Any film and television series etc centered around food immediately has me sold. The culinary/restaurant setting has been done to death before and has been a common setting since, but anybody that loves food and loves to cook and always finds themselves salivating at different dishes on cookery competitions may find that that doesn't matter. Whenever Hallmark do this setting, it does vary in quality. Particularly in the storytelling and whether the characters are any good.
'Love on the Menu' is one of the food-centered Hallmark films that works and up there with the best of them. Have seen some food-centered Hallmark and Lifetime films over the past few months, especially the Christmas films, that have really not worked for reasons other than setting, but this felt like a refreshment in comparison to those. It is a treat for anybody that loves food and loves to cook and is not only a menu worth trying out but it is a tasty one. As far as 2019 Hallmark films go, 'Love on the Menu' is one of the better ones.
It is not perfect, have yet to see a Hallmark film that's perfect (even the best ones). The gourmet breakfast stuff was over-egged and did make me cringe a bit.
Do agree too that the ending felt rushed and abrupt.
Otherwise, 'Love on the Menu' is a winner. Autumn Reeser is endlessly engaging and has a lot of perky charm about her. Kavan Smith is very comfortable and easy going in his likeable role. Their chemistry is very genuine and never felt false or bland. It was great that it was not underused and didn't play fiddle to any conflict concerning the restaurant. Jordyn Ashley Olson is very charming and is not cutesy or bratty, actually thought she brought a good deal of heart to the film.
The restaurant setting is portrayed in a very affectionate way and the passion for food was clear, it is really made the most of and what happens behind the scenes is realistic. Any conflict is unforced and has some uncertainty that makes one root for things to be okay. The script is a mix of amusingly light hearted and heart warming sentiment, without being juvenile or too sentimental. The story is not an original one, but it has a lively energy, doesn't take itself too seriously while not treating it as joke and is cute. The characters are ones worth caring for and the film looks very nice and isn't over-scored.
Concluding, very tasty and fullfilling. 8/10.
'Love on the Menu' is one of the food-centered Hallmark films that works and up there with the best of them. Have seen some food-centered Hallmark and Lifetime films over the past few months, especially the Christmas films, that have really not worked for reasons other than setting, but this felt like a refreshment in comparison to those. It is a treat for anybody that loves food and loves to cook and is not only a menu worth trying out but it is a tasty one. As far as 2019 Hallmark films go, 'Love on the Menu' is one of the better ones.
It is not perfect, have yet to see a Hallmark film that's perfect (even the best ones). The gourmet breakfast stuff was over-egged and did make me cringe a bit.
Do agree too that the ending felt rushed and abrupt.
Otherwise, 'Love on the Menu' is a winner. Autumn Reeser is endlessly engaging and has a lot of perky charm about her. Kavan Smith is very comfortable and easy going in his likeable role. Their chemistry is very genuine and never felt false or bland. It was great that it was not underused and didn't play fiddle to any conflict concerning the restaurant. Jordyn Ashley Olson is very charming and is not cutesy or bratty, actually thought she brought a good deal of heart to the film.
The restaurant setting is portrayed in a very affectionate way and the passion for food was clear, it is really made the most of and what happens behind the scenes is realistic. Any conflict is unforced and has some uncertainty that makes one root for things to be okay. The script is a mix of amusingly light hearted and heart warming sentiment, without being juvenile or too sentimental. The story is not an original one, but it has a lively energy, doesn't take itself too seriously while not treating it as joke and is cute. The characters are ones worth caring for and the film looks very nice and isn't over-scored.
Concluding, very tasty and fullfilling. 8/10.