I am an avid Hallmark movie watcher. I always look forward to the premieres each Saturday. I have to say... This production seemed a little... off. The storyline was interesting and the acting was on point, but I think the location was problematic. The sound at some of the locations had major echoes and it made it difficult to understand the dialogue. Also, I don't know whether this director is someone who has directed a lot of these, but it seemed like there were so many tight, close up shots and it was very distracting. Honestly, between the sound and the visuals, I didn't make it past the first half hour.
40 Reviews
Don't mix business with pleasure!
MIssM1911 October 2021
Sara and Tony are both chefs. He works in a fancy restaurant in NYC and she has her own thing back home in Florida. Their nieces are having their 15th birthday ad they both cooking for them. At the same time, they are competing to win a cover in a magazine that is featuring foods in parties.
I liked it. I enjoy watching Taylor Cole. I wasn't sure about Levy's acting at first but I thought he and Cole had chemistry and the pair was enough for me. It's true though that it was hard to understand him, he barely opened his mouth. Even for me, that I speak both English and Spanish, it was hard to get my ear used to his accent.
One thing I liked how they portraited: the mothers going crazy at their daughters celebration. Thinking mostly about anything other than them.
One thing I didn't like: the nieces. They were supposed to be 15 years old but, to me they looked like they had 15 years of experience in the business.
I liked the "pre-ending problem" I understood why he felt like he needed to help her, and I understood why she refused his help. It felt realistic.
Anyway, average Hallmark movie.
I liked it. I enjoy watching Taylor Cole. I wasn't sure about Levy's acting at first but I thought he and Cole had chemistry and the pair was enough for me. It's true though that it was hard to understand him, he barely opened his mouth. Even for me, that I speak both English and Spanish, it was hard to get my ear used to his accent.
One thing I liked how they portraited: the mothers going crazy at their daughters celebration. Thinking mostly about anything other than them.
One thing I didn't like: the nieces. They were supposed to be 15 years old but, to me they looked like they had 15 years of experience in the business.
I liked the "pre-ending problem" I understood why he felt like he needed to help her, and I understood why she refused his help. It felt realistic.
Anyway, average Hallmark movie.
Not really in love with this
TheLittleSongbird7 July 2022
While a lot of the 2021 Hallmark films really surprised me, especially in the early half of the year and the best of the Christmas output, the quality did decrease in a lot of the second half of the year. Was not crazy about most of the Summer Nights films and the same goes for most of the Fall Harvest output ('Love Strikes Twice' being by quite some considerable distance the best of the block). Am not the biggest of fans of Taylor Cole, have seen performances of hers where she comes over as cold, so expectations were not high.
The good news is that 'South Beach Love' was a good deal better than expected, and while it is not 'Love Strikes Twice' level it is one of the more watchable 2021 Fall Harvest films. The not so good news is that 'South Beach Love' is also not particularly good, though the aspect that left me most apprehensive was actually surprisingly a redeeming quality. It is not one of the worst 2021 Hallmark films, nowhere near close, though it is a long way from being one of the best. Middle of the road.
'South Beach Love' has good things. It is a very attractive looking film, especially the suitably exotic looking scenery that the slick photography was clearly in love with (without being too much so). The setting is not a novel one, but Hallmark have done it quite well in other films of theirs and there are parts that were fun. Was very pleasantly surprised by the cultural aspect of the film, it was nice to see some and it was done tastefully and makes one want to know more without resorting to stereotyping.
Another aspect that pleasantly surprised me was the performance of Cole, who is not the cold ice queen that she can be in her films but there is a warm charming presence here and she always look at ease. The supporting cast are above average.
However, William Levy struck me as very wooden in a role where the extreme flaws of the character made it difficult to warm to him initially. He and Cole don't gel together and the chemistry between them is minimal at best and non existent at worst. The banter between them lacks wit and flow and comes over instead as overdone in the amount of talk and bland in the delivery. Which is true of the dialogue in general actually.
Moreover, the story is very predictable and thin, which made for some very draggy pacing. Charm and emotion are minimal. Found it very difficult to connect with any of the characters, especially Levy's, due to them not being very well fleshed out and having motivations and behaviours that don't ring true. Do agree regarding the very echoey sound and repetitive music score as well.
