Taking the Reins (2021 TV Movie)
6/10
Contest
26 September 2021
The story revolves around a horse farm, an equestrian event, and a divorced couple thrown together by her family. For the first part of the movie, it was a build up to what was supposed to be the awkward reunion of a divorced couple, made that much worse by the fact that everyone but Sam knew it was coming. For the viewer, it didn't seem that awkward unless you count Sam chewing out her parents. Then like so many Hallmark movies and their clones, the animosity disappears almost instantly. By about half way through the move, you could almost forget it happened that way because Sam and Luke were getting along great.

I've seen most, if not all, of Nikki DeLoach's Hallmark movies. At first, no big deal, but Two Turtle Doves sealed it - this is one of Hallmark's best lady stars. There are others that appeal to me more for various reasons, but every time I see Nikki, she grows a little more on me. Unfortunately, this movie did her no favors.

For what little screen time they had together, Nikki and Scott Porter had chemistry.

As I mentioned, the climax of the movie is the equestrian contest. From slightly past the midpoint when all the pieces were in place, it was obvious almost to the minute details what was going to happen. And the event consumed more and more of the story. I'm not a fan of rom/coms where some contest takes up significant time and attention. I'm much more into the people and relationships.

I especially didn't like some of the camera angles during the riding scenes. Poor Nikki didn't look good. It wasn't quite fear, but it wasn't flattering.

There were some scenes which were very flattering for her physically. I don't usually think of her that way.

I caught one scene, where once again on Hallmark, face makeup didn't look right. I don't see it in similar movies by other companies.

I give what I feel is an overly generous rating thanks mostly just because the movie had Nikki DeLoach.
26 out of 31 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed