Any film and television series etc centered around food immediately has me sold. The culinary/restaurant setting has been done to death before and has been a common setting since, but anybody that loves food and loves to cook and always finds themselves salivating at different dishes on cookery competitions may find that that doesn't matter. Whenever Hallmark do this setting, it does vary in quality. Particularly in the storytelling and whether the characters are any good.
2022's 'Always Amore' is one of the food-centered Hallmark films that works and up there with the best of them. Have seen some food-centered Hallmark and Lifetime films over the past few months, especially the Christmas films, that have really not worked for reasons other than setting, but this felt like a refreshment in comparison to those. It is a treat for anybody that loves food, culinary heritage and loves to cook and is not only a menu worth trying out but it is a tasty one. 'Always Amore' is one of the better 2022 Hallmark films and much better than the previous food-set Hallmark film 'Welcome to Mama's'.
It is not perfect, have yet to see a Hallmark film that's perfect (even the best ones). Did feel that the ending could have slowed down and was too neat.
Do agree that everything with still keeping the old menu, when revamping it would have decreased the bankruptcy risk, and the whole not trying out dishes not created by the owner didn't ring true.
Really liked everything else though. Autumn Reeser is endlessly engaging and has a lot of perky charm about her. Another (justifiable) Hallmark regular Tyler Hynes is very comfortable and easy going in his likeable role. Their chemistry is very genuine and never felt false or bland, it is a very understated one but there was chemistry in my view. It was great that it was not underused and didn't play fiddle to any conflict concerning the restaurant. The supporting cast are solid and the characters were ones worth engaging with.
The restaurant setting is portrayed in a very affectionate way and the passion for food was clear, it is really made the most of and what happens behind the scenes is realistic. Any conflict is unforced and has some uncertainty that makes one root for things to be okay. The script is a mix of amusingly light hearted and heart warming sentiment, without being juvenile or too sentimental. The story is not an original one, but it has a lively energy, doesn't take itself too seriously while not treating it as a joke and is cute. The characters are ones worth caring for and the film looks very nice and isn't over-scored.
Concluding, very tasty and fullfilling if not completely cooked all the way through. 7/10.
