Love the movie and actors overall, but there was one thing I had a hard time getting over. Sam always had a little too much make-up and nice hairdo to be working on a ranch. Plus, the hat just did not look natural on her. (Just my opinion though)
39 Reviews
Little to no chemistry
tgctigerlily10 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a hardcore fan of Where the Heart Is. I like when Erin is more spunky, more of a spitfire. Her personality has changed on Where the Heart Is. She started out spunky but has become demure and passive as the show has gone on.
In this movie she's gotten her spunk back which is nice. Everyone calling her arrogant makes me wonder what they'd do if they saw REAL arrogance.
The romance was all cliche. Felt fake. Or forced. JR's personality seemed off. He started out the movie confident and assertive as the 'city slicker'. Suddenly on the ranch he's insecure, constantly seeking Sam's assurance, a bit needy, and totally clueless. I don't care how much of a city boy he may have been, he would have known more than the way they portrayed him. Seen lightening bugs, seen the stars, know you need kindling for a fire. It was very uncomfortable to see him so goofy and quirky, needy, and seeking her approval. Sucked really. But maybe I just prefer a more confident male hero...
And I agree with the other reviewer who pointed out the overtime and message to the movie felt anti-city and the only true happiness can be had in a small town...
The music was better than in a lot of Hallmark movies. Most Hallmark stuff has CONSTANT annoying music in the background in EVERY scene. This felt more like a real soundtrack. Not my favorite. But better than usual.
Scenery was GREAT. Beautiful. And
The romance was all cliche. Felt fake. Or forced. JR's personality seemed off. He started out the movie confident and assertive as the 'city slicker'. Suddenly on the ranch he's insecure, constantly seeking Sam's assurance, a bit needy, and totally clueless. I don't care how much of a city boy he may have been, he would have known more than the way they portrayed him. Seen lightening bugs, seen the stars, know you need kindling for a fire. It was very uncomfortable to see him so goofy and quirky, needy, and seeking her approval. Sucked really. But maybe I just prefer a more confident male hero...
And I agree with the other reviewer who pointed out the overtime and message to the movie felt anti-city and the only true happiness can be had in a small town...
The music was better than in a lot of Hallmark movies. Most Hallmark stuff has CONSTANT annoying music in the background in EVERY scene. This felt more like a real soundtrack. Not my favorite. But better than usual.
Scenery was GREAT. Beautiful. And
Erin Krakow looked too pretty to be a working ranch hand, but I was OK with that
MichaelByTheSea3 May 2022
Sure, it would have been more realistic if Erin Krakow looked like she got up at the crack of dawn, with little to no make up, and got sweaty and dirty as she really worked that ranch. And she probably would still have looked quite attractive. Either way, pretty actresses are one of the reasons I like Hallmark movies and I'm OK with a luminous looking Erin Krakow. Plus, once a handsome stranger showed up and was invited to stay, is it so hard to believe she might take a few extra minutes in the morning to feel good about how she looked? Most people have some level of vanity.
But if viewers want to discuss how realistic this movie was, that discussion should probably focus more on an assessment of what, exactly, the ranch did to be financially viable. There was no evidence of any apparent income streams. We were left to assume that, perhaps, horse owners paid to have their horses boarded there, but there was no indication that they ran riding lessons, held camps, functioned as a B&B, or ran any kind of income producing ranch operation. And milking a cow into a pail suggested this was no dairy farm.
Also, much was made of the fact that the ranch had been in the family for generations. And yet there was a mortgage? If the father had run low on operating capital, and needed a mortgage, one would think there would have been some sort of business plan before Erin Krakow took over and, apparently for the first time, started thinking about coming up with one.
And the hotshot Harvard grad, who made a presentation about acquiring the ranch to a large meeting with the board/officers/management of his father's apparently very successful business, somehow learned about the ranch's private financial affairs and that they were 3 months behind on the mortgage? That information doesn't just get posted online. It only becomes public when a lender records a notice of default and starts taking steps to foreclose on the property, and that process (which did not appear to have started) can take at least 5 months or more. And yet, in Hallmark World, everyone knows everyone else's finances and family businesses and homes often suddenly face foreclosure in a matter of hours or days after being given wildly insufficient notice. THAT'S unrealistic, annoying, and just a lazy writer's way to create conflict. As was the unannounced visit by two subordinates.
