I loved this movie from start to finish. The story has all of the components I look for when viewing a movie: Inspiration, encouragement and an education. The two main leads have amazing chemistry restrained until the final moment. This story is filled with wonderful beautiful pictures and great characters. Christopher and Jill do a really good job of portraying a writer and a photographer each seeking something in their lives yet to be found. They meet up and set out on a search for a rare blue pearl. This story has a great message more important than any pearl though! Love is the greatest adventure. Also look for the junior editor who looks like a cross between Jude Law and Tom Cruise. Sorry! Just have to throw that one in. Enjoy this movie please if you love great adventures, great characters, funny scenes and love. True love that respects itself first, not sappy, gooey shallow attraction. Fans of Jill Wagner and Christopher Polaha will appreciate their performance. They will not disappoint! James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 3/2/2021
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studioAT24 March 2021Something a little different from the standard Hallmark film, and it works pretty well because of it.
I liked the storyline (though a pinch of salt is needed with regards to some aspects) and the chemistry between the two leads.
Good stuff. -
TheLittleSongbird18 August 2022The biggest attraction in seeing 'Pearl in Paradise' was the two leads. Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha have been near consistently worth watching, with much of the work of both in terms of performances being good and more (Wagner being more familiar to me). Most of the films of both are at least watchable too. The 2018 Summer Nights seasonal block was one of the more consistent seasonal blocks for that year for Hallmark, in a good way. Not all worked, with 'Love on Safari' underwhelming but most did work.
'Pearl in Paradise' was absolutely one of the ones that worked. With it being a contender for the best 2018 Summer Nights Hallmark films, as well as up there as one of the better 2018 Hallmark films. Those not as familiar with Wagner or Polaha in the way they are with other Hallmark regulars and want to see why they are popular should see this, as it is a good representation of what is appealing about them. 'Pearl in Paradise' is no masterpiece, but after seeing some Hallmark disappointments in the past few months it is something of a refreshment.
Starting with what doesn't quite work, 'Pearl in Paradise' is a little too pat at the end (which is not uncommon with Hallmark actually, it is actually one of its most frequent issues).
Also thought that some of the supporting acting wasn't quite there, especially for the travel agent.
Wagner and Polaha however are both incredibly winning and command their roles with ease. Wagner gives energy and nuance without over-egging or phoning in, also appreciated that her character wasn't too idealistic while also not having flaws exaggerated which this reviewer had been seeing a lot recently with her Hallmark viewings. Polaha charms the socks off and subtlety and easy going-ness without being too relaxed. The chemistry between the two is just lovely, subtle but witty and not too low key. The characters are mostly well written, apart from the annoying travel agent, we've seen the cliches before but they are cliches that don't feel too overworked and a good deal is done making them rootable.
It looks good, with absolutely magical scenery. The music isn't too loud or too constant, like it is too often with Hallmark. The direction is solid without doing anything showy, nor was there any need to do that. The script is light hearted and flows naturally, and while the story is not innovative there is a lot of warmth and charm, it isn't played too seriously while also treating the material respectfully.
Overall, very well done. 8/10. -
atlasmb7 June 2021This Hallmark romance was shot in beautiful Fiji, and that certainly helps make it a joy to watch.
Photographer Alex (Jill Wagner) and novelist Colin (Kristoffer Polaha) travel to the "Heart of the South Pacific" to collaborate on a magazine story about a mythical blue pearl. Despite their disparate personalities---he takes pains to keep every aspect of his life in order and she lives more impulsively---they make a meaningful connection.
The cast is wonderful. Credit Polaha for most of the humor in the film.
I suspect many viewers put Fiji on their bucket lists after watching this edenic depiction of the islands. -
novagirl1130 August 2018This was a cute story with good chemistry between the actors. I liked it, despite the undeniable copycat ending that was too obviously close to another great classic romantic comedy that I love...did anyone else catch it?
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synnond20 August 2018Okay, I know what to expect from these from these Hallmark movies. They are sweet, fun and heartwarming. You usually get what you expect. This one was slightly different. The two leads had wonderful chemistry and the story was very sweet. The adventure was fun. Yeah, I love Hallmark movies. They make me smile in a time when smiles don't come as easily as they used to. This one was really special and that is coming from someone who really is not as big of a fan of Hallmark Summer movies. I tend to love the Autumn and Christmas movies the best. This movie will be a rewatch for me most definitely
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allmoviesfan10 February 2023When Hallmark gets one of their movies right, they really get it right - and this is one of those occasions.
Shot on location in Fiji like 'A Summer to Remember', there is no doubt that 'Pearl in Paradise' benefits from having a spectacular backdrop to pretty much every scene once the two characters reach that tropical paradise. The movie also benefits from a good script, a decent story - a struggling novelist and a nature photographer on the hunt for a priceless pearl that apparently grants true love to whom ever finds it - and the undeniable chemistry between the two well-cast leads, Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha. It helps that they can both act well, too.
Of course, some of the usual Hallmark tropes find their way in - I guess they can't help themselves, right? -but they are less annoying than they might otherwise have been thanks to the combined efforts of a talented cast. An enjoyable film. Definitely one of the better Hallmark productions in recent memory. -
wolfamy-5973228 January 2019I love all of the movies Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Paulou are in. Pairing them together was Awesome. One of my favorites.
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charlotteflick29 October 2018There was no chemistry between the characters and Jill Wagner's hair stylist for this film should never be hired to groom a poodle let alone a lead actress.
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MIssM1924 August 2018I read the reviews before watching the movie and there are always good reviews and bad reviews for these types of movie. This is afterall a Hallmark movie, which I like watching to escape reality for a while, not because they are Oscar winning stories.
