The Beach House

So different to all hallmark movies. It draws you in straight from the start. Would love more movies like this from hallmark.

The plot is a bit more unusual for a Hallmark movie, though not completely original. Some scenes were frustratingly uncomfortable. Chad Michael Murray's attempt at a southern accent made me laugh at times. The beautiful scenery of the South Carolina island is the best highlight! I saw lots of advertisements for this movie leading up to the premiere, but I was not expecting the story to be so emotionally heavy. Have tissues ready!

My mom and I had a really bad day, and we were looking forward to vegging out in front of a Hallmark movie with Andie MacDowell. We thought The Beach House would be just what we needed: Andie fixing up her family's beach house, looking at the coast with a mug of tea just like she did in Cedar Cove. However, this movie was not what we needed, so if you and your mom find yourself in the same situation, watch Cedar Cove instead. The good news is Andie MacDowell gives arguably her best performance in The Beach House. She shows unexpected pain and thoughtfulness as she stars as a terminally-ill mother trying to fix up her house and her daughter's life before it's too late. I am glad I watched this movie, because I like Andie and she did an excellent job, but it would have been better to watch it on a different day. Minka Kelly plays Andie's daughter, and in the tradition of Hallmark, she comes from the big bad city, finding herself and love in the small town of her youth. Chad Michael Murray is Minka's love interest, so if you're not watching this movie for Andie-but why wouldn't you?-you'll be relatively entertained. If you liked the book, or if you're in the mood for a good cry, go ahead and rent this Hallmark Hall of Fame. You'll see the beautiful shoreline of South Carolina, the fun and cute journey of baby turtles crawling from their eggs to the ocean, and Andie's great acting chops.

This is a very sad and depressing movie with very little to enjoy.

The Beach House is a rare, welcome departure from typical Hallmark movies in that it depicts a troubled family, characters that are multi-dimensional (for the most part), and emotions that are not all positive and cheery. It also provides the viewer with two eye-catching visual experiences. One is the lovely, mature Andie MacDowell..and the other is Tybee Island, a beach and community South of Savannah, GA. Having spent many summers at Tybee Island, this viewer can confirm that it is still one of the most unspoiled, peaceful and beautiful communities. The filmographer who takes us there in this movie certainly confirms that description of the island. The beauty of the scenery, the ocean waves, the foliage, the stately, yet simple homes..are all photographed with respect and reverence for this undiscovered island. The other treat for ones eyes is Andie MacDowell, who portrays a woman beset by both family and personal problems that need to be resolved. This fine , serious actress is a pleasure to watch as she goes through seemingly insurmountable roadblocks to resolving her many issues. her performance is nuanced and not diminished by any needs to appear glamorous. The other lead roles in the story are handled in more typical Hallmark fashion. The prodigal daughter, who has left her troubled family to succeed in the big city, comes home after a disappointing work experience. Her island boyfriend, again in typical Hallmark fashion, has not moved on with his life after losing her. Minka Kelly, as the daughter, brings almost no drama to her role. She is beautiful and she smiles lot. Chad Michael Murray, as the boyfriend, is an undefined character, who simply seems to be someone to lean on and fall back on in difficult moments. Both actors belong in a more typical Hallmark movie, rather than in this one, which explores so many deeper issues in a complex life. There is also one other cast member, a young pregnant woman, who seems to have no definition in the story except, perhaps, to serve as a Greek chorus in reflecting the family's unresolved and secret issues. The subplot of the film revolves around the protection of sea turtles, and reflects a symbolic reference to birth, life, death and renewal. However, all that notwithstanding, this film belongs to Donny Boaz, who plays the family son. This young actor, relatively unknown (at least to this viewer) portrays the rich Southern son with such authenticity and swagger, it is impossible to take ones eyes off him..He embodies the Southern attributes of confidence that comes with wealth. He is arrogant, he knows his place in the bright light of Tybee. The actor looks the part..with his body gestures, his perfect not-quite-too-long hair, perfectly coiffed, and his snarling mouth. This viewer has known many of these young men who are born into privilege and who never become more than this cliche persona. Boaz depicts this son with pitch perfect accuracy. The Beach House is a serious family drama, not a typical Hallmark film, and very well worth watching..but bring your Kleenex!

The Beach House-1080P

The Beach House-360P

The Beach House-720P

The Beach House-480P

The Beach House-720P