‘STARS FELL ON ALABAMA’: A FAUXMANCE & A CUTE SMALL HOME TOWN

As an advocate for wholesome and light hearted romance movies, it’s as if I’ve always got one eye looking for something new. One of these discoveries is this indie film with a former music star and a new actress in a story that isn’t always good but did have potential.

Stars Fell on Alabama (2021) Film Review

From Alabama to LA is where Bryce Dixon (James Maslow) lands. Making some success as an agent to the stars, his latest upcoming client is Madison Belle (Ciara Hanna), an actress he’s looking to book in the next big movie. Things get dicey when, while planning to return home for his 15^th high school reunion, Bryce’s little white lie gets out of hand. It turns out, he now needs a girlfriend and fast! Enter Madison. As a favor, Bryce asks her to play his girlfriend in an effort to impress his friends, little realizing just how many things will go wrong.

The faux relationship (or “fauxmance” as a fellow blogger coins) is a common trope that many romance addict loves. This is the “big” element in this story. It’s all about a fake would-be or could be romance. There’s moments that glimmer, but mostly, it’s underwhelming. I cannot say that I’ve ever become fond of James Maslow. Don’t know why, but I think this is the best role I’ve seen him in. Hanna wavers between being a good and slightly unlikable character. I do like her confidence, but sometimes it borders on “control.”

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There’s also some scenes that drag on for way too long (note the drive from the airport) and other things that don’t have good writing (like when Bryce makes his pitch to Madison). Then there’s scenes that are just a little bit “off.” However, the sidewalk sequence is darling. All in all, this is one of those films that doesn’t rise to its potential, cute title or fun trope. There’s still these shining moments that makes us smile and wish the film were a little bit better because I think the heart of it is good.

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You can find Stars Fell on Alabama digitally on Amazon Video or (at publication) on Hulu.

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Content: it’s implied a couple spends the night together [they’re in bed together the next morning]. There’s lots of flirting and some suggestive comments. This PG-13, but on the “lighter” side of the rating.

Photos: Samuel Goldwyn Films