And a big NY company's merger and the success of its business somehow rested on the acquisition of a little ranch in the middle of nowhere with lousy cell service? Really? Talk about unrealistic.
And "camping" next to a small fire, without a tent, blankets, or sleeping bags, after hearing what they heard, during a cold Montana night? Really?
And I get frustrated with Hallmark's compressed timelines where people meet, fall in love, and make life changing plans because of that love, all in a matter of days. Would it be so hard to write a more believable story line? With maybe a few return visits? Stretched out over weeks and months instead of a few days? I've seen it done. In better Hallmark movies.
Still, despite all this lack of realism, the movie was a nice celebration of nature and small town kindness mixed in with a pleasant romance between 2 attractive and pleasant characters. For us Hallmark movie addicts, who like romantic movies with happy endings, much can be forgiven. But this was a 2nd tier offering.
But if viewers want to discuss how realistic this movie was, that discussion should probably focus more on an assessment of what, exactly, the ranch did to be financially viable. There was no evidence of any apparent income streams. We were left to assume that, perhaps, horse owners paid to have their horses boarded there, but there was no indication that they ran riding lessons, held camps, functioned as a B&B, or ran any kind of income producing ranch operation. And milking a cow into a pail suggested this was no dairy farm.
Also, much was made of the fact that the ranch had been in the family for generations. And yet there was a mortgage? If the father had run low on operating capital, and needed a mortgage, one would think there would have been some sort of business plan before Erin Krakow took over and, apparently for the first time, started thinking about coming up with one.
And the hotshot Harvard grad, who made a presentation about acquiring the ranch to a large meeting with the board/officers/management of his father's apparently very successful business, somehow learned about the ranch's private financial affairs and that they were 3 months behind on the mortgage? That information doesn't just get posted online. It only becomes public when a lender records a notice of default and starts taking steps to foreclose on the property, and that process (which did not appear to have started) can take at least 5 months or more. And yet, in Hallmark World, everyone knows everyone else's finances and family businesses and homes often suddenly face foreclosure in a matter of hours or days after being given wildly insufficient notice. THAT'S unrealistic, annoying, and just a lazy writer's way to create conflict. As was the unannounced visit by two subordinates.
And a big NY company's merger and the success of its business somehow rested on the acquisition of a little ranch in the middle of nowhere with lousy cell service? Really? Talk about unrealistic.
And "camping" next to a small fire, without a tent, blankets, or sleeping bags, after hearing what they heard, during a cold Montana night? Really?
And I get frustrated with Hallmark's compressed timelines where people meet, fall in love, and make life changing plans because of that love, all in a matter of days. Would it be so hard to write a more believable story line? With maybe a few return visits? Stretched out over weeks and months instead of a few days? I've seen it done. In better Hallmark movies.
Still, despite all this lack of realism, the movie was a nice celebration of nature and small town kindness mixed in with a pleasant romance between 2 attractive and pleasant characters. For us Hallmark movie addicts, who like romantic movies with happy endings, much can be forgiven. But this was a 2nd tier offering.
Life And Love On The Ranch
atlasmb4 October 2021
This Hallmark romance has a much-used plot: city slicker comes to the country where he meets a woman and encounters a way of life that transforms him. Still, I enjoyed this film, mostly because of its cast. Ryan Paevey plays the part of the New York suit, Richard Belmont, who sidles up to cowgirl Sam Walker, played by Erin Krakow.
When they first meet, Sam is suspicious of Richard's intentions. She is also dealing with existential financial decisions for her Bighorn ranch. Richard eventually warms to the cowboy way of life.
The manner in which director David Winning portrays the Bighorn lifestyle makes me want to live there myself. And that is, in large part, what makes this film so enjoyable.
When they first meet, Sam is suspicious of Richard's intentions. She is also dealing with existential financial decisions for her Bighorn ranch. Richard eventually warms to the cowboy way of life.
The manner in which director David Winning portrays the Bighorn lifestyle makes me want to live there myself. And that is, in large part, what makes this film so enjoyable.
