'Fall Harvest' movie review: 'Country at Heart'
Folksy and full of romance, the music-infused love story 'Country at Heart' (premiering Oct. 3 as part of The Hallmark Channel's Fall Harvest) is an endearing celebration of autumn and country music.
In short: Struggling country singer Shayna (Jessy Schram) collaborates with Nashville songwriter Grady (Niall Matter) to write a hit song.
'Country' finds its protagonists in need of genuine inspiration and a fresh start, even if they're at two completely different places in their careers. Shayna has returned home from Nashville after yet another discouraging audition and a disappointing music "career." For his part, Grady is weary after long career behind the scenes in Nashville - but even with tons of success, he finds himself at a creative block ... which isn't great for a songwriter.
The whole movie feels reminiscent of that moment in 'La La Land,' when defeated actress Mia flees Hollywood has given up on her hopes of stardom and returns home. While 'La La Land' spends a single scene with Mia wrestling with her discouragement, 'Country' extends that moment out over a week and lives in Shayna's conflicted love of singing and not wanting to get hurt yet again.
Schram and Matter have a natural, totally relaxed chemistry that firmly cements the movie's romantic undercurrent. There's a legit spark of inspiration in the air watching Shayna and Grady craft their song together. Watching them find the song's heart together is the stuff romances are made of.
If the 'Country' shines when Schram and Matter are front and center, it drags when third wheel, country superstar Duke (Lucas Bryant) enters the picture. Grady and Duke have an obviously strained relationship - something that happened long ago and that neither is too eager to talk about. Duke works as a great disruptor wedging himself between Shayne and Grady's collaboration, but the film also dances around making him a vague love interest for Shayna too. 'Country' plays coy with this romance angle and doesn't commit enough to justify it.
And for a movie that culminates a music performance, 'Country' hits the perfect note. Schram is a natural on stage, with an effervescent stage presence. Even though the movie follows Shayna's arch to stardom, co-star Niall Matter doesn't get overshadowed - he doesn't get as much screentime singing as Schram but he absolutely nails it, closing 'Country' out with a high note.
Final verdict: Co-leads Schram and Matter are the perfect songwriting duo who rediscover their love of country music and find romance along the way in this delightful and heartfelt flick.
Score: 4 autumn leaves (out of 5)
'Country at Heart' premieres on The Hallmark Channel on Oct. 3 as part of its Fall Harvest slate. The movie is rated TV-G and has a running time of 90 minutes.