Concluding, very average but worth a one time watch for Hallmark completest sake. 5/10.
The good news is that 'South Beach Love' was a good deal better than expected, and while it is not 'Love Strikes Twice' level it is one of the more watchable 2021 Fall Harvest films. The not so good news is that 'South Beach Love' is also not particularly good, though the aspect that left me most apprehensive was actually surprisingly a redeeming quality. It is not one of the worst 2021 Hallmark films, nowhere near close, though it is a long way from being one of the best. Middle of the road.
'South Beach Love' has good things. It is a very attractive looking film, especially the suitably exotic looking scenery that the slick photography was clearly in love with (without being too much so). The setting is not a novel one, but Hallmark have done it quite well in other films of theirs and there are parts that were fun. Was very pleasantly surprised by the cultural aspect of the film, it was nice to see some and it was done tastefully and makes one want to know more without resorting to stereotyping.
Another aspect that pleasantly surprised me was the performance of Cole, who is not the cold ice queen that she can be in her films but there is a warm charming presence here and she always look at ease. The supporting cast are above average.
However, William Levy struck me as very wooden in a role where the extreme flaws of the character made it difficult to warm to him initially. He and Cole don't gel together and the chemistry between them is minimal at best and non existent at worst. The banter between them lacks wit and flow and comes over instead as overdone in the amount of talk and bland in the delivery. Which is true of the dialogue in general actually.
Moreover, the story is very predictable and thin, which made for some very draggy pacing. Charm and emotion are minimal. Found it very difficult to connect with any of the characters, especially Levy's, due to them not being very well fleshed out and having motivations and behaviours that don't ring true. Do agree regarding the very echoey sound and repetitive music score as well.
Concluding, very average but worth a one time watch for Hallmark completest sake. 5/10.
Cute Movie
pattersonjamie-120793 November 2021
Flop...
marielisadrian11 October 2021
I love Hallmark movies and was specially excited about this one (huge William Levy fan) but was very disappointed. William's acting was not awful and even Taylor was off. The storyline was not good. The sound was terrible!!! And when they talked quick it was really hard to understand (I rewind quite a few times trying to understand what they were saying). Saw it entirely but will never watch it again.
Not Senior Friendly
KelsoBelle10 October 2021
Same old, same old
iaindormer11 October 2021
After the brilliant breath of fresh air which Loves Strikes Twice was (the movie that aired the week before), this was right back to the formulaic rubbish that Hallmark has been turning out since Larry Levinson's departure. Boring story, lackluster performances, and a lame attempt to widen the demographic audience.
Hallmark seriously needs to look at their product. They could start by reading the IMDb reviews of Love Strikes Twice, and see what people really want.
Hallmark seriously needs to look at their product. They could start by reading the IMDb reviews of Love Strikes Twice, and see what people really want.
Some fresh things
Jackbv12310 October 2021
The premise is a slightly different take on bringing together old flames. An Irish-Cuban fusion seemed a bit strange, but worked for me even so. Why not if it brings something to a neighborhood that no one else provides?
The romance story was about what you'd expect, but the teenage girls added a nice touch (even if at least one of them was played by a 19 year old who seemed more like she was in her 20's). Despite my having several friends who've had quinceañeras, I've never been to one and it was nice to see what they are about. I loved the symbolism of the girl's transition into a woman. This might have been the highpoint for me and I'm not sure how rewatchable this is.
Taylor Cole and William Levy didn't have a lot of chemistry. Levy came off a little too much like he thought he was royalty and somehow Cole didn't seem natural either. Late in the movie their characters' long term familiarity came through, but it never seemed very romantic. Practical and convenient yes, romantic no.
The romance story was about what you'd expect, but the teenage girls added a nice touch (even if at least one of them was played by a 19 year old who seemed more like she was in her 20's). Despite my having several friends who've had quinceañeras, I've never been to one and it was nice to see what they are about. I loved the symbolism of the girl's transition into a woman. This might have been the highpoint for me and I'm not sure how rewatchable this is.
Taylor Cole and William Levy didn't have a lot of chemistry. Levy came off a little too much like he thought he was royalty and somehow Cole didn't seem natural either. Late in the movie their characters' long term familiarity came through, but it never seemed very romantic. Practical and convenient yes, romantic no.
