'Flip that Romance' is the first 2019 Spring Fever film from Hallmark. The biggest draw here for me was Tyler Hynes, he is always worth watching, even when the film is not good, and he is among the best and most consistent Hallmark regulars. Have not seen enough from Julie Gonzalo, knowing her best from 'Jingle Bell Bride' (which she was better in) and 'A Cinderella Story'. Shannon Chan-Kent is always good value.
2019 was a hit and miss year for Hallmark, not a surprise though considering that all the previous and succeeding years varied widely too. 'Flip that Romance' is not one of the worst 2019 Hallmark films. It is also not one of the best and is a not so promising start for the Spring Fever block. It is also a case of one lead being great and the other trying and struggling with a badly written character. 'Flip that Romance' is not a bad film, just not a particularly good one either.
Beginning with the good, the scenery and decor are absolutely beautiful. The photography complements them very well indeed. The music at least fits and doesn't feel constant or too in your face. There are some very cute and light-hearted moments, some of the banter is fun.
The supporting cast are more than solid all round. The best thing about 'Flip that Romance' is Hynes, who is so easy going, subtly charismatic and charming as a character that is easy to like.
Gonzalo is the opposite. She does try hard, but most of the time it feels like she is trying too hard and she makes her character's already exaggerated and over-written character flaws even more overblown. The over-sensitivity, selfishness and rudeness are just overkill and the character was impossible to connect with. She and Hynes don't have any chemistry together, or certainly not a romantic or cute one due to rooting for him to find someone else.
While some of the banter is fun, it is agreed that the writers go well overboard on the bickering, which is very repetitive and is rather mean-spirited. The characters could have had more depth, while Jules' character writing really unbalances the film. The story maps out pretty much exactly what one expects, but lacks energy and the tensions are contrived beyond belief. The charm and warmth aren't there on the whole, and the ending did not come over as realistic and feels unwarranted.
In summary, another watchable but not particularly good film. 5/10.
