Chasing Waterfalls had breathtaking vistas to enhance Hallmark's traditional happy-ending storyline, but, sadly, lost points with the casting. The overall story follows the typical Hallmark plot ... character has problem to resolve, goes away or back home to escape/address problem, meets up with new/old flame, romance develops, conflict/misunderstanding introduced, conflict resolved/misunderstanding explained, romance moves forward, final kiss (usually aerial shot), roll credits. To be honest, that's what I love about Hallmark movies.
I agree with several reviewers regarding Cindy Busby's acting range. Her scripted character in Waterfalls could have made this better, but Cindy's performance, once again, detracted from the role. When I first saw her in a Hallmark movie, I thought she played the role accordingly, and looked forward to seeing more of her. It didn't take long to see that she seems to plays every character the exact same way. She appears to stay the course throughout each movie with an almost entitled, demanding, "know it all" delivery no matter how her character learns, changes, or softens. It's getting to the point where I almost don't want to watch movies in which she is cast, and I definitely don't rewatch as I do with other presentations. Granted, you could blame the acting on the script, but only if every script or director called for the exact same character style and delivery every time. Hallmark movies may seem similar with the overall storyline, but the female leads usually start with different styles (e.g. Perky, clueless, strong, angry, confident, etc.) that enhance or blossom throughout. I just don't see that growth and development from Ms. Busby. I don't intend offense to her or her fans as this is solely my amateur opinion and observation.
Christopher Russell (gorgeous as ever) does best in the more rugged roles, and Chasing Waterfalls was no exception. He has a natural, easy-going charm that makes you route for him ... even when he's being a bit unreasonable. Thus far, it seems most of his female leads have held him back. Andrew Walker, Luke MacFarlane, Ryan Paevy, etc. Seem to ooze charm with what comes across as natural chemistry, though even they would struggle with the wrong female lead.
The remaining characters, especially the daughter, truly helped to make the Chasing Waterfalls more enjoyable. If there would have been weaker supporting roles, Waterfalls would have suffered even more. If you enjoy the typical, almost predictable, feel-good movies that Hallmark presents, enhanced by beautiful vistas, Waterfalls will not disappoint overall, though the delivery may fall a little flat.
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