts later on that feel bland. The conflict is very forced in writing and in Rue's acting, comes out of the blue and lacks tension and the ending is far too convenient and pat, another case of it feeling undeserved.
In conclusion, quite nice but unbalanced by the unlikeability of the female lead character and Rue trying too hard. 6/10.
For me, a good deal of effort was seen with 'All for Love' (or 'All Anything or Love'). It is far from perfect, more uneven, and isn't great, with one or two things particularly unbalancing it somewhat (such as finding it very difficult to get behind the female lead character). But there was a lot to like about 'All for Love', and the best aspects were pretty impressive (primarily most of the cast). As far as the 2017 Hallmark efforts go, it is in the middle of the pack category, though credit is due for trying to do something different to usual for Hallmark at this point of its filmography.
Am going to start with the good things about 'All for Love'. It is a very nice looking film, one of Hallmark's best looking 2017 films in my view. The scenery really does entrance and the photography doesn't cheapen it at all. The music at least fits tonally and in placement and has presence without being over-loud. The dialogue is sharp enough and flows naturally, while also having the right amount of sentiment (not too much in quality and quantity).
Characters aren't complex, then again that shouldn't be expected watching Hallmark, but aren't too stereotypical and are generally likeable enough. The story may be predictable and not perfect in execution, but it is incredibly charming, sweet without being too sugary and very heart-warming. There is a nice lightness to it too on the whole. The cast on the whole are impressive, with Steve Bacic a truly subtly charismatic and easy to like lead. Teryl Rothery does no nonsense so well and is a definite scene stealer.
Less good is Sara Rue. She does try hard, but in my mind too much of the time her efforts came over as over-compensating where she exaggerates her character's flaws (of which there are plenty to the extent it is not easy seeing her virtues). Her character Jo is pretty hard to take, too whiny, too spineless, too indecisive, too quick to jump to conclusions, too disrespectful and quite childish. Actually found every bit as difficult to swallow what Bacic's character saw in her and why he put up with her.
While the central chemistry is there and has appealing moments, there are times where it too low key. The story is formulaic and other than the setting and some of the scenario not much is new so there are parts later on that feel bland. The conflict is very forced in writing and in Rue's acting, comes out of the blue and lacks tension and the ending is far too convenient and pat, another case of it feeling undeserved.
In conclusion, quite nice but unbalanced by the unlikeability of the female lead character and Rue trying too hard. 6/10.
Pretty Good
Andthisismrsr10 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Yes, this is your typical Hallmark movie. There's a misunderstanding about a female and there's a hesitant male, overall it was a good movie.
However, for a person who never traveled anywhere most likely didn't have a passport so going to New Zealand wouldn't just happen on the spur of the moment like in the movie. Maybe had she mentioned she had a passport but never traveled, the spur of the moment travel might have worked. That would have been a doable conversation when she was talking to Colin about being adventurous.
What a great movie
headtripfilmsfr17 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I saw the commercial for this movie last week and it looked like a movie to watch on a lazy Saturday night, well, to my surprise, the movie ended up being one of the coolest romantic comedies I've seen in a while. Yes, it's no Hollywood movie, but I've cone to learn that not because something is done by a Hollywood production it means it's good. I've come to appreciate most of these Hallmark channel movies and this one is proof that Hallmark can make amazingly cool movies, simple, but cool nonetheless. The story is great and it's a movie I can see more than once. Has it's funny moments and the cinematography is amazing. Awesome settings. So, if you're up for a good and entertaining hour and a half you have to watch All For Love.
Romancing the Seal (Navy)
rebekahrox13 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I thought I'd re-watch this one, because I usually really like Sara Rue, and the very sexy Steve Bacic has become one of my favorites. He is a very busy actor and occasionally stops in to do a Hallmark movie. I wish he'd do more. I thought I would be bumping this one up to an 8 after I saw it again, but no, it's still a 7. The main reason was that Sara really got on my nerves. Both the actress and her character. The actress really overacted and over-did the "I'm so adorable and spunky" bit.
Jo is a romance novelist whose last novel was panned because she got so many details about firefighting wrong. She is in a slump because her novels have lacked authenticity. The current rough draft is about a Navy Seal, and it suffers from the same problem. Her editor, a wonderfully no-nonsense Teryl Rothery, sends her to Seal training school, run by her brother Colin, a former Seal. (Just go with it) Steve Bacic is perfectly cast as the ex-Navy Seal. And Sara Rue is as well as the soft and feminine Jo.
Jo's wimpy behavior at the end when she jumped to conclusions about Colin still being hooked up with his ex was very irritating. I hate the "big misunderstanding" cliché which could be quickly resolved with a little honest communication. When she learned the truth, which had to stalk her and attack her and overpower her to be believed, she was still very namby pamby about going after him. She had to be coerced and implored by all and sundry to fix her stupidity.
This one had a lot of potential, but Sara's over-the-top performance and her character's lack of gumption in the end really disappointed me.
