Starring Autumn Reeser, Aaron O’Connell, and Mila Jones
***SPOILER ALERT***
Juniper (Reeser) is a children’s book editor who’s about to turn forty. Her boss at Little Light Publishing, Paula (Lauren K. Robek), is on the hunt for the firm’s next big picture book, for which they’ll need an amazing new illustrator, but Juniper isn’t inspired to pitch a project. Then her eight-year-old self, Junebug (Jones), bounces into her bedroom and starts shaking things up by reminding her who she used to be: an aspiring writer. And it turns out the perfect illustrator is someone she’s just met—Alex (O’Connell), a muralist working nearby. Juniper tries to persuade Alex to work for Little Light, but only if she writes a story herself will he agree to illustrate it. It’s a deal, and as Juniper and Alex work together, they overcome their creative hurdles to become a terrific team in both art and love.
PROS
I haven’t been a fan of director David Weaver’s Hallmark films, but this one had a freshness, vitality, and uplifting quality that instantly won me over. The charming script was penned by Summer Isreal Johnson.
Delightful leads playing loveable characters. Autumn Reeser never fails to impress—she always brings depth to her acting, even in light-hearted roles like Juniper. Reeser was pitch-perfect as a woman who’d lost touch with her creative spirit when making a living became her priority. Disconnected from her child self, she refused to look at the wishes she’d made at age eight. Her life had become dull and routine. Juniper had also settled for someone much like herself: Ethan (Chenier Hundal), whose idea of a thrilling fortieth birthday gift was a pen. She did what was expected of her and didn’t direct her own course. I loved her transformation into a more confident woman who ultimately felt free to pursue her forgotten ambition of writing a book, and who wasn’t afraid to rediscover her playful, spontaneous, and adventurous side. Of course, Alex encouraged these qualities in her.
O’Connell’s performance was very good as well. His artist character, Alex, surprised me by being decidedly unruffled when Juniper spilled paint on his mural—Alex simply saw the mishap as an opportunity to start over and create something else. I liked how he challenged Juniper; he encouraged her to remember the childhood stories she’d written and insisted she was the only writer he’d partner with. Alex’s rather tragic side brought dimension to this amiable character. He’d been an art world icon until one of his exhibitions was savaged by the critics, and although he’d reinvented himself as a muralist, he now painted anonymously.
Excellent chemistry. Both leads generated plentiful romantic sparks, especially when they headed out of for a day-long “vacation” intended to recharge their creative batteries. They dined by a harbor and strolled the beach, where Alex glimpsed young Junebug, who was invisible to everyone else. This emphasized their soulmate connection: only he could see the real Juniper—who she was now and who she’d been. He honored her by incorporating Junebug into a mural. I counted five kisses between Reeser and O’Connell, which surely must be a record for a Hallmark movie!
An adorable child. Mila Jones, who’s eight, has been acting since she was two and appearing in rom-coms since the age of four. She was terrific as Junebug, a sweet little girl who popped up to guide Juniper toward happiness. It was amusing how she came and went. Junebug had disarming common sense and directness. She was sometimes too direct—she criticized Juniper for having the same old boring dinner with Ethan week after week! However, she always had Juniper’s back. She urged her to try harder to get what she wanted, and most importantly, to tell her own stories, not just help other writers tell theirs. I loved how Junebug was Juniper’s inner child come to life, and a catalyst for change. The scenes of Jones and Reeser together were cute and added to this movie’s appeal.
The creativity theme. Junebug, which centered on a collaboration that brought creative growth for both partners, will resonate with a lot of writers and artists. Juniper and Alex found fulfillment in a project that at first they didn’t even realize they wanted to do. Their journey of discovery was irresistible.
A new life for Juniper. After Paula refused to publish Juniper and Alex’s book, Juniper, sick of the demands of her unfulfilling job, decided to quit on the spot. As she told her astonished boss and coworkers, having glimpsed a new life, she couldn’t continue with the old one. It was a wonderfully empowering scene for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, and I applauded her determination to publish the book despite rejection.
CONS
Minor loose ends? During their day off, Alex told Juniper he’d been invited to exhibit his work in Europe, but he didn’t want to. Juniper thought his reluctance meant that he hadn’t reconciled with his past, but he did say he’d go if she agreed to accompany him. I can’t imagine her not jumping at the chance, so I expected they’d make plans to do this, but they didn’t. And maybe I’m the only one, but I did wonder what their book, Junebug, was actually about. While they talked a lot about inspiration, they never discussed the story.
My grade for Junebug: A
Caroline Kaiser is a professional book editor who specializes in fiction and memoirs, and she’s been guiding writers toward publication since 2007. Caroline is also the author of two ghostly mystery novels, Virginia’s Ghost and The Spirits of South Drive. Before she embarked on an editing and writing career, she spent many years working in a Toronto auction house as an antiques appraiser. Apart from curling up on the couch and drinking tea as she watches Hallmark movies, Caroline enjoys baking and exploring London, Ontario, the picturesque city she now calls home. Her website is www.carolinekaisereditor.com.