A rant about make-up. This is not really about the movie.
rebekahrox9 July 2021
Erin Krakow plays a ranch woman in this movie who applies her make up like she is behind the cosmetic counter at Macy's. She brags that she gets up at 5am to do the chores. And one of those chores is getting her face on. In general I think most Hallmark actresses wear too much make-up. But at least many of the characters they play meet the public as shopkeepers, are on television, or have important jobs in big corporations where professional dress and at least an effort to keep up appearances is part of the image you want to project.
But a woman who does physical labor all day outdoors? Who in an average day only meets her 2 employees and their little girl? Why the 3 shades of eyeshadow, lipstick, and heavy blusher? Wasn't she afraid those false eyelashes put her in danger of toppling over into a haystack? And she has the nerve to mock Ryan Peavy for his inappropriate outfits? And call him a city slicker? Look in the mirror, lady. And what's with the tops that are so tight, she looks like she's going to bust out of them any second? Again, OK for some professions, like weather-girl or presenter on ESPN, but a rancher?
We've all rolled our eyes at old-timey historical dramas where the actresses' hair and makeup remain contemporary. Come on, Hallmark. This isn't Death Valley Days or Bonanza. We know better now, don't we? Many popular Hallmark actresses are rapidly approaching or have stepped over the 40 year old mark. That is not a bad thing, unless they are dealing with circumstances more in line with a 25 year old character. All the make-up does not disguise their age, it just emphasizes that they are trying to hide something. A natural fresh face=youth, to state the obvious.
Other than that, thanks to the gorgeous scenery and Ryan Peavy, this was a fairly pleasant diversion. Erin was OK. She is a pretty good actress despite her usual mannerisms. The plot was right out of the Hallmark "save the _______ from the big corporation" playbook.
But a woman who does physical labor all day outdoors? Who in an average day only meets her 2 employees and their little girl? Why the 3 shades of eyeshadow, lipstick, and heavy blusher? Wasn't she afraid those false eyelashes put her in danger of toppling over into a haystack? And she has the nerve to mock Ryan Peavy for his inappropriate outfits? And call him a city slicker? Look in the mirror, lady. And what's with the tops that are so tight, she looks like she's going to bust out of them any second? Again, OK for some professions, like weather-girl or presenter on ESPN, but a rancher?
We've all rolled our eyes at old-timey historical dramas where the actresses' hair and makeup remain contemporary. Come on, Hallmark. This isn't Death Valley Days or Bonanza. We know better now, don't we? Many popular Hallmark actresses are rapidly approaching or have stepped over the 40 year old mark. That is not a bad thing, unless they are dealing with circumstances more in line with a 25 year old character. All the make-up does not disguise their age, it just emphasizes that they are trying to hide something. A natural fresh face=youth, to state the obvious.
Other than that, thanks to the gorgeous scenery and Ryan Peavy, this was a fairly pleasant diversion. Erin was OK. She is a pretty good actress despite her usual mannerisms. The plot was right out of the Hallmark "save the _______ from the big corporation" playbook.
A wonderful movie
shadyyyyy5518 August 2019
Two strong performances
Lew77714 February 2020
No big surprises on the storyline. Hallmark loves to rehash previous stories & revamp them for different settings. This one was in beautiful Montana & the scenery was spectacular. The difference here was the great progress of Ryan Pavey's character from a city slicker businessman to one who embraces the outdoor ranch life. He gave a great performance & the chemistry between him & Erin Krakow was very believable. Like others have mentioned, a sequel must be commissioned real soon !
Charming stars make this better than average
phd_travel5 September 2019
Erin Krakow of When Calls the Heart plays a female rancher who has a struggling ranch. Her love interest is played by Hallmark regular Ryan Paevey as a city guy sent to buy the ranch. This plot is vaguely familiar. What makes this better than average is
the stars are charming and look good together. Their dialog doesn't feel forced or artificial. It's cute at times especially when she dresses him like a Ken Doll cowboy.
Okay for a watch.
Okay for a watch.
One watch is enough, but I'd still watch a sequel.
MIssM197 September 2019
We all have seen this plot before, it's nothing new. We all love Erin (can the name her Queen of Hallmark or something?) and Ryan always delivers with his characters. In fact, I believe he was the best part of the movie, watching him unfold this new side of Richard, learning that new lifestyle, and embracing it was fascinating, I just wish it was me doing all those things.
