“Love on the Air” Hallmark Movie Review

By Ruth on September 26, 2015 in movie, review
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LOVE ON THE AIR – When polar opposite radio hosts Sonia and Nick are assigned to co-host a talk show, their conflicting approaches to love and relationships create a battle of the sexes! Though the independent woman and the defiant bachelor spar on air, the common bond of having been hurt in relationships makes them friends in their personal lives. When Nick tries to help Sonia win her ex-fiancé back, however, both begin to realize that their friendly feelings may have grown into something more. As the two radio personalities begin to let their emotional guards down, they must decide if their true love is on the air.

Love On The Air Final Photo Assets

Before I begin to review this film, permit me to say one thing about Love on the Air. I simply adore Hallmark, and I am always supportive of their family friendly, positive, uplifting entertainment. Most of their films are nice, predictable, and sometimes sappy. However, that never keeps me away. It just so happens that in my opinion, this film is one of the best Hallmark films to come my way in a long time. I rank it with the best of the best such as All of My HeartDaniel’s Daughter, and more.  The acting and writing are so transcendent that I can say if you have never seen a Hallmark film or you typically avoid films like these, I strongly encourage you to check this one out.

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This film boasts a fantastic supporting cast. I would love to be able to do a detailed review of each actor included in this film, but after watching it only once, it can be difficult to remember who played what role. Most of the cast involved are seasoned actors whom you will recognize from various television projects throughout the years.  If you are interested in the talented supporting cast, please check them out here. I found several who have ties to my favorite actors and television series.

 Jonathan Scarfe

Jonathan Scarfe as Nick

From the moment Jonathan Scarfe appeared on the screen as Nick, I was smitten. Not only does have he boast rugged good looks, but he is so immersed in the character of this wise-cracking, know-it-all guy who does his best to conceal his heart. His character doesn’t want anyone to know who he genuinely is so he hides behind this harsh exterior.

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I have never seen Jonathan in anything else as far as I know, but he is one of those actors that just makes everything appear effortless. He delivers his lines with such finesse and ease, and I am definitely a fan. Here’s hoping he becomes a regular on the Hallmark channel.  He is able to make this otherwise unlikable character quite appealing. I’m not one who is attracted to those typical, run-of-the-mill, dime-a-dozen leading men who normally grace the screen. Give me someone exactly like this guy, and I’m a goner.

(Update: While I know that Jonathan stars in the UP series Ties That Bind, I have been so busy that I have been unable to watch that series. I do have it sitting on my DVR, so I am now more excited than ever to see him in something else.)

Alison Sweeney as Sonia

Alison Sweeney as Sonia

Before seeing her on Murder She Baked earlier this year, I had no idea who Alison Sweeney was. It was Barbara Niven who introduced me to the work of this amazing actress, and for me, it was “love at first sight.” When it comes to female actresses, all too often, they seem to originate from the same cookie cutter. I’ve seen various females who are capable actresses, attractive, and talented, but sometimes they all run together in my mind. Not so with Ali Sweeney.

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Ali is one of those actresses who captures one’s attention the moment she walks on the screen because she is distinctive, charismatic, and simply stunning. Her look is unique to her, and she would easily be described as a natural beauty. Everything about her makes the viewer instantly connect with her, and no matter what part she plays, you are on her side and only want the best for her.

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In playing Sonia, Ali has brought the best of herself to this character. She is another actress who is so approachable and genuine that you never question the authenticity of her performance. She never appears to be acting because she has completely engrossed herself in the role but with an ease that not every actor in the business can convey.  Everything about her character connects with the viewer, and that is the strength of this film.

 

 Jonathan Scarfe, Alison Sweeney

Jonathan Scarfe (Nick), Alison Sweeney (Sonia)

When both Jonathan and Alison are on the screen together, veritable magic occurs.  Their chemistry is not typical, but it is heart-warming and matchless. No matter where you find these two in the story, they are absolutely divine.

Love On The Air Final Photo Assets

The humor between these two is some of the most exquisite I have seen. Their characters are constantly at each other’s throats, but somewhere amongst the constant bickering, they start to fall for each other. Because of their painful pasts and the lies they have accepted as truth in their respective outlooks on life, they fight whatever they are feeling as they want to protect their scarred hearts.

