A Little Daytime Drama (2021 TV Movie) User Reviews

Explanation for Hallmark Changes

[k0220 · 5/10 · 18 September 2021]

I felt Hallmark was using this film to try and explain the changes in their programming. The long-time producer was resistant to change because she was afraid of losing the fan base. The much younger replacement wanted to take the show in a new direction with edgier storylines. In a 2-minute meeting, everyone agreed to the changes, the older producer retired and it resulted in the show becoming a raging success.

The acting felt phoned-in and the ending was rushed.

Linda Dano was the best part

[spikeluvr · 6/10 · 22 August 2021]

If it weren't for Linda Dano I'd have rated this movie a 5. I always enjoy Jen Lilley and she seems to be able to create chemistry with most of her costars. Not this time. Ryan Paevey looks like he's about to kiss his sister every time he leans in to her or tries to look interested. He had more chemistry with his buddy Zach at the coffee shop than he did with Jen Lilley. But it's a cute movie with an otherwise decent cast. Linda Dano made it for me. She's a great actress and really fun to watch. I hope Hallmark uses her more often. Every movie they make has some older female as the mom, aunt, mentor, business owner or doctor so they should have plenty of parts for her.

Disappointing

[Jackbv123 · 6/10 · 26 August 2021]

Hallmark has been doing more stories lately about people involved in making TV shows. Many have been a Reality Show theme, but this focuses on a daytime Soap which is a bit new. Interesting given Jen Lilly's background.

The story is OK, but no big highs or lows or surprises. The conflict arises out of a stupid misunderstanding which really didn't add up.

If Lilly and Paevey had chemistry, it wasn't obvious. They had the friends thing going, but the romance factor was low.

Cute story with a great cast

[leevernot · 6/10 · 22 August 2021]

The background music over takes the dialogue. It makes it difficult to understand the soft voices and the nuances in this cute story.

Hit mute.

[Racingphan2 · 7/10 · 22 August 2021]

I love Jen Lilley, but this movie is hard to stomach. I just muted the inane dialogue and watched Jen.

Good

[jewelch · 7/10 · 25 July 2022]

You just can't watch anything any than these good for the whole family movies. Great family watching no Foul language no Sex scenes no Nudity just don't get any better than this. Yes I Highly recommend this Family friendly show. James Welch Henderson Arkansas. 7/22/2022.

When Maggie met Darin

[TheLittleSongbird · 4/10 · 2 June 2022]

Have liked Jen Lilley and Ryan Paevey in other things, though Lilley is rather hit and miss depending on her character. The concept, though formulaic, was quite nice on paper. The 2021 Hallmark output was inconsistent in quality, though better than expected considering the turbulent past three years. Was not crazy overall about the 2021 Summer Nights (probably the weakest seasonal block that year) films, so expectations for 'A Little Daytime Drama' were very mixed.

Those very mixed expectations were not really lived up to. 'A Little Daytime Drama' is semi-watchable with some things that work in its favour, but so much more could have been done with the concept and too many elements were executed blandly or worse. One can do with a lot worse, and there were worse Hallmark films from 2021, but also a lot better (some of which actually having less appealing premises). Worth a one time watch, but has too much wrong in order to recommend it.

'A Little Daytime Drama' has some good things. Did find Lilley appealing and spirited in her role and she doesn't overdo any mannerisms or over-compensate. Linda Dano brings a lot of class and spirit to her character, who was possibly the most interesting one in the film. Actually thought that generally, with one exception, the acting was better than average.

Furthermore, the production values are very nicely done with the photography being done with style and care.

On the other hand, Paevey came over as stiff and bland as well as not seeming that connected with everybody else. There is very little chemistry between him and Lilley, which seemed too cautious and distant. The relationship itself is underdeveloped and plays second fiddle to everything else going on in the story. Which is sadly not executed as interestingly as it sounds, actually found it dull with too many padded stretches, absolutely nothing new and too many contrivances.

Particularly the final quarter, as forced and too neat as kind of expected. The script needed a lot more sharpness and wit for the premise to work, and pretty much limps along awkwardly. The characters in general are standard cliches with everything about them seen before with Hallmark and better, like recycling some characters from various films. The music in general is over-bearing and drowns some of the dialogue. The direction is merely functional and mostly isn't even that.

In conclusion, not particularly good. 4/10.

Different Story Line

[rkaden-28150 · 8/10 · 13 September 2021]

These are two of our favorite Hallmark actors and they didn't dissapoint! Hallmark seems to be trending to different story lines and this was a good one. Some of the new stories are not as predicatable which makes this movie more enjoyable.

What's the opposite of passion?

[EPMD57 · 4/10 · 10 December 2021]

The leads are obviously beautiful people, but they didn't sell me on their relationship. I know Hallmark isn't going to show any heavy scenes, but they have to show more romantic development. Give us a date or something to make us think, "Oh yeah, they would be a good couple." This movie offers nothing romantic whatsoever. So without that, I'm not sure what we have here.

A Nice Change for Hallmark

[luvtoshopvintage · 10/10 · 23 August 2021]

I usually never write reviews, but I feel this movie deserves it. I love the soap opera angle, something you don't usually see in a Hallmark movie. The script was charming, and witty, and had genuine laughs. The leads were perfectly cast and had real chemistry. Loved seeing Linda Dano as well. Hope Hallmark does more smart comedies like this one. A sequel, please!

Fresh Idea-Weak Storyline

[alar62 · 5/10 · 28 August 2021]

Loved the soap opera angle-different for Hallmark. I was excited to watch Hallmark stars Ryan Paevey and Jen Lilly's chemistry on screen but found it weak at times. They seemed somewhat distant until the end kiss. I wish there was more storyline development and less music. I did like that Paevey's character had a decent storyline independent of the female lead-not always the case with male leads in Hallmark movies. Usually its all about the female lead.

All in all I gave it a 5-good for one watch but not a DVR save.

Snoozefest

[caseybones · 4/10 · 23 August 2021]

If you want something to send you into a nap, this is the one. Boring to the nth degree. No chemistry at all between the leads. Silly story, typical "misunderstanding" in the last few minutes that is resolved in time for a totally passionless smooch. Another one of the endless quantity over quality offerings from Hallmark.

Hallmark, you've done it again

[erbear-34961 · 8/10 · 30 August 2021]

As always, Hallmark did a cute movie. Something easy to watch with a love story.

Ok but not great

[rhonnie-43139 · 5/10 · 22 August 2021]

I wanted to like this movie because I like the two lead actors. But the story was kind of boring. There was no spark between them. No real emotion just flat dialogue. I'm trying to think of a positive but the only thing I remember was the nice house the male lead lived in - very nice yard and the dog was ok. Even he wasn't into the the movie.😂

It was tough to sit through it for 2 hours. Bad writing.

I love Soaps. And I love this movie about them

[druatlax · 9/10 · 17 February 2022]

Ryan Paevey and Jen Lilley are of course perfect for this story. They both have worked in the world of Soaps for years before their movies for Hallmark.

The critics who did not enjoy this movie were evidently not aware of the true stories portrayed about that other world... of "Forever" ' s genre.

This was so true to the ageless story arcs, the hundreds of pages of script, and multiple storylines being filmed simultaneously- do not understand how good this is.

And, the love interest between these two fine actors bring good feels and smiles. Thank you . Loved it. Recommend this to audiences of all ages!

Meh

[12101968kaw · 5/10 · 23 August 2021]

I like the 2 lead actors and like most everything they are in. This movie fell flat. They had zero chemistry. Linda Dano was great in this. Overall, I feel Hallmark needs a new angle on their movies. It's just the same old same old. I know people like the predictability. I do too but these movies are beginning to be cringe worthy.

Cute Script

[drbreakwell · 5/10 · 23 August 2021]

The heroine Jen Lilley is getting too old for the insecure woman. She is supposed to be a confident script writer. Peavey is supposed to be a actor with experience, yet he hasn't worked for a long time. His part souldn't be looking a "gift horse in the mouth" and keep his soap job because he probably needs the cash. Hallmark needs to get new script writers and update their storyline.

The sound editor sure missed the studio echo several times during the movie.

Wonderful Hallmark

[marmar-93750 · 10/10 · 22 August 2021]

Loved this movie. The male lead addressed and tackled a problem we all have at some point in our lives, and found a way to overcome it. The writers created a wonderful vehicle to show what goes on behind the scenes of a soap opera.

Bad script

[cmeyer5000 · 1/10 · 26 August 2021]

I love both of these leading actors from different show. They had a bad, biro, script. I tried 3 different times to watch but honestly it was the most boring movie I've ever watched. These actors deserve more. Also, no chemistry here.

I love this movie

[wordsareimportant · 10/10 · 22 August 2021]

The characters are so talented and authentic, I watch every movie either one of them is in and I am never disappointed. Their movies are engrossing and I never want them to end because the make everything feel so real. I always end up smiling (grinning like an idiot) when they interact. I hope to see many more movies they're paired in.

snooze fest alert

[jewhitmer25 · 3/10 · 9 September 2022]

I have liked Ryan Paevey in almost everything he does, so of course I watched A Little Daytime Drama' through to the end because of him.

