With plans to leave their small town, teenage loves Annie and Ben elope. Their big city plans are halted, though, when Annie’s parents have the marriage annulled. Ben moves to New York, while Annie stays in Iowa to help her family. Fifteen years later, both engaged to their respective fiancés, the two discover that their annulment was never finalized. They reunite to make their divorce legal, but begin to reminisce about what could have been. When romantic feelings resurface, Annie and Ben must decide if their past love could be the love of their future.

First off, please note that this is a typical Hallmark film with enough of  a twist to make it intriguing. The ultimate conclusion is never in doubt, but as with Hallmark films and what we anticipate from them, this meets those expectations, possibly exceeds them.  What makes or breaks a Hallmark movie is an effective combination of clever writing and superb acting. I am thrilled to report that in both cases, this succeeds in meeting that goal.  I will do my best to keep this spoiler-free, but I cannot guarantee you won’t learn something that may tend to impart certain details of which you were not aware.

Ivy Matheson as Young Annie, Matt Visser as Young Ben Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

As multitudes of films do nowadays, the tale spans some several years, but we are treated at the beginning to the young couple who are preparing to run away together and elope. As relative newcomers, both Ivy and Matt perform remarkably well as this young couple who is so in love that nothing will keep them apart. Although this couple is not on-screen long, you can certainly sense their devotion to one another. Indeed they are the epitome of youthful love and enthusiasm, and I hope to see these junior actors in future works.

Hal Hancock, Ivy Matheson, Matt Visser Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

In characteristic Hallmark fashion, we advance fifteen years…

Photo: Bill Dow, Rachel Hayward Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Before I get too far into the review, I consistently believe in mentioning every actor that I can, and these two are certainly worthy of a mention. I hadn’t realized that Rachel Hayward (Jessica Hancock) is featured in this movie as I just did review her in another film recently (Driven Underground review). And then there is Bill Dow (Hector) who has also appeared in a variety of films/shows (Hearties might recognize him).  Also worth mentioning is:

Catherine Lough Haggquist

She plays Judge Brown, and I knew I recognized her (yes from Hallmark and Lifetime as well as elsewhere) as I adored her character from the moment she appeared in her courtroom. Nothing like a resolute judge in a divorce court, and she gave her character all that and more beside. No one was receiving an easy divorce in her court!

Matty Finochio

And she plays immeasurably well opposite Matty Finochio (Tony McAllister)–whom you might recognize from Kiss at Pine Lake. He is the budding, vigorous lawyer who only seems to struggle when he is up against Judge Brown. The way these two actors counterbalance each other is brilliant, and I hope to see them featured again in a film that underscores their entertaining interplay.

Tasya Teles, Colin Egglesfield Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Yet another actress with whom I am unfamiliar–Tasya Teles. In this film, she plays Jovanna, the fashionable New Yorker who plans to wed the highly successful Ben (Colin Egglesfied whom I will discuss a bit later on). As I examined her resume, I discovered that I may have seen her in Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever, but I only saw portions of that film. Other than that, I haven’t seen her in anything else. I was captivated with her the moment she waltzed onto the screen as she is such a striking beauty blessed with grace and poise.  She was the ideal fit for Jovanna who is as high maintenance as she appears. While this character does genuinely reach out to Annie (Jill Wagner), it is only because she decides this “ex” of Ben’s is no longer a threat. The fact that Jovanna is exotic and of the upper crust should certainly charm the socks off any man who captures her affections. And possibly had she been Ben’s first love, that would have been the case. But we are fully cognizant of the woman who still possesses his heart, and that is why I sometimes feel sorry for the “other woman” or “other man” in this genre of films. Especially because Tasya plays her so elegantly and benevolently. As it is clear to see that acting this role was effortless for her, and I found her completely believable and captivating, I anticipate seeing more of her in the future–maybe in a larger role where she gets her storybook ending.

