34 reviews
The set or art director went overboard on the Spring silk flowers that littered nearly every scene! It became so distracting that it was hard to focus on the film! Obviously filmed in January or February for Spring. Like many of the Holiday films, cheap and overdone decor are a staple of Hallmark movies..... invest in better props and less is more! Other than that, cute story and well acted by the leads.
- jimbojim-03739
- Apr 9, 2020
- Permalink
Bethany is always fun and she did not disappoint! This was a clever one. The title is very fitting for the subject. I liked the quiet nature of how their relationship developed and of course, it had a great ending! Hallmark, you did it again!
It's a Hallmark romance. That's down side. On the upside, it's a cut above the above the norm for Hallmark. This movie is worth watching. Although it's somewhat predictable, we quickly became enthralled in it. Despite another review, we didn't find any dull moments. It's simple, but well planned out. As with some of the great movies, each scene is critically important and builds onto the next. The story keeps your attention on its own simple merits without any wild scenes to prop it up. The interplay and acting of the 2 main characters is very good and quite realistic and you enter into the relationship with them. The two were genuine and didn't walk around with the fake "Hallmark smile." Instead, the facial expressions were priceless and told a story in themselves. The attraction between them takes time...and was full of intrigue.
Although the secondary acting is borderline and brought the movie down from higher ranks, it's acceptable and actually fit in quite well. It was enjoyable, and we watched it again 2 more times, something I've only done with some of the top movies. I give it a 7.3.
I have been a huge fan of Bethany's since her days on One Tree Hill. That is probably my most favorite character she has ever portrayed. But anytime I see her in another movie, lately it's been Hallmark, which, don't get me wrong is wildly known for having mediocre movies because of the scripts, not the actors, usually. But this one was done quiet well, and she gives a stunning performance in anything she does. The hero in the movie is really good. I loved him in The Resurrection of Gavin Stone. So you have two fabulous actors that usually means great chemistry, and they do have it! This is definitely one of the better Hallmarks of the last ten years. No joke! The script wasn't of the typical Hallmark status. Check it out!
- musicalfreakgurl
- Sep 16, 2020
- Permalink
'Just My Type' is the first of the 2020 Hallmark Spring Fling films. Hallmark always varied with their Spring-themed films and the 2020 output is no exception. Despite not caring for 'A Valentine's Match' or Bethany Joy Lenz's performance in it, which is the fault of the writing and the way her character was written, Lenz is always worth watching and was expecting that in her second 2020 Hallmark starring film (of three, the third being the very good 'Five Star Christmas').
Luckily, 'Just My Type' turned out to me as well above average. It's not great and there is not much that is exceptional about it, but there is a lot to like and it is certainly a much better representation of Lenz than 'A Valentine's Match'. As far as the 2020 Spring Fling films from Hallmark go, 'Just My Type' leans towards being one of the better ones. The title is very cute and is not too cheesy or corny, and the execution of the film is pretty much exactly that.
Am going to start with the not so good. The story is very formulaic, with many familiar plot tropes so it does feel predictable. The film does get off to a slow start, where the story is uneventful, the pace fairly pedestrian, the writing fairly bland and the characters are not easy to warm to at first.
Hallmark films often are over-scored or don't have scores that fit and 'Just My Type's' could have had more subtlety in tone and placement.
On the other hand, a lot is good. Lenz really lifts the spirits and brightens up the screen. She has great chemistry with sassy Aleque Reid. More so than her still sweet chemistry with charming Brett Dalton. Did like how restrained the chemistry was and that the development wasn't rushed while not being out of the blue either. It is also not underused or play second fiddle to anything else. The characters neither bored or irritated me once they became easier to warm to and when the negative character traits were relaxed.
Moreover, 'Just My Type' looks nice. Especially the scenery. The script is funny, without being exaggerated or juvenile, and has touching moments as well without being too schmaltzy. The story is far from perfect, but it does get the light-hearted-ness, warmth and charm just right and really did appreciate that there was less of the third act contrived conflict seen too many times with Hallmark in recent years. The direction is solid enough.
Concluding, well above average. 7/10.
