Pumpkin Everything movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Pumpkin Everything

This pumpkiny drama is now available exclusively on the Hallmark Channel.

RATING: TV-G

LENGTH: 1 hour 24 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

Amy, a successful novelist, returns to her hometown to look after her stubborn grandfather, Tom, and his pumpkin-themed store. While staying there, she crosses paths with a man from her past.

Wow, if you’re not in the pumpkin and fall foliage mood before this movie, you absolutely will be after you watch this brown-sugary sweet romantic comedy.

The fall film was directed by Jeff Beesley, and written by Paul Ditty and Beth Labonte. The movie is based on the 2018 novel by Beth Labonte. She also wrote a sequel to that book based on some of the characters that were left out of the movie.

THINGS I LIKED:

The name of the hometown featured in this movie is AUTUMNboro! You are definitely going to be in the fall mood after watching this!
The leading lady is the beautiful Taylor Cole, who has appeared in many Hallmark movies over the years.
Taylor’s romantic counterpart is played by the handsome Corey Sevier.
I thought Paula Boudreau was adorable and did a great job hamming up her character. Sure, it was over-the-top, but she was the one assigned to provide the comic relief in the movie.
Michael Ironside played the stubborn grandfather. He wasn’t very likable, but I felt sorry for him because it’s just awful watching your parents and grandparents become old and unable to do the things they once could do.
I like movies that feature authors because I am one! You can find all 31 of my books in bookstores and on Amazon!
A lot of people complain that Hallmark movies are too sweet and sappy. I tend to agree, but isn’t it nice to get away from all of the misery and ugliness in the world for a little while?

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

So much plastered hair. So much coffee.
I can absolutely relate to the stubbornness of aging parents and grandparents who refuse to get help when they need it. It’s hard for them to overcome pride and admit they can’t do what they used to be able to do with ease and flair.
The romance seems more of an afterthought. There is history between the pair so we don’t get to watch them meet and fall in love. They simply decide to like each other again. There’s not much chemistry and the two together felt like bland vanilla…not pumpkin spice. The emphasis of the movie is definitely the season, not the romance.
There are some serious plot holes. Try not to overthink anything and you’ll enjoy all of the fall colors and pumpkin…everything.
I didn’t understand the bad blood between the grandfather and his granddaughter. He’s super cranky and unsupportive. Just because she didn’t want to take over his pumpkin store business?
It’s hard to believe that a handsome, young man couldn’t get a job with anyone else. Did anyone buy that storyline?
There really isn’t any action or major conflict to overcome…just some scheduling issues.
None of the characters felt real.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

The movie is rated G and safe for all viewing audiences. It’s sweet and simple.
No profanity.
An old man falls down and gets hurt.

THEMES:

Romance
Second chances
Writing/authors
Forgiveness
Family
Stubbornness
Pride
Change
Our choices and how they affect others

FUNNY LINES:

None worth noting.

INTERESTING LINES:

“Most of the change I’ve experienced in my life was unwanted.” – Tom (Michael Ironside)
“Growing old ain’t for the faint of heart.” – Tom (Michael Ironside)
“It takes time to discover who you are and what you want in life.” – Amy (Taylor Cole)
“We’ll always be where we need to be for ourselves and each other.” – Kit (Corey Sevier)