Cute little television movie ."Cate" Mary-Louise Parker (The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn, Fried Green Tomatoes) has a small boutique where she sells vintage clothes. She is dating some snob who's mother thinks that Cate is a second class citizen because of her line of work. "Harry" Peter Gallagher ( While you were Sleeping) meets Cate and they fall in love instantly. "Francesca" Bebe Neuwirth ( Cheers) is a doctor who finds out that he has an illness, and tells Cate so that she would break up with Harry, but on the contrary she marries him. I like romantic movies. This is really cute and will move you. The cast is very good. I enjoyed it.
12 Reviews
There Are Better Things To Watch
atlasmb31 July 2020
Besides having an irrelevant title, this Hallmark television movie suffers from bad structure. In the beginning, it feels like the traditional Hallmark romance story. Mary-Louise Parker plays Cate DeAngelo, a likable owner of a vintage clothing shop. Her committed relationship seems to be headed nowhere, so we expect this film will be about her journey to find real love.
But the story splinters into a few offshoots that concern more serious issues, effectively leaving the viewer with a narrative chaos.
Worst of all, there are sudden transitions and jarring changes in story that suggest bad editing. Unfortunately, this undermines some good acting. It feels like the integrity of the film was destroyed by some bad choices in post production. Perhaps these were made to reduce the running time, but the final version is no better than average.
But the story splinters into a few offshoots that concern more serious issues, effectively leaving the viewer with a narrative chaos.
Worst of all, there are sudden transitions and jarring changes in story that suggest bad editing. Unfortunately, this undermines some good acting. It feels like the integrity of the film was destroyed by some bad choices in post production. Perhaps these were made to reduce the running time, but the final version is no better than average.
Romance takes a back seat to father/daughter relationship
inkblot1112 July 2003
Cate (Mary-Louise Parker) is one of four sisters who live and work in the D.C. area. Owner of a resale/consignment shop of vintage clothing, Cate blandly goes from day to day with an occasional date with her boyfriend, Philip. Cate loves her sisters but does not get along with her father; she harbors resentment for the way he treated her now-deceased mother. At a family gathering, Cate is introduced to Harry (Peter Gallagher). The two take a liking to each other, further complicating Cate's relationship with Philip. Part of the plot then revolves around Cate's decision about her future partner. But, always coming to the forefront is Cate's estranged relationship with her father. Will it be possible for a father and daughter reconciliation?
Having been attracted to the cover, viewers searching for a romantic comedy will be only half-satisfied. There IS a sweet romance but the bittersweet relationship between Cate and her father overshadows it, in part. There is another subplot involving serious illness which detracts from the romantic elements, too. Perhaps it is a case of too many subplots, too little time. The ending resolves one situation but fails to provide closure for another critical element. Those searching for a romantic comedy will be better served with Sleepless in Seattle or Kate and Leopold. Those wanting movies about family dynamics, however, may find this one intriguing.
Having been attracted to the cover, viewers searching for a romantic comedy will be only half-satisfied. There IS a sweet romance but the bittersweet relationship between Cate and her father overshadows it, in part. There is another subplot involving serious illness which detracts from the romantic elements, too. Perhaps it is a case of too many subplots, too little time. The ending resolves one situation but fails to provide closure for another critical element. Those searching for a romantic comedy will be better served with Sleepless in Seattle or Kate and Leopold. Those wanting movies about family dynamics, however, may find this one intriguing.
Not a rom/com
Jackbv12318 April 2024
Another reviewer said that those searching for a romantic comedy would only be half satisfied. From what I saw, no one will be satisfied that this is a romantic comedy, not even halfway. This is a family story. There is a very quick rivalry for the lead woman between two men, along with an equally quick whirlwind romance. I'm not sure why the writers bothered with the rivalry. The romance was to enhance other elements that followed.
There are at least two intense plot lines. As that other reviewer also said, one is never completely resolved. The other is probably the more significant one and it is family drama. There are some ugly moments in the family. The apparent resolution was abrupt. In fact, it is unlikely that the resolution shown at the end of the movie would last. It could, but there would need to be more work and more healing. Both of the big plot lines would need more healing after the final credits.
