27 reviews
Hallmark - Stop Promoting Bad Behavior
Nothing new here
Cindy Busby has done this movie before. I found her character both clueless and selfish. The conflicts they tried to set up were resolved within the same scene repeatedly. Can she find the reclusive guide (haven't seen him in weeks. But hey, complete stranger, here's directions to his house.) (No I will not help you. Ten seconds later: Okay sure I'll help, but I can't start until next week. Okay I'll start tomorrow.) The script was sorely lacking. There was no palpable chemistry between the leads. If my son hadn't visited Yosemite this summer (we asked him many times, did you see this?) the movie wouldn't have been worth watching. But the scenery was great.
- teepack-75312
- Sep 6, 2022
- Permalink
Oh Canada
I typically enjoy Cindy Busby movies. Unfortunately this movie concentrated on an primary agenda that did not include romance of the characters. The line that America's past was not perfect from a Canadian Actor and Canadian production team seems very hypocritical. The scenery in the movie is what carried it. The romantic scenes between the two main characters were overly flimsy with superficial interaction and language. Hallmark seems to be departing from movies that bring us joy and happiness into getting the viewer to see Hallmarks view of the world. I am over 65 so my demographic does not carry a lot of weight.
Nature movie
Didn't Cindy Busby just do this? Photojournalist. Wilderness. Personal guide.
A lot of Hallmark movies have breathtaking scenery. This one ranks right up there. The climbers on the cliff face add an awesome touch.
Conservation of nature and some tragic history of Native Americans is a big part of the movie. There's also a lot of talk about stories. Unfortunately, the overall story of this movie is overwhelmed by the scenery and quest for the perfect photo. There aren't a lot of story highs or lows and almost no tension.
The conflict came out of nowhere and seemed contrived as did the ending even though the overall outcome couldn't be anything other than what it was.
I haven't noticed Cindy Busby with so much emphatic gesturing in what I've seen of her in the past. She is exuberant too. This is a good role for her. She connected with Tyler Harlow but not with much spark.
A lot of Hallmark movies have breathtaking scenery. This one ranks right up there. The climbers on the cliff face add an awesome touch.
Conservation of nature and some tragic history of Native Americans is a big part of the movie. There's also a lot of talk about stories. Unfortunately, the overall story of this movie is overwhelmed by the scenery and quest for the perfect photo. There aren't a lot of story highs or lows and almost no tension.
The conflict came out of nowhere and seemed contrived as did the ending even though the overall outcome couldn't be anything other than what it was.
I haven't noticed Cindy Busby with so much emphatic gesturing in what I've seen of her in the past. She is exuberant too. This is a good role for her. She connected with Tyler Harlow but not with much spark.
Another Cindy Busby painful effort
This is another Woke Hallmark movies with an actress that reads her lines off queue cards. Beautiful scenery, but this is not a storyline for a Hallmark movie. This is a lecture on how white people ripped off the Indians. Should be on the History or Discovery Channels.
Cindy Busby's performance is flat as usual. Monotone vice, no emotion and appears to read her script from queue cards.
The script really led nowhere. It wondered from office pressure to a hapless city Girl in the park, to a concocted relationship to a happy ending. It never draws the viewer in or immerses them into the depth of the story.
Hallmark executives have struck out again. There needs to be a change of direction in the Hallmark Media corporate offices.
Cindy Busby's performance is flat as usual. Monotone vice, no emotion and appears to read her script from queue cards.
The script really led nowhere. It wondered from office pressure to a hapless city Girl in the park, to a concocted relationship to a happy ending. It never draws the viewer in or immerses them into the depth of the story.
Hallmark executives have struck out again. There needs to be a change of direction in the Hallmark Media corporate offices.
- jodw-90152
- Sep 11, 2022
- Permalink
Watch Chasing Waterfalls instead
Not the exact same plot, but close enough and Cindy and Christopher have actual chemistry. This movie didn't do it for me, and I won't rehash the story. Others already have done it well. I usually watch Cindy's movies on Hallmark, Lifetime, GAC and streaming (except The Wrong Stepmother...AWFUL), but this was a miss. It wasn't just boring and preachy, but without those elements, you will feel deja vu since it's really not that different from Chasing Waterfalls which I think aired less than a year prior. Or Journey of the Heart.