Disappointing
pollytracy-1248921 January 2022
Taylor Cole is one of my favorite Hallmark actresses and William Levy is muy caliente but this movie is a no for me. The lighting was HORRIBLE - like it literally hurt my eyes. And the guitar music was tinny. This should have been sultry and steamy but felt cold and glaring. Oh well.
Kudos to Hallmark!
hqgbmgjv20 October 2021
So happy to see a culturally authentic Hallmark movie! I love everything about this movie ... so much so, that I read the book after watching the movie. The movie is very much like the book ... even some of the names are the same. In the book Sara was more guarded. There was no kiss between Sara and Tony until the end ... although Tony made every effort to be wherever Sara was ... like the movie. However, they do marry about six months later. Perhaps that will be the sequel!
Average Hallmark But Not a Favorite
cramercaitlin10 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Was really excited to watch this movie because I had been seeing the trailers for weeks. I usually love Taylor and Cole and was excited to see a new male lead. Unfortunately, this movie fell a little flat for me. I didn't see a lot of chemistry between Cole and Levy and thought the scenes felt a little forced. Their restaurant idea was in my opinion a little stupid because Miami's population of Irish people is only 1% so their restaurant was a fusion that no one asked for, and it just doesn't sound appetizing. The quince plot line was semi interesting but the drama didn't last long nor hold my attention. Overall, a alright movie but not worth a saturday night watch.
Clichés of the worst
karin_lachner23 October 2021
I'm an avid Hallmark movies fan and latin as well but this was a disappointment. Accents where exagerared and hard to understand. Full of clichés that are not even common (cheesy things like the girls shoes or dolls). Acting was stiff form both main characters, little chemistry and strange story line. Hope Hallmark does something that really gets Latin culture without stereotyping this much. It's a pity since William Levy is very talented in his natural element.
I loved it!
elviramartinez-6523012 October 2021
I really enjoyed it! I don't agree with the comments and the reviews I've read. I think it is a well-made film, I liked the story and the plot seemed entertaining. I loved William Levy, he gave that spicy Latin air that I found entertaining.
Put someone in who is the right age for the script, will ya?
jenrn-0972212 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Why can't they be their own ages in the movie instead of trying to make them look 10+ years younger? Hence the pig tails, ill-fitting, age inappropriate clothing, and heavily airbrushed makeup to try to make Taylor Cole look like a 30-something. This movie was obviously written for a younger cast, but they should have written it for their current ages if they are going to use older actors. I dont think 10 years would have mattered for the storyline. Taylor Cole looks amazing when dressed appropriately - this wardrobe, makeup and hairstyles were terrible. The two teenage girls were at least 10 years older than 15 as well - why couldn't Hallmark find teenagers? This isn't Grease. Putting older-than-their-age cast members in a movie together isn't going to convince anyone that the whole cast is younger than they are. It was just so unnecessary. Once the girls were in their dresses, they looked at least 25 - certainly not the 15 years they are supposed to be... I liked the theme, and the use of ethnic actors is long overdue for Hallmark. But if they are going to have accents, make sure the actors can actually speak English well and can be heard. Without the use of subtitles, I would have missed a lot of the dialog due to poor microphone work and a lot of mumbling.
While on the subject of hearing the actors, can we do away with the cheesy Mariachi music with the Hispanic actors? They don't play loud bad pop music with the white actors, or loud bad rap music with the black actors, so why the stereotypical music with the Cuban/Hispanic actors? At the party, sure. But the whole movie? Hallmark shows their racist colors with tripe like this.
And once again, no romance in the romantic comedy movie until the last 2 minutes of the movie. There were times it would have been appropriate for them to kiss, or hug, (especially at the party when he finds out she closed her restaurant for the girls' party) and yet they don't - making the scenes awkward and weird. One kiss at the end and done. Each new Hallmark movie that comes out is more and more disappointing. I'd rather they not crank out these crappy, poorly written movies and only put out a few good ones worth watching. I find myself either watching something I recorded a few years ago, or reading a book. I dont look forward to their movies like I used to. It is a sad statement for Hallmark.
While on the subject of hearing the actors, can we do away with the cheesy Mariachi music with the Hispanic actors? They don't play loud bad pop music with the white actors, or loud bad rap music with the black actors, so why the stereotypical music with the Cuban/Hispanic actors? At the party, sure. But the whole movie? Hallmark shows their racist colors with tripe like this.