The acting is good. The dialogue is good. The story is fast paced and has a lot of elements. I think the script tried to do too much. I would like to have seen some of the minor elements dropped and more effort put into the conclusion including building up to it.
There are at least two intense plot lines. As that other reviewer also said, one is never completely resolved. The other is probably the more significant one and it is family drama. There are some ugly moments in the family. The apparent resolution was abrupt. In fact, it is unlikely that the resolution shown at the end of the movie would last. It could, but there would need to be more work and more healing. Both of the big plot lines would need more healing after the final credits.
The acting is good. The dialogue is good. The story is fast paced and has a lot of elements. I think the script tried to do too much. I would like to have seen some of the minor elements dropped and more effort put into the conclusion including building up to it.
What a delightful movie.
HOS108812 May 2000
What a delightful movie. I especially liked the interesting and rapid character development. Hallmark has already added this to is online store. And I have added it to mine collection. A heart is awakened and a passion for life restored in this video filled with hope, love and the power of commitment. When sisters play 'Cupid' and introduce Cate De Angelo (Mary-Louise Parker) to Harry Dietrich (Peter Gallagher), lives suddenly change. Watch as the couple faces life's trials and challenges together in this celebration of the human spirit.
Keeps you guessing...
lichtenmeister5 October 2021
This is the type of movie that you can just enjoy. The lead actress is quirky and independent yet allows a man that really doesn't love her for the right reasons become her fiancé. After she meets and falls in love with the right guy, she quickly realizes what she must do. She also must deal with and try to mend the broken relationship with her father. Overall, the movie is a winner and definitely worth watching.
Winning cast; random dialogue
Gary498310 June 2002
This film is a grabber for the extreme attractiveness and likeability of the cast--Mary Louise Parker and Peter Gallagher in particular--but, sadly, fails to live up to its initial promise. The first half is strong, with good establishing scenes and dialogue. The viewer is drawn into the dilemma of lead character Cate--a beautiful young woman with a pleasant but clueless fiance--who is debating her future when a handsome lawyer comes into her life. Unfortunately, the plot loses its way later on, with dialogue and a plotline that seem so random you're unsure what the next odd turn will be. Still, Parker is a winning heroine and makes this mishmash almost worth watching.
Eros/cupid and the fire of love
lightheartedbeing13 June 2021
If you think this movie is supposed to be a romance, you'll miss the point -- this may be billed as romance, but really it's deeper than than, it's about what happens with the fire of love, which is what Eros (Greek)/Cupid(roman) is actually about as a foundational god of the cosmos. That's the thread we see throughout the movie with Mary Louise Parker deftly at the center of it, yet all the characters are dealing with love, and loss and fires burning within them, lots of hurt/griefs in relationships that all build to a climax at yet another family dinner.
It's a great cast which handle the tensions, humor, anger, pain. Lashing out. Caring and tending to one another well. There's a power of love that unifies, and gets people together in unexpected ways, while seeming to break apart. I think that must be what drew so many great actors to this piece, it's not just another romance, it's nitty gritty love when it hurts and is hard.
It's a great cast which handle the tensions, humor, anger, pain. Lashing out. Caring and tending to one another well. There's a power of love that unifies, and gets people together in unexpected ways, while seeming to break apart. I think that must be what drew so many great actors to this piece, it's not just another romance, it's nitty gritty love when it hurts and is hard.
romantic
sbrnnxn17 June 2002
I like this movie because everyone in life sometime could relate to it. It's a typical story about being with someone you're trying to tolerate versus being with someone who's more alive(like her sister in the movie quoted). I can relate being in a relationship where the parents didn't think I was good enough either because I wasn't prosperous or I couldn't do anything for them, and this is what Cate went through with Philip. He was okay but kind of starchy, but Harry comes along and make everything better. With all happy relationships there's adversities, which is what happens with Harry. A good film which makes your heart go out to them both. A little slow in the beginning, and it could have had a better ending but how much can you expect from a tv movie?
