In My Dreams: A Dreamy and Magical Love Story

Given that I’m something of a romantic, there was no way I would miss this television debut. The trailers look dreamy and perfect for a new Hallmark Hall of Fame. In a word, In My Dreams, looked like magic.

In My Dreams (2014) Hallmark Hall of Fame Review

Two lonely hearts struggle with their careers. They also have been unlucky in love. What they don’t know is they’re about to meet, in a most unusual way.

Natalie Russo (Katharine McPhee) stays busy running her family’s Italian restaurant and is happy. In the back of her mind, she feels a desire to do something more. She hopes to add her own “magic” into a business overrun with the traditional recipes in memory of her mother. Nick (Mike Vogel) is a talented architect whose boss stifles his ideas before they have a chance to grow. On a whim, both of them toss a coin into a wishing fountain which inspires vivid dreams. In these dreams, the two meet.

Folklore says, anyone who wishes at the fountain dreams of their true love. Determined to discover if this is true, both Natalie and Nick begin a search for each other… before the magic expires.

Realistic or not, silly or not, this movie is darling. As I tell the doubters in my family who lovingly poke holes in the romantic movies I like (and I’ve been known to join in a time or two), “just go with it! It’s for the romance.” After all, without them, how would we get our daily dose of romantic moments!? Just saying. This premise – using a fountain or coins as a catalyst, leaves a charming old-fashioned impression. Likely this is because of the classic films from the Audrey Hepburn era. This quality alone is enough of a “thumbs up” from me.

“Close your eyes and fall in love.” – In My Dreams

The progression of In My Dreams starts off slower than its counterparts. By doing so, it takes its time to set up the characters and their lives prior to “complicating” things with the two strangers. Once the introduction is complete, things flow better.

'Close your eyes and fall in love.' Before 'Scorpion,' #KatharineMcPhee stars in a dreamy #Hallmark Hall of Fame romance, IN MY DREAMS Share on X

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Something of a minor distraction is a technical detail. There’s a “muffled” sound quality or perhaps the background noise isn’t edited down enough? Or maybe it’s my television/the station airing. Either way, it’s something to be aware of. You can still comprehend and follow the conversations, and best of all, this doesn’t didn’t detract from a lovely story. Its cast blends nicely. There’s Hallmark alums, veterans and of course, a popular singer/songwriter makes for quite the variety, and everyone is smashing. Equally so were their respective characters although I have to confess Nick’s choice in a girlfriend is ridiculous; an add purely for distraction from the end game ship. Those of us who’ve watch these know, from the start, they’re meant to be. This is something that creates plenty of aww-inspired moments even in a state that isn’t reality.

If you like romantic dramas, this one is worth its salt. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s okay, but for this girl, it find the right balance between fantasy and reality. Plus, there’s some neat vintage styling for its leading lady (can we take a moment to appreciate her shoes) and breathtaking dream sequences. The end is better than anticipated although it’s one of those stories I want to last another 10 minutes. All the same, it gives its dreamers more than they thought possible. Whether in life or fiction, that’s enough.