A bestselling author with a case of writers block jets off to France with her teenage daughter. While there, they're forced to share a villa with a famous chef who's recovering from a career ending review. While in France she'll find the inspiration to write her next book and the next chapter of her personal life!
Plot Summary
"A romance novelist with writer’s block and a celebrity chef suffering from a bad review accidentally end up staying at the same French villa for the summer. As they attempt to share the house and mend their personal lives, they find that what they’re really missing is more of a personal matter."
Released in 2016 as part of Hallmark Channel's Summer Nights programming, "Summer Villa" stars Victor Webster and Hilarie Burton.
Where was Summer Villa filmed?
Released in 2016, "Summer Villa" is mostly set in the south of France.
You might be disappointed to learn though that it was actually filmed in Montreal, Canada!
My thoughts
I enjoy most of Victor Webster's movies and this one is no exception! It was fun and flirty with a predictable, yet pleasant storyline.
In this film, Matthew (played by Webster), is a world renowned chef and ladies man who's coming off the worst review of his career. Hilarie Burton plays Terry, a divorced, bestselling romance novelist with tight deadline and a bad case of writers block.
They have great chemistry together and I thought their contentious first meeting was pretty funny.
Terry has a teenage daughter named Abby who starts off pretty miserable but becomes more likeable as the movie goes on and adds some very authentic drama.
In fact, the friendship she develops with Matthew is easily one of my favorite parts of the film. He takes her under his wing and helps to cultivate her love of cooking.
There's a scene where Abby has completely trashed Matthew's kitchen and then gives him attitude about it. Instead of getting angry with her, he brings her into the kitchen and teaches her how to make a special dish...I love it!
At one point Terry spies on Matthew while he's on a date with another woman, the ending of that scene had me laughing out loud!
While Terry experienced minimal growth throughout the movie, I feel like the character of Matthew grew much more and I enjoyed watching his arc.
He got his mojo back in the kitchen and realized what he really wants his personal life to look like. We also get a couple of shirtless scenes which is definitely a highlight!
Final Rating
While predictable, I absolutely loved this movie! The story was cute and the addition of a teenage daughter really added a little something extra! This movie is one that I'd gladly watch again and again!
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give this one a 3.5
What did you think of "Summer Villa"? Let me know in the comments below.
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