Unremarkable plot and writing made watchable by the luminous Catherine Bell and her chemistry with another Hallmark regular, Cameron Mathison. 50 year old Ms Bell, who looks 40 at the most, plays her age with an older teen daughter and is paired age appropriately with the male lead. Of course, Hallmark being Hallmark they couldn't resist casting a 10 years younger actor for Cameron's rival for her affections. In addition to the big plus of two attractive leads who are also more than competent actors, the beautiful scenery adds to the charm. Most importantly there is an easy rapport between all of the likable cast. They seemed to all be having a good time (and who wouldn't in beautiful Fiji?) and genuinely like each other. I felt sorry for the poor actress who had to stay in the states and do much of her part on Skype. All in all, a likable entry with few if any cringe-worthy moments from the Hallmark movie assembly line.
22 Reviews
Worth remembering
TheLittleSongbird25 August 2022
Personally have always found Cameron Mathison worth watching and can see why he is popular with Hallmark, when his characters are written well he plays with a natural easy going charm and subtle charisma. Catherine Bell is more variable, have liked some of her work but when she has characters that are hard to connect to or have overblown character flaws she fares less well. The 2018 Summer Nights seasonal block varied as well, a couple worked and a couple did not.
'A Summer to Remember' is one of the in between 2018 Summer Nights films. It is not as good as 'Pearl in Paradise' (the best), but it is a lot better than 'Love on Safari'. As far as 2018 Hallmark films go in general, 'A Summer to Remember' is neither one of the best or worst films and in the firmly in the middle part of the in between category. To me, it was a decent enough diversion with a lot of good but it would have been better if the story was stronger.
The good things will be mentioned first. On the whole, Bell and Mathison are very engaging and likeable leads (apart from some initial forced moments from Bell). Their characters are not multi dimensional, but they were ones that were not too perfect or had negative characteristics that are overdone. Their chemistry doesn't come over as disconnected and is sweet and sincere. The supporting cast generally are solid.
Fiji though is the star, with the scenery being breath taking and beautifully filmed, which is expected from any Hallmark film set abroad. The music is not too constant or repetitive, even if there is not much that leaps out. Most of the script flows well and has a mix of light hearted wit and well meaning more serious moments.
Will agree however with those that have said that the story is pretty weak. There are light hearted and charming moments, but it is very, very slight (sometimes uneventful) and drags quite a bit in spots, do agree that some of it was too much like a travelogue. What there is of the story has good moments and did appreciate that there wasn't any contrived predictable conflicts, but it is very formulaic (if you've seen any Summer Nights film set abroad it is pretty much what is seen quite a lot with Hallmark in this type of film).
Moreover, atmosphere wise on the whole it's pretty bland from lacking depth in storytelling and character writing. While liking Bell and Mathison's characters, the supporting characters are too sketchy and too much like recycled Hallmark cliches. Really did not see the point of Paul O'Brien's character and thought him annoying.
In conclusion, decent if not exceptional. 6/10.
'A Summer to Remember' is one of the in between 2018 Summer Nights films. It is not as good as 'Pearl in Paradise' (the best), but it is a lot better than 'Love on Safari'. As far as 2018 Hallmark films go in general, 'A Summer to Remember' is neither one of the best or worst films and in the firmly in the middle part of the in between category. To me, it was a decent enough diversion with a lot of good but it would have been better if the story was stronger.
The good things will be mentioned first. On the whole, Bell and Mathison are very engaging and likeable leads (apart from some initial forced moments from Bell). Their characters are not multi dimensional, but they were ones that were not too perfect or had negative characteristics that are overdone. Their chemistry doesn't come over as disconnected and is sweet and sincere. The supporting cast generally are solid.
Fiji though is the star, with the scenery being breath taking and beautifully filmed, which is expected from any Hallmark film set abroad. The music is not too constant or repetitive, even if there is not much that leaps out. Most of the script flows well and has a mix of light hearted wit and well meaning more serious moments.
Will agree however with those that have said that the story is pretty weak. There are light hearted and charming moments, but it is very, very slight (sometimes uneventful) and drags quite a bit in spots, do agree that some of it was too much like a travelogue. What there is of the story has good moments and did appreciate that there wasn't any contrived predictable conflicts, but it is very formulaic (if you've seen any Summer Nights film set abroad it is pretty much what is seen quite a lot with Hallmark in this type of film).
