'Love at Sunset Terrace' (2020)
Opening thoughts: 'Love at Sunset Terrace' was watched with high expectations, after wanting to see some films that weren't Hallmark or Lifetime but were in similar vein. The title is absolutely adorable. Have liked Carlo Marks in other things. Was not as keen on the premise, which is one of those not much special could go either way ones. Not all the reviews were promising either.
While it is far from perfect, there for me was still a lot to like about 'Love at Sunset Terrace'. Was not so sure about the female lead character for example, though other films have fared a lot worse at less than likeable characters including from this company. 'Love at Sunset Terrace' is though a lot more appealing than it sounds and much easier to relate to than initially thought. Not great, but worth watching with a lot of good things.
Bad things: Getting the not so good things out of the way, it is indeed very formulaic, a lot of cliches here (was expecting this considering the summary, but there are films that are cliched but do something different with them) and very few of them are given freshness or variation. Meaning that everything maps out pretty much what is expected.
Also found that it took a while for me to connect with the female lead character. Her behaviour in the first quarter is too over the top and unrealistically so. The pacing could have been tighter as well in spots.
Good things: So much is done well in 'Love at Sunset Terrace' however. Ellen Woglom, once her character calmed down and her behaviours became more realistic, gives still a charming and vigorous performance and the character becomes more relatable. Marks has the much more consistently likeable character and he is very amiable and down to earth in it, always looking comfortable without being too laid back. Erica Tremblay is simply adorable and not cutesy or annoying at all.
The chemistry between the three of them was poignant and heart-warming, not just the sweet genuine chemistry between the two leads but also Tremblay's heartfelt, smile worthy rapport with both leads. On the whole, the characters are done well and easy to get behind. The production values are beautiful to look at, the scenery being gorgeous.
While not mind blowing, the music is pleasant at least and fits, didn't find it too loud (a tendency with this type of film) or drab. The direction is sympathetic while also having momentum. The script flows well and is not awkward, too cheesy or too sentimental. The story ia immensely charming, light hearted and moving, as well as easy to relate to, in spite of the pacing inconsistency and predictability.
Closing thoughts: Not great but quite good on the whole.
7/10.