If You Love One, You can't help loving the other.
tvbj27 March 2001
How very thoughtful of CBS to finally create a masterpiece that comes very close to the standard set by 'Titanic'. Not only were each and every one of the cast extremely well acted, but there was not a single thing that I didn't like about the film. Funny, sentimental, heart warming and most of all, reflecting the values of human emotions, I can vouch that this beautiful film should have been given more justice by having it made to the cinemas.
Cate is the second youngest daughter of a family of four women, a deceased mother and a father whom Cate would love to do without. Engaged to a bubbling, almost clumsy, fellow born from an arrogant family, Cate faces the dilemma of the possibility of having to spend the rest of her life with someone whom she "might" not love. Cate has three problems; her father (whom she despises), her fiancee (whom she likes, but doesn't really love) and her in laws (arrogant, old farts). How wonderful it would be to just eliminate one of her problems...and that's when a young man (Peter Gallaghan) steps into her life and not only does he solve one of her problems, he washes the others away as well!
Not only are the emotions so well portrayed, but the reality of the film is so real, that you can almost feel as if you're part of the film. The emotions, the feelings and the themes are just so real, one that will never cease to amaze audiences just how true they are. Definitely one of the greatest romance films of the entire history of film and drama. That's the greatest praise any film (at least Romance ones) can receive...and you can judge for yourself how great an achievement that is!
Cate is the second youngest daughter of a family of four women, a deceased mother and a father whom Cate would love to do without. Engaged to a bubbling, almost clumsy, fellow born from an arrogant family, Cate faces the dilemma of the possibility of having to spend the rest of her life with someone whom she "might" not love. Cate has three problems; her father (whom she despises), her fiancee (whom she likes, but doesn't really love) and her in laws (arrogant, old farts). How wonderful it would be to just eliminate one of her problems...and that's when a young man (Peter Gallaghan) steps into her life and not only does he solve one of her problems, he washes the others away as well!
Not only are the emotions so well portrayed, but the reality of the film is so real, that you can almost feel as if you're part of the film. The emotions, the feelings and the themes are just so real, one that will never cease to amaze audiences just how true they are. Definitely one of the greatest romance films of the entire history of film and drama. That's the greatest praise any film (at least Romance ones) can receive...and you can judge for yourself how great an achievement that is!
Pretty good
Monika-514 May 2000
OK, I admit, I DESPISED the first hour or so of this film. I taped the movie because I'm a sucker for romantic movies and I watched it later. The girl is loved by a handsome stranger, who is her true love, yet she's going out with a louse, she can't get along with her father, etc, etc, etc. Nothing we've never seen before, in other words.
But the film really starts to get good at about the midway point. Peter Gallagher, a very good actor from Hollywood, is absolutely charming in a role that might be a little bit of a departure for him. HE is everything good about the movie.
Unfortunately, Mary-Louise Parker (who was phenomenal in Fried Green Tomatoes) lacks charisma at times as his leading lady, but she, like the film, does seem to get better as the film goes on. I think a Kellie Martin or even a Melina Kanakaredes would've filled the role better. Mr. Gallagher and Ms. Parker have very little chemistry here. Supporting actors Philip Bosco, Joanna Going and Bebe Neuwirth all do an admirable job.
Not a bad telefilm, but Hallmark did better with Saint Maybe a couple of years back.
But the film really starts to get good at about the midway point. Peter Gallagher, a very good actor from Hollywood, is absolutely charming in a role that might be a little bit of a departure for him. HE is everything good about the movie.
Unfortunately, Mary-Louise Parker (who was phenomenal in Fried Green Tomatoes) lacks charisma at times as his leading lady, but she, like the film, does seem to get better as the film goes on. I think a Kellie Martin or even a Melina Kanakaredes would've filled the role better. Mr. Gallagher and Ms. Parker have very little chemistry here. Supporting actors Philip Bosco, Joanna Going and Bebe Neuwirth all do an admirable job.
Not a bad telefilm, but Hallmark did better with Saint Maybe a couple of years back.
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