As a fan of Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, and Bethany Joy Lenz, I wanted to love this movie, but I just couldn't get there. It had some wonderful elements including Jamie's relationships with his sister, Becca, and grandmother; strong performances by the entire cast; and diversity that was realistic without being heavy-handed.
My main issue is that the story lacked depth. Paul is quickly becoming the Aaron Sorkin of Hallmark writers - sharp, fast-paced dialog, but ultimately, all head and no heart. Jamie is the stereotypical indecisive man-child, using his insecurities as an excuse to abruptly end his long-term relationship with Emily, making promises he can't keep to get back into her good graces, then, in the end, getting the career win and the girl through sheer dumb luck and a huge push from his family. (How did he finally overcome his writer's block to come up with an audience-pleasing speech anyway?) Emily is the stereotypical "cool girl" - beautiful, independent, successful, and yet completely willing to accept a relationship in which she does all the emotional work while getting nothing in return. Even in the end, I was left asking what she sees in Jamie. And as much as I like both Tyler and Bethany, I didn't see any real chemistry between them.
I'm glad the movie is getting fantastic ratings and reviews, but after two viewings, I was still left cold.
My main issue is that the story lacked depth. Paul is quickly becoming the Aaron Sorkin of Hallmark writers - sharp, fast-paced dialog, but ultimately, all head and no heart. Jamie is the stereotypical indecisive man-child, using his insecurities as an excuse to abruptly end his long-term relationship with Emily, making promises he can't keep to get back into her good graces, then, in the end, getting the career win and the girl through sheer dumb luck and a huge push from his family. (How did he finally overcome his writer's block to come up with an audience-pleasing speech anyway?) Emily is the stereotypical "cool girl" - beautiful, independent, successful, and yet completely willing to accept a relationship in which she does all the emotional work while getting nothing in return. Even in the end, I was left asking what she sees in Jamie. And as much as I like both Tyler and Bethany, I didn't see any real chemistry between them.
I'm glad the movie is getting fantastic ratings and reviews, but after two viewings, I was still left cold.