Rating: ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Movie: Autumn Stables
Release Year: 2018
Starring: Cindy Busby, Kevin McGarry
Synopsis: Autumn Carlisle decides to sell her upstate New York horse ranch after her husband's death as she can no longer afford the mortgage. Eager to keep her husband's memory alive, she agrees to sell to Jake Stevens, a handsome carpenter, who vows to make very few changes to the ranch. Little does she know Jake's true plan is to flip the property...
⚠🛑 Disclaimer: This review may contain movie spoilers
Review:
Over the last few days I have seen alot of promos for the re-airing of Autumn Stables. I had never heard of the movie before so I decided to give it a try and I am sure glad I did.
So let's start off by saying that this movie was in no way unique. The basic story line was about a struggling ranch which the family needs to sell, and a stranger who eventually comes and saves the day so they don't need to sell it. I think this story line is way overused and this movie didn't do too much to make it different from the norm. I will say however, what made this movie better than others was the development of Autumn's character, her struggle with moving forward after a death, in addition to the development of the relationship between Autumn and Jake. I thought that these three components made this movie what it was.
Cindy Busby was excellent in this movie. She was emotional, strong, assertive, understanding and so much more. Watching this character struggle with the loss of her husband, her ranch and everything she worked for was so genuine because of her performance. The same can be said for her leading man Kevin McGarry (Luke). He was a bit of a shady character at the beginning of the movie with telling her what she wanted to hear in order to buy the ranch. But that sneaky side of him was quickly cast away and you could see his feelings change for her and the ranch. McGarry was confident, sexy and charming. All things that he is very good at portraying on screen. I don't know what it is but I am a sucker for a guy that can swing a hammer. I did notice that the "hands in the pockets" that I have come to love and expect in his movies didn't happen in this one. I admit I was a bit bummed by that but I won't hold it against him.
The chemistry between the two of them I felt was a bit lukewarm. At times I felt like it was there and at other times I thought it was lacking. But I won't let that take away from the movie as overall I felt that their relationship was genuine and believable. I really enjoyed that the movie extended a little bit after the kiss to show how they did open their B&B together. I love it when movies just give you a glimpse at your favourite couple and their happily ever after.
I have to mention that one of the highlights of this movie for me was the sweet relationship that Autumn had with her father-in-law. When she asked her father-in-law how he was able to move on after his wife died, I thought that was the most raw and emotional scene of the entire movie. The advice of the father-in-law was so open, honest and genuine that I was in tears. The love that he showed for his daughter-in-law in that moment was just wonderful.
And can we talk about that scenery? I was blown away by the house, the lake, the gazebo and every exterior shot in that movie. It was absolutely breathtaking.
Overall I am glad that I took a chance and watched this movie the other day. It isn't my favourite lovey dovey movie however it had some emotional performances that made this movie an excellent choice to watch.
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