Tag: Romance

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Movie Review

I Swiped the Wrong One (2026) Movie Review

I Swiped the Wrong One – Movie Review

I Swiped the Wrong One is a rom-com about four thirtysomethings navigating modern dating challenges, exploring life complexities and relationships.

First Reaction – I Swiped the Wrong One reflects the different world of modern dating.

Director: Laura Irene Young

Writer: Joe Fishel (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A typical rom-com with an atypical rom-com ending, I Swiped the Wrong One is the story of four thirtysomethings who attempt to navigate the world of 21st century online dating.

Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: I Swiped the Wrong One starts Amanda (Pfennigwerth) moving back in with her parents after her career spirals out of control. Elsewhere, Ashley (Moore) begins searching for a new man after a string of bad dates. The pair sign up to a dating app, where they meet two men Michael (Andrews), and Matthew (Zarzeczny), who are searching for new lives.

When the new potential couple meet at the same time, they make an unlikely connection. However, they struggle to understand modern dating and their lives, pasts and futures, making dating more complicated.

Verdict on I Swiped the Wrong One

Recap

The movie follows four thirtysomethings trying to navigate the dating world. They have reasons their lives are where they are, but hope to find someone to help turn things around for them.

Best Parts

The movie does a great job of reflecting the troubles with modern dating. It shows that the older you get, the more questions you have and the more doubt you have in yourself. Elsewhere, it reflects the negative sides of dating. The performances are fun and bring the characters to life. The romance is fun and shows you can find things in unlikely areas.

Worst Parts

Some of the comedy misses the mark, and we tend to spend more time with Michael and Amanda.

Final Thoughts – I Swiped the Wrong One is a charming romance that reflects modern dating.

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Movie Review

All I Want for Christmas is You (2025) Movie Review

All I Want For Christmas Is You – Movie Review

All I Want For Christmas Is You is a traditional holiday romance where a woman's love is tested by loss and unexpected reunions.

First Reaction – All I Want For Christmas Is You fits the holiday romance movie.

Where to Watch

All I Want For Christmas Is You (VOD Release 11/11/25).

Director: Ashish Chanana

Writer: Ashish Chanana (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Logen Cheatham
  • Sean Perry
  • Brad West
  • Denise Borraz Trepat
  • Joe Maria Fernandez

Plot: A charming marketing manager and a free-spirited creative entrepreneur fall deeply in love, until he vanishes in a snowstorm. Heartbroken after many months, she finds comfort in a new life and marriage.  But when her first love reappears just before Christmas, she must follow her heart and choose between the life she’s built and the love she lost.

Runtime: 1 Hour 45 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: All I Want For Christmas Is You starts when marketing manager Ashley (Cheatham) meets entrepreneur Nick (West). At first, she refuses his advances because of their first meeting. However, a chance second encounter gives her a chance for love with him. However, tragedy strikes and Nick is lost in a snowstorm.

Ashley tries to move on with her life and meets someone new and begins a new life. She falls in love and marries a new person. However, Nick reappears, putting her life in chaos.

Verdict on All I Want For Christmas Is You

Recap

The movie follows a woman who falls madly in love before tragedy tears her apart. She moves on with her life until an unlikely return from her former love changes her life forever.

Best Parts

This plays into the traditional Christmas romance story, and if you are a fan of those movies, you will enjoy this. There is some fun music and solid performances throughout.

Worst Parts

Where the movie struggles is in doing anything original; there are also a few strange editing choices. It makes things very jarring, making it hard to enjoy the montages. Elsewhere, it is a bit longer than needed, with the major reveal happening much later than required.

Final Thoughts –All I Want For Christmas Is You is a by-the-book holiday romance movie.

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Movie Review

Christmas Cards (2024) Movie Review

Christmas Cards – Movie Review

Christmas Cards is a typical Christmas romance film about a single mom's dilemma between love and leaving her hometown.

First Reaction – Christmas Cards fits everything the fans of Christmas romance movies will love.

Director: Elgin Cahill

Writer: Elgin Cahill (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Single mom Kate is contemplating leaving the floundering small-town family business behind for the big-city life when she finds romance in an unlikely source in her hometown.