As for Jen Lilley she was completely miscast.. With her wishy-washy cute little girl acting she was not believable as the head-writer for a soap opera.. Frankly I really no strong feelings about her one way or the other..,She is nor one of thoses actresses that I would always make it a point to watch. Like Candace Cameron or Jill Wagner.

There are some Hallmark actors that I make it a point to always watch because they are consistantly good and their movies are always good: like the afore-mentioned Candace and Jill and Michael Rady, Nikki DeLoach, Tyler Hynes, Victor Webster, Luke McFarlane, Bethany Joy Lenz, Lacey Chabert, Andrew Walker, Brennen Penny, Barbara Niven, Susan Hogan, Brennan Elliott and Jesse Schram.

'A Little Daytime Drama' was typical Hallmark formula without the snowball fight.

Since the mass exodus Hallmark has been struggling, and A Little Daytime Drama' did not help.

After reading the lack-luster basic plot of 'A Little Daytime Drama' , my reaction was, well maybe, with Ryan Paevey and Linda Dano, I thought 'A Little Daytime Drama't iwas worth a try. This goes on my Boy Was I Wrong list.

There have been worse Hallmark movies in the last couple of years, but not very many. 'A Little Daytime Drama' missed the boat on so many levels.

'A Little Daytime Drama' could have been a decent movie based on the premise but the writers failed to deliver

I suppose it is worth watching if you want to keep up with your "I have watched every Hallmark Movie ever made list". But ' A Little Daytime Drama' is certainly not one I would add to my home Hallmark movie library. But be prepared it was basically a snooze fest.

The acting was stiff and wooden, There was no chemistry between Ryan Paevey and Jen Lilley. Their former relationship waspretty much ignored and not very well explained and their reconnection at the end was hurried and not well written. I felt like I was watchcing two friends but nothing more than that. I was thinking why did they break up and why did they get back together.

I felt like someone was marking time saying "come on people, we have to step this up, we only have 84 minutes to tell this story."

There were some good elements in ' A Little Daytime Drama' but they were few and far between and completely overshadowed by the bad moments..

As a production 'A Little Daytime Drama' was as usual very well executed and Hallmark did their usual great job with the photography

The music was overpowering as usual, drowning out much of the dialogue. Ok, hallmark I know your music guys are proud of their music. But the music is meant to inhance the story not drown it out.

As for the end, well, there was that guy marking time again, saying come on people let's wrap this up.

They wrapped it all up in a pretty bow and said Ta-da here it is.

My advice 'A Little Daytime Drama' is ok for the whole family, if they can sty awake.

Potential is great, which leaves something left to be desired

[mccabe-shannon · 4/10 · 31 August 2022]

I like RP and JL a lot. I really like the background of the soap opera. It's a bit different than most hallmark movies. Would make a good story. The writing is fine as a general outline and certain realistic aspects. It's just missing something.

I don't like them as a couple. They are like best friends or siblings to me. If she played the quirky best friend he finally realizes he is in love with is get it more than the ex. But that's a different movie.

Overall it's good. It has a lot of potential. There is just something that falls flat on this one for me. I legit can't pinpoint it because everything checks boxes. It's just bla.

Ryan please shave.

[aussiegirl-65915 · 8/10 · 29 August 2021]

I liked to movie but could have been better. I'm a huge fan of Ryan Paevey, but I wish he'd shave that scruff off his face. Looks untidy. And since when do uniformed police have scruffy beards. Looked so out of place.

A Little Daytime Drama

[studioAT · 5/10 · 5 February 2023]

When she's used correctly Jen Lilley is good in Hallmark films.

I've seen a couple of outings from her lately that have not been so good, so went into this one with apprehension.

It's not bad at all actually, despite losing its way towards the end when it throws too many complications into the mix. It's sweet enough, and the story holds up.

I'm not too sure about the chemistry between the two leads, but on the whole this proves to be not only one of Lilley's better offerings, but from Hallmark in general.

The little in joke/comment from Hallmark themselves about going in a different direction and trying to be a bit more edgy was probably a bit on the nose though.

Fun and Funny!

[mailmindys · 10/10 · 28 August 2021]

Just getting into Hallmark movies and this one was really fun. Great script and I love that soap actors were playing... soap actors. More like this and more Linda Dano, please!