Moreover, atmosphere wise on the whole it's pretty bland from lacking depth in storytelling and character writing. While liking Bell and Mathison's characters, the supporting characters are too sketchy and too much like recycled Hallmark cliches. Really did not see the point of Paul O'Brien's character and thought him annoying.
In conclusion, decent if not exceptional. 6/10.
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may...
evening125 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Someone I know and respect told me she really enjoys Hallmark Channel movies, so I thought I'd check out the cable guide and try one. I'm a big movie buff, so it isn't always easy to please me, but I found "A Summer to Remember" to be a delight.
Catherine Bell excels as Jessica, a widowed physician who is too good at her emergency-room job for her own good. She has always yearned to return to Fiji, where she'd honeymooned, and, despite the fact that her best friend will soon be giving birth, she heads to the island with her teenage daughter Ava (Samantha MacGillivray).
According to notes on imdb, this movie was actually filmed on Fiji, a tropical paradise some 1,300 miles from New Zealand. And it certainly does dazzle here. The movie seduces the audience, just as it does the overworked and frazzled Jessica and her socially withdrawn daughter.
It isn't long before Jessica has caught the eye of beyond-buff resort co-owner Will (Cameron Matheson), a Tennessee native who, unlike Jessica, visited the island one day and stayed -- "This IS home," he tells her.
And, in what is perhaps Hallmark-movie style, the couple gets to know each other the old-fashioned way, by talking, doing fun activities together, and delaying even a first kiss until the final frame. Author Steve Harvey ("Think Like a Man, Act Like a Woman") would approve.
Along with its exquisite backdrop , this film features as its centerpiece a traditional luau, complete with hula, chanting, and flaming lights.
Sure, this dewy-eyed film may be highly unrealistic. Will had previously wed a resort guest and it hadn't worked out. What happened, and doesn't it bear examination before Jessica chucks everything and heads to the Southern Hemisphere? And isn't it possible she'll tire of a surfer who may not own even one book? The movie doesn't go there.
And perhaps that is best. "A Summer to Remember" is a wake-up call to pursue one's dreams while it's possible -- a dazzling reminder of one of life's great truths!
Catherine Bell excels as Jessica, a widowed physician who is too good at her emergency-room job for her own good. She has always yearned to return to Fiji, where she'd honeymooned, and, despite the fact that her best friend will soon be giving birth, she heads to the island with her teenage daughter Ava (Samantha MacGillivray).
According to notes on imdb, this movie was actually filmed on Fiji, a tropical paradise some 1,300 miles from New Zealand. And it certainly does dazzle here. The movie seduces the audience, just as it does the overworked and frazzled Jessica and her socially withdrawn daughter.
It isn't long before Jessica has caught the eye of beyond-buff resort co-owner Will (Cameron Matheson), a Tennessee native who, unlike Jessica, visited the island one day and stayed -- "This IS home," he tells her.
And, in what is perhaps Hallmark-movie style, the couple gets to know each other the old-fashioned way, by talking, doing fun activities together, and delaying even a first kiss until the final frame. Author Steve Harvey ("Think Like a Man, Act Like a Woman") would approve.
Along with its exquisite backdrop , this film features as its centerpiece a traditional luau, complete with hula, chanting, and flaming lights.
Sure, this dewy-eyed film may be highly unrealistic. Will had previously wed a resort guest and it hadn't worked out. What happened, and doesn't it bear examination before Jessica chucks everything and heads to the Southern Hemisphere? And isn't it possible she'll tire of a surfer who may not own even one book? The movie doesn't go there.
And perhaps that is best. "A Summer to Remember" is a wake-up call to pursue one's dreams while it's possible -- a dazzling reminder of one of life's great truths!
A Summer to Remember
studioAT8 August 2020
A lovely Hallmark film focusing on an overly busy Doctor, who finds peace and potentially love in Fiji.
With Catherine Bell giving a wonderful turn, and Hallmark regular Cameron Mathison as her potential suitor, this was good fun.
With Catherine Bell giving a wonderful turn, and Hallmark regular Cameron Mathison as her potential suitor, this was good fun.