Runtime: 1 Hour 29 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Christmas Cards starts as single mum Kate (Cruz) questioning her future in her small town with her struggling business. She has tried to hold her life together for her daughter Emma, but dreams of the big city after her husband’s passing.

However, a chance meeting with Jack (Argiro) changes her perspective of life, leading her down a path to a bigger decision. Will she chase love and the big city, or continue holding herself back?

Verdict on Christmas Cards

Recap

The movie follows a single mother struggling to raise her teenage daughter. She dreams of the big city, and when she meets a handsome stranger, she is left wondering what will happen next. However, her stubborn behaviour holds her back from taking a bigger chance.

Best Parts

This brings the typical Christmas spirit to the story, as a single parent struggles to take the next step in their life. It shows the decisions she questions and the love she lost, and not want to leave that part of her life behind. Everything on this side of the story is what you would expect from a Christmas romance movie. If you are a fan of these movies, you are going to love this one.

Worst Parts

Outside of the familiarity behind the typical story, it won’t do much to make you think it is one to go out of your way to watch. Nothing stands out from the many others out there; it is harmless, enjoyable and plays to the fans only.

Final Thoughts – Christmas Cards is the typical Christmas movie 101.

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Movie Review

Ghosted (2023) Movie Review

Ghosted – Movie Review

"Ghosted" is a romantic comedy about an aspiring actress navigating love and career challenges amid unrealistic dating expectations.

First Reaction – Ghosted plays into the false hopes of romance and struggles to get any real laughs.

Where to Watch

Ghosted arrives 21 July from Miracle Media.

Director: Daniel Pacquette

Writer: Jade Asha (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Jade Asha (Due Date)
  • Kevin De Groot
  • Byron Swiegers
  • Chloe Adlerstein (The Red Queen)
  • Tara Hoyos-Martinez (Forgive Me Father)

Plot: GHOSTED is a British romantic comedy drama film in which an aspiring actress falls for a man on their first date.

Runtime: 1 Hour 43 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Ghosted starts when Mercy (Asha) breaks up with her latest boyfriend. Her acting career is stumbling and in her 30s, she loses her purpose in life. Mercy’s friends try to help guide her, while her desire for succeed in fame and love begin to consume her.

However, she is pushed to try online dating where she meets a handsome stranger Blake (de Groot). She instantly falls in love with him, but he is playing harder to get than she imagined.

Verdict on Ghosted

Recap

The movie follows a newly single struggling actress who continues to chase her dreams, while facing problems in her pursuits. However, a new man changes her world, but she is facing a bigger dilemma in her life.

Best Parts

The reflection on the struggles in life and trying to ignore the bigger problems is clear to see here. It is easy to relate to Mercy’s desires for love, chasing dreams and becoming somebody. Elsewhere, the performances are good throughout the movie.

Worst Parts

The romantic figures are almost laughable series of fantasy figures that people would put a on a shortlist of the perfect match that never exist. It shows how shallow dating truly is and with that the movie struggles to get a single laugh on route. Elsewhere, the series subject involved only seem to take the backseat to the less interesting things involved.

Final Thoughts –Ghosted does everything for a fantasy romance people can’t ever have.

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Movie Review

Falling Into Place (2023) Movie Review

Falling Into Place – Movie Review

"Falling Into Place" is a touching love story exploring deep connections and personal growth amidst difficult choices in life.

First Reaction – Falling Into Place is a moving, emotional and realistic story of a connection in life.

Where to Watch

Falling into Place is in cinemas 6 June from Bulldog Film Distribution.

Director: Aylin Tezel

Writer: Aylin Tezel (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A love story set in Scotland and London that follows romance between Kira and Ian, who met too briefly over a winter weekend while on the run from themselves.

Runtime: 1 Hour 53 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Falling Into Place starts when Ian (Fulton) and Kira (Tezel) meet on a random weekend in Scotland. They connect in ways they never imagined, as two lost souls searching for something more. However, Ian has a girlfriend, Emily (Dowling) leaving the pair becoming friends.

When the two return to their everyday lives, they begin to question everything they previously have. It leads to them wanting to know what is best for their futures even if it means giving up everything they currently have.

