A Dash of Love

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source: A Dash of Love

The presence of Brendan Penny was the main motif for see this film. Because I know , I suppose to know his style to use the character and that indicates a comfortable Hallmark. And it is a comfortable one but in special manner. For chemistry between main characters and for fair innocent , ambitious, too talkative young woman - inner child with potential for be present in real life by Jen Lilley , for supporting actors and for Delucci couple or Gus, for the portrait of boss by Perry Gilpin or Kandysse McClure as Angela. It has the beautiful virtue to be more romance but, mixing cook, family, vocation, friendship in fair way, it is just a pure seductive film, honest at whole. A film like a fire in the smoke from chimney.

Really enjoy all of the Hallmark mysteries that Jen Lilley stars in. Most of them have a restaurant theme and this is no exception as she falls for the executive chef (Brendan Penny) at the restaurant where she works. They make a wonderful couple. And of course there's always a touch of evil trying to ruin their professional happiness. Definitely worth watching!

Add this to my favorite Hallmark movies list I really liked this movie, Jen Lilley as Nikki and Brendan Perry as Paul made a great couple, lots of chemistry there. Don't you just love Brendan Perry. He has a sincerity in his acting that is rare. I was a little disappointed that Nikki didn't defend herself when Holly accused her of stealing her recipes and thay best friend Angela did not stand up for her, there were enough other friends there that you would think someone would speak up on her behalf, like maybe the lady from the soup kitchen. But that was not enough to spoil the movie for me. I suppose everyone has their favorote Hallmark actors, like Brendan Perry, Andrew Walker, Cameron Matheson. Paul Greene, Michael Rady, Mark Blucas, Tyler Hines, Mark Deklin, David Haydn-Jones, Jessica Lowndes, Nikki DeLoach, Lacey Chabert, Candace Cameron Bure, Alison Sweeny, Jill Wagner, Alicia Witt, I expect a quality performance from those mentioned and they rarely disappoint. And when they do disappoint it is usually because of the script. This script was very good, the story flowed, and a good job was done in the editing department, And thankfully the music did not over power the dialogue, which happens so often with Hallmark movies. Kudos Hallmark an a great enjoyable movie. And "The Way You Look Tonight' is one of my favorite songs. Did you know it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1936? It just show you the quality counts whoever is singing the song.

Love Jen Lilley and Hallmark. They know how to keep the classic plots fresh and engaging with great actors, music and filming. Even low scoring hallmark movies are better than most of what Hollywood produces. What is the song!?? I've searched the web with unsuccessful results... "They made the world for you and I, and it's splendid!" Great song I wish I could find.

Despite the setting being a very familiar one, the premise did sound very cute. Jen Lilley is a bit hit and miss for me, but she is good in the right roles. Brendan Penny is more consistent, his subtle charisma and easy going charm obvious in most of his roles apart from when his material is weak or/and has bad leading ladies. Have always liked Peri Gilpin and love her on 'Frasier', an all time favourite of mine. Hallmark's Countdown to Valentine's Day output is very up and down, but there are some good ones out there. 'A Dash of Love' thankfully is one of them. A very worthwhile and charming watch and one of the better Countdown to Valentine's Day films from the year, even though not great with a few of the flaws often found in Hallmark films. It does show that Lilley can be good with the right material and it doesn't do anything to disgrace or waste Penny and Gilpin. As far as 2016's Hallmark output goes, 'A Dash of Love' is neither one of the best or worst and is instead around solid middle. It isn't perfect. It could have done with more freshness, really liked what was done with the setting but the basic story is pretty formulaic and there is not much surprising. The biggest problem, and the only massively major one that sadly dragged the film down significantly, was the truly ridiculous, rushed and contrived last 30 minutes that is capped off by an ending that is too convenient and unrealistically so. However, a lot is good. The best thing about it is Lilley, who is a radiantly charming presence and works very hard in making the film without trying too hard. Her character is a flawed one but not overly flawed. Penny brings subtle charisma and easy going charm to his role, one that is not much different from most of his roles but it is a type of role he plays well. Gilpin gives a zesty supporting turn in a role very different from Roz. The characters are cliched but are engaging and easy to connect with, until the last act. The romantic chemistry is understated but always natural and genuine. The direction is not innovative, but 'A Dash of Love' is one of those films that doesn't require that. It still shows a nice understanding and control of the material and the character interaction doesn't come over as static. Production values are well crafted and never look cheap, the scenery is especially nice. Hallmark tend to over-score their films, the music here fits nicely and doesn't come over as constant or too loud. Certainly not to the extent where you can't hear the dialogue. The dialogue here is suitably light-hearted and playful, while also having the right amount of seriousness without being melodramatic. The story makes great use of the setting, which has great nostalgic value, and while unoriginal and formulaic it is also lively and has a light and warm heart. Overall, pretty good. 7/10.

This movie started out better than most Hallmark movies and I was really enjoying it...until the last half hour. Then such stupid things began to happen...like ***SPOILER ALERT***when Holly came in making all those ridiculous accusations, Nikki did absolutely nothing about it. Just sat there and accepted everything. And all of her friends just patted her on the back...and NO ONE STOOD UP FOR HER! Never said a word...who in their right mind would ever react that way???!! Oh, and yes, of course, the friend who was playing basketball with Paul the next day NEVER EVEN THOUGHT TO MENTION IT TO HIM! Nor did anyone else, apparently. Of course the reason is...because it wouldn't be a Hallmark movie without it. Can't the writers ever think of situations that might actually turn out okay if the characters faced their problems instead of running away and/or making stupid unreal assumptions about each other? Both Paul and Nikki folded like puppets when faced with any kind of normal-life situation, and in real life I would run from either one of them as someone I'd want to spend any time with. So in the end I went from feeling good about the movie to feeling like I'd wasted the last two hours of my life.

It was okay except for a few things: Pros: 1. Lilley and Penny had good chemistry. Lilley did not look constipated or have the "deer eye in the headlight look. 2. Penny actually gave a good performance for once. Good role selection and execution. 3. The chef(bad guy) was pretty devious and cunning stealing those recipes. Cons: 1. Lilley's character using the chef's kitchen. She really seemed hellbent on creating recipes. Did she not have kitchen of her own? 2. The problem between penny's character with his dad was completely overblown. "I wanted to be a chef but you were disappointed because I did not want to be a baker". 3. Lilley especially with her huge eyes emoted too much in painful sequences. 4. The investor changing clients was ridiculous. He could have withdrawn from the chef and change investments to Lilley and Penny. To take money out from a bad still potentially good investment and putting it on a unknown chef? Not a smart business decision. 5. Penny especially towards the end acting like a spoiled child by storming off when his dad showed. Jumping to conclusions when his dad was already sad.

I loved this very sweet romantic kind of Valentines' Day movie. Hurrah to the writer's for making this one stand out from the pack. I thought the arena of POP UP restaurant events was very au currant, and interesting to me. Keep 'em coming, Hallmark. The cast did a good job as well, Perri Gilpin as a witch? Great casting & job, Peri.