Have seen the two leads, Becca Tobin and Niall Matter (with more familiarity with Matter, with a generally positive opinion with exceptions),individually in other things and both are very likeable when their material is good. Of what has been of the June Weddings films, which has been a sizeable amount now, too many didn't do much for me though there are exceptions. Hallmark's output is wildly variable in all their seasonal blockings in every year, but they have been known to do some watchable things.
Watchable 'Love at First Dance' absolutely is. More than watchable in fact, actually though pretty good as long as not too much is expected. As far as Hallmark's June Weddings output goes, 'Love at First Dance' for me definitely is better than most. As far as their 2018 output from that January to June goes, it's one of the better faring ones too and is a good representation of both leads. Am not going to say that 'Love at First Glance' is a great film because it isn't, but it is a very charmingly sweet film with a very warm heart and without being too sickly sweet.
'Love at First Dance' isn't perfect. Really did not like the character of Adriana, a very one dimensional and annoying character overplayed by Cecilia Deacon.
Also found the final scene rather bland emotionally and too reserved, most Hallmark endings are too neat and sometimes unrealistically so but the final scene suffers from other things which is its blandness. Perhaps a little slow at times.
On the other hand, a lot is good. Personally though Tobin was fine, understated but not overly so and she is charming. Even better is subtly charismatic and easy going Matter as the more animated character. Their chemistry is low key, though a little too subdued towards the end, but natural and genuine. The rest of the supporting cast are fine, and while the characters are not complex and typical Hallmark apart from Adriana they are worth engaging with.
It is a very nice looking film too, one of Hallmark's best looking 2018 films in my view. The scenery really does entrance and the photography doesn't cheapen it at all. The music is lovely and it is one of not many scorings where of Hallmark's 2018 output it wasn't a problem. The music in the dance sequences doesn't disappoint. The dancing is beautifully choreographed and danced with a lot of elegance and understanding of what it is being in the dance world, wish there was more of it though. The dialogue is sharp enough and flows naturally, while also having the right amount of sentiment (not too much in quality and quantity). The story may be predictable and not perfect in pace, but it is incredibly charming, sweet without being too sugary and very heart-warming. There is a nice lightness to it too.
Concluding, not great but liked it a good deal. 7/10.
Love at First Dance
2018
Action / Drama / Romance
Plot summary
Hope Hayes is hired by couple and business partners Eric and Adriana to choreograph their wedding dance, including working with the less coordinated Eric, Manhattan's "Most Eligible Bachelor", one-on-one. Both bride-to-be and groom-to-be have reservations about the union, but they've caved to familial pressures for the good of their business partnership. Over time, Hope and Eric grow closer and encourage each other to follow their creative passions - hers in choreography and his in theater. They also share a romantic connection that neither has experienced in the past, but fight it due to Eric's engagement. As Eric's wedding approaches, Hope has the chance to go after her dream job in London. Both Hope and Eric must decide which professional and personal pursuits will bring them happiness.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
Dancing with love
Would watch again
I thought this movie was fantastic. He played the part of an absent father who showed much respect and love for a daughter he never knew he had and his ex-wife who passed away. Which John Schneider played the part very well. I have never seen a movie of his I didn't like Christmas at Willlow Creek, Sydney White and in the Dukes of Hazzard all were great. That is why I give it 10 stars. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 2/18/2021
Good watch
I really enjoyed this movie. The music and dance scenes felt real and relatable. It is the typical romantic movie with no surprises but I loved the underlying message to follow your heart and take chances on the things you love. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 2/18/2021