Luckily, 'Just My Type' turned out to me as well above average. It's not great and there is not much that is exceptional about it, but there is a lot to like and it is certainly a much better representation of Lenz than 'A Valentine's Match'. As far as the 2020 Spring Fling films from Hallmark go, 'Just My Type' leans towards being one of the better ones. The title is very cute and is not too cheesy or corny, and the execution of the film is pretty much exactly that.
Am going to start with the not so good. The story is very formulaic, with many familiar plot tropes so it does feel predictable. The film does get off to a slow start, where the story is uneventful, the pace fairly pedestrian, the writing fairly bland and the characters are not easy to warm to at first.
Hallmark films often are over-scored or don't have scores that fit and 'Just My Type's' could have had more subtlety in tone and placement.
On the other hand, a lot is good. Lenz really lifts the spirits and brightens up the screen. She has great chemistry with sassy Aleque Reid. More so than her still sweet chemistry with charming Brett Dalton. Did like how restrained the chemistry was and that the development wasn't rushed while not being out of the blue either. It is also not underused or play second fiddle to anything else. The characters neither bored or irritated me once they became easier to warm to and when the negative character traits were relaxed.
Moreover, 'Just My Type' looks nice. Especially the scenery. The script is funny, without being exaggerated or juvenile, and has touching moments as well without being too schmaltzy. The story is far from perfect, but it does get the light-hearted-ness, warmth and charm just right and really did appreciate that there was less of the third act contrived conflict seen too many times with Hallmark in recent years. The direction is solid enough.
Concluding, well above average. 7/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 16, 2022
- Permalink
I love a good hallmark movie; even with the cheesiest lines, the awful acting, and plots so simple a 5 year old could predict them, hallmark movies always have that feel good, sweet essence. This movie is worlds above most other hallmark movies. The actors must've had a great time with this, as it's playful and fun, so much so that it doesn't feel manufactured or bland like so many other hallmark movies do. The actors were actually believable and had decent chemistry. The writing was not always bad. There were moments, especially when characters talked about themselves for a while, that went on and felt cliche or unreal (almost as if it were a speech or monologue), but there were other very well written parts that felt organic. I even laughed out loud a couple times, which I rarely do when watching all the cheesy hallmark movies. In fact, unlike most others, I don't think this hallmark movie had a single pun in it! As much as I love good puns, they're so overused and over emphasized in hallmark movies that it's refreshing to not have a pun. Even though there were a few tropes that this film followed, many of the usual cliches were left out, which made this feel almost like a real movie. The sets were just as bland as others, there was "another woman" and there were a few spots with long, weird speeches, making it a hallmark movie in both the best ways and the worst, but if you can ignore that this is a pretty good movie.
- clairelu60
- May 4, 2020
- Permalink
- vvanspengen
- Apr 6, 2020
- Permalink
Vanessa is a journalist who has the opportunity to be promoted. Amber, her friend convinces her to go away for the weekend to her parent's Inn in Washinton. While she is there, they ran into Martin, a mystery writer who has been publishing books but who has not given any interviews for five years due to a bad experience. Here enter Vanessa, who will do the impossible to get the interview and therefore the promotion. In exchange, Martin asks her to help with the Founders Day event the city is planning.
This movie was not bad. The plot was good enough. There was familiarity between the actors, who had a nice thing going. It was just missing IT. What is it? I don't know. There was no excitement, no big laughs, no clumsy moments. Not "i'm falling for you" kind of look. I did not feel any romance going on. This could have ended with the characters being the best of friends and not only would I have believed it, I would have like it. (But, where is the purpose of that kind of movie?) It was kind of boring. I found myself getting distracted by the zero notifications my phone had. I do think the best relationship was the friendship between Vanessa and Amber.
Is it worth watching? Mmm... it may be slow at times, barely any romance, kind of boring. However, Joy Lenz is always cheerful. That's a good thing about this. I did not care about Martin, i'm sorry. Again, I didn't think this was bad, it just lacked enthusiasm, and excitement.
This movie was not bad. The plot was good enough. There was familiarity between the actors, who had a nice thing going. It was just missing IT. What is it? I don't know. There was no excitement, no big laughs, no clumsy moments. Not "i'm falling for you" kind of look. I did not feel any romance going on. This could have ended with the characters being the best of friends and not only would I have believed it, I would have like it. (But, where is the purpose of that kind of movie?) It was kind of boring. I found myself getting distracted by the zero notifications my phone had. I do think the best relationship was the friendship between Vanessa and Amber.
