7.4 stars.
In many ways 'Autumn in the Vineyard' surpasses a lot of movies, and in other ways falls short. It has really good landscapes, vines as far as the eye can see, and there's a pretty adorable llama or alpaca that is friendly and cute and eats out of Frankie's hands. And the romance, although it's mainly a tense and super competitive one, nonetheless it peeks through now and again.
This film seems to take a few detours with the story about Frankie's relationship with her dad, which is confusing, is he a good father or not, why did he hire some stranger instead of his daughter (who is the logical choice to run the vineyard)? Another side story is her brother, but it's a dead end, he's a cop but there is nothing interesting dredged out of that. Then Nate who is from a rival wine making family in the valley, has always loved Frankie, and she him. Nate and his mother seem to be the sensible ones, and Frankie's family are more stubborn, yet are we supposed to side with Frankie? I kinda like Nate's side better, they actually play fair (except his brothers are juvenile and shallow). The rivalry is interesting, and the people of the town rally behind one family or the other...a Hatfield's vs McCoys kind of feeling, and it pulls you into that drama.
This film has a very intriguing undertone, and I understand why there are a couple of sequels. In addition, 'Autumn in the Vineyard' has a depth that evokes uncommon and unique emotions, akin to some of Hollywood's major blockbuster films, reeling you into an epic family saga of rivalry and loyalty, of power and greed...yet this film is devoid of half the necessary elements to elevate it from average to great. Thus my confusion as to why some parts are outstanding and others fall flat. It has potential, but there are a few major flaws in the presentation. At times you will be swept into the adventure, but these are too few to credit as anything more than dumb luck.
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