Coffee Shop (2014) User Reviews

Bittersweet

[writeguyr · 5/10 · 23 November 2017]

The story was recycled from other movie ideas and the scenes moved very slow. The continuous monotonous piano music from the film's sound track was irritating.

The lead character Lauren Vandervoort as Donovan owner of a coffee shop, is struggling with lost love and a struggling business, She is a mesmerizing beauty. WOW! Is she ever gorgeous and cute. She looks a lot like a younger Charlize Theron. The camera really loves her or maybe so did the cameraman. She is definitely the woman that every guy would love to take home to meet the parents.

Cory M. Grant (related to Cary Grant?) is the struggling writer who falls for Donovan. While watching this movie I could not help notice the striking resemblance Cory has with a young Rick Hudson. With Cory's hair combed back and clean shaven he could play Rock Hudson in a bio picture about the movie star Rock Hudson. ARE YOU READING THIS CASTING DIRECTORS?!! So the story not so interesting, but very interesting watching these two young actors that have a lot of potential for their future in film!

Look, It's Kinda Sweet

[cayenneSF · 6/10 · 15 August 2017]

It's a light play, and a reasonably predictable story arc. Think "It's A Wonderful Life ... Light" The actors are attractive and likable.

Better than Hallmark. Way better than Lifetime. Filmed in Alabama, but with no accents.

Have a cup of tea, watch it while you're folding laundry or something.

Watchable, anything with Laura Vandervoort is worth a look.

[Onetrack97 · 7/10 · 5 January 2019]

Yes, the plot is weak and predictable.

But I could watch Laura read the phone book, if they still existed.

Decent RomCom.

Definitely feel good entertainment!

[deborahluper · 3 October 2017]

I watch movies so that I can escape my world for a few moments and feel good. Life's stresses and challenges can bring you down. And a good movie helps you lift yourself back up so that you can conquer a new day. I very much enjoyed this movie as I can identify with all the characters, and celebrate the positive moments in life. There was nothing in this movie that depressed me or brought me down. I was not forced to contemplate someone else's political views or life's cruel twists of fate. It left me hopeful and rejuvenated, just what I needed!

I thought the acting was excellent and very convincing. Both of the leads did an excellent job, and the supporting cast was excellent as well.

<3

[wire_608 · 7/10 · 27 September 2018]

Rachel and Jason working together again!! thats the best thing ever!

Promise unfulfilled

[Ponticar · 3/10 · 19 August 2017]

Going in to this movie, I wasn't really expecting much, so in that sense the movie delivered on its promise. But the synopsis, while simple enough, made me think it would at least be a bit entertaining. Not so much. It was like painting a room beige: nothing wrong with it exactly, but not really satisfying either. The coffee shop set is actually the best part of the movie, it looks like every coffee shop should look. But there are several things that just made this unsatisfying. The characters were so stereotyped that they looked like they stepped onto the stage of a high school play. The plot was simple to the point of being uninteresting. If so many people would show up for Donovan's fundraiser and tribute then why didn't she have more customers so her shop wouldn't be in financial trouble in the first place? At the tribute supposedly everyone was going on and on about her good qualities as a person, but at no time in the movie were any of these actually displayed through her actions. She was obviously lip-synching during the song, but my real pet peeve about this movie was this: the movie took place in a small town in Alabama (you could read the state name on the top of her foreclosure notice) yet not one single person in the whole movie had a southern accent. Not a single one. It could have just as easily taken place in Iowa except for the oceanfront scenes. That isn't really a small detail, it just fits in with the whole feel of the movie, one that looks like it didn't really try too hard to put any depth into the plot. And there was the kernel of a good plot there, but it was wasted. I would not advise spending time watching this unless you are having trouble falling asleep.

The Same, Yet Different

[rebekahrox · 7/10 · 26 January 2022]

This little 2014 movie had a very different vibe from the usual Hallmark or other movies being produced today, so it was already a leg up with me. I think it was probably produced for a Christian production company because there were several references to God, or the Bible, or Christian faith. Other than those those gratuitous references, there was no other indication that faith or religion had much of an impact on their lives. So it was great for people who are affirmed by that sort of thing, but it was not intrusive.