Tasya Teles, Colin Egglesfield Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

And in truth, had there been no Annie, I would say she and Colin make a handsome couple. Oh well, she’s bound to find someone else, I’m sure, as she is not overly snobbish or cruel.

Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Jill Wagner Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Yet another unknown face for me–Jill Wagner as Annie. From the moment she graced the screen, I was thoroughly charmed. Every so often, there are those actresses that just seem as approachable as they are beautiful, and Jill strikes me as being that way. As this is the first work in which I have seen her, I found her refreshing, credible, and unpretentious. In her portrayal of Annie, I found her down-to-earth and unaffectedly beautiful–kind of like one would expect a country girl to be.  Nothing about her seemed spurious or strained, and it was pure delectation to watch this engaging actress give life to the simply sweet Annie.

Photo: Colin Egglesfield Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Yet another new actor to me (although I had seen and heard his name–was familiar with some of his works but had never seen him), Colin played the role of Ben impeccably. Like one always desires from a Hallmark man, he was handsome, charming, and often unassuming. While he is able to exude confidence and conviction concerning his business plans and even his choice in a wife, but underneath that businesslike exterior, the audience (and Annie) can see the man he once was before he let the city alter him. At heart, he cares more about being with the love of his life than navigating the vast New York society circles. His character conceals his true feelings from his intended, but in the end, the inevitable has to happen. This is Hallmark after all.

Jill Wagner, Colin Egglesfield Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Together these two have an easy-going chemistry. Both characters are endeavoring to bury their true feelings, but that is always easier said than done. The difficulties and discomfort they face is mirrored in their facial expressions and body language, and so I salute both actors. Never did I question the interpretation of their respective characters. Both Jill and Colin brought their unique perspective to their roles, and it induced me to long for a fairy-tale ending for these two even more.

Jill Wagner, Colin Egglesfield Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Another thing I appreciate about these two is their comedic timing. Sometimes I find myself complaining that Hallmark films are sweet and appropriate but far too serious. I am one who appreciates dexterous humor in films, and these two were able to fully execute that without seeming corny or childish. I found the verbal humor they exchanged as magnificent as any I have seen on this or any network. While this film is not uproariously hilarious, the humor that is exchanged is of expert caliber.

Photo: Jill Wagner, Colin Egglesfield Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Jill Wagner, Colin Egglesfield Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

As these two are able to spend time together and reconnect after so many years, I found is quite easy to believe the stories these two had told of what had kept them apart. I have read some reviews of this film that faulted and criticized this movie for its believability, but in my opinion, the way in which Jill and Colin had their characters explain the loss of contact between them made sense to me. Even in a digital age, people can lose contact, and sometimes young love is not enough of a reason to cause them to seek out each other again. There are times that I believe another Force must step in to bring two lost souls together. And in the case of Annie and Ben, I am utterly convinced that is what happened.

Jill Wagner, Colin Egglesfield Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Thankfully, as the old feelings are rekindled, everything else in the film falls into place. Ben and Annie both do what they must in regard to their fiances, and everything leads to a glorious conclusion.

Jill Wagner Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Photo: Colin Egglesfield Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Photo: Colin Egglesfield, Jill Wagner Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

By way of a side note, the thing I truly adore about these two is that they have learned the art of looking like they belong together. Sometimes in these kinds of films, the actors just don’t seem to gel or seem compatible. Once in a while, reality is strained to the breaking point. Sometimes the chemistry and love is so stinted that there have been times that I have found myself rooting for the “other man” or “other woman.” In the case of Colin and Jill, there was no doubt in my mind that these two characters belonged together. In truth, they fit like a glove.  As amiable as the other respective fiances were, you knew that these characters belonged together. Because of the mutual warmth, love, and respect that both infused into their characters, I was captivated with this couple and only ever wanted them together. While they look “nice” together, it is the ease and charm with which they played their roles that caused me to be entranced with them. I expect to see them together in other projects in the future as I do believe they are one of the more convincing couples I have seen on the Hallmark network in a while.

For more information:

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/autumn-dreams

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