Is it worth watching? Mmm... it may be slow at times, barely any romance, kind of boring. However, Joy Lenz is always cheerful. That's a good thing about this. I did not care about Martin, i'm sorry. Again, I didn't think this was bad, it just lacked enthusiasm, and excitement.
This movie was so good thanks to the two actors chemistry. The acting was so good considering it's a hallmark movie the ending was a bit cheesy but still enjoyed it.
- dianamarinelli
- Nov 24, 2020
- Permalink
None of these movies have surprising outcomes. We know where it's going, but if you keep the characters apart right up until the very end then we don't really see any romance. We just see two people debating whether or not to go on a first date with each other. Anyone can get that from 5 minutes on a dating app, so I'd like a little bit more.
The best part of the movie was the interaction between the two lead women. It was more adult than some of the more juvenile interactions you typically get from friends of the leads in these movies.
The best part of the movie was the interaction between the two lead women. It was more adult than some of the more juvenile interactions you typically get from friends of the leads in these movies.
I guess I expected more from Bethany and Bret, because they are on my favorites list, but I was disappointed. There was no spark, no chemistry, and nothing to trigger any kind of emotion, except the big mouth best friend and all you wanted to do was tell her to shut-up. I have all of Bethany's and Bret's hallmark movies in my collection,but this one will not join them because it is not worth re-watching. Sorry!
This is one of my favorite Hallmark romances, due mostly to the performance of Bethany Joy Lenz as Vanessa, a magazine writer up for promotion, who happens into an opportunity to snag a big story. Lenz plays the character in a believable and endearing way, making Vanessa a lovable person.
Brett Dalton plays the part of Martin Clayborne, a reclusive author who shuns publicity. His chemistry with Lenz feels natural.
The action takes place in a rustic area of Washington state, but the story does not overdo the city-versus-country theme, unlike many such romances. This is a story about self-actualization.
Brett Dalton plays the part of Martin Clayborne, a reclusive author who shuns publicity. His chemistry with Lenz feels natural.
The action takes place in a rustic area of Washington state, but the story does not overdo the city-versus-country theme, unlike many such romances. This is a story about self-actualization.
This was too similar to Debbie Macombers novel called a Starry night. Except not as great. They changed just enough to get by. If you like this film and want to read something similar but much much better, I recommend the book. That should be turned into a movie and kept how it is.
I looked forward to this because I have enjoyed some Hallmark movies by each of the leads here. But at 37 minutes of the 2 hour broadcast time I looked at the clock and thought - give up or stick it out? Fortunately the torture didn't go on much longer after that.
I guess obnoxious stupidity passes for humor, but it just turns me off. The characters even noted how obnoxious Vanessa was acting. It's one of the more commonly overused themes that one of the leads has a job on the line, so that didn't help.
Then all of a sudden, Vanessa starts acting a little more normal and Martin becomes far more charitable to her than I would have been. The writers justified this because Martin needed help with his Founder's Day event (another overused theme). He unloads the token embarrassing task that she's not dressed for it, but then they hit it off.
From that point the stars got a chance to connect at least a little and the story gets better. Still no real highs or lows. There isn't a lot of tension other than each of them dealing with career things.
As the two of them advise each other on life choices, we meet another overused theme. Go for your dream. Wish I had a nickel for every time that one comes up or for that matter every time any of these overused themes are crammed into these movies.
To sum it up, after a horrid start, the movie gets so-so and is saturated with the same old subplots as all the other Hallmark movies. Very disappointing.
I guess obnoxious stupidity passes for humor, but it just turns me off. The characters even noted how obnoxious Vanessa was acting. It's one of the more commonly overused themes that one of the leads has a job on the line, so that didn't help.
Then all of a sudden, Vanessa starts acting a little more normal and Martin becomes far more charitable to her than I would have been. The writers justified this because Martin needed help with his Founder's Day event (another overused theme). He unloads the token embarrassing task that she's not dressed for it, but then they hit it off.
