Expectations were rather mixed. The story did have potential to have a more mature theme than the usual Hallmark film, which it did do regarding break-ups, and handle it sincerely without being over-serious. It is familiar ground formula wise but the theme was very interesting. Ryan Paevey can be watchable dependent on the film, but have always been less sold on Italia Ricci. While 2021 was an uneven year for Hallmark, they did have some winners.
'Don't Go Breaking My Heart', the second Spring Fling film of the year and the lesser one, is not one of them. It had potential to be, but while the potential is far from squandered it isn't fully lived up to at the same time and could have done more with the theme. As far as 2021 Hallmark films go, 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' is not one of the best. It is also a long way from being one of the worst. The good intentions are obvious and easy to appreciate, especially if you've been there, but there was a good film somewhere in 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' that doesn't properly materialise.
The best thing about 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'. Paevey is subtle and charming, never stiff and bored, and the biggest surprise of the film is seeing Ricci giving a good performance (one of her better ones in a Hallmark film) that doesn't come over as cold or robotic, understated and sincere. The supporting cast are solid.
Really appreciated the message and its good intentions and there are sweet and moving moments that inspire. The chemistry between Paevey and Ricci to me was there and it was like their performances, understated and genuine. Maybe there could have been more development in the relationship, but the two work well together. Hallmark wildly varies when it comes to music, while nothing out of the ordinary it is pleasant enough and fits.
However, the story didn't completely grab me. Did find it on the slow moving and thin side, and felt that it could have done with more warmth and charm. It is also despite the mature theme, which never goes skin deep, very formulaic with an ending that is not much of a surprise at all. The script is too talky in a fairly verbose way and while some of the more motivational parts were inspiring there was a tendency to preach too much.
Did find the production values disappointing this time, while some of the scenery is nice in its own way it is not authentic and let down by the too self-indulgent photography that cheapens it and less than tight editing. The central relationship could have developed more.
Overall, not great but watchable. 5/10.
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