It's not a new trend, but having rude, prickly, entitled leads needs to go away. Hallmark and Lifetime's "thrillers" do it. What's wrong with a main character that has a pleasant disposition? You catch more flies with honey, but if you let HM tell it, you can treat people however you want and get your way. They'll even fall in love with you in spite of your attitude. It's very annoying and it often makes me want to turn the movie off.
Cindy's best movies are with Christopher and the Darcy movies with Ryan. And the Godwink movie. Loved that. All of her other HM films are really poor in comparison. She's been around a while, but for whatever reason, she doesn't get the good scripts.
This 600 character rule is so annoying when the movie doesn't deserve that much discussion. I can't believe that I'm sitting here typing until the error message disappears. Even with these two sentences, it's still not enough. Good grief. Ok there it is. Finally.
It's not a new trend, but having rude, prickly, entitled leads needs to go away. Hallmark and Lifetime's "thrillers" do it. What's wrong with a main character that has a pleasant disposition? You catch more flies with honey, but if you let HM tell it, you can treat people however you want and get your way. They'll even fall in love with you in spite of your attitude. It's very annoying and it often makes me want to turn the movie off.
Cindy's best movies are with Christopher and the Darcy movies with Ryan. And the Godwink movie. Loved that. All of her other HM films are really poor in comparison. She's been around a while, but for whatever reason, she doesn't get the good scripts.
This 600 character rule is so annoying when the movie doesn't deserve that much discussion. I can't believe that I'm sitting here typing until the error message disappears. Even with these two sentences, it's still not enough. Good grief. Ok there it is. Finally.
- CranberriAppl
- Mar 30, 2023
- Permalink
A conservation documentary
6.4 stars.
My best description of "Marry Me in Yosemite" is a dramatization of two people that got caught in the middle of a documentary as part of a campaign to preserve a national park. I could use a bunch of political terms like climate change and going green, and all that good stuff, but let's not forget there is a cheesy Hallmark romance intertwined in this save the planet promo which has been communicated to us by a random assortment of park ranger who is granddaughter to native American sports and camping gear shop owner at Yosemite National Park, and his great, great grandfather was one of the original natives who lived in the park and was acquainted with John Muir who wrote famous books about the park and other natural wonders in America and this and that. Enter this gorgeous female stranger to the park, from the big city who wants to be like Ansel Adams and take great pics and publish it all in a coffee table book, and she meets a guy who lives alone in the woods in a small house near the park, a hermit type, and he takes the role as her guide so they can create the perfect story for her book. Only problem is he is a fanatical scientific save the earth sort of guy and she is an artistic writer. They don't mesh.
This film is about nature and mountains and Yosemite National park. The romance and the people are secondary. Like it's said more than once in this film: this is the animals' home, we are the visitors. Blah, blah, blah. I love animals, I believe we should save them, but don't try to masquerade a Hallmark movie behind the agenda. My response is: ok, but we are also visiting this movie, and nobody is home.
My best description of "Marry Me in Yosemite" is a dramatization of two people that got caught in the middle of a documentary as part of a campaign to preserve a national park. I could use a bunch of political terms like climate change and going green, and all that good stuff, but let's not forget there is a cheesy Hallmark romance intertwined in this save the planet promo which has been communicated to us by a random assortment of park ranger who is granddaughter to native American sports and camping gear shop owner at Yosemite National Park, and his great, great grandfather was one of the original natives who lived in the park and was acquainted with John Muir who wrote famous books about the park and other natural wonders in America and this and that. Enter this gorgeous female stranger to the park, from the big city who wants to be like Ansel Adams and take great pics and publish it all in a coffee table book, and she meets a guy who lives alone in the woods in a small house near the park, a hermit type, and he takes the role as her guide so they can create the perfect story for her book. Only problem is he is a fanatical scientific save the earth sort of guy and she is an artistic writer. They don't mesh.