Jo is a romance novelist whose last novel was panned because she got so many details about firefighting wrong. She is in a slump because her novels have lacked authenticity. The current rough draft is about a Navy Seal, and it suffers from the same problem. Her editor, a wonderfully no-nonsense Teryl Rothery, sends her to Seal training school, run by her brother Colin, a former Seal. (Just go with it) Steve Bacic is perfectly cast as the ex-Navy Seal. And Sara Rue is as well as the soft and feminine Jo.
Jo's wimpy behavior at the end when she jumped to conclusions about Colin still being hooked up with his ex was very irritating. I hate the "big misunderstanding" cliché which could be quickly resolved with a little honest communication. When she learned the truth, which had to stalk her and attack her and overpower her to be believed, she was still very namby pamby about going after him. She had to be coerced and implored by all and sundry to fix her stupidity.
This one had a lot of potential, but Sara's over-the-top performance and her character's lack of gumption in the end really disappointed me.
Formulaic
Pat1008 November 2020
OK , matched solely against other romcoms it might scrape a 6 as its not too saccharine.
It's very much by numbers. The girly girl at boot camp has been done a lot of times. This one is, at least, understated.
A small, predictable film but not a disaster.
The lead actress' vocal fry did grate on my nerves. Too much!
Loved it from beginning to end.
majoq30 November 2021
Hallmark SEAL
SnoopyStyle28 April 2020
Romance novelist Josephine Payden (Sara Rue) has not been doing well. Her last two books have flopped. She's alone. Her publisher Diana (Teryl Rothery) is concerned that her newest book with a Navy SEAL male lead is even worst. She pairs her up with an actual Navy SEAL war hero, her brother Colin Kelly (Steve Bacic).
This feels like Hallmark came up with the premise in a weird brainstorming session. It's not the most realistic concept. Romance novels are not well known for their accuracy. Although Bacic could conceivably be Navy SEAL material, most of the recruits do not look like it. The obstacle course is closer to a corporate retreat. On the positive side, Sara Rue is game for anything and she's great. Boiling it down to its core, there is a functional romance and it's a perfectly fine Hallmark movie.
This feels like Hallmark came up with the premise in a weird brainstorming session. It's not the most realistic concept. Romance novels are not well known for their accuracy. Although Bacic could conceivably be Navy SEAL material, most of the recruits do not look like it. The obstacle course is closer to a corporate retreat. On the positive side, Sara Rue is game for anything and she's great. Boiling it down to its core, there is a functional romance and it's a perfectly fine Hallmark movie.
Annoying heroine ruins the movie
jolisjeux25 June 2021
Wow, this woman is so immature and disrespectful. I get it she bumps into Captain Kelly and misunderstandings and sparks fly. She didn't want to work with him even though he's basically doing her a favor with her research. But come on, she was so rude at the training. She's wasting everyone's time, having all the other trainees standing there while she disrupts the class. It's not cutesy or quirky. She's just plain rude. Can't bring myself to finish this movie when this woman is so annoying and overbearing.
Uplifting with a twist
MickyG3334 November 2023
7.4 stars.
I really liked the chemistry of the leads. Unfortunately, we don't see much from either one of them as far as securing lead roles in many other films. I think I've seen them both maybe a couple times as leads, he usually plays a ruffian, or a dark and questionable sort, and she simply doesn't have many roles like this to my recollection. Her best friend really steals the show and I'd like to see her a lot more too. The military scenes at boot camp and stuff seemed a bit flimsy to me. The recruits do not seem athletic enough, they really need to get them pumping the drills hardcore in order for us to be convinced.
'All for Love' a.k.a. 'All Anything or Love' is entertaining, fun, quite interesting in fact. I was into this movie start to finish, not a boring scene in the bunch. For that alone we get over 7 stars, lets almost round up to 8, but not quite.
I really liked the chemistry of the leads. Unfortunately, we don't see much from either one of them as far as securing lead roles in many other films. I think I've seen them both maybe a couple times as leads, he usually plays a ruffian, or a dark and questionable sort, and she simply doesn't have many roles like this to my recollection. Her best friend really steals the show and I'd like to see her a lot more too. The military scenes at boot camp and stuff seemed a bit flimsy to me. The recruits do not seem athletic enough, they really need to get them pumping the drills hardcore in order for us to be convinced.
'All for Love' a.k.a. 'All Anything or Love' is entertaining, fun, quite interesting in fact. I was into this movie start to finish, not a boring scene in the bunch. For that alone we get over 7 stars, lets almost round up to 8, but not quite.
Will always love All for Love
cynthiameankins18 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
From the first time it came on in May 2017 per respect of Memorial Day, I have watched over repeatedly since, and I have never ever been bored to watch ever. It is such a heartfelt romance movie, and so cute!!! I have it Dvr'd twice, and still try to look at when it comes on t.v Such a cute movie. They should do another one!!! Or should connect them in the Garage Sale Mysteries!!! I think they would be great and good ratings would come!!!! Cynthia...
I love a handsome SEAL
theatremarine26 March 2019
Everyone in this movie were amazing...special ^5 to Steve Bacic who is awesome as the Navy SEAL leading man. Sara Rye is spot on as the romance writer who is put into a new environment to help her learn more about SEALs....