And once again, no romance in the romantic comedy movie until the last 2 minutes of the movie. There were times it would have been appropriate for them to kiss, or hug, (especially at the party when he finds out she closed her restaurant for the girls' party) and yet they don't - making the scenes awkward and weird. One kiss at the end and done. Each new Hallmark movie that comes out is more and more disappointing. I'd rather they not crank out these crappy, poorly written movies and only put out a few good ones worth watching. I find myself either watching something I recorded a few years ago, or reading a book. I dont look forward to their movies like I used to. It is a sad statement for Hallmark.
Want to see more of William Levy on Hallmark!
bogadocynthia11 October 2021
the worst Hallmark Movie I have ever seen.
HallmarkViewer11 October 2021
Was not surprised to see others thought so negative about this movie.
1. It made Taylor Cole look bad,
2. Cellphone videos have better sound.
3. The awful guitar music that seemed to never stop.
4, Bad acting of a bad script with a bad story idea.
5. You knew from the beginning how it was going to end so just fast forward though it would have been the best choice.
6. Was so bad I had to sign up to review it.
1. It made Taylor Cole look bad,
2. Cellphone videos have better sound.
3. The awful guitar music that seemed to never stop.
4, Bad acting of a bad script with a bad story idea.
5. You knew from the beginning how it was going to end so just fast forward though it would have been the best choice.
6. Was so bad I had to sign up to review it.
Another Hallmark Flop
jodw-9015210 October 2021
I am not sure where to start...bad sound, poor story line, actors hard no 'heart'....hard to even pay attention to the movie.
I felt sorry for Taylor Cole, one of Hallmark's proven actresses being stuck in this horrible movie.
There have been so many Hallmark movie flops in the last 18 months I believe the only way to fix the problem is a wholesale cleanout of Hallmark Media's Executive Suite.
I felt sorry for Taylor Cole, one of Hallmark's proven actresses being stuck in this horrible movie.
There have been so many Hallmark movie flops in the last 18 months I believe the only way to fix the problem is a wholesale cleanout of Hallmark Media's Executive Suite.
Well I liked it!!!!
naysindelapaz11 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I love Hallmark's movies, they may not be great productions but they do entertain!
This is a cute story and I think you can spend a nice afternoon watching it with your family.
The theme is also good: friendship and love among neighbors who eventually become family!
We need some positive content to watch and this movie definitely has it!!!
This is a cute story and I think you can spend a nice afternoon watching it with your family.
The theme is also good: friendship and love among neighbors who eventually become family!
We need some positive content to watch and this movie definitely has it!!!
Forced ethnic movie fails
jr-5950411 November 2021
A movie with HEART!
gomezzx213 October 2021
Salsa Dancing? A love for food, and foodies?! Beautiful people?!
What else do you need to feel the heat of South Beach Love!
The Plot of this movie was brought out by the Arch Rivalry between Dolores and Maria! I want to see those two go at it like a telenovela, I was hoping they would get into a good ole fashion latina screaming match to spice up Hallmark like egg nog at XMAS. Hmmm maybe put this entire cast into an Christmas movie and let them bring the heat in Winter!!!
South Beach love has lots of love as seen by the caring family dynamics and friendships portrayed in Miami. I loved the tid bids of spice added to this movie and I WANT MORE!!!!!!
C'mon hallmark lets play some fast music and bring the heat for the sequels!!!!
THOSE ladies DOLORES AND MARIA need their own dueling NETFLIX series!!!!!!
What else do you need to feel the heat of South Beach Love!
The Plot of this movie was brought out by the Arch Rivalry between Dolores and Maria! I want to see those two go at it like a telenovela, I was hoping they would get into a good ole fashion latina screaming match to spice up Hallmark like egg nog at XMAS. Hmmm maybe put this entire cast into an Christmas movie and let them bring the heat in Winter!!!
South Beach love has lots of love as seen by the caring family dynamics and friendships portrayed in Miami. I loved the tid bids of spice added to this movie and I WANT MORE!!!!!!
C'mon hallmark lets play some fast music and bring the heat for the sequels!!!!
THOSE ladies DOLORES AND MARIA need their own dueling NETFLIX series!!!!!!
