Anything for Love

On the most part, while uneven, the 2016 Countdown to Valentine's Day Hallmark batch was not bad at all. 'Dater's Handbook' was the only real misfire, with 'Valentine Ever After' being particularly good. The premise for 'Anything for Love' didn't really sound that promising, actually it sounded dumb and unrealistic, but still it anyway as a Hallmark completest who saw plenty of good and more 2016 Hallmark films and who likes Paul Greene in most of his work.

'Anything for Love' was not bad at all and actually quite enjoyed it. It is far from perfect and doesn't completely avoid the traps that the premise had, but it surprisingly did not turn out as over silly and unrealistic as it sounded on paper. As far as the 2016 Countdown to Valentine's Day films go, it is not on the same level as 'Valentine Ever After' but it is infinitely better than 'Dater's Handbook' (not that that is particularly hard, a film would have to be near irredeemable to be worse than that).

There are things that don't quite come off. The story is admittedly often very silly and some serious suspension of disbelief is needed. Especially in the contrived final act, where a lot of awkward and forced dialogue can be heard and where some characters are at their most frustrating in their vague and rash decision making.

Did find a few characters annoying and less than subtly played, particularly Reggie, and the ending was unpleasantly syrupy and far too neat (undeserved too). The story can be very predictable and can drag at times.

However, the acting is fine on the whole with very appealing performances from both Greene, amiable and subtly charismatic as ever, and Erika Christensen who isn't robotic or affected. Their characters aren't too perfect or have overblown flaws, and their chemistry is genuine and sweet while not exactly on fire. It is well filmed with lovely scenery, while the music isn't too constant or over-scored.

Enough of the writing is fun and light-hearted as well as charming and heartfelt. The story is very flawed, but doesn't take itself too seriously and doesn't treat the subject as too much of a joke. Did appreciate how it covered some very relevant and important issues, not many Hallmark films tackle prejudice/discrimination but 'Anything for Love' does and more than decently.

Concluding, decent if unexceptional. 6/10.