L'amore spicca il volo

Dr. Lizzie Beauman (Nikki Deloach) is busy as a hospital administrator and a single mom to Quinn. The precocious Quinn befriends an elderly gentleman named Walter. Lizzie reluctantly hires Charley Allen (Jeff Hephner) as a helicopter pilot for a two week probation. It turns out that Charley's father is Walter.

It's a rather bland Hallmark romance. I think it pales in comparison to the daughter and the elderly father combination. I like that duo more although it's an awkward start. It's like an old timey record where the B-side is the hit. Quite frankly, that relationship has more potential for drama and melodrama. The A-side is rather forgettable.

Single working mom, Lizzie, who's daughter Quinn is insulin dependent gave up her OB-Gyn practice to be a hospital administrator to spend more time with her daughter. Lizzie has become a bit shut-off and distrusting since her divorce. Along comes former military EMS helicopter pilot, Charlie.

Charlie pushes Lizzie's limits...everything from her fear of flying to her overly conservative rules.

These two seem destined to be together from the very beginning.but the bigger story is the friendship between the grieving widow, Walter, and Quinn who is on a "find a friend" mission. If I knew you could pick up a sweet and kind older gentleman at the grocery store...I'd be spending more time there myself.

This movie was sweet and endearing and had a lot going on...big topics to tackle, but seemed to manage it in the end.

Other than Hallmark film completest sake, my main reason for seeing 'Love Takes Flight' was Nikki DeLoach. While her filmography is hit and miss, her performances have always been consistent in a good way. Was also interested to see whether it deserved its spot on the Hallmark Hall of Fame and do appreciate it when any film explores real life family relationships and conflicts, while Hallmark can do well and has done.

'Love Takes Flight' on the most part does this aspect well. While not being sure whether it is Hallmark Hall of Fame worthy, it is (even with its flaws) one of the better 2019 Hallmark films along with 'Love on the Menu', 'Love to the Rescue', 'Love and Sunshine' and 'The Christmas Club' for example. Though not as good as those films. 'Love Takes Flight' is far from perfect, but its sincerity was never in doubt and its good intentions laudable.

Am going to begin with the not so good. It is at its weakest with the central romantic relationship, which is not developed enough, the other relationships had a lot more heart and development whereas this one is too drifting in and out with not much distinction. The chemistry between DeLoach and Jeff Hephner is far from non-existent, their relationship is too underwritten.

Did think that some of the film dragged, especially in the early portions where the set up takes too long. Some of the dialogue is too on the sappy side.

However, a lot is good. DeLoach is just great in a charming and heartfelt performance. Hephner has a subtly natural charisma and matches DeLoach in the charm factor. The supporting cast are more than up to their level, with the standout being adorable and affecting Skylar Olivia Flanagan (neither cutesy or bratty). Did like the development given to the characters and appreciated that they felt like real people in real conflicts rather than typical ciphers. Nobody comes over as too perfect or has flaws exaggerated.

Other than the romantic relationships, the family relationships are done very well. Very heart-warming and moving, without being too treacly or heavy. The Charley and Quinn relationship is especially beautifully done, with the mother and daughter one close behind (one that was quite relatable to me).

It is a good looking film, especially the scenery. Something that Hallmark often delivered on, even in their misfires. The music isn't over-scored or too constant. The script isn't awkward and has a few amusing moments amongst the many very sweet and touching dramatic ones while keeping sentimentality at bay. The story is not innovative but clearly knew exactly what it wanted to be and do, and has lightness, warmth and charm. As well as well meaning honesty.

Summing up, worth a look. 7/10.

With the exception of the pilot character calling the helicopter rotors 'propellers' in the beginning, this movie hit solidly on several themes: Closed-off single mom, hurting widower father and adult son, job romances, job pressures and dangers.

Yes, there is the usual break-up around the bottom of the 2nd hour that seems to be a Hallmark movie requirement, but all the elements come together in the end.

I appreciated the less than saccharine tone, choosing to deal with real-life issues providing more depth than many a Hallmark movie. Well done. A keeper.

The plot and acting were generally good, but I never saw a good reason for the woman to be that attracted to the pilot. At the end, I was thinking that they would break up soon or if it got to marriage then it would end in divorce.