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.
