Be My Valentine: A Romance (with a Fireman)!

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Ideally, a chick flick needs two key elements to be successful. First it needs a good sense of humor that will not just make us giggle but really laugh the good kind of joy. Second – and perhaps, the most important – it needs a good hero. Fortunately, this darling movie, Be My Valentine, gets both right.

Be My Valentine (2013) Hallmark Channel Review 

Twenty years into his marriage, Dan Farrell (William Baldwin) said good-bye to his wife. The years he had with his wife, Dan counts among the best – the two had a good life together, but he has come to terms with his life as it is now. Dan is happy with his work as a fireman and keeps busy raising his twelve-year-old son Alex (Christian Martyn) who is experiencing his first crush in the pretty Rebecca. Then he meets Kate (Natalie Brown).

Have you discovered this oldie #Hallmark original!? Be My Valentine (2013): A #Romance and a Fireman Share on X

Dan’s interest in Laura takes him by surprise but when Laura too is interested in pursuing a relationship, things get complicated. Especially when Laura’s ex turns up, which leads everyone to question what it is they really want.

Honestly, I expected nothing but an average story based on first impressions. I assumed it’d be cute though certainly not among my favorites. Much of my bias comes from the actor playing Dan and low expectations of his ability to make a likable leading man. Little did I expect to fall head over heels for this adorable Valentine-day piece of candy. With exception to its twist that “breaks apart” its would-be romancers (but there is no big disagreement, which is nice), the film works its script differently than its peers. It uses all it has at its disposable to be a charmer and then some.

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I like the focus on Alex and his crush, the conversations he and his dad have about love, and yet we never felt cheated out of time with Dan and Laura’s scenes. I also like that there is an immediate spark between Laura and Dan instead of hate-turning-to-love or a dance about for 70-some minutes before someone makes the first move. Though, the fact that both characters have had love in their grasp excuses this version a bit.

The laughs are frequent with the angle of old vs. new clashes (dad and son), and of course, the scenes at the firehouse add some comedy. Anyone who loathes the break-up blow up near the climax can also revel in a lack of one in this production. Sure there is a kind of “break up” but what I liked best was that Dan doesn’t flip out, there’s no yelling or accusations and in the end, as expected the right decision is made.

If you want a new flick to watch on Valentine’s Day, make sure to look into Be My Valentine. It’s a sweeter holiday story than the Garry Marshall star-studded Valentine’s Day,and is worth a second look; even if only for a one-time watch while enjoying a quiet, cozy evening at home.

Feature Image Credit: Copyright 2013 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Ben Mark Holzberg