'Caribbean Summer' (2022)
Opening thoughts: There were one main reason for seeing Hallmark's second 2022 Summer Nights film 'Caribbean Summer'. One is that it was part of my Hallmark film completest quest started with their Christmas output in 2019, which expanded with their other seasonal films a couple of years ago. Have also seen Heather Hemmens in the very good 'Christmas in My Heart' and the rather average 'Love Take Two' and liked her in both. Ser'Darius Blain is a new name to me.
'Caribbean Summer' was incredibly charming and engaging. For me it is one of the best 2022 Summer Nights films, again a variable seasonal block, and better than the above average if flawed 'Hidden Gems'. Also thought it one of the best 2022 Hallmark films along with 'North to Home', 'The Wedding Veil', 'The Presence of Love' and 'Rip in Time'. It is a case of the first half being better than the second, but not by much, but overall 'Caribbean Summer' is worth watching absolutely.
Bad things: It does become a little too formulaic after the twist and the freshness that the first half had and the momentum (some draggy pacing later) are lost just a little.
Blain is also occasionally a little too laid back for my liking.
Good things: Most of the time however, he is very winning and plays his role with charm and subtlety. Hemmens is even more winning and seemed to be enjoying herself while not overacting or exaggerating any mannerisms. The two have very natural and sweet chemistry together and it was easy to get behind their characters because they weren't too perfect while also not being too flawed. The supporting cast are solid.
Furthermore, 'Caribbean Summer' looks lovely. With the scenery being absolutely breath-taking, the photography doing absolutely nothing to cheapen it while not being self-indulgent. Other Hallmark films fare a lot worse when it comes to having ill fitting and intrusive music, neither of which were an issue really with me here. While the script is not Oscar worthy material, it at least has a natural flow. It also doesn't ramble and doesn't go too far on the cheese or schmaltz, while the banter is playful and not mean-spirited when it comes to the arguing.
The story, while formulaic in the second half, has a nice subtle energy and is light-hearted and warm while also being refreshingly different in the first half, the conflict is not as forced as most other Hallmark films. It also feels like there is a story, instead of feeling like too much of a travelogue.
Closing thoughts: Nice film overall.
7/10.