I don't know if the reviews were from people involved in the movie or what, but take it from someone who has seen over 100+ of these movies: I actually believe this is above average.
The contrast between both leads was great: he is organized, afraid of new things, adventure and she is the total opposite: after spending time together they get the other's habits (like the packing their clothes thing) and I think it's beautiful. They added some depth to the characters.
They obviously had amazing chemistry and I was surprised by part of the outcome of the plot, which I didn't see coming. Thank you Hallmark, for surprising me every once in a while. I don't know if they actually recorded in Fiji but the scenery was breathtaking. That's an adventure I wouldn't mind going on. -
livinglifing20 August 2018My heading says it all...another terrible film given misleading positive reviews from the cast and crew and their friends and family. It's becoming comical...these low-talent movies relying on bait to lure in viewers and I'm tired of it. Find another career people...
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This isn't revolutionary film work but it is very enjoyable . Jill Wagner is fun and her character works so well. I also enjoy Kristoffer Polaha as he gets the genre. The redeeming quality is enjoyment and fun and bonding from characters in this movie. The drama doesn't exist but you are probably not watching for drama.
I love the fact that these two within screen chemistry ar3 leads in Mystery101 possibly my favorite mystery series on Hallmark. Remember it's hallmark with positive stories. We all need them. -
SunnyDaise19 March 2021Pearl in Paradise & A Summer to Remember are completely separate movies filmed back to back in Fiji and two of Hallmark's best. The setting is gorgeous and the plots above average. I love that the characters and storylines are also quite timeless - not relying on the latest tech nor specifying the era nor the leads' ages so most viewers can relate and rewatch many times.
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bsiebert-2793310 May 2021This movie is extremely predictable. The main actress is also a very unlikable. She ruined the movie for my wife and I. She had no good qualities and in first 10 minutes of the movie made us hate her.
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hallmarkmov19 May 2021Loved this movie! Can't believe I haven't seen it before? How is it not shown every summer?! Great plot, enjoyed all the characters, and amazing scenery! It's different from the typical hallmark movie and took me on a journey with an unexpected ending. I'll be watching this over and over.
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ritakc-4689312 February 2019Finally, a really really good story. Not formula. Loved the male character "twist"! Refreshing. Scenery, of course, was gorgeous. Great characters. Great actors!!!!
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ronbokirk20 August 2018Hallmark has done it right this time. This is the best movie so far this year. Casting, story, location, editing, every thing just perfect for a 10.
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RaniaALDMR2 January 2022I loved every moment of the movie, I loved everything about the movie: the story, the characters, the cinematography, the landscapes, everything was perfect. How can a film like this not get better rated?
Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha are perfect together! One of the best Hallmark's couples!
I also really liked the evolution of the characters; the reunion between the fictional character, Blake Montoya, and the writer, Colin Page and the most beautiful journey of Alex, the photographer, towards love, towards herself.
Finally, the film reminds us the true meaning of faith, whatever it is: believing in a legend or in God without needing proof. Faith is a power which defies all the laws of reason and logic. Love has its reasons that reason ignores, Pascal, a French writer. This movie is a gem. -
matacama6 January 2019I really enjoyed this movie. I only got to see it once which really surprises me since I watch Hallmark about 80% of the time and I'm retired. I looked for it. But I found the story interesting and something different. I thought the chemistry was good between the leads and of course the location was great. It was colorful in every sense and you don't usually get that with Hallmark. Can't wait to see again hopefully before the summer. I will definitely tune in to see the leads limited run mystery series coming soon.
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amommy2478 April 2019I love hallmark movies. Some are cheesy, most are predictable, but they all have love and positivity, which we need these days. This movie was a little different than the others. The leads had definite chemistry, so much so that they now have a mystery series with hallmark, Mystery 101. The location was breathtaking. The cast in Fiji was fantastic- truly wonderful. And the ending had a lovely twist. I only watch some hallmark movies once, but there are a few gems I'll watch over and over. This is one of the gems!
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jewhitmer2517 July 2021Loved this movie. Fun, romance and adventure, all this and Fiji too.
Jill Wagner as Alex and Kristopher Pohala as Colin had great chemistry, the script was witty and well-writen. Their comic timing was incredibke, they did such a great job.
Of course the scenery was incredibly beautiful, it was FIji after all.
As for Rob Kipa-Williams as Malakio and Naomi Sequeia as Daniela. Their scenes with Wagner and Polaha had a fluidity that was fun to watch. Well acted everyone.
Not your average Hallmark movie no jealous ex-boyfend or ex-girlfriends, no kisses interupted by ringing cell phones or jilted ex's, and not a snowman in sight. But still ahappy ending.
My advice: watch this movie. -
mccabe-shannon4 July 2022I definitely enjoyed this movie, I'd say it's an above average Hallmark movie. Is it predictable, sure, but not completely. It follows the Hallmark formula but it's still very well done.
The two leads have great chemistry, I can totally buy them as a couple.
Obviously you can't go wrong with Fiji as a backdrop- it's beautiful.
Some reviews mentioned the side characters being annoying. Do they overact a bit, yes, but all in all I thought it was a well- rounded cast. -
jwrose-8056120 August 2018Fun and interesting with great chemistry between the leads.
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I LOVED this movie! Jill and Kristoffer have such great chemistry! It's amazing!!!
The movie flowed so smoothly, I never found myself bored for a second, In fact, I wished it was longer!
And it really had it all!
Great Scenery ... Check! A Great mystery ... Check! Great chemistry between the main couple ... Check, Check! Fantastic secondary characters ... Check!
Add to that an AWESOME story line and you've got on of the best (and one of my personal favorite) Hallmark movies, EVER!
I only wish this was a series of movies following their adventures! Oh, Well ... I still have Mystery 101 ;)