Now you have to admire Hallmark, they really are reaching to break out of the norm of their movies. There is nothing wrong with finding a way to break out of the norm or the monotony of the same old thing, different day.
One thing that you can count on when it comes to Hallmark, is that movies are set in the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, or Colorado. They’ll sprinkle in New York and Los Angeles from time to time, but mostly as a place that a character lives before returning to their small town that they came from.
So, yes, I was a little shocked to see a movie set in Miami. Not that I was objecting in any way. Florida isn’t my cup of tea, but like I read the news and their governor sucks. So the only way that I am ever going to see anything about Florida is watching it in the movies or on the news.
I am not setting foot there.
South Beach Love is based on a book from Hallmark Publishing, which hey, I didn’t know existed. The publishing house – didn’t have a clue. I need to pay better attention. The basics of the movie, “Follows a story about rival quinceañeras, glorious Cuban cooking, friendship, family and romance.”
Here’s my first thing, which I think is part of the reason that I love Hallmark movies is that people in love always find their way back to each other. Sarah was his life. and Tony were high school sweethearts who had big plans. He was best friends with her brother, but Sarah hasn’t seen or spoken to him in 10 years.
After he broke her heart (he left her to go to culinary school, after he got off the wait list and she didn’t) and left her to pick up the pieces of her broken dreams.
It’s their nieces quinceañeras – yes, they both have ones that are 15 years old. Both of them have gone on to become chefs. Sarah staying in Miami and him going to France for school and then onto New York where he owns his own restaurant. Both have agreed to cook for the events.
Which brings them back into the same city.
Seeing your ex can bring back feelings – this is true. But sometimes that isn’t a bad thing? I mean sometimes you need to see if feelings are still there. And then you need to see if it’s just remembering the past and you really don’t feel that way.
Feelings are complicated.
Tony is back and still has strong feelings for Sarah. The first time he sees her, he automatically apologizes for all the wrong he’s done. They forgive each other so easily, and maybe that is what time does for people. And by people I mean anyone else but me. Cause I hold a grudge.
Tony is doing everything that he can to be around Sarah and she’s indulging. Hell, if my ex was that hot, I may indulge too.
While their families have grown up together and they have a long history, none of them are talking. The two nieces Mama’s are arguing and trying to outshine each other. But the kids – they just want to have it be the way it was. Where they all got along.
When family was everything. The distance has grown between the two nieces and they realize that it’s up to them to bring everyone together.
Sarah and Tony are trying to find their way to figuring out what life is meant to be, where their place is and how their dreams can come true. And it’s something that you can’t help but respect. Both aren’t about the drama, which is a weird thing.
It’s a romance – you expect the drama. Instead they are about coming together in the best and worst of times. They have a little drama as possible and that’s a different experience. Even when they are hurting, even when they are going through challenges, these two still remain level headed.
They still show their love for each other.
I expected to really dislike South Beach Love, because it was so far out of my usual Hallmark Movie wheelhouse. But the truth is I enjoyed it. It was about love, family, moving past the past and finding your way.
That’s a beautiful thing.
It’s definitely a good watch and one that I enjoyed. I like Hallmark going outside of their box.
South Beach Love is out now on Hallmark.
