The Valentine Competition (2021 TV Movie)
5/10
My corny Valentine
1 March 2024
Ultra-light feel-good romcom stars Cor as the whimsical, easygoing manager of a garden nursery who talks to plants, drives a cool mustang and tries to make his new boss (Newbrough) see the human side of the business as they stage a garden makeover competition ostensibly to cover an oversupply error.

Whilst touching, the dementia sub-plot could've been handled more tactfully and still evoked the sympathy it was seeking, but at least the tone is consistent. For her part, Newbrough is effective playing a conflicted corporate protege dedicated to making her insensitive business-obsessed mother (Kruper) proud, but begins to lose her ambitious resolve when she becomes emotionally - then romantically - invested in Cor and his more balanced, family-first attitude.

Everyone acquits their roles with confidence, and the simple story hums along at a brisk pace although it sometimes feels like a corporate HR leadership video with a script and budget to match. Overall it's hopelessly cliched but likeable Canadian-made matinee, with a distinct Hallmark vibe.
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