Chick flicks of the romantic variety are catnip at my house. My mother and I seem to (maybe too often – or is there such a thing?) indulge in them frequently. None are more enjoyable than those we discover on the Hallmark Channel.
All Things Valentine (2016) Hallmark Review
Working with a kind of mask in place as an advice columnist has provided a sort of safety net for Avery (Sarah Rafferty). Like today. After her heart is broken, on the worst possible day (Valentine’s Day), she advises one of her readers to move on. The guy she’s dating isn’t likely to be Mr. Right, she says. This all changes when Avery is tasked to write a series of “All Things Valentine” columns. All is well until one reader takes issue with her columns, and begins to debate Avery’s “advice” in the comments.
As she tries to ignore the skeptic, she meets the charming Brendan Bates (Sam Page), a veterinarian who has just broken up with his girlfriend. As the two navigate the start of something new, they navigate around their shared wariness of Valentine’s Day and discover they both have things to learn; about themselves and each other.
TV MOVIE REVIEW | Dater’s Handbook (2016): Witty and Sparkling Romantic Comedy starring Meghan Markle
Seeing a new movie premiere on this channel is always a treat, but when it features an actress I like, that’s icing on the cake. All Things Valentine has Sarah Rafferty from the entertaining USA Network show Suits. On it, she plays a confident career woman named Donna who knows everything (believe me, she virtually does). On this, her role isn’t so different except unlike Donna she’s more of an emotional wreck. Not only did I enjoy Sarah in this role, Sam and her play off each other well, and we get to see the familiar face of Kimberley Sustad (Nine Lives of Christmas) and Jeremy Guilbaut (My Boyfriends Dogs).
Though the scripting isn’t as sharp as its sister premiere Dater’s Handbook, ‘Valentine’ is still a charming bit of chick flick charm. The sweet story cues and what developes between Avery and Brendan will make you smile throughout; and of course, the subplots are also good old-fashioned fun. When it all comes down to it, naturally I give this new flick two thumbs up. It’s all the things a charmer of a valentine story should be. And then some. ♥
#Suit's Sarah Rafferty co-stars with Sam Page in #Hallmark's romance, All Things #Valentine - Advice vs Adversaries Collide in this Romance Click To Tweet
Photos: Hallmark
Thanks again for spotlighting yet another wonderful Hallmark film; I cannot tell you how much I ended up enjoying this adorable piece of entertainment! The interactions between Avery and Brendan hit all the right notes for me, that delightful awkwardness and hopefulness present at the start of a possible new romance on full display (I especially loved their dancing lesson followed by the cutest hand-holding moment I've ever seen, as well as how they kept making up excuses to see each other again).
Avery's relationship with her family was also a joy to see, not to mention her little nephew's sub-plot, which was just crazy adorable! Another thing I liked was that Brandon's ex wasn't some quick cameo, but a fleshed out character with an active part in the story. Oh, and the secondary romance between Pru and Brendan's best friend was also a very sweet addition!
All in all, an hour and a half well spent that left me wearing the biggest grin! I can't thank you enough for introducing me to the wonderful world of Hallmark movies.
God Bless
Eleanor Rose
My pleasure, Eleanor; I have too much fun with these and if my Blogger stats are any indication, they're some of the blog's most popularly viewed posts. So… I keep going. ;)
I too loved Avery and Brendan's blossoming friendship. Any hand-holding scene ranks high for me – they're just so cute, and most often more romantic than anything else. (My mother's favorite scene is at the end of Four Feathers which involves hand-holding and really, it's perfect for that movie.)
What excellent points you make. The ex subplot was very well done. She enjoyed some great development and in some sense, healing. And the nephew? How adorable was he!?
This is definitely one I'm going to snag on DVD once (being optimistic!) it arrives. Here's hoping. :)