7.6 stars.
I don't understand why Erin Krakow gets stuck with such horrific roles. Talk about hiding the candle under a bushel... However, in light of her character's obvious struggle to be civilized while under constant pressure from a bully, she seems to make the best of it. This does not negate the fact she is continuously making a spectacle of herself and degrading her own self-respect. The nonsensical behavior ranges from cringe-worthy to downright repugnant. It was quite awkward to watch, and kudos to the actors for eliciting such disgust and tense emotions, albeit with the intent of being blithe. I guess it takes the attention of a good and charming man to shake her out of this strange and endless competitive loop of cattiness, frustration, and futility.
Take away the absolute silliness and absurdity and you have a fairly decent and entertaining film. The acting was above average, the chemistry between our leads is palpable, and the teacher/child connection was very heartwarming and sweet.
As she learns some difficult lessons, and through some introspection, eventually she brushes the shallow rivalry aside... forgiveness overcomes and her kind soul wins the day...and the man.
Hallmark gives our two leads and a lovely and bright little girl the opportunity to spread their wings just enough to make this an entertaining and special experience. No trophies to be won for this film, but it's on my triennial watchlist.
I don't understand why Erin Krakow gets stuck with such horrific roles. Talk about hiding the candle under a bushel... However, in light of her character's obvious struggle to be civilized while under constant pressure from a bully, she seems to make the best of it. This does not negate the fact she is continuously making a spectacle of herself and degrading her own self-respect. The nonsensical behavior ranges from cringe-worthy to downright repugnant. It was quite awkward to watch, and kudos to the actors for eliciting such disgust and tense emotions, albeit with the intent of being blithe. I guess it takes the attention of a good and charming man to shake her out of this strange and endless competitive loop of cattiness, frustration, and futility.
Take away the absolute silliness and absurdity and you have a fairly decent and entertaining film. The acting was above average, the chemistry between our leads is palpable, and the teacher/child connection was very heartwarming and sweet.
As she learns some difficult lessons, and through some introspection, eventually she brushes the shallow rivalry aside... forgiveness overcomes and her kind soul wins the day...and the man.
Hallmark gives our two leads and a lovely and bright little girl the opportunity to spread their wings just enough to make this an entertaining and special experience. No trophies to be won for this film, but it's on my triennial watchlist.