'All of My Heart' is the first of the 'All of My Heart' trilogy, the others being 'Inn Love' and 'The Wedding'. Apart from 'A Wish Come True' and 'So You Said Yes' (especially the former, the 2015 Countdown to Valentine's Day block was a solid one. My main reason for watching this film was the always worth watching Lacey Chabert, she is a Hallmark regular and very popular and it has always been very easy to see why. Brennan Elliott is more hit and miss for me, but he is often watchable.
Both are represented more than very well here in 'All of My Heart', particularly Chabert which was no surprise to me actually as someone who has never expected anything less and has seldom been disappointed. Of the 2015 Countdown to Valentine's Day films, it is the best (even better than 'Cloudy with a Chance of Love') and is one of the best 2015 Hallmark films overall. Of the three 'All of My Heart' films, this is the best easily. Being someone who was mixed on 'Inn Love' and liked generally 'The Wedding' despite the sloppy legalities.
The only real big issue with 'All of My Heart' is the final act. The film does badly run out of gas here, and becomes very sluggish and over-obvious. Pretty much had a strong inkling how it was all going to end halfway through and was proven correctly pretty much exactly.
Despite that, there is a lot that is good. Chabert is incredibly charming without even having to try hard, it just comes naturally to her and comes out effortlessly. Elliott is easy going and down to earth and in an understated way, and he didn't seem stiff to me. They had a lovely sweet genuine chemistry together that doesn't start off too perfectly and it does grow in a way that didn't feel rushed or too slow. The rest of the cast are strong, with a scene stealing turn from the late Ed Asner.
Furthermore, the characters were easy to connect with and while they are typical for Hallmark they didn't come over as too stereotyped or derivative. The production values are attractive, especially the suitably picturesque scenery and the music isn't overused or overscored while still having presence. The direction is assured enough and it's all present or correct, if not award worthy.
Script is light-hearted and flows naturally, while not being cheesy or over sentimental. The story has a lot of heart and doesn't take itself too seriously, while treating the subject with enough maturity.
Overall, very nicely done. 8/10.