The scenery was beautiful. The chemistry was great. While I wouldn't watch it again, I would definitely watch a sequel: Sam and Richard developing this new idea of hers at the ranch.
The scenery was beautiful. The chemistry was great. While I wouldn't watch it again, I would definitely watch a sequel: Sam and Richard developing this new idea of hers at the ranch.
More annoying than romantic
jenrn-0972223 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I know why most people felt these characters had no chemistry. The entire movie was spent with the main female lead making fun of the "city slicker". She continually assigns him chores without helping him or explaining what to do to watch him fail. Amazingly he figures out how to muck stalls and milk cows with little to no instruction. The only person who helped him or was nice to him for the first half of the movie was the little girl. He must be a glutton for punishment, as he apparently falls for a girl who makes fun of him, belittles his upbringing because he's a "city boy", and patronizes him at every turn because he's new to being out in the country. That is why the romance is unbelievable. At 1:27 into the movie, she is STILL laughing at his awe of nature - and laughs at him for saying his embarrassing moment was having a client pay the lunch bill. She doesn't validate any of his feelings about his "city" experiences. Hard to buy into a love story when there's no sign of any "love". She is barely nice to him, and he falls in love with her?!? I don't thing so. This was very out of character for Hallmark. They need to fire the writers - this was an unbelievable story or at least very poorly edited. The actors seem to have no connection, but it's impossible to see any romance when she is busy smirking at his awkward attempts at ranch work and his enjoyment of country life. Once he makes his declaration of love of the ranch life and wanting to invest in her and her idea - that is the only time she seems to care about anything he does or says. The dance scene at the end of the movie is the only part that seems remotely romantic, and leaves the viewer feeling cheated out of a romance and disappointed. The story had a lot of potential, just really bad writing.
Great Movie that Deserves a Sequel
videonutz19 August 2019
Not terrible
jesusfreak-008815 September 2020
There are some amazing Hallmark movies and some abysmal hallmark movies. This is neither.
The set they use randomly for some of the outdoor scenes is strange, considering all they had to work with isn't nature. Also, Bighorn is a county in Montana, so one would assume their fictional town of Big Horn would be in that county - which is the Crow Reservation. In fact, Montana's diverse population has a large majority of Native Americans, and it's just wrong to see a film that doesn't reflect that (especially one set in a fictional town on a reservation...).
Finally, on the Montana side, some of the actors oddly employed southern accents. I know Montana is south of Canada, but we aren't southern. The main actors didn't do it, if anything they perfected that slight western drawl that you can find in small towns.
Naming the Sheriff "Lonny LAWson" was a little silly, too.
Other than their terrible research on the location, the story is cute. Erin Krakow does a great job as the reluctant ranch owner, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear she's been west. Ryan Paevy is one of Hallmark's weaker actors, but with the right costar he does better. He can be charming in this one. The story is sweet enough to earn higher marks in spite of its blatant insult to the state it's meant to be set in. (It's better than the Royal Hearts beginning set in Bozeman. Um, no).
Other than their terrible research on the location, the story is cute. Erin Krakow does a great job as the reluctant ranch owner, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear she's been west. Ryan Paevy is one of Hallmark's weaker actors, but with the right costar he does better. He can be charming in this one. The story is sweet enough to earn higher marks in spite of its blatant insult to the state it's meant to be set in. (It's better than the Royal Hearts beginning set in Bozeman. Um, no).
Sweet small town Montana ranch romance
cgvsluis4 August 2021
This is a sweet hallmark romance between actors Erin Krakow and Ryan Paevey of When calls the Heart and General Hospital fame. Ryan Paevey plays Richard or Just Richard (no nickname...nicknamed JR), who comes to convince Sam Walker, the owner of a beautiful but indebted Montana ranch to sell to his family run development company in order for them to level it to make two luxury golf courses with a mall in the middle (why would anyone want to go to the middle of Montana for that?). Much to JR's surprise, Sam is a woman...played by Erin Krakow. Sam has her own ideas about how to save her family's ranch...involving turning it into a Dude Ranch. One problem...she doesn't know how to write up a business plan and just when you think Sam and JR are finally on the same page, his employees show up with the news that JR's company has not only purchased the mortgage for the ranch from the bank and are calling it due, but they are stealing her Dude Ranch idea as well!