Pretty scenery and lovely Bell
phd_travel14 September 2018
The photography of the tropical scenery is above the usual Hallmark standard. You all know what is going to happen but the setting is nice. Catherine Bell lovely as always plays a doctor and single mom widow who goes back to her honeymoon Fijian island resort. She meets a doctor but there's also the owner played by Cameron Mathison.
Was it really a summer?
idylchatter18 February 2019
Liked Catherine Bells' performance and that of a winning cast. Impossible to not love the idyllic setting. One thing that grated is the title. Weren't they only there a vacation of 1 - 2 weeks? Good to see diversity and depiction of strong, credible single family units.
predictable story in a beautiful setting
omijer5 August 2018
A Summer to Remember strives to being something new and appealing to the Hallmark audience, but in this viewers opinion, it misses the mark . To its credit, the leading actors are mature and attractive, and present the story of how two people with an emotionally complicated past can find hope and happiness once again. The distraction from this worthy plot, however, is that the leading roles are played by two very attractive, yet poorly matched actors. Cameron Matheson certainly comes across as n appealing and attractive man..mature in years but with a remarkably toned and 'buff' body. Strangely, his high-pitched voice detracts from the seriousness of his role.. His smile is so pervasive, there seems no time for a serious moment between the two stars. Catherine Bell is a lovely actress..physically she is in incredible form. However, what plastic surgery she submitted to in the past has left her face with a seriously limited range of emotional expressions. Her mouth is permanently turned up at the corners, making it impossible for her to look serious. She seems always smiling, no matter what the emotions of the moment might be, rendering her unable to convey some of the sadder, intense moments of the story. She cannot express concern in her role as a doctor, a single mother, a woman of new conflicts about romance and her future. The best acting in the cast is done by her daughter, the teenager who finds herself much more accepted and successful in the setting of the island vacation resort. Her acting stands out among the others in the cast ..and shows some real potential for future roles. One little quirk that Hallmark directors ought to be looking at..that has become almost a Hallmark trait in every romantic movie..is the moment when the two stars are about to have their first kiss..and bingo!! there is always an interruption from some outside source..an unexpected returning old lover, an emergency phone call from home, something that stops the kiss just an inch from happening. Hallmark views almost laugh at this predictable moment in every single movie..Maybe the producers and directors could surprise us with an other way of letting this moment happen..Let the lovers kiss!
In all.this is a beautifully filmed movie , in a gorgeous setting, but with very limited emotional range for the 2 leads,and with almost no believable chemistry between them whatsoever.
In all.this is a beautifully filmed movie , in a gorgeous setting, but with very limited emotional range for the 2 leads,and with almost no believable chemistry between them whatsoever.
Quietly enjoyable
Jackbv12318 August 2018
Movies like this usually come down to the performances of the lead stars and also on the chemistry.
Catherine Bell is quietly good and her chemistry with Cameron Mathison works, but also with her screen daughter Samantha MacGillivray. This is a mother and daughter that has a little bit of that teenage tension, but there is obviously deep love between them.
The story revolves around Will and Jessica being thrown together often with a bit of backstory based on ex-spouses.
The setting is beautiful. Who can argue with Fiji, which is listed as the location.
Catherine Bell is quietly good and her chemistry with Cameron Mathison works, but also with her screen daughter Samantha MacGillivray. This is a mother and daughter that has a little bit of that teenage tension, but there is obviously deep love between them.
The story revolves around Will and Jessica being thrown together often with a bit of backstory based on ex-spouses.
The setting is beautiful. Who can argue with Fiji, which is listed as the location.
Scenery was nice
LtlHippo1 March 2021
Liked the scenery but the storyline was so boring. And I know they are best friends but what kind of friend would want you to drop everything while you are on a tropical vacation to rush home because she's....gonna have a BABY! Plenty of competent staff. Never cared for Cameron on anything, it's his scratchy voice more than anything. This was a stinker.
Simple Story, Great Cast, No Angst
garysteinweg23 March 2019
Most of these kinds of stories follow the formula of boy meets girl, boy (or girl) shows interest, apparent rival shows up, misunderstanding leads to conflict, all seems lost, love prevails last minute, great sunset (metaphorically), the end. What I liked about this presentation was the minimal angst and conflict. I'm tired of "death-spiral" plots that pull up at the last minute. Perhaps my tastes are more simplistic than they used to be, probably my age accounts for this. The part played by Cameron Mathison is the same way he played his part in a movie with Mira Sorvino a couple years earlier, "A Christmas to Remember." I liked that movie also. They're both "A Hallmark Moment."