This film is about nature and mountains and Yosemite National park. The romance and the people are secondary. Like it's said more than once in this film: this is the animals' home, we are the visitors. Blah, blah, blah. I love animals, I believe we should save them, but don't try to masquerade a Hallmark movie behind the agenda. My response is: ok, but we are also visiting this movie, and nobody is home.
Uninspired Script, Zero Chemistry. Skip it.
Cindy Busby's character was a cardboard cutout, generically enthusiastic, with a whole lot of smiling and cringe lines. Cindy can be really funny and cute with some of her awkward, wide-eyed expressions, but nothing in this movie came close. My wife and I kept waiting for some spark, but it never happened. I agree with all the other reviews commenting about the poor script.
The movie is uninspired and boring - a far cry from the Waterfalls movie. Cindy had great chemistry with Christopher Russell in the last few movies together. Tyler Harlow's character in the beginning was a little jarring, and he never recovered. Part of the reason is because he did not have any chemistry with Cindy's character.
The history commentary felt tiresome and forced. Enough with the wokery already.
The best thing to be said about this movie is the scenery. You find yourself saying "Cool, Yosemite. Pretty. I've been there."
All-in-all, definitely a movie you can skip with no regrets.
The movie is uninspired and boring - a far cry from the Waterfalls movie. Cindy had great chemistry with Christopher Russell in the last few movies together. Tyler Harlow's character in the beginning was a little jarring, and he never recovered. Part of the reason is because he did not have any chemistry with Cindy's character.
The history commentary felt tiresome and forced. Enough with the wokery already.
The best thing to be said about this movie is the scenery. You find yourself saying "Cool, Yosemite. Pretty. I've been there."
All-in-all, definitely a movie you can skip with no regrets.
- dryice-01976
- Sep 17, 2022
- Permalink
Nice Family movie for all
This movie was pretty good. The plot is a professional city girl needs a seasoned/ rugged tour guide for a book project with a deadline. This story was pretty basic and somewhat predictable but both of the lead actors (Cindy Busby and Tyler Harlow) were both really good. They do a lot of outdoor activities together while researching for a book about Yosemite. She does the pictures/photographs and he is the expert for the story. There were a few hiccups that the characters had to work on and get thru, but they seemed to have fun with the plot/script. The scenery was very beautiful. The film looked great and the outdoor movies are always like another character in the film.
A coffee table book cannot be made in five short days.
As a professional photographer this movie is very flawed. Middle of the day glare is not what pro photographers strive for. Backpacking and sleeping in a tent lead to capturing the greatest exposures at sunrise, not in the harsh light portrayed. A coffee table book is made with multiple exposures over time, not just one click and you have it. This could have been so much better with even slight adjustments and thoughts to these details. Cindy's character would have come off so much more mature, and more in keeping with the groundedness of someone who lives in nature. Also, when holding a camera it should not be slightly tilted when creating a landscape image. And don't crop off the top of a mountain!
- andreawells-99487
- Sep 16, 2022
- Permalink
Sweet movie with breathtaking scenery but a rushed ending
Hallmark almost got it right, almost... I really liked the movie as a whole but there is so much untapped potential. I would like to see Hallmark do a series of multiple movies on this, instead of trying to rush important topics, amongst the main romantic storyline and scenery in 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Particularly the ending was rushed. I won't give anything away but trying to make any kind of heartfelt, meaningful end to the story in under 2 minutes is just a bit futile. I think Hallmark didn't want to take the risk of committing to two movies but it's so compacted that the depth of the story that is hinted at is really just kind of neglected. The romance, the leads' personalities, the leading topic (the making of the photography book in this case), the story of the most important supporting cast, as well as the important topics of conservation and native tribes. A sequel was actually really needed to complete this story and might have given the room to really work out every topic in any kind of meaningful way without sacrificing the romance.
