We always watch Alison Sweeney movies because she is such a real, natural actress. We figured the icing on the cake would be to see Marlo Thomas act again after not seeing her since a St. Jude commercial a couple of years back.
Well, Marlo's opening scene in the beginning of the movie was sort of shocking. She obviously saw the Jackson Family cosmetologist for her nose and Goldie Hawn's
botox physician - to the point that her appearance distracted big time from what was going on. To Hallmark's credit, though, they gave Marlo a lot to do in this movie.
This wasn't just a couple of scenes for namesake value -
she plays a fully developed character with many interactions with the rest of the cast. And, once you get used to her appearance, you realize that Marlo is really quite good. Let's face it and give her credit, this month she turns 85 and she can still give an honest, natural, and interesting performance, which ultimately becomes rather endearing.
As a matter of fact, she has a "show down" scene with Sweeney that is quite excellent and her second meeting with Macfarlane at a market is moving and sweet. Throughout, her scenes with Maesa Nicholson, playing her granddaughter are very well done and, at times, nicely humorous. Nicholson is an impressive young actress.
As far as the story goes, it really kept our interest - an elderly person going broke is not all that uncommon
nowadays and the relationship between Sweeney and Macfarlane's characters is nicely developed. As usual, they give really fine performances, particularly Sweeney
whose character she seems to be relaxed and comfortable with - so much so that her performance is more multi-faceted and complex than in other Hallmark roles she has been given.
It's not the best new Hallmark this season, but it's still enjoyable and worth a watch.
