‘SAND DOLLAR COVE’: ONE OF THE BETTER ‘SUMMER NIGHTS’ ROMANCE

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Putting together a pair of teen stars is always an interesting thing to see. Hallmark does just this in their final (at least in ‘part 1’) Summer Nights of 2021 romance movies.

Sand Dollar Cove (2021) Hallmark TV Film Review

Part of a development firm, Elli Everson (Aly Michalka) heads to a small Connecticut coastal town where they hope to acquire a piece of land for resort development. While most of the town is supportive of this, the one snag in Elly’s plans is the unexpected owner.

Part of the community his whole life with roots and family in Sand Dollar Cove, Brody Bradshaw (Chad Michael Murray) isn’t quite as easy to persuade as Elly hopes. One of the main reasons for the reluctance is the weathered and dilapidated boardwalk that has significance to him.

TV FILM REVIEW | ‘HER PEN PAL’: A SURPRISE PARIS & SWEETHEARTS ROMANCE
‘SAND DOLLAR COVE’: ONE OF THE BETTER ‘SUMMER NIGHTS’ ROMANCE #HALLMARKIES #SUMMERNIGHTS #CHADMICHAELMURRAY #ROMANCE #CLEANROMANCE #GOODMOVIES #ROMCOM Click To Tweet

Like anything, it’s funny to watch these, see their respective ratings and realize that the movies from the network I like best is the one or ones that don’t perform well. For example, I thought Her Pen Pal was all kinds of cute, but of its four counterparts, it was the lowest. This one got second place (in ratings) but just barely. Still I think this one would be solidly in second place in my rankings.

First, let’s mention it’s flaw. Some of the directing (I guess that’s where the flaw is?) seems off in the awkward too-close-for-comfort shots of the actors faces. This is most true during the meeting scene. However, most of the film is smoother so that doesn’t affect the entire film. There’s stunning scenery and for bookworms, you might like knowing this is based on a novel, by Nancy Niagle. The rustic scenery is prettier knowing this films in its state setting, and I enjoyed seeing Murray and Michalka in this, especially to see Aly make her Hallmark debut. (Won’t lie, it’d be fun to see her come back.)

Apart from the pretty scenes, this has a great first kiss (and frequent network watchers will likely understand why). Same conclusion as always. If you like Hallmark and their programming, you’ll find Sand Dollar Cove a cute one. It’s lovely to look at and has good things to say about letting the past go (which isn’t bad) but allowing the good of our upbringing to help guide as we walk into the future.


Content: nothing to note. If you’ve been comfortable with any of the other 2021 Summer Nights, you’ll enjoy this TV-G rom-com.

Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media Press

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

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