Ruined by Cameron Mathison
manfredpeter-0962810 September 2020
Why is Cameron Mathison,given leading man roles. He is much better suited for the guy who doesn't get the girl. He comes off as insincere and would do better as sleazy characters. Who decided he deserves all these roles? The second fiddle in this movie way more charming. He has ruined every movie I've seen him in.
10 Stars for Great Casting
moho-402605 August 2018
Finally, a HM worth raving about, all due to the fantastic casting, especially with the leads Catherine Bell and Cameron Mathison. It is so nice to see mature actors in HM movies, but I think these two were exceptional. No acting like they were younger, as has been done before, the Jessica character was very believable as a physician as is many times with the younger HM actresses is not the case. The teenage daughter was adorable. While it was formulaic, I totally believed something like this could happen. Great all around cast and the Fijian scenery was beyond breathtaking. Well worth seeing even for a second time as I plan to do this summer evening.
More a Fiji Tourism promo
jpragasam14 May 2021
The plot was very predictable given that this was originally aired on the Hallmark Channel. Since it was set in Fiji, I wonder why there were no native Fijians in the acting roles. Besides two of the main cast, the rest were Aussies and a Kiwi.
Sorry to disagree, but the acting was rather staged and the direction rather run-of-the-mill. Besides the typical love triangle story, the film's seems to be a tourist promotion travelogue for Fiji.
Sorry to disagree, but the acting was rather staged and the direction rather run-of-the-mill. Besides the typical love triangle story, the film's seems to be a tourist promotion travelogue for Fiji.
A Summer to Remember
jtthalken5 August 2018
Not Compelling - More a Traveloge Than a Story
YabbaDabbaDabba5 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This was okay. It had nice scenery, but it seemed more like an advertisement for Fiji than a love story. It just didn't hold my interest with a compelling or even interesting boy meets girl story. The actors were just showing up and running through their lines, and there was no real attraction between anyone. It was like an amateur writer had a checklist and hit each one, but did it poorly and without conviction or drama. And come on, the female lead & her daughter head all the way home from exotic Fiji where she met her husband and promised to return one day. This is to see her friend after she's had a baby. Really? I enjoy most Hallmark shows, but this was worse than a snoozer. Rating is a 3 for some nice scenery.
Won't forget this one
SunnyDaise19 March 2021
A Summer to Remember & Pearl in Paradise are completely separate movies filmed back to back in Fiji and two of Hallmark's best. The setting is gorgeous and the plots above average. I love that the characters and storylines are also quite timeless - not relying on the latest tech nor specifying the era nor the leads' ages so most viewers can relate and rewatch many times.
The Movie Poster just told you the whole story
jmiller215 August 2018
Outside of the location footage, this film offers an extremely predictable story without even a slightly compelling twist. Overly simplistic and without any real conflict that isn't resolved by a simple exit. Time is precious and this is somewhere between 1.5 and 2.0 hours of life you will never get back.
Grows on you
MickyG33322 June 2023
7.6 stars.
Bell and Mathison are a great match. This story starts off a little bit slow, but as it goes, everybody's personality starts to develop into a great mixture of wonderful characters. The scenery and sea scape/ocean are amazing. The interactions are also entertaining enough to keep your attention. The only downside to this movie is that it moves a little bit too slow to be a great movie, however, it's done so well that it is a very good movie on my own personal scale. I highly recommend it for the feel good essence above all else even though there is not a whole lot of romance, but that's fine because the characters are very likable. I'll watch this one again in a couple of years. Sidenote: Catherine Bell has quite the career, does she ever slow down?
Bell and Mathison are a great match. This story starts off a little bit slow, but as it goes, everybody's personality starts to develop into a great mixture of wonderful characters. The scenery and sea scape/ocean are amazing. The interactions are also entertaining enough to keep your attention. The only downside to this movie is that it moves a little bit too slow to be a great movie, however, it's done so well that it is a very good movie on my own personal scale. I highly recommend it for the feel good essence above all else even though there is not a whole lot of romance, but that's fine because the characters are very likable. I'll watch this one again in a couple of years. Sidenote: Catherine Bell has quite the career, does she ever slow down?