Verdict on Falling Into Place

Recap

The movie follows two strangers who have a chance meeting. However, it changes their lives as they must decide what they want most in life despite having to make difficult decisions.

Best Parts

The movie shows us how you can meet someone and they change your view of life. It is a rare moment in life, but you see how important the meeting is and how much it has changed their lives. The movie doesn’t handhold you through a generic romantic comedy, which makes it feel more special. It uses a more natural meeting and reflection on life. There is a massive focus about learning what is important to themselves, which is the most important part of life. The performances are fantastic and bring an authentic feel to everything.

Final Thoughts –Falling Into Place is a moving story of a chance meeting.

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Movie Review

Lost in Starlight (2025) Movie Review

Lost in Starlight – Movie Review

"Lost in Starlight" is a poignant love story about an astronaut and a musician navigating dreams and emotions amidst separation.

First Reaction – Lost in Starlight is a beautiful love story.

Watch Lost in Starlight on Netflix now.

Director: Han Ji-won

Writer: Kang Hyun-joo, Han Ji-won (Screenplay)

Cast (Voice Talents)

Plot: When an astronaut leaves Earth for Mars, the vast infinite space divides star-crossed lovers.

Runtime: 1 Hour 36 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Lost in Starlight starts when a determined astronaut, Nan-young, loses her place on her dream mission. She is pushed to take a break because of a previous tragedy, and a chance meeting with a musician, Jay, changes their lives.

The two get involved in a whirlwind romance, which opens up Nan-young’s emotions, something that has held her back before. However, her dreams put their relationship in doubt, with her desire to visit Mars.

Verdict on Lost in Starlight

Recap

The movie follows an aspiring astronaut and a lonely musician having a chance meeting. They strike an unlikely relationship, but their dreams could be shattered if they want to be together or achieve greatness in their careers.

Best Parts

The movie brings us an unlikely relationship between people from different worlds. It shows how love can be complicated, and dreams can only make it more difficult. However, it also shows how that connection is hard to find and impossible to give up on. It is a beautiful love story which shows careers are important too, but knowing someone out there loves you in a way nobody else could is what shines through. The animation is beautiful, the music complements every scene, and the emotional rollercoaster keeps you wanting to watch more.

Final Thoughts –Lost in Starlight is a beautiful, emotional and pleasing movie.

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Movie Review

A Season for Love (2025) Movie Review

A Season For Love – Movie Review

A Season For Love is a romantic comedy about two workaholics navigating their budding relationship amidst personal and professional challenges.

First Reaction – A Season For Love is an enjoyable romantic comedy.

Where to Watch

A Season For Love (VOD Release 6/3/25).

Director: Terrance Mcleod

Writer: Terrance Mcleod (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Jonathan Caldwell
  • Aleeya Davis
  • Danielle Renee Houston
  • Ife Nellons
  • Torri J Tillman (Caged)

Plot: When an awkward yet charming director meets a beautiful driven doctor, they begin dating and their romance blossoms.  Soon, life’s realities test their bond as his struggle to pursue his dreams collides with her ambition.  Amid laughter, heartache, and intimate moments, they must decide if their love is strong enough to bridge the gap between who they were and who they’re becoming.

Runtime: 1 Hour 37 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: A Season For Love starts when filmmaker Malik (Tillman) meets doctor Sam (Houston). The two souls have focused heavily on their work, but their chance meeting leads to them having a spark. However, Malik struggles to get his film out there and finds himself typecast in a racial stereotype.

Meanwhile, Sam faces her own problems with her future, with her father pressuring her to take a lucrative role at his hospital. The pair are at difficult stages of their lives and things will only get more complicated as they must decide their futures.

Verdict on A Season For Love

Recap

The movie follows two workaholics who have often put their personal lives on the back burner. However, their chance encounter lights a spark, leaving them wondering what the future might hold. It follows them as they need to make a difficult decision about their futures.  

Best Parts

The movie does a great job of showing how workaholics can miss opportunities, and balancing careers with romance is a challenge. It highlights the daily challenges both go through and how their decisions are torn. There is also a message about black representation in the film industry and how they have become typecast. We get two great leading performances to keep the film flowing.