Classic Hallmark City learning to appreciate the country...and Ryan Paevey not only looks good on a horse, but in cowboy duds as well.
Lighthearted and sweet with some hardworking follow through cowboy advice and scenic countryside to go along with it.
I don't know if it is truly Harvard level advice, but I liked the idea of tossing a coin and then catching it mid-air and going with what you were hoping for before it landed.
Classic Hallmark City learning to appreciate the country...and Ryan Paevey not only looks good on a horse, but in cowboy duds as well.
Lighthearted and sweet with some hardworking follow through cowboy advice and scenic countryside to go along with it.
I don't know if it is truly Harvard level advice, but I liked the idea of tossing a coin and then catching it mid-air and going with what you were hoping for before it landed.
Rehash of old used-up tropes but good leads
Jackbv12318 August 2019
This story in this movie is an uninspiring mish-mash of tropes we've already seen too many times which also means it is utterly predictable. How many times have we seen the wall-street baron waltz in and clash with the pretty heroine whose family ranch (or any other fill-in-the-blank family business) is in jeopardy because of debt? One, or in this case both, characters appear a little arrogant at first and proceed to try to show-up one another. In this case, the cruel Richard really isn't that mean as we see by an a brief early scene his generosity. Sam brands him with the nickname JR intending to belittle him, but he takes it in stride. We all know what happens next and for that matter all the way through to the end.
One new concept in the story that I liked was the cowboy code which may or may not have been made up, but it was the one thing in the story that stood out.
For most people, this movie will come down to how they appreciate the performances of Erin Krakow and Ryan Paevey. With these two Hallmark veterans, there is a good chance to save the movie just based on watching their relationship. Paevey and Krakow sync and it is enjoyable as far as that goes. As a man, I love Krakow and I wish I thought her acting was stellar, but I see too many of her patented expressions over and over in everything she does. Krakow achieves her goal, at least for me, but it is more of a passive effort rather than exciting. Paevey was his usual. I felt sorry for Lucie Guest, whom I have always loved as a supporting actress. Her role, as well as the other corporate assistant, was totally undemanding and was even a bit sad in its futility.
This is not the first time that I, along with many other reviewers, wonder if Hallmark has sacrificed quality for quantity by presenting a new production every week. They have lost any freshness especially in the stories and dialog. I'm sure most of these movies are more appealing to those who don't watch them all but merely sample them from time to time.
One new concept in the story that I liked was the cowboy code which may or may not have been made up, but it was the one thing in the story that stood out.
For most people, this movie will come down to how they appreciate the performances of Erin Krakow and Ryan Paevey. With these two Hallmark veterans, there is a good chance to save the movie just based on watching their relationship. Paevey and Krakow sync and it is enjoyable as far as that goes. As a man, I love Krakow and I wish I thought her acting was stellar, but I see too many of her patented expressions over and over in everything she does. Krakow achieves her goal, at least for me, but it is more of a passive effort rather than exciting. Paevey was his usual. I felt sorry for Lucie Guest, whom I have always loved as a supporting actress. Her role, as well as the other corporate assistant, was totally undemanding and was even a bit sad in its futility.
This is not the first time that I, along with many other reviewers, wonder if Hallmark has sacrificed quality for quantity by presenting a new production every week. They have lost any freshness especially in the stories and dialog. I'm sure most of these movies are more appealing to those who don't watch them all but merely sample them from time to time.
Where is this place?!!
CJ201920 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A Summer Romance had some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever viewed in a movie! Kind of looks like a Bob Ross painting that came to life - love it!
(I did find out it was filmed in Vancouver).
Actors were a little dry but I like them both, just was hoping for a bit more personality. Maybe a funny horse riding scene? For a guy who only rode a horse once when he was 10, he masters this task quickly. Same with milking the cow. It's worth watching the movie for the scenic beauty.
High ratings for a reason
instazome30 August 2019
Hallmark movie, two strangers clash then bond, a familiar formula.
TxMike25 July 2020
My wife and I enjoy the occasional Hallmark movie, they are sweet stories with no foul language, no killings, and the closest they come to sex is touching hands while on two blankets out in the wilderness.