A Boring Travelogue
silentfilm-26 August 2018
I hope that the cast and crew had fun making this Hallmark movie, because it wasn't much fun watching it. The scenery in Fiji looked beautiful. The story was the most basic paint-by-numbers that you will ever see on the Hallmark Channel. Catherine Bell and Cameron Mathison are easy on the eyes, and John Prasida and Sarah Thamin seem to be sweet.
The story was terrible. There was no conflict at all. Paul O'Brien's character is written poorly as a rival for Catherine's affections. We don't see why Catherine overworks in her ER doctor job, or why she is so attracted to working at working as a doctor in Fiji. And Fiji is such a paradise, apparently only surfers need medical attention. There isn't even the Hallmark standard misunderstanding that splits up the couple near the climax.
This is a great film to have on while folding laundry or cleaning house. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and ignore the insipid story-line.
The story was terrible. There was no conflict at all. Paul O'Brien's character is written poorly as a rival for Catherine's affections. We don't see why Catherine overworks in her ER doctor job, or why she is so attracted to working at working as a doctor in Fiji. And Fiji is such a paradise, apparently only surfers need medical attention. There isn't even the Hallmark standard misunderstanding that splits up the couple near the climax.
This is a great film to have on while folding laundry or cleaning house. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and ignore the insipid story-line.
Predictable & Boring
hilary_mae-912-805616 August 2018
Story lacks imagination; same cookie cutter schtick Hallmark puts out..movie...after movie...after painful movie. No imagination to the tale at all. Characters were dull as ditchwater although Catherine Bell's character was also really annoying. Her acting was forced. It's annoying that the fact she's a doctor comes up in each and every #!@!*! SENTENCE.
The only reprieve is the fabulous setting and view.
Something that Hallmark has taken to doing that is really annoying is to avoid people from showing they are aging, they are using technology to apply a light blur to everyone's faces. Idiotic notion and insulting to both the actors and the viewing audience.
The only reprieve is the fabulous setting and view.
Something that Hallmark has taken to doing that is really annoying is to avoid people from showing they are aging, they are using technology to apply a light blur to everyone's faces. Idiotic notion and insulting to both the actors and the viewing audience.
Did we watch the same movie?
rjbentley14 January 2022
Catherine Bell plays an EMERGENCY ROOM doctor - badly, but that isn't the point. Someone who went through roughly a decade of higher education to get where she is, and then sufficient OJT experience to earn her a shot at a far better position. Can I just say Emergency Room again? A job where you see people in the midst of the worst days of their lives, and it is your responsibility to not only keep them alive but sufficiently intact to enjoy it.
So... This computer-generated pap from Hallmark, however, is trying to convince us that she must throw that all away in order to link up the with deputy regional manager of a plastic-delights resort in Fiji.
I quit watching before the end credits, just in case we get a future shot of Bell barefoot and pregnant; just like JEEBUS demands! I hate this movie, and the people who forced me to watch most of it.
So... This computer-generated pap from Hallmark, however, is trying to convince us that she must throw that all away in order to link up the with deputy regional manager of a plastic-delights resort in Fiji.
I quit watching before the end credits, just in case we get a future shot of Bell barefoot and pregnant; just like JEEBUS demands! I hate this movie, and the people who forced me to watch most of it.
PARADISE SUNK
fionastaun3 September 2023
Shocker in Paradise. Catherine Bell as the lead, absolutely ruined this flimsy movie. She puts on a clipped and perky voice that grates at every cliche line. There's no depth to this character and it's hard to care if she falls in love or falls off a surfboard. And the director, who should have been launched from the pier, allowed her weird facial expressions to pass for emotion.
Trying to maintain a storyline while weighted by a flimsy lead proves an impossible task. Every scene becomes a chore.
Catherine Bell's character could have been an attractive boost for older actresses, but proves a flat cause.
Beautiful Fiji is the real star.
Trying to maintain a storyline while weighted by a flimsy lead proves an impossible task. Every scene becomes a chore.
Catherine Bell's character could have been an attractive boost for older actresses, but proves a flat cause.
Beautiful Fiji is the real star.
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