The film started with a voice over by the heroine by way of exposition of her dating trials and tribulations after a break up with her "perfect" boyfriend. The beautiful Laura Vandervoort plays Donovan, the beloved owner of a beloved coffee shop on the verge of foreclosure. After an scary and unpleasant meeting with her banker, played by Jon Lovitz, she sees him talking with a stranger, Ben, and thinks they are in cahoots. In reality, Ben is a once successful playwright who is struggling to write another successful play after two failures. He is visiting his good friend who happens to be Donovan's sister's boyfriend. Because of the mistaken identity, Donovan treats Ben very rudely much to his bewilderment. He is just meeting his friend for a cup of coffee and he is being treated like he is a hostile invader. It's a funny scene and well played.

We know right away that Ben is the love interest. He is very cute and likable, they just had a "meet cute", and he really gets Donovan. She is trying to re-establish her lovelife but she is subverting her own personality in order to please her dates, rather than just being honest about her own likes. He sees this right away. After a rough beginning, and despite her sister who doesn't trust him for some reason, they start to fall in love.

He soon has some competition in her ex-boyfriend who has slimeball written all over him. He has come back to town to ostensibly woo her back but really to help the banker sell her coffee shop to one of his big city clients. Betrayal!

I enjoyed this. Although it was very simple and predictable love story, it had really nice warm cinematography and a cozy, intimate appeal. There were no silly scenes or gratuitous montages that only serve as a substitute for story-telling. The secondary characters had their own little stories and nicely sketched in personalities. There was suspense and anticipation as to what would transpire and how the inevitable happy ending would come about. At the end, we get Laura's voice over again which wraps up the story nicely. And even a breaking of the fourth wall with a little wink at the audience by Laura. It was an unusual touch and I though it was charming.

Cringy

[myNamJef · 4/10 · 8 June 2018]

Simply put, the thought that constantly comes to mind is "nobody in real life talks like this"; unrealistic dialogue. Also, there is very cheesy music used multiple times that make this seem like more of an anti-depressant commercial than a movie.

Simple, pleasant entertainment

[Dan-121 · 8/10 · 19 April 2015]

As made-for-TV romantic comedies go, this is one of the better ones that I have seen. The story is simple but surprisingly smart and even realistic. The characters all feel genuine.

Basically, the story revolves around Donavan, a coffee shop owner, who has been unlucky in love. Just when her shop faces the threat of foreclosure, she meets Ben, a playwright who is in town, at the invitation of a mutual acquaintance, looking for inspiration for his next play. After an awkward but amusing misunderstanding between the two, sparks begin to fly. However, before anything further develops, Donavan's ex, Patrick, returns to town. Patrick is back in town to help Donavan with her financial troubles with the hopes of rekindling his relationship with Donavan. Meanwhile, with each encounter with Donavan in town, Ben finds himself increasingly unable to resist Donavan's charm. Will Donavan end up with Patrick or Ben?

The handsome Cory M. Grant and beautiful Laura Vandervoort are amiable and there is sufficiently palpable chemistry between the two to make this movie an enjoyable watch. The supporting cast is also good without any clichéd characters. All in all, this is a simple and pleasantly entertaining romantic movie. 8 out of 10

A movie you'll expect it to be

[nab-shr · 6/10 · 23 June 2020]

It's a perfect perfect movie. A very feel good movie. It's a place where you can find it only in a movie like this. I know, I know that this may be a movie with a very stale plot where you know the end just from the beginning. But once in a while we long to see these kind of movies other than the movies with thick plots and nonstop fighting and cutting edge vfx and Hollywood style editing. I know that we can find these kind of plot in every Mike and Garry's novels, stories, b movies etc. But every now and then when we give ourselves some time to see these kind of movies, it makes our dream alive. Those dream we dreamt, when we were young. I know that in the 21st century anyone can cook, but after Fourty, the hip starts to break and the enthusiasm dies. And when we get to see these kind of movie, it gives us some kind of consolation, even though it may be false. Sometime it is very good to live in false hope. Thanks for the entire team for continuing to bring these kind of movies.