Erin Krakow has become Miss Hallmark, here she is Samantha Walker, friends call her Sam, and after her dad died she became the owner and operator of a beautiful 2500 acre ranch in Montana (actually filmed in British Columbia). But the ranch is struggling and her mortgage is in arrears.
A development company knows this and have their sights on the land to develop a resort and golf courses. So young and handsome, Harvard educated son of the owner flies his own plane from New York, lands to find out the runway will be reworked so he has to spend a few days in the area. The only hotel is full for a yearly festival so he is invited to stay in the guest house on the ranch. He tries right away to buy the ranch from Sam, she says she has other possibilities in mind.
All that happens early in the movie, most of the run time is the two getting to know each other. Even though it begins abrasively we know they will warm up to each other and mutually find a way to save the ranch.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library, we enjoyed it as a nice, well-made typical Hallmark movie.
Erin Krakow has become Miss Hallmark, here she is Samantha Walker, friends call her Sam, and after her dad died she became the owner and operator of a beautiful 2500 acre ranch in Montana (actually filmed in British Columbia). But the ranch is struggling and her mortgage is in arrears.
A development company knows this and have their sights on the land to develop a resort and golf courses. So young and handsome, Harvard educated son of the owner flies his own plane from New York, lands to find out the runway will be reworked so he has to spend a few days in the area. The only hotel is full for a yearly festival so he is invited to stay in the guest house on the ranch. He tries right away to buy the ranch from Sam, she says she has other possibilities in mind.
All that happens early in the movie, most of the run time is the two getting to know each other. Even though it begins abrasively we know they will warm up to each other and mutually find a way to save the ranch.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library, we enjoyed it as a nice, well-made typical Hallmark movie.
Summer love on the ranch
TheLittleSongbird18 December 2021
Have not liked Erin Krakow and Ryan Paevey in every role they've been in, and the characters themselves contribute hugely to that problem, but when they are good they are very winning. Both of them have hit and miss filmographies, with most being watchable. Was very interested in seeing how they would work together chemistry-wise, as their styles of acting are quite different with Paevey being more laid back. Only liked 'Love and Sunshine' of the previous 2019 Summer Nights films (reviews to come soon), while being mixed on the others.
'A Summer Romance' is one of the better 2019 Summer Nights films in my view. It is nothing special in terms of the basic story and it is one of those films that is not hard to criticise, but there was a lot that was appealing about 'A Summer Romance'. A great film it is not, but it is also a long way from terrible in my view, somewhere around high middle in ranking Hallmark's films for that year, which was a very up and down year one (especially the Christmas output).
Story wise, 'A Summer Romance' is very formulaic, with everything in the story pretty much mapping out exactly as one would expect from any Hallmark film set on a ranch. Hallmark films tend to finish too neatly and 'A Summer Romance' is not an exception.
Did find too that the editing was at times choppy, so there was a bit of a jumping about feel at times. Krakow's character took a little while to warm to, coming over as on the self-absorbed side to begin with.
Krakow however looks glowing and gives a very charming performance that warms and charms the more her character grows and softens. Paevey has the more interesting and more consistent character, the character that develops the most, and there is an easy going natural charm in his performance without being too laid back. While the two don't scintillate together, the chemistry between them seemed genuine and the relationship is not rushed or underused. Any conflict is less contrived than usual.
The supporting cast are solid, though did wish that Lucie Guest had a bigger and better written role. The characters are typical but are not ciphers and they neither bore or irritate. The script doesn't come over as too cheesy or schmaltzy and is both fun and sincere. The story is far from special, but it goes at a good pace and is heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. The music fits nicely and isn't used too much or overpowers, while the direction is well above routine level. Other than the leads, the best thing about 'A Summer Romance' is the production values, which are beautiful to look at. Despite the lack of authenticity, the scenery is still breath-taking.
Overall, not a wow worthy film but a nice diversion. 6.5/10.
'A Summer Romance' is one of the better 2019 Summer Nights films in my view. It is nothing special in terms of the basic story and it is one of those films that is not hard to criticise, but there was a lot that was appealing about 'A Summer Romance'. A great film it is not, but it is also a long way from terrible in my view, somewhere around high middle in ranking Hallmark's films for that year, which was a very up and down year one (especially the Christmas output).