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But the inevitable does seem to happen. As we’ve come to expect in Hallmark films, the end is never in question. And, of course, that should give us a sense of relief.  For Hallmark, it is always the journey to true love, and this journey is one that will unquestionably tug at your heartstrings. In fact, I found myself near tears several times throughout the course of the film, and that is when I knew that the masterful script and phenomenal acting had enveloped my entire being.

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Anyone who knows me would say that I value realism in stories, so why on earth would I so connect with what some might consider a “sappy” film? Easy–these two are so perfect that they made me remember that at the end of the day, I am a true romantic at heart. It is one of those things I don’t always publicize, but when stellar acting is combined with an incredibly well-written script, I can be just as silly and hopeful for a happy ending as any other nonsensical female out there.

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So I call this one a Hallmark masterpiece, and hope that Saturday night everyone tunes in for this film and luxuriates in the power of true love. After all, isn’t is nice to remember that there are still some good things in this world? I invite all of you to experience the charm, grace, and effervescence of this enchanting love story!

For more information:

https://www.hallmarkdrama.com/love-on-the-air

 

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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.

12 Comments

  1. Mary Ramji February 7, 2017 Reply

    Love On The Air is the best Hallmark movie I’ve ever seen. Alison Sweeney and Jonathan Scarfe are great actors. Their chemistry is obvious. Great story. I have watched Love On The Air about 450 times. The most Ive ever watched any movie

    • Author
      Ruth February 7, 2017 Reply

      Mary that is totally cool. Such an amazing movie I quite agree!

  2. Tanya Hanson February 2, 2016 Reply

    Jonathan Scarfe played a hideous villain in Hell On Wheels… Seeing him as the romantic lead here is fabulous. I completely agree with this review… One of the best Hallmarks ever (I too am an addict) and the chemistry between him and Alison Sweeney is authentic and electric. I can watch this one over and over!

    • Author
      Ruth February 2, 2016 Reply

      Tanya, I fully agree. I hope you saw him in the Dater’s Handbook. Again Jonathan played a very distinguished man, far different from this role.

  3. LouAnne Malmberg December 1, 2015 Reply

    One of the BEST Hallmark movies!

  4. Pololena L. October 9, 2015 Reply

    I have been a “Days of Our Lives” (DOOL) fan, since that show started My youngest daughter and I still watch it. We were both saddened and dismayed when Alison’s character left the show, after her ‘co-star’ husband (EJ DiMera) was ‘supposedly’ killed off. We stopped watching for awhile. Little did we know she was producing and starring in another project! One more worthy of her fine talents! As a young girl on that show, she showcased her expertise by making her character one you would come to despise, yet quickly learn to love and respect! Her prowess in finessing her art has endeared us to this talented woman, whom we’ve come to love!

    This is my first time writing about Alison, because after watching this movie and seeing her exhibit the same skills on DOOL, I felt compelled to ‘toss my hat in the ring’ to comment. In support of this wonderful actor/turned producer, I take my figurative hat off and say,”Well done, bravo, Alison, for restoring women’s Faith in love.” Kudos and please DO keep these types of movies coming for years to come! The only disappointing part about this movie is that there weren’t more airings of this project on Hallmark (two in my SoCal area); none on other wholesome channels, such as KTBN and JCTV. Extremely disappointing. I am hopeful that enough viewers will comment, so that more station owners will realize we want/need more of these ‘feel good’ movies and the art exquisitely displayed by this talented woman, wife, and mother! We’ll be watching!

  5. Jannet Urge October 4, 2015 Reply

    I really loved this Hallmark movie. Typically Hallmark that they’d end up together but the story keeps you captivated due to the natural rapport/chemistry of Jonathan Scarfe and Allison Sweeney. It’s a must watch for the “hopeful” romantics.

  6. pau September 27, 2015 Reply

    Yep Ali Sweeney is pretty charismatic, i never understood why she stayed so long on a daytime soap opera, when she could get a part on a well written prime time serie. Let’s hope she will have many more projects on prime time in the futur. Jonathan Scarfe is pretty great too, i really live his part on ER years ago as Carter’s cousin.
    Such a feel good movie with a great cast and a cute humor, although usually i am not much fan a hallmark movies (too sappy most of the time) this one is just great.

    • Author
      Ruth September 28, 2015 Reply

      Very glad you enjoyed it–truly a great film.

  7. Betsy Rubendall Barnes September 26, 2015 Reply

    This looks like a really good movie! I absolutely adore Alison Sweeney, she plays some really great roles! 🙂

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