For example: the male lead is passionate about conservation, I would have loved to see some actual scenes with examples. I think the screenwriter really needed more screentime to do the story justice so I think Hallmark should start doing two or three part movies, screened over a couple of weekends in a row, to make these stories informative but easy to watch while keeping the romance.
I do like that Hallmark seems to be focusing on movies where relationships are not built on deceit. It's oddly refreshing to see Hallmark movies where people aren't pretending to be a different person, breaking off agreements left and right, and not focusing storylines on inconsequential bakeoff competitions, corporate developers, and kid birthday parties. I like the idea of learning about topics in an accessible, fun way but Hallmark should really give these things more time so that the scenes can breathe a little bit.
Particularly the ending was rushed. I won't give anything away but trying to make any kind of heartfelt, meaningful end to the story in under 2 minutes is just a bit futile. I think Hallmark didn't want to take the risk of committing to two movies but it's so compacted that the depth of the story that is hinted at is really just kind of neglected. The romance, the leads' personalities, the leading topic (the making of the photography book in this case), the story of the most important supporting cast, as well as the important topics of conservation and native tribes. A sequel was actually really needed to complete this story and might have given the room to really work out every topic in any kind of meaningful way without sacrificing the romance.
For example: the male lead is passionate about conservation, I would have loved to see some actual scenes with examples. I think the screenwriter really needed more screentime to do the story justice so I think Hallmark should start doing two or three part movies, screened over a couple of weekends in a row, to make these stories informative but easy to watch while keeping the romance.
I do like that Hallmark seems to be focusing on movies where relationships are not built on deceit. It's oddly refreshing to see Hallmark movies where people aren't pretending to be a different person, breaking off agreements left and right, and not focusing storylines on inconsequential bakeoff competitions, corporate developers, and kid birthday parties. I like the idea of learning about topics in an accessible, fun way but Hallmark should really give these things more time so that the scenes can breathe a little bit.
Great scenery that's all
- drbreakwell
- Sep 6, 2022
- Permalink
Not good
Everything about this movie felt amateurish. The acting was unnatural. The script was obvious and uninsipired. The backing music was the most generic mood-matching garbage you've ever heard. And there are lines and scenes that are designed to be funny, but they all fall flat and feel corny.
It's just an awful movie. It all feels like it was done on a shoestring budget with someone in the background figuring out ways to save even more money.
It would be great if these small productions were encouraged to take a few risks, do something original, and produce something worth watching. Instead, they are forced to do everything on the cheap, use the most unoriginal storylines, and produce something no one could be proud of.
It's just an awful movie. It all feels like it was done on a shoestring budget with someone in the background figuring out ways to save even more money.
It would be great if these small productions were encouraged to take a few risks, do something original, and produce something worth watching. Instead, they are forced to do everything on the cheap, use the most unoriginal storylines, and produce something no one could be proud of.
No surprise
As always, Cindy Busby's performance comes across as flat. She may say the right things, but there is no convincing emotion or believability behind it. Her new hairstyle is attractive but her wardrobe is not ever on par with all the other Hallmark actors. Yosemite is a gorgeous setting for a love story and the scenery is awesome which makes this movie worth watching in spite of the lack of chemistry and flatness of the acting. Because Busby was unable to create a convincing connection between herself and the lead male acto, the movies conclusion doesn't seem to make sense & feels quite contrived.
Zoe Best (Cindy Busby)
Painful
Hallmark seems to be running out of ideas! This story is a repeat of a previous movie called Chasing Waterfalls. There were only two good things about Marry Me in Yosemite - the scenery, and newcomer Tyler Harlow. Clearly he's still learning but I see potential in his acting future. He could very well become one of Hallmark's top tier male leads. But hopefully he will not be paired with Cindy Busby again. Unfortunately and as always, Ms. Busby appears shallow, wooden, unbelievable and predictable in her reactions and delivery. I'm baffled by how many roles Hallmark awards her. There are other better actresses Hallmark could use. Also, I'm well aware of our country's imperfect and often tragic history, and am tired of receiving lectures about it. I just want to be entertained! Save your time and miss this movie, and the lecture.
