‘The Memory Book’: Two Love Stories Collide

by 

This telefilm snagged my attention for two reasons. First, it was a part of a favorite networks 2014 lineup and secondly, it features a familiar face; a Once Upon a Time alum. When I had the chance to see The Memory Book, I didn’t hesitate – in fact, I made time to see it. 

The Memory Book (2014) Hallmark TV Film Review

Life for Chloe Sullivan (Meghan Ory) is safe. She isn’t the kind of girl who buys into forever love. Instead of finding joy in people, Chloe views the world more bleakly through the lens of her camera. There she captures stone structures rather than happy expressions. But all of this is before she meets Gabe (Luke Macfarlane). A lawyer-turned-bartender-turned-wannabe-chef, Gabe is the kind of guy lives life – and not just safely, but actually takes chances. When Chloe finds an old scrapbook full of the kind of memories she cannot imagine, her journey to find the owners puts her again in the path of Gabe. Much to her annoyance, somehow he’s the one guy who does manage to make an impact on her…

Every once in a while a TV film comes along that separates itself from the rest of the pack and for me this is The Memory Book. Sure, it’s still a happy-go-lucky “cute” dish of happy circumstances, but it’s a Saturday-night-staying-in kind of flick that “has style.” On occasion (rare though it is), the conviction with which Chloe searches for the memory book owners does come off as a bit off-putting. Not because it isn’t admirable or because it doesn’t make for a charming story, more because knowing who she is, we wonder why she has to piece the riddle together in order to justify what the outcome of her life may be. Aside from this minor complaint, I really cannot think of anything else. The writing is snappy, but oh my, the leading couple…!  

From the moment we see their “meet cute,” the silly grinning came easily, and I knew this was going to be my kind of movie. The banter between these two is darling. Or maybe it’s just the “natural” ebb and flow of their dialogue or could it be that for once both leading roles were filled to perfection? I don’t know what the secret ingredient is, honestly. Whatever, it’ a ton of fun to experience and something that is hard not to get caught up in because of it. Beyond this, there is a nice story running parallel to Chloe and Gabe’s that works nicely with the “bigger picture.”  

‘The Memory Book’: Two Love Stories Collide. A review of the 2014 Hallmark Movie original with Meghan Ory (Chesapeake Shores). Text © Rissi JC

The acting is good as I have already alluded to in my earlier gushing and there are a couple of veteran superstars that will pop up. Filming isn’t half bad and whatever is said (as regards her character), I liked Chloe’s work. Seeing her views of life through the lens was a cool, artistic addition that works seamlessly into the plot. If you like Nicholas Sparks-esque stories (albeit ones that take a lighter approach to romance) or movie’s that have a “complete package” kind of ending, be sure to make time for this. It’s easily one of my favorite dramedies of this year.  

If you watched this, I’d love to hear your thoughts. The comment section is yours. 

‘The Memory Book’: Two Love Stories Collide. A review of the 2014 dramedy with Meghan Ory (#OnceUponaTime). @HallmarkChannel #ReviewArchives #Movies #Throwback #Hallmarkies #Oncers Click To Tweet

Content: there’s nothing of note to mention.

Photos: Hallmark / Crown Media Press

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

18 comments

  1. Great review! It sounds awesome and now I can't wait to see it.

    BTW: it premieres on July 26th! Not on the 19th.

  2. I have been a huge fan of Meghan Ory ever since OUAT and Intelligence! Thanks for this great review, it sounds like my kind of movie! Recording now… :)

    1. It was SO cute, Bekah. Hope you like it and you know what, I cannot wait to see Meghan in Intelligence (forgot about that); hopefully, despite it's short run, it'll come to DVD. *fingers crossed* :)

  3. This sounds so cute! I just love banter-y, light romance, and I'm sad I don't get the Hallmark Movie Channel. I really like(d?) Meghan Ory on OUaT, so I'm glad to see she's in other stuff. That first picture is giving me goofy grins! :) Great review, Rissi!

    1. Hi, Rachel; as always glad to see you over here. :) Yes, this one was darling and if you like this kind of rom-com, then this is one to keep an eye out for. I'll have to notice if it goes up on iTunes, or just cross my fingers it'll come to DVD for you to check out – and Meghan does a great job.

      Yay for goofy grins; those are the best! :)

    1. I'm over here crossing my fingers these will both come to DVD – or check iTunes for The Color of Rain. Hope you can see this one, too, because, well, it's SO cute. :)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

(Enter your URL then click here to include a link to one of your blog posts.)

Optimized by Optimole