From that point the stars got a chance to connect at least a little and the story gets better. Still no real highs or lows. There isn't a lot of tension other than each of them dealing with career things.
As the two of them advise each other on life choices, we meet another overused theme. Go for your dream. Wish I had a nickel for every time that one comes up or for that matter every time any of these overused themes are crammed into these movies.
To sum it up, after a horrid start, the movie gets so-so and is saturated with the same old subplots as all the other Hallmark movies. Very disappointing.
For many Hallmark films, the term nice sounds reasonable to cool. In this case the term is less fair. First, for a fist of details defining the main characters and proposing a more coherent and realistic story than you expect. Second - for use of bitter fragments of life, from ambitions of a journalist and skeptikism about herself to the writer refugeed in small town after few disillusions . The romance ? Off course, it is present but the steps of transformation of two people , influencing one to the other, the differences and the sweet humor are just precious virtues making Just My Type more than expected nice Hallmark.
- Kirpianuscus
- Jan 1, 2022
- Permalink
Great story! Great acting! Zero chemistry. The leads seemed more like very good friends who were very comfortable with each other. There wasn't a hint of chemistry until the very end and it was sort of lackluster. The two girl friends had a much more enjoyable relationship. They were actually like very good friends and acting and saying things that good friends would. Completely natural with each other and like they've been best friends for 10 years. That was really fun to watch! The gas station seeing at the five-minute mark had me laughing so hard. I really needed that today. It was really the most ridiculous thing but I think I've seen in a Hallmark movie. There was like a rack of artificial flowers for Michael standing in front of a gas pump! I kid you not. Then there were more racks of flowers up against the wall of the convenient store. And one of the doors at the convenient store had artificial floral garland wrapped around it. That's just the beginning of the flower fiasco. There were artificial flowers everywhere. Wrapped around fence railings outside, crammed into vases in every nook and cranny of all the dwellings including the single guys house! Even for Hallmark this was waaaaaaaay over the top. You don't shove the idea that this is a "spring" movie down peoples throats by putting artificial flowers in every single scene. It is obvious they are artificial! Oy vay. Then she had some kind of poisonous reaction like poison ivy to something they called blanket flower. I looked it up and blanket flower looks nothing like the artificial bush from Michael's she pulled out of the ground. It really looks like a Gerber Daisy and it's not poisonous at all. Fail. I'm happy to see this was an adult movie. There we are no children to appease. There was almost no festival but they did not make it into a big thing. There is no snowman making contest or pie making contest, etc. So glad that corniness was left out. If it weren't for the abundant artificial flowers that annoyed me in pretty much every single scene and lack of chemistry, this movie would've been a 10! I really liked them together but I just never felt romance. Maybe off-camera they are too friendly with each other to be able to fake the romance on screen? Or maybe they actually don't like each other off camera? They are both great actors but it just didn't happen. I'm not sure I would watch this one again.
This one follows the Hallmark template almost perfectly. All of the plot points and characters are straight off the mix and match stock list and hardly one left out. The only thing it didn't have was a cutesy snowball fight, snow angel or snowman session, baking flour fight, food fight, splashing or dunking in the water etc. etc. etc. Of course I did doze off for a minute or two so I may have missed the frolic scene. Bethany Joy did manage to snag herself with a fishing hook, but that was actually kind of amusing. So why a 6? That's my grade for Ho-hum but not blatantly insulting or cringe-worthy. Lenz's comic timing and likable portrayal bumped it up at least one star. Her love interest was an non-entity, and the romance was unbelievable and practically non-existent. I hope she goes back to Portland.
- rebekahrox
- Mar 31, 2020
- Permalink
I always know the HMM that Bethany aka " Haley James" will be in will be a favorite of mine. They are always great storylines and the acting is natural and a joy to watch! This one was no exception, it was adorable and a new fresh storyline. I really love the storylines where two people meet for the first time and genuinely like each other instead of arguing and hating each other the first half of the movie. AND I enjoy the ones that when the couple kisses , and there are NO wierd "fan clubs" standing to clap on the sidelines - so cheesy and un-needed!
A MUST see for a HMM fan and a One Tree Hill fans!
FAV SCENE! - The Fishing Fiasco! Had me laughing out loud!
