'Just One Kiss' is the second film in the newly introduced, as of 2022, Spring Into Love seasonal block that had replaced the Spring Fever/Spring Fling one(s). The first being the decent if uneven 'A Second Chance at Love'. It is always nice to have a break from the Hallmark regulars every now and again, and it was interesting to have Broadway actors/singers in the lead roles (in fact 2022 had more non-Hallmark regulars leads than most previous years). Did like the premise.
And it is done well here in 'Just One Kiss'. It is not a great or perfect film (none of the 2022 Hallmark films are, or any of their output), but as far as 2022 Hallmark films go it is one of the better ones and was refreshing. Definitely an improvement over 'A Second Chance at Love', no annoying characters for example here. Nice to have a more musical-oriented film, which really played to the two leads' significant vocal talents, and do it as well as it does. Definitely worth watching at least once.
Do agree that the misunderstanding is extremely predictable and felt very contrived, not uncommon with Hallmark but this was one of the worst faring examples of the 2022 output.
The ending did feel really rushed as well as too convenient. Do agree too that Santino Fontana had some awkward moments early on.
Having said all of that, a lot is good. It is a very attractively photographed film with lovely scenery. The music is catchy and upbeat while also having soul in all the right places, that it is exceptionally well performed by the leads (both experienced music theatre performers). Fontana's acting does improve and becomes a good deal more charming and relaxed. Krysta Rodriguez is a joy throughout and a breath of fresh air. Their chemistry is genuine and very sweet and perky, and mostly their characters were worth connecting with.
Supporting cast are all solid with no exception and their characters while typical are neither dull or irritating. The writing is playfully light-hearted while taking the more serious moments seriously, without going into morose land. The story is far from perfect or original, but it is very upbeat and energetic and the charm and warm hearted factors are very high.
Overall, liked it a good deal while not loving it. 7/10.
And it is done well here in 'Just One Kiss'. It is not a great or perfect film (none of the 2022 Hallmark films are, or any of their output), but as far as 2022 Hallmark films go it is one of the better ones and was refreshing. Definitely an improvement over 'A Second Chance at Love', no annoying characters for example here. Nice to have a more musical-oriented film, which really played to the two leads' significant vocal talents, and do it as well as it does. Definitely worth watching at least once.
Do agree that the misunderstanding is extremely predictable and felt very contrived, not uncommon with Hallmark but this was one of the worst faring examples of the 2022 output.
The ending did feel really rushed as well as too convenient. Do agree too that Santino Fontana had some awkward moments early on.
Having said all of that, a lot is good. It is a very attractively photographed film with lovely scenery. The music is catchy and upbeat while also having soul in all the right places, that it is exceptionally well performed by the leads (both experienced music theatre performers). Fontana's acting does improve and becomes a good deal more charming and relaxed. Krysta Rodriguez is a joy throughout and a breath of fresh air. Their chemistry is genuine and very sweet and perky, and mostly their characters were worth connecting with.
Supporting cast are all solid with no exception and their characters while typical are neither dull or irritating. The writing is playfully light-hearted while taking the more serious moments seriously, without going into morose land. The story is far from perfect or original, but it is very upbeat and energetic and the charm and warm hearted factors are very high.
Overall, liked it a good deal while not loving it. 7/10.