- star-90716
- Jan 14, 2023
- Permalink
Predictable but still a fun movie
- mguelkerwilson
- Sep 5, 2022
- Permalink
Stunning Scenery
The animosity, in the beginning, was tough to get through. I didn't find Jack pleasant and actually kind of a jerk. I like Cindy Busby. However, I felt like I was watching Chasing Waterfalls, but that movie is better.
I enjoyed the Native American history; the scenery was breathtaking. Some of the photographer aspects didn't add up, and as an author creating and publishing books takes more time than they conveyed.
I had low expectations going into this movie, but I hope Hallmark regroups and stops repeating storylines. There are other professions out there. It doesn't haven't to be the same five all the time.
I enjoyed the Native American history; the scenery was breathtaking. Some of the photographer aspects didn't add up, and as an author creating and publishing books takes more time than they conveyed.
I had low expectations going into this movie, but I hope Hallmark regroups and stops repeating storylines. There are other professions out there. It doesn't haven't to be the same five all the time.
- therusticapothecary
- Sep 16, 2022
- Permalink
Beautiful location, less than engrossing movie.
It's a B-movie chick flick. If you love this stuff, then this is your pick!
Yes, this is definitely a chick flick and a really terrible one. BUT...
The good: if you are into these kind of sugarcoated, cliche sentimental stories then you might not be bothered at all, by the (way) below average acting performances, by the (way) below average sugarcoated story, by the (way) below average direction etc.
This is obviously a television movie. Nobody in their right mind would go and pay for this romantic dribble, but IF this is on the television and you are the sentimental romantic type, then this might just suit you on a rainy day, when you want to dream away by a box of chocoloates and some icecream.
Even recommended for those who do not like these sort of loveydovey stories, because it is SO terribly bad, that it becomes funny again!
The good: if you are into these kind of sugarcoated, cliche sentimental stories then you might not be bothered at all, by the (way) below average acting performances, by the (way) below average sugarcoated story, by the (way) below average direction etc.
This is obviously a television movie. Nobody in their right mind would go and pay for this romantic dribble, but IF this is on the television and you are the sentimental romantic type, then this might just suit you on a rainy day, when you want to dream away by a box of chocoloates and some icecream.
Even recommended for those who do not like these sort of loveydovey stories, because it is SO terribly bad, that it becomes funny again!
Really liked this movie
I'll start by saying the scenery was spectacular. I grew up a couple of hours from Yosemite, but never saw the scenes shown in the movie. The waterfall scenes were great. Hats off to Hallmark .
The story was predictable, but really fun. Really liked the chemistry between the two main actors. I was a little worried that Cindy Busby's hair color was going to be distracting, but it turned out okay. Tyler Harlow is a new actor to me, but he did a good job. Loved his aloofness and Cindy Busby constantly getting in trouble.
The history of Yosemite and the Native Americans was really interesting.
If nothing else watch this movie for the scenery. Highly recommend.
The story was predictable, but really fun. Really liked the chemistry between the two main actors. I was a little worried that Cindy Busby's hair color was going to be distracting, but it turned out okay. Tyler Harlow is a new actor to me, but he did a good job. Loved his aloofness and Cindy Busby constantly getting in trouble.
The history of Yosemite and the Native Americans was really interesting.
If nothing else watch this movie for the scenery. Highly recommend.
- pattersonjamie-12079
- Sep 6, 2022
- Permalink
It checks all the boxes
Hallmark checklist for almost every movie now:
1. Know-it-all city F goes on a hike by herself & angry M character just happens along to help her, so ridiculous.
2. M character is always an obnoxious person, never nice, but he changes completely because no country F can hold a candle to that city F. Ex is usually an idiot, see the trend here.
3. Bashing American history from Canada, pretty pathetic if they look into their own history. Notice how they never mention all the W people that were killed, just sweep that under the rug.