Worst Parts

The sidekick characters struggle to get the laughs to lighten the mood. We know the strongest rom-coms tend to rely on a best friend who gets all the laughs. Elsewhere, it relies heavily on the extremes of problems, as a doctor and a filmmaker wanting to follow their dreams.

Final Thoughts –A Season For Love is a fun romantic comedy.

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Movie Review

Dating My Past (2025) Movie Review

Dating My Past – Movie Review

"Dating My Past" is a film about a therapist reflecting on past relationships, showcasing personal growth through varied romantic experiences.

First Reaction – Dating My Past dives into relationship ups and downs.

Where to Watch

Dating My Past VOD Release 2/11/25

Director: Ricky Burchell

Writer: Ricky Burchell (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Chanelle de Lau
  • Ricky Burchell
  • Cameron L Mitchell
  • Alex Sauceman
  • Key Symone

Plot: A couples therapy expert thinks back on what she’s learned from her relationships with three exes: one with whom she can’t deny the chemistry, one a sensitive artist, and one that’s seemingly too perfect.  As she considers her past, she finds that true love requires not only being with the right person, but also searching your soul and becoming your best self.

Runtime: 1 Hour 40 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Dating My Past starts when couples therapist Lexie (de Lau) tells her story to her latest clients. She tells the couple about the three men that meant the most in her life. Lexie recounts meeting the charming men and how they offered something different in a relationship.

As Lexie describes her relationships, she teaches her clients that not everything will be perfect. She shows the ups and downs that have made her the woman she is today.

Verdict on Dating My Past

Recap

The movie follows a couple’s therapist who tells her new clients about her relationship troubles. It explores her ups and downs along with the things that made her strong.

Best Parts

The movie shows the ups and downs of relationships present. It shows people come in and out of people’s lives and change them for good or bad. This shows the development people go through in life.

Worst Parts

It does seem strange to go into so much detail on a first therapy session. We also see strange choices from Lexie who seems to do as much as possible to make everything more difficult for herself. This mainly comes from putting everything into the extremes, rather than having a sensible reaction to certain things.

Final Thoughts –Dating My Past is an interesting look at relationship ups and downs.

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Movie Review

Hot Frosty (2024) Movie Review

Hot Frosty – Movie Review

Experience the heartwarming magic of Hot Frosty, a delightful Christmas romance film. Watch now on Netflix and follow widow Cathy's journey to heal and find love.

First Reaction – Hot Frosty is a charming, enjoyable Christmas romance.

Where to Watch

Hot Frosty is available to watch now on Netflix.

Director: Jerry Ciccoritti

Writer: Russell Hainline (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Widow Cathy magically brings a snowman to life. His innocence helps her heal and find love again. They bond before the holidays, but he’s doomed to melt.

Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Hot Frosty starts when widow Cathy (Chabert) prepares for her daily routine and Christmas celebrations in Hope Springs. However, she doesn’t spend time for herself, which her kind nature deserves. One of the locals gives Cathy a scarf, which she puts on a snowman.

The next day, the snowman comes to life and gets attached to Cathy. Jack (Milligan) struggles with heat and Cathy welcomes him into her home, as he starts to learn everyday life. However, the question remains, how long can he stay around and is he destined to melt when the warmer weather arrives?

Verdict on Hot Frosty

Recap

The movie follows a widow who unwittingly brings a snowman to life. He helps her come out of her grieving process and starts to want to make the most out of her life. However, not everything is going to be as smooth as she imagined.

Best Parts

The movie brings the feel-good Christmas environment, mixed with the fantasy elements of the unlikely events happening at that time of year. We get fun comedy, which lets things come to life and the overall message of understanding how to move forward after losing a loved one.

Worst Parts

If we are honest, this type of movie is mostly aimed at a single audience. People who don’t like the cheesy Christmas romance movies will find this a cliché riddled movie. It also doesn’t help that Jack is basically a model, which gets every drooling over him.

Performances

Lacey Chabert is good in the leading role, we see her overly defensive positive attitude, while there is a lot of pain in her character. Dustin Milligan is great at playing the overly positive snowman brought to life. The supporting cast is great too, they bring the laughs when needed and help bring the town to life.

Final Thoughts – Hot Frosty is an enjoyable feel-good movie.