5 stars
All About Love and All For Love
lizajayne_org1 July 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie tonight. Yes there might have been a question at the end about a passport. but this did not interfere with the building of this story and development of each character. I liked the restraint of affection as most love stories today end up with a date or two then become very intimate. If you are looking for a nice movie to curl up and watch and enjoy love stories I am sure this would be a pleasure for many.
The light touch of comedy was also good and very tasteful. Most movies I fall asleep after I have figured out the ending but this kept me watching and hoping the end would be what I hoped it would be.
This was a very good movie and kept you guessing to the very last moment.
The light touch of comedy was also good and very tasteful. Most movies I fall asleep after I have figured out the ending but this kept me watching and hoping the end would be what I hoped it would be.
This was a very good movie and kept you guessing to the very last moment.
Not factual
meandcaryn16 August 2019
A Seal with Flowers on his Desk
lwmtem21 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Nothing captivates a retired military person, like myself, more than a clash of personalities when a hardened highly decorated Seal meets head on with an immovable force he doesn't how to get a handle on. Thrown together by his sister the Editor to fix the disasters in her novel, "Sealed with a Kiss". It is a comedy of standoffs.
I found this funny and full of the Marine training issues I faced as a Navy Corpsman thrown in with an entirely different military culture.
Running a Seal Training Program, she treats the weeks of training as a just tell me how to fix it and he sees it as his assigned mission to introduce her to the rigors the other trainees so she understands the many aspects of Seal life. Her team is taking it deadly serious while she seems to be looking for a participation trophy that will fix her literary slide.
As time goes by, they find mutual frustration over the changes they bring to their purpose together, they are drawn closer together as she stands up to him in ways he couldn't have imagined as she sees the purpose of the lessons and become that team player. Strong wills won't let them admit to anything of a growing attraction to each other. Their time together draws closer to its end as he is scheduled to establish another Seal training center half way around the world and be thousands of miles away from each other and stand immobilized by the fear of what was happening to them.
Who will give in? Will they discover a love or turn away to the life they enjoyed before they met?
I found this funny and full of the Marine training issues I faced as a Navy Corpsman thrown in with an entirely different military culture.
Running a Seal Training Program, she treats the weeks of training as a just tell me how to fix it and he sees it as his assigned mission to introduce her to the rigors the other trainees so she understands the many aspects of Seal life. Her team is taking it deadly serious while she seems to be looking for a participation trophy that will fix her literary slide.
As time goes by, they find mutual frustration over the changes they bring to their purpose together, they are drawn closer together as she stands up to him in ways he couldn't have imagined as she sees the purpose of the lessons and become that team player. Strong wills won't let them admit to anything of a growing attraction to each other. Their time together draws closer to its end as he is scheduled to establish another Seal training center half way around the world and be thousands of miles away from each other and stand immobilized by the fear of what was happening to them.
Who will give in? Will they discover a love or turn away to the life they enjoyed before they met?
Different does not mean good
tiffanygrace8711 June 2021
The movie was different than the usual. That is why I gave it 3 stars and not 2.
The plot was decent but I think the main actress is what killed it for me. The actress was just as horrible as the character she played. I know Hallmark is not know for their Oscar worthy performances, but this actress should probably focus her talents in another direction than acting.
The plot was decent but I think the main actress is what killed it for me. The actress was just as horrible as the character she played. I know Hallmark is not know for their Oscar worthy performances, but this actress should probably focus her talents in another direction than acting.
A retired SEAL Captain comes on board as a technical adviser for a romance novel involving a Navy SEAL.
johnmcng8 July 2017
I liked the idea of the movie but I think the character of Colin being a "technical adviser" for a romantic novel on a Navy SEAL needed a "technical adviser." I think Steve Bacic would be a little too young to be a retired Navy Captain. That rank is one step below Admiral and he looks just too young for that rank. Lieutenant Commander or even Commander would have been more believable. In the scene where Colin has to save the day by being the photographers model irked me. I didn't pause the movie to check the correct order of all the ribbons although at a quick glance, they looked correct. However, the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon that he is wearing is on upside down. It's horizontally striped ribbon, Navy blue, gold and red top to bottom. His is red stripe up. It is something that would be a glaring mistake to a high ranking naval officer. Bottom line, though I enjoyed the movie.
IMDB GOOFS
jthomas-2781319 September 2018
First of all, in the book cover photo shoot his uniform DID HAVE 4 STRIPES!!!!
Next it says he could not obtain the rank of Captain in 15 years. He retired after 15 years as a SEAL. It does not count hisd years of service before becoming a SEAL. YOU DO NOT BECOME A SEAL AS A PRIVATE.
Banal, just banal
gianmarcoronconi30 April 2023
Ok let's start by saying that this is a very trivial and very classic romantic film without any kind of inspiration or any originality and therefore it is by definition boring like most of the trivial and ridiculously obvious films. The plot talks about the usual girl, in this case a writer, who goes out little and is all roses and flowers who falls in love with the gruff soldier with whom she has to collaborate for the book she is writing and as usual she will change it by opening his eyes to the love and he will make her stronger. I would like to say that banality and boredom are imperative in this film where after five minutes you just want it to end as soon as possible.
IMDB GOOFS
jthomas-2781319 September 2018
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