I hardly ever watch any Hallmark productions so my expectations were really low. Sure there is a number of cliché and cheesy aspects but the actors are the ones who really gave this production much more than what these kinds of productions normally get for the money they pay. Or maybe Hallmark was paying better for this one?
Bethany Joy Lenz carved out a few almost monological scenes, so one might say that director also deserves kudos for having a ear for a slightly different approach when and actor brought it and not forcing everyone into an "ensemble" routine. Grace Beedie also managed to carve out, let's say a few solos and a few other created sparkling miniatures.
That's what gave this flick the quality that other people called, fun, witty, quirky - the sense of character's individuality which is rare and not usually expected in this kind of production.
Robert Wisden delivered very good support, almost prefect segue for others to shine when they could, and wanted to. A few others were not up to the (unexpected) higher standard. Victor Webster and Paula Shaw, almost unwatchable, Laura Soltis plain routine going on cheesy.
Now I'd like to see Bethany Joy Lenz and Grace Beedie doing something together, but with much better script, direction and production.
Bethany Joy Lenz carved out a few almost monological scenes, so one might say that director also deserves kudos for having a ear for a slightly different approach when and actor brought it and not forcing everyone into an "ensemble" routine. Grace Beedie also managed to carve out, let's say a few solos and a few other created sparkling miniatures.
That's what gave this flick the quality that other people called, fun, witty, quirky - the sense of character's individuality which is rare and not usually expected in this kind of production.
Robert Wisden delivered very good support, almost prefect segue for others to shine when they could, and wanted to. A few others were not up to the (unexpected) higher standard. Victor Webster and Paula Shaw, almost unwatchable, Laura Soltis plain routine going on cheesy.
Now I'd like to see Bethany Joy Lenz and Grace Beedie doing something together, but with much better script, direction and production.