4. Forced diversity in all scenes. All redheads in the world have appeared in these movies.
5. Certain people in important positions ALL the time (boss, dean, judge, head doctor).
6. You don't get to be a ranger in Yosemite as a 20 yr old, only the people who've been in 10+ years get that, but it doesn't fit the narrative for Hallmark. They constantly make mistakes like this in every movie.
1. Know-it-all city F goes on a hike by herself & angry M character just happens along to help her, so ridiculous.
2. M character is always an obnoxious person, never nice, but he changes completely because no country F can hold a candle to that city F. Ex is usually an idiot, see the trend here.
3. Bashing American history from Canada, pretty pathetic if they look into their own history. Notice how they never mention all the W people that were killed, just sweep that under the rug.
4. Forced diversity in all scenes. All redheads in the world have appeared in these movies.
5. Certain people in important positions ALL the time (boss, dean, judge, head doctor).
6. You don't get to be a ranger in Yosemite as a 20 yr old, only the people who've been in 10+ years get that, but it doesn't fit the narrative for Hallmark. They constantly make mistakes like this in every movie.
Finally! A movie that hilights Native Americans!
There's a lot of really bad reviews about this which really sucks. Because honestly, there are not enough movies made about the plight of native Americans. I'm gonna start off with a fun fact. Native Americans used to be 100% of the population here in America now we are less than one percent. And it's really disheartening because a lot of times there's no light brought to what actually happened here. It was literally one of the biggest genocides on the face of the planet. And not enough people talk about it. And we are still slowly dying out one by one. Because there's literally not enough of us to keep our cultures our languages and our people alive. It's actually disgusting. But I really appreciate the fact that Hallmark went out of their way to make a movie to highlight some of the atrocities that happened to our people. And I applaud them for bringing it to light to people who might not know anything about it. They don't teach enough about it and it's really sad. So thank you Hallmark! Thank you for making a movie about us even if it's not all about us. This native American really appreciates being brought into the light even if it is a sweet cheesy hallmark movie. Aho, brothers and sisters.
- xxxphoenixfirexxx-10549
- Mar 18, 2024
- Permalink
Spectacular scenery, very political agenda and little to no romance.
John Muir, Ansel Adams, and the native history of Yosemite play a big part of this film. It was like a giant and very long advertisement for Yosemite. This is one of the most spectacular backdrops for a film that I have ever seen. Unfortunately, there is little to no romance in this romantic Hallmark film that is entitled "Marry Me in Yosemite".
Zoe is an awkward Chicago photographer that is sent to Yosemite to spend five days taking photos for a coffee table book. She ends up enlisting the help of a solitary conservation scientist guide named Jack. Other than the scenery Tyler Harlow, who plays Jack, is the best thing to happen to this film.
I think the best moment is when he is conducting.
I highly recommend checking out John Muir's writing and Ansel Adam's photographs. I also recommend checking out Yosemite. I am just not sure I recommend this film.
Zoe is an awkward Chicago photographer that is sent to Yosemite to spend five days taking photos for a coffee table book. She ends up enlisting the help of a solitary conservation scientist guide named Jack. Other than the scenery Tyler Harlow, who plays Jack, is the best thing to happen to this film.
I think the best moment is when he is conducting.
I highly recommend checking out John Muir's writing and Ansel Adam's photographs. I also recommend checking out Yosemite. I am just not sure I recommend this film.
I'm gonna be honest, I couldn't make it past the first 20 minutes
None of it seemed believable, and as someone who lives in the area and has been to Yosemite many times, the fact that she could answer her normal iPhone IN THE VALLEY completely broke the already faulty belief I had in the story. If you've been there you know there is zero service in the valley, it's a complete dead zone unless you have a satellite phone which is unlikely. It totally ruined it for me. I could get past the bad acting, but it was all very unrealistic. There is another review about how every time she came to a problem, it was resolved in the same scene, there wasn't really a long running issue to be resolved. I agree with that as well.
- becca_williams-66079
- Jul 10, 2024
- Permalink