FAV SCENE! - The Fishing Fiasco! Had me laughing out loud!
Attractive people, beautiful scenery, what's not to like?
Tiny sort of spoier.
When "someone" who has only written on a word processer sits down to use an antique typewriter which has an alphabetic keyboard, the someone just types rapidly away. It's not that easy to switch from years of QUERTY to alphabetic!
- blamkin-33985
- May 1, 2020
- Permalink
This is a good movie, this is a good Hallmark movie. This is my 2nd whack at the review since I just watched it again and I upgraded it from a 7. Well made, good scenery, likable leads and a nice subtle plot. It reminds me of the pacing of one of my other favorite Hallmark movies - Forever in my Heart.
Anyway, this isn't as in your face or totally predictable as other Hallmark stuff. I suspect that the slow build up isn't everyone's fancy but it works for me.
I have thought about why it resonated much more to me with the second viewing. It is interesting how expectations play into first viewing but when you are able to just sit back and appreciate the little things that this movie talked about - like "live the life you were meant to live" and "don't wake up and realize you have not done what you were destined to".
I think my appreciation of this movie increased when I realized that this particular Hallmark movie hit on numerous levels - not just the romance angle.
Anyway, this isn't as in your face or totally predictable as other Hallmark stuff. I suspect that the slow build up isn't everyone's fancy but it works for me.
I have thought about why it resonated much more to me with the second viewing. It is interesting how expectations play into first viewing but when you are able to just sit back and appreciate the little things that this movie talked about - like "live the life you were meant to live" and "don't wake up and realize you have not done what you were destined to".
I think my appreciation of this movie increased when I realized that this particular Hallmark movie hit on numerous levels - not just the romance angle.
- dpowelldwp
- Jun 28, 2020
- Permalink
I thought that this was a better than average Hallmark film, with a reliable female lead in the form of Bethany Joy Lenz, who does seem to be able to get the most out of the scripts she is given.
The story holds up, the leads have good chemistry - so that's two essentials for me in a Hallmark film ticked off, and this moves along at a nice pace.
There's some nice messages delivered in a not overly preachy way, and I found this on the whole to be an enjoyable outing from Hallmark, who have produced their fair amount of stinkers over the last few years.
All in all, I'd recommend this film to people.
The story holds up, the leads have good chemistry - so that's two essentials for me in a Hallmark film ticked off, and this moves along at a nice pace.
There's some nice messages delivered in a not overly preachy way, and I found this on the whole to be an enjoyable outing from Hallmark, who have produced their fair amount of stinkers over the last few years.
All in all, I'd recommend this film to people.
I stopped watching after 15 minutes. I was just annoyed by the idea of ignoring a person's desire for privacy just to get a promotion and make yourself happy.
- abrinkley-74777
- Jan 15, 2021
- Permalink
Funnier and slightly more original than most of the genre, Just My Type doesn't have so many of the clichéd romcom plots. This allows room for a bit of intrigue and literary humour, reflecting the writer theme and the main characters' way of thinking in a very down to earth way.
- SunnyDaise
- Sep 18, 2021
- Permalink
I love Bethany Joy movies but this one fell flat. Not any fault of Bethany! First distraction was the make up on the actors - why does everyone's eyebrows seem painted on and the makeup was not flattering for anyone. Or maybe it is the lighting. Something seems very off. The camera shots were jerky and awkward. Everything about this movie seemed more like a Hallmark movie from years ago. Not polished, not interesting and low budget. I was bored in the first 15 minutes. Instead watch Bethany's other Hallmark and Lifetime gems.
Finally a romance movie that does not have the customary 3rd act fight at precisely 1 hour and 45 minutes in..
I give this a 10 rating just for the fact that not every freakin' romance movie needs the "fight" or breakup. This decision was perfect to handle it the way they did that they just went their separate ways...
Yes, they get together at the end which is how they all end, but I'm great with that. I just hate that the leads have to fight or breakup when not every Hallmark movie needs that.
Thank you for doing something totally different no matter how much it must've hurt and devastated some execs at the channel that there wasn't a breakup or fight..
Thank you for doing something totally different no matter how much it must've hurt and devastated some execs at the channel that there wasn't a breakup or fight..