The most well known faces in 'Runaway Romance', or at least to this reviewer, are Trevor Donovan and Tatum O'Neal. Donovan is good in the right role and with good material, which are hit and miss (enough hits though thankfully), while O'Neal is capable of good performances (brilliant in 'Paper Moon', but has never equalled or bettered her work in that since). Also saw this as someone who likes romance, as someone who liked the premise and as someone who has liked some of UPTV's other work.
As far as UPTV's films go, 'Runaway Romance' is neither one of their best or worst. As far as films seen this and last week go, it is also not one of the best or worst (somewhere firmly in the middle). It is above average and engaging enough with more than enough to like, but it could have done a good deal more with its potential (which is not squandered as such but isn't used to full potential either) and as others have said didn't feel complete. Donovan is represented well as are the female leads, but O'Neal is not at all.
'Runaway Romance' has a lot to like about it. Danielle C Ryan and Gabrielle Stineman are immensely engaging, full of charm and quirkiness, and Donovan is easy going, subtly charismatic and charming. The romantic chemistry does have some spark and is pleasing enough, though maybe it could have featured more. The production values are also pleasing, especially the scenery. The supporting cast are mostly solid.
Writing-wise, 'Runaway Romance' doesn't take itself too seriously while not treating things as a joke, with the right amount of light hearted-ness. The story is sweet and has warmth and heart, the sentimentality not being too much and very little coming over as too silly. On the whole, the characters were ones worth caring about, loved the three lead characters that weren't written too perfectly while also being so likeable.
Some significant things stop the film from being great however. A few of the characters are very annoying and too cartoonishly stereotypical, especially the ex and his mother. O'Neal also overacts horribly and it jars with the rest of the film, the two emotions felt watching her were unintentional laughter and just wanting her to go away.
Despite being fine in atmosphere, the film did feel jumpy and incomplete. Especially the whole inn subplot and Sarah backstory, a subplot that had the most potential but one that nowhere near enough is done with and then it felt abandoned judging from how many loose ends were left. The ending is very rushed and like they had forgotten to add one.
In summary, above average but promises more than it delivers. 6/10.
