MOVIE TITLE: Romance in Style
This Hallmark romantic movie was released on VOD on August 13, 2022 and is now available to stream online.
RATING: TV-PG
LENGTH: 1 hour 24 minutes
MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B
IN A NUTSHELL:
Ella’s unique designs inspire publishing mogul (and eligible bachelor) Derek to include plus-sized fashion in his magazine. It’s not long before Derek realizes Ella’s influence reaches far beyond the fashion catwalk.
The movie was directed by Michael Robison and written by Karen Berger (teleplay) and Luther M. Mace (story).
THINGS I LIKED:
- I hadn’t seen either of the romantic leads in anything before. They both did a great job. The movie stars Jaicy Elliot as Ella, and Benjamin Hollingsworth as Derek.
- I really like how confident Ella was and she never apologized for calling herself a designer even though she was just starting out. She also never let her plus size get in the way of her self-esteem, although she readily admitted that she had struggled with that for years.
- Candice Huffine is a famous full-figured model in real life. She makes a wonderful cameo performance.
- We get to see some beautiful clothes, shoes, and purses.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
- Derek started out super cocky and dismissive but quickly turned into a puppy dog that fell all over Ella within just a few scenes.
- It’s pretty predictable.
- The big challenge in the hero’s journey is pretty minor and is easily and quickly resolved. In the classic story, the hero has insurmountable obstacles, but things seem to fall almost effortlessly into Ella’s life. She’s surrounded by powerful people who adore her and make career-changing moments happen for her.
- I didn’t feel much chemistry between the romantic leads.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
- Kids who are interested in fashion or plus sizes might be interested. Others will be bored.
- No profanity. Yay!
- Some characters are mean.
THEMES:
- Body positivity
- Confidence
- Fashion
- Self-esteem
- Power
- Friendship
- Believe in yourself
FUNNY LINES:
“What’s a girl supposed to do with all this charm?” – Ella (Jaicy Elliot)
INTERESTING LINES:
“When you feel beautiful, you look beautiful.” – Ella (Jaicy Elliot)
“I’m good with being myself.” – Ella (Jaicy Elliot)
“Clothing is a form of self-expression.” – Ella (Jaicy Elliot)
“I’m just looking in the mirror and trying to be the me I want to be.” – Ella (Jaicy Elliot)
“Mirrors used to be the enemy. Now, what I see is a piece of glass. What I see is up to me.” – Ella (Jaicy Elliot)
OTHER MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
The Devil Wears Prada: https://amzn.to/3cdXSUB
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris: https://moviereviewmom.com/mrs-harris-goes-to-paris-movie-review/
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