Story wise, 'A Summer Romance' is very formulaic, with everything in the story pretty much mapping out exactly as one would expect from any Hallmark film set on a ranch. Hallmark films tend to finish too neatly and 'A Summer Romance' is not an exception.
Did find too that the editing was at times choppy, so there was a bit of a jumping about feel at times. Krakow's character took a little while to warm to, coming over as on the self-absorbed side to begin with.
Krakow however looks glowing and gives a very charming performance that warms and charms the more her character grows and softens. Paevey has the more interesting and more consistent character, the character that develops the most, and there is an easy going natural charm in his performance without being too laid back. While the two don't scintillate together, the chemistry between them seemed genuine and the relationship is not rushed or underused. Any conflict is less contrived than usual.
The supporting cast are solid, though did wish that Lucie Guest had a bigger and better written role. The characters are typical but are not ciphers and they neither bore or irritate. The script doesn't come over as too cheesy or schmaltzy and is both fun and sincere. The story is far from special, but it goes at a good pace and is heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. The music fits nicely and isn't used too much or overpowers, while the direction is well above routine level. Other than the leads, the best thing about 'A Summer Romance' is the production values, which are beautiful to look at. Despite the lack of authenticity, the scenery is still breath-taking.
Overall, not a wow worthy film but a nice diversion. 6.5/10.
Great Movie
mjpatterson-2008510 December 2019
An above standard Hallmark Movie
rosey-146 September 2020
A little flat
julescaroline21 August 2019
Wonderful
kris_love_slavi14 January 2021
I liked the movie, but ...
VetteRanger28 May 2023
I liked the movie, but ... the plot is simply too derivative.
Big city person goes to country ranch/lodge/hotel to take it over and falls in love with the place and a principal owner. In short, goes native.
We've seen this same story MANY times over the years in Hallmark movies.
I'll have to say that we enjoyed this version of it. We like both of the romantic leads, and the scenery was beautiful. They did a decent job of providing shared screen time and chemistry between the leads.
A couple of problems. The property looks far two modern and immaculate for a four-generation property having cash flow problems. Second, a lady ranch owner who works the place every day has flawless makeup on? I don't think so. Even the little girl had heavy makeup on. The makeup people on this failed ... because you CAN do camera ready makeup that doesn't look like heavy everyday makeup.
Big city person goes to country ranch/lodge/hotel to take it over and falls in love with the place and a principal owner. In short, goes native.
We've seen this same story MANY times over the years in Hallmark movies.
I'll have to say that we enjoyed this version of it. We like both of the romantic leads, and the scenery was beautiful. They did a decent job of providing shared screen time and chemistry between the leads.
A couple of problems. The property looks far two modern and immaculate for a four-generation property having cash flow problems. Second, a lady ranch owner who works the place every day has flawless makeup on? I don't think so. Even the little girl had heavy makeup on. The makeup people on this failed ... because you CAN do camera ready makeup that doesn't look like heavy everyday makeup.
Just horrible
Feisty-Watcher5 March 2020
Like others have mentioned here, it's the same story about the wealthy, greedy city guy who travels to a small town to buy a struggling family business ran by an arrogant, know-it-all woman who refuses help even when she hits bottom. We know how it will end, but that's not the main problem with this movie. It turns out, the greedy city guy is actually the nicest person of that bunch. The little girl is also a nice addition, but like the lead female character, she is just too neat for a cowboy girl. Just not believable. The lead actress is terrible, very robotic. It also bothered me that she wears too much makeup, and her clothes and hair are always impeccable. I'm not a ranch person, but I would imagine that if you run a ranch, at some point, you will get your hands and clothes dirty. Where is the mud? Where is the sweat? Where is the messy hair? The male lead actor seems to be the only one not reading his lines. He brings life and genuine emotion to this ridiculous movie. I was only able to watch it until the end because of him. It's highly unlikely that a rancher (or any business owner for that matter) would make a total stranger (greedy city developer or not) work on their ranch with the sole purpose of teaching them a lesson. The arrogance of that woman! Besides, there was zero chemistry between the two leads. I wished Richard would get on his plane and go back to the city, where maybe he could find real humans he could interact with. But in Halmark world, only small towns have good people. And only in small towns hold the key to happiness and love. Give me a break! 10 stars for the beautiful scenery.
Great movie
jennyelaine-0368529 September 2019
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