Didnt reach its potential

[linda-plant2 · 4/10 · 9 August 2020]

The storyline was good, but it didn't go anywhere. Kevin Sorbo I can always watch, but right at the end the vitriol coming from the lead female, egged on by her sister was so out of syrupy sweet character. "You dont belong in this town !" wow ! strong stuff, then he declares his love. He should have retaliated and walked out after her outburst .

Sweet, likeable romantic comedy

[sabrinaroberts-81172 · 9/10 · 27 May 2018]

I enjoyed watching this movie because of its sweetness and general feel-good vibes. If you are looking for an epic movie that will be remembered throughout all time... this is not for you. But if you are looking for an easy to watch, romantic and slightly cheesy movie for a girls night-in... this is just right!

Flawed but ok

[harnikisdumb · 6/10 · 17 January 2020]

It was flawed but offered a is still interesting the movie could have been done better

Coffee Ground

[SuperVillainTX · 1/10 · 30 August 2017]

I don't mind made for TV Movie romantic movies. However, I have seen better. The cast are attractive and I like the night shots with the party lights and overall the ambiance. However, I never quite felt (and subsequently couldn't buy) the romantic leads connection. The sister of the lead is a C U Next Tuesday that acts atrociously towards the lead male and I couldn't wait for her to get her just desserts! Alas, this never happens and not so much as an apology or even and acknowledgment that he was a decent guy. That let me down. Don't make horrible characters without the audience getting some sort of vindication. This film leaves none. Also, this film follows the Hollywood (or is it Hallmark Channel) formula of romantic interests butt heads, get along, fall in love, and the girl feels betrayed in last 15 minutes and then everything is unsatisfactorily resolved at 2 minutes left. This film also goes right along with the formula of that the guy ends up apologizing for some non-issue at the end. The girl is always right is the moral of these stories and this film is no exception. However, this one leaves not much connection between the main characters and the way the lead woman is so angered, I don't see how she just suddenly goes, "Okay, I'm over it, let's have coffee and kids!"

Ligh romantic comedy

[bettycjung · 11 June 2018]

6/6/18. This is a very light romantic comedy. Doesn't require too much on the viewer's part to see what's going on. In other words, you don't have to invest too much of your emotional life in what's going on with the characters. You may say, "Aw, that was sweet" once or twice.

predictable.

[ksf-2 · 6/10 · 15 August 2023]

Donavan ( vandervoort) is single again, after her boyfriend moved away. She runs a coffee shop, but the mortgage payments are more than she can handle. And miller (lovitz) now owns her mortgage. And she's about to lose it. Can she come up with a way to save her business? Her ex wants to help, but he's more trouble than help. She meets the new guy in town, but she isn't sure of his motives. So much serious, mournful piano music. And when vandervoort lip synchs, her lips aren't even close to the words of the song being sung. Some religious words here and there. Kind of a hokey, very hallmark-y ending. It felt a bit rushed and manufactured. It's watchable, nothing too remarkable.

Weak, Sappy Script

[docshaqua-579-17107 · 2/10 · 5 August 2017]

Makes the writing of Nicholas Sparks read like Shakespeare compared to the screenwriter (I use the term loosely) of this fiasco. Everything about this script is adolescent, trite and predicable. Religious overtones only make the story worse, not better. The fact that this film got made certainly does prove the line in the movie "that God works in mysterious ways."

Lauren Vandervoort is a Knockout

[angelsunchained · 7/10 · 26 February 2024]

This is one of those cute little romantic movies which you can't take too seriously. Nothing really new here, story wise that is, but who cares. It's a feel good film and entertaining enough to keep your attention for the hour and a half that it more or less runs. The lead actress is not only a good performer, she has real on screen chemistry. She is gorgeous. Hard to understand why Lauren Vandervoort didn't become a mega star, she definitely has everything needed to become another Sharon Stone. With that said, in this film, despite her awesome beauty, she comes across as very down to earth, friendly and understanding. Enough said. Cute film. Beautiful star. See it.

Cliché

[zainabk93-211-269738 · 3/10 · 1 August 2017]

If you're looking for a mindless chick flick, this one's for you. Cliché story line where everything fits perfectly into place--a sunset party just HAPPENED to be there during the end of the date and Ben's "betrayal" was just small enough to be overcome by telling insecure Donavan that he loved her. Not engaging and only mildly entertaining only because of good cinematography. I actually forwarded parts of the movie because I could predict the next scenes.

