“Lead With Your Heart” Hallmark Movie Review

By Ruth on September 19, 2015 in movie, review
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LEAD WITH YOUR HEART Happily married couple Ben and Maura prepare for their upcoming chapter as empty nesters. When Maura takes a temporary position away from home, the distance shines a new light on Ben and Maura’s differences. The couple must decide if they will continue their long distance marriage, or make another change after Maura’s position becomes full time. Ben and Maura must follow their hearts to make the right decision for their family, and to make this next chapter in their lives a happy one. 

William Baldwin, Kari Matchett

William Baldwin (Ben), Kari Matchett (Maura)

From the beginning, it was evident that this was going to be a typical Hallmark film, but that does not automatically mean that what I was viewing was not worth my time. Quite the contrary, to be exact. With all the negative, violent, cynical entertainment on our television screens today, finding a film that is family friendly, positive, and heart-warming is a treat. And that is exactly what this romantic film delivers. These are the kinds of films that you can sit back, watch, relax, and easily  enjoy.

Steven Love, Amy Forsyth, William Baldwin

Steven Love( Adam) Amy Forsyth (Lacey), William Baldwin (Ben)

As we’ve come to expect from delightful films like this from Hallmark, this soon-to-be empty-nest couple has two teenage children who are either off to college or soon-to-be.  Amy Forsyth plays their daughter Amy, and Steven Love plays their son Adam. While I haven’t seen either of these young, talented actors in anything else, it was an intelligent move on the part of Hallmark to include them in this adorable film.

As the older daughter, Amy is perfectly cast–she is the one who is essentially in tune with the family and marriage dynamics between her parents. She brings the adult child perspective to the film, and it was a delight to see her effortlessly portray this level-headed young lady.

Steven Love (Adam)

Steven Love (Adam)

However, Hallmark is also attempting to reach out to the younger viewing audience, (I am a high school teacher, and there are some Hallmark channel fans amongst the young people even though they may be hesitant to let their friends know.) and Steven Love fulfills this need as the couple’s teenage son, Adam. He is the typical high school boy who is caught up with pretty girls, but he is having to face something more serious–are his parents truly growing apart as his sister expects? Steven delivers a stellar performance that will resonate with many teenagers out there. It’s hard enough to be a high school boy in today’s society, but facing the possibility of a family break-up or possibly relocation begins to spill over into his personal life.

 

Kari Matchett, William Baldwin, Steven Love

Kari Matchett, William Baldwin, Steven Love

Unfortunately, in this day and age, nothing is guaranteed, and Kari, William, and Steven deliver that authentic performance that truly makes one consider what is important in life. After all, the older daughter is off to college anyway, so relocation will not affect her in the same way. This is the trio where the attention is focused, and these actors did an outstanding job of portraying genuine emotions, even in a lighthearted film like this.

Lead With Your Heart Final Photo Assets

Mother-son dynamics–definitely a home run for Hallmark. After all, Adam has his own relationship issues with his girlfriend.  Nothing like a mother to help him figure it all out.

Lest you think that all is hearts and flowers, permit me to say that Hallmark has inserted a bit of drama for these two. After all, a long-distance marriage is not ideal, and in both cases, there may be some people who are potential threats to their idyllic marriage. And since Ben and Maura are certainly not “over-the-hill” by any means, one can only imagine what kinds of temptations they may face–especially since their relationship is facing distance threats.  While absence sometimes makes the heart grow fonder, there are times when absence can make the heart to wander. So the biggest question is–will their marriage survive?

Lead With Your Heart Final Photo Assets

As the years have gone on, and their marriage has weathered children and a variety of storms, this can be an especially difficult time in the season of a marriage. After all, they both have unique interests, hobbies, and pastimes. It is entirely possible that this couple has grown apart more than they realize. It is their children and friends who realize the potential dangers long before they do themselves.

Lead With Your Heart Final Photo Assets

But it behooves the viewer to remember that this is Hallmark. We typically know how the story is going to end–especially a love story like this. With Hallmark, it is more the journey to the picture-perfect conclusion rather than the outcome itself.

Lead With Your Heart Final Photo Assets

And although Ben and Maura have to face some life-changing decisions, one can never question just how much they love each other. William and Kari have poured their hearts into these roles, and the chemistry between them on-screen is purely unquestioned.

Lead With Your Heart Final Photo Assets

Nothing like a feel-good film!

Lead With Your Heart Final Photo Assets

And I adore the fact that this couple resonates with men and women my age. For me, the best part of Hallmark is that they tend to target the middle-aged population while still keeping it suitable for the younger people.

Lead With Your Heart Final Photo Assets

With this film, you’re sure to find something that will be relevant to almost everyone in your family. Again, while this may not be a film that will win an Academy Award, there is no denying that this is a film that delivers the kind of story we have come to expect from Hallmark.

Lead With Your Heart Final Photo Assets

Though predictable, the acting is fantastic, and the story is heart-warming. In my book, that makes it a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night. Don’t forget the popcorn and the hot drinks (or cold, if you prefer).

Lead With Your Heart premieres Saturday, September 19 at 9/8c on the Hallmark Channel.

For more information:

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/lead-with-your-heart

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About the Author

RuthView all posts by Ruth
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

10 Comments

  1. Randy October 7, 2017 Reply

    I Loved “Lead With Your Heart”. I have been trying to find the song that was playing when Maura arrives at the gazebo. Can anyone help. I have seen many Facebook posts asking the same question. HELP!

    • Author
      Ruth October 8, 2017 Reply

      I’m so sorry Randy. I wish I knew.

  2. Karen Beckett September 22, 2015 Reply

    I love Hallmark movies! They always make me cry though!

  3. Sara Schwab September 21, 2015 Reply

    theses are very nice picture

  4. Donna September 21, 2015 Reply

    What a sweet review

  5. Sarah Phillips September 20, 2015 Reply

    I’m actually a big fan of Hallmark movies and I’m excited to see this one! I’ve never seen William Baldwin in anything before, but I look forward to seeing his acting chops when I see this film. I think the plot is interesting and many adults (and teenagers dealing with parents who have grown apart) might be able to relate with this film. Great review!

  6. Cathy Jarolin September 20, 2015 Reply

    I Love Hallmark Films. I have watch so many of them in my 68 yrs and have never been disappointed in any of them. “Lead With Your Heart” sounds just like a Hallmark Film. No violence, just a wonderful type of Family Film. It does a heart good to watch these type of films. Thankyou for the wonderful review. I can hardly wait to see this film.. :0)~~~

  7. Ann Cluck September 19, 2015 Reply

    I love Hallmark movies. It is refreshing to know that you don’t have to listen to the F bomb!!!!! There may be tears, but they always have a feel good end, like you said. And we have popcorn.

    • Author
      Ruth September 20, 2015 Reply

      I agree with you 100% Ann! I am doing my best to review Hallmark films before they come out so we can only hope!

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