Not much of a plot
gfrasmd10 October 2021
This movie wants to be cute, but it moves slowly, like an episode of a soap opera. There is nothing offensive and little or nothing to capture attention. It follows the trend of Hallmark movies, progressively becoming weaker and insignificant. No real drama and shallower characters. Maybe, Hallmark should concentrate more on substance, rather than quantity. When one wants to produce a hundred or more movies a year, real ideas run short! Taylor Cole is, as always, beautiful and charming, at least when she is not dressed as a10-year old. I guess it may be worth watching once, but I would not definitely plan to watch it again.
Enunciate Mr. Levy; someone get a decent microphone
michaelahaas10 October 2021
William Levy (Tony) speaks as if he has a mouth full of Ropa Vieja. And the reverb (or bad microphone) at Tony's parents' house makes it worse. Expect to spend the first 30 minutes saying "what?" Watch this with a finger on the Rewind button.
Would be an interesting - if predictable - Hallmark movie with some (well, many) overdubs.
Would be an interesting - if predictable - Hallmark movie with some (well, many) overdubs.
I loved the movie
dbechara11 October 2021
Congratulations, I loved the movie. The protagonists, the cast, the story, everything. Wow William Levy in the role of him as Tony, I was fascinated 👏👏👏. I look forward to more Hallmark movies with William soon. I really like these kinds of romantic movies. Greetings.
Sadly Disappointing
omijer12 October 2021
As an avid Hallmark viewer, I found this movie so disappointing, it's difficult to define all the elements that failed. It seems that Hallmark is working overtime to display diversity. Maybe there needs to be more attention paid to good scrips and plausible stories than simply to please all the diversities abounding these days. Most glaringly, Taylor Cole was put into role that was embarrassing for this talented and very beautiful actress. She is a stunning beauty. Her appearance in this film bordered on diminishing her lovely looks and her obvious talent. To put her beautiful hair into pigtails, and a strange hairband left this viewer curious. And then to dress her in the very short, childlike outfits she wore further felt like she was being diminished in her role. At the end of the film, she appeared in a lovely red gown that finally showed her true beauty.
The acting in the film was a bit over the top. The teenaged girls were a bit too mature and worldly for 15 year olds. And their gowns for their party were a bit mature and provocative for such young girls.
William Levy's acting was wooden, and his accent was a bit difficult to understand. He is Cuban by birth and so his accent is authentic but it failed to come through in his acting. There was very little plausible chemistry between the leads.
The film attempted to show a cultural picture, the Latino version of a Sweet Sixteen, but there was so much drama around this event that the romantic story line got lost.
All in all, a project that could have been used better, both for cultural diversity, and for the acting of the main characters. Hallmark needs to take its effort at political correctness more seriously. This film seems to have been a rush job to meet the political issues of our times.
The acting in the film was a bit over the top. The teenaged girls were a bit too mature and worldly for 15 year olds. And their gowns for their party were a bit mature and provocative for such young girls.
William Levy's acting was wooden, and his accent was a bit difficult to understand. He is Cuban by birth and so his accent is authentic but it failed to come through in his acting. There was very little plausible chemistry between the leads.
The film attempted to show a cultural picture, the Latino version of a Sweet Sixteen, but there was so much drama around this event that the romantic story line got lost.
All in all, a project that could have been used better, both for cultural diversity, and for the acting of the main characters. Hallmark needs to take its effort at political correctness more seriously. This film seems to have been a rush job to meet the political issues of our times.
Who could say no to William Levy?
cgvsluis21 January 2022
William Levy is fantastic as a chef in this second chance Florida romance between two neighbors who dreamed of being co-chefs in a Cuban-Irish fusion restaurant called Cubanish...until he (Tony) left her (Sara) with a food truck while he went to a French cooking school. Fast forward to today, Tony has a successful restaurant in New York and Sara a small local restaurant Munch and both are cooking the food for their nieces' quinceañera. The two meet up again...and the sparks fly, and my heart melted.
Colorful fun with Cuban dishes and dancing (mambo)...and family, lots of family.
Highly recommend this little piece of sunshine.
Colorful fun with Cuban dishes and dancing (mambo)...and family, lots of family.
Highly recommend this little piece of sunshine.
See also
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