Neat and simple love story--hugely boring.

New fav!! Need to make a second one!!

[country-rain · 10/10 · 21 July 2018]

I just discovered this on Netflix!! I love it! A little sappy but nothing wrong with that right!!?? Love the religious tones and the overall full hearted feeling!!! Please make a second one!!!

Like a Hallmark movie, without the Hallmark

[srlucado-31966 · 6/10 · 31 October 2022]

I started watching this movie because I recognized Fairhope, Alabama in the opening scenes. That's a lovely town, on Mobile Bay.

So I stayed for the flick, despite the unimaginative title. Pretty much a by-the-numbers TV romance; plucky heroine, struggling business, guy from the past, etc.

This time, a coffee shop owner, her sister, her employees, customers, and local residents all come together to defend against a takeover.

You've seen it all before. But nice location work, appealing cast, and the mandatory happy ending make for a diverting couple of hours.

Made me want to visit Alabama again!

Zzzz

[Jackbv123 · 3/10 · 29 October 2021]

There is a reason I have never seen this movie before despite the fact it features one of my favorites, Laura Vandervoort, and has been around for 7 years. Laura looks especially nice at this point in her career.

Poor acting and bad dialogue. I'm getting tired of plot lines that threaten the lead with losing her business Ben's story is the common writer's block trope. The opening scene is a brooding monologue which includes an "info dump". With as little plot as this movie had in it, it didn't need an info dump.

35 minutes (commercial running time) go by before the two leads even meet and get a chance to have the obligatory antagonistic confrontation. On her next meeting with Ben she "acted like a complete psycho" (her own words). Like so many movies in this genre, the animosity disappears instantly bringing out Donavan's sweet side. Well over half the movie is gone before they spend any quality time together.

Patrick's scheme and how he presents it is idiotic.

The inevitable conflict between the leads is handled in a very clumsy way.

The climax is cheesy.

The Donavan character is very reserved, even moody.

I love one line, or part of one. "Love is a verb." This philosophy contrasts with the love-at-first-sight themes so common in most movies of this genre. Another great line is "You love who you wish I were."

Soundtrack credits on this web site indicate that Donavan's songs are voice overs performed by Mandi Mapes.

Summary: This movie uses common tropes and plot lines but with a different flavor. Unfortunately that underlying flavor is kind of a downer and makes the movie drag.

Cool Movie

[kyleinabox · 10/10 · 19 February 2017]

I loved it. I watched it with my girlfriend and she thought it was good too. I can relate to the whole dating land mine thing, so true. Keep an eye on Laura Vandervoort and Cory Grant, two up and coming stars for sure. Great story and writing, felt normal and real as I worked in a Coffee house for a while, this kind of stuff happens.

Decent Cast, Weak Script

[evan-lillis · 2/10 · 7 September 2015]

Alright, so I know this is a made for TV movie and that means you have to set the bar real, REAL low. But I wanted to like this simple movie as I wanted to watch a romance flick and like the cast. I think this definitely could've used a re-write once the whole overly formulaic major plot points were mapped out because for a TV-movie the story was okay enough. But the dialogue was pretty crappy. Nothing interesting with the characters and their romance to garner interest, and nothing funny here (except the unintentional cheesiness). Also why cast Kevin Sorbo? Lol, isn't he a dumb racist who got sh*t on all over social media for some brainless comment about how he hates black people. Good thing his terrible acting and worthless part was quick. They should've cut him completely and given more screen time for Lovitz and given him something to work with.

Heads up, Inspirational Film

[cgcobb · 4/10 · 17 May 2017]

I bought it bc it's billed as a romcom, but it has some pretty strong inspirational overtones that are not mentioned in the marketing materials. I like a few of the actors, but the dialogue was sketchy at times. I would have probably given this the typical 6 of 10 for entertaining but not awesome quality, but I really don't like inspirational films - which is why I don't buy them. So I'm more than a little peeved right now at what I'd consider deceptive marketing.