'Follow Me To Daisy Hills' Review: Hallmark movie has something for every romantic looking for a happy ending
"Family comes first", "Home is where the heart is" and many more such quotes on home and belonging have been heard and told to us for years. During these uncertain times, it is true indeed that most of us crave familiarity and would love to be with our loved ones. At the core of Hallmark's new film 'Follow Me To Daisy Hills' (previously titled 'Love At Daisy Hills'), the message is clear — no matter how far and long you are away from home, it is where you belong and it is where your heart is.
This movie is filled with cheesiness and high amounts of clichés. Even though it might not be in sync with how life works, in most cases in reality – a little bit less logic mixed with a lot of mush is sometimes the need of the hour to help us take a break. In that category, the film scores high. 'Follow Me To Daisy Hills' is as predictable as it gets but it does leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
The story revolves around Jo (Cindy Busby) and Blake (Marshall Williams). Jo’s father Duke (Paul Essiembre) realizes that their family-owned general store in Daisy Hills (built by his late wife) isn’t doing great business. To save the store, he calls up for none other than Jo's ex-boyfriend, Blake, a former Daisy Hills native-turned-New York business consultant.
The two former high-school sweethearts have an awkward meeting at first, but the two mature adults seem to reminisce about the past over beer and the town’s favorite — Bob’s fast food. However, as soon as the topic of change and the small town-big city debate comes in, the two are on different sides. While Blake believes in embracing change and is a risk-taker, Jo has difficulty letting go of the past and doesn’t relate to the ‘social media’ generation.
After introspection and a heart-to-heart, the two decide to work together. And they do work well as a team. Even though Blake is successful, he keeps saying that there’s still something missing in his big city life. That’s when you know where the story is headed and how it ends.
While the movie does have a seen-that-before plot, the little moments between the protagonists and the residents of the small town brings a smile to your face. The movie has a few picturesque locations which are a pleasure for the eyes – especially since traveling seems to be a thing of the past now.
Director Séan Geraughty and writer Guy Cohen have tried to do justice as much as they can – blending 'true love needs to be let go and if it comes back it’s your' message with the need and importance of community camaraderie. However, a little bit more background and past details about our two leads would have been nice.
Busby, known for 2003’s ‘Picture This’ and has appeared in shows such as ‘The Vampire Diaries’, and ‘Glee’ actor Williams are good choices for casting. The supporting cast comprising Essiembre, Jade Michael (Sofi Mason), Sharon Bajer (Carol), Adrian McLean (Bob), and Erik Athavale (Henry) – with their limited screen time, help the movie go forward.
Even though one might get a déjà vu feeling watching the movie but who cares. These movies exist because we all can do with a bit of escapism – at least for a bit – snuggled in our comfy couch on a Saturday evening with a bowl of popcorn. This is especially for the romantics at heart, looking for a happily-ever-after.
'Follow Me to Daisy Hills' premieres on Saturday, September 19 at 9 pm ET on Hallmark.