Hallmark Channel’s ‘To Philly With Love’ Is The Perfect Love Letter To My Favorite City. Spring Into Love continued last night on the Hallmark Channel with the premiere of ‘To Philly With Love.’ Part ‘National Treasure’ and all love story.
‘To Philly With Love’ stars Rebecca Dalton and Stephen Huszar as teacher Emily and archivist Nate. The Hallmark synopsis is A teacher and an archivist decode Revolutionary War-era love letters, taking them on a thrilling journey through Philadelphia, where they uncover history – and discover a love story of their own.
The movie is what you come to expect from a Hallmark Channel romcom. Girl meets boy, they start to fall for each other, miscommunication happens, and reconciliation is sealed with a kiss. The formula doesn’t change here. What is different is that this isn’t so much the story of Nate and Emily as it is a love letter in many aspects. Yes, it’s Nate and Emily falling in love, but it’s much more than that. They fall while researching love letters from the founding of the country.
They start with love letters that were written by a Revolutionary patriot named Jonathan to his love, Mary. There is only one side to the letters. Hidden in the letters is a cypher and clues to find Mary’s responses. Think ‘National Treasure’. Nick Cage is looking for clues on the Declaration of Independence. Nate and Emily go through Philadelphia looking for the answers to the cypher and to find Mary’s letters. As a person who loves ‘National Treasure’, I was here for the journey.
The journey takes you through Philadelphia. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia until I moved South 9 years ago. ‘To Philly With Love’ brought me home. As a kid in the Philly area, you frequently go on field trips to the Historic sections of Philadelphia. I have been to the Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross’ house numerous times. I’ve walked Arch Street. Have you been to Philadelphia if you haven’t seen these sights?
Emily and Nate go to Reading Terminal Market for Cheesesteaks. Now, if you are a Philadelphian, you aren’t calling it a Philly Cheesesteak; you just say you want a cheesesteak. And a fun fact, most Philadelphians don’t order them “wit whiz.” If you call your local pizza joint, you get a cheesesteak, usually with provolone. Nate and Emily got water ice and yes, called it “wooder ice.” I felt like I was home.
Written by Keith Hemstreet, the story is timely, with this being the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country. What better place to celebrate this than in Philadelphia? Philadelphia is rich in history. ‘To Philly With Love’ celebrates that. Mr. Hemstreet understood the assignment.
Rebecca Dalton shines with an easy smile and enthusiasm. I’ve been following her since her time on ‘Good Witch.’ I’d honestly like to see her in more Hallmark movies. Stephen Huszar is always effortless. He’s been a mainstay in Hallmark properties for a long time. He’s in one of my favorites, ‘Time For Us To Come Home For Christmas,’ and who doesn’t love ‘Chesapeake Shores.’ They had a sweet chemistry that had you engaged from the start.
The backdrop of Philadelphia made me homesick. I found myself oohing and ahhing over the scenery. I miss William Penn, the PSFS building, and Independence Hall. The brick buildings and cobblestone streets.
While I can understand that this may not be everyone’s favorite movie, it’s a little slower paced, and it’s a niche story, but it’s perfect for this girl who loves her city and misses home. Thank you, Hallmark Channel, for the Philadelphia love. This was a 4 out of 5 popcorn bucket movie for me.
Spring Into Love will wrap up next week with the Tyler Hynes/Stacey Farber movie, ‘I’ll Be Seeing You.’ You can check out all of our Spring Into Love reviews for ‘Two For Tee’, ‘A Royal Setting’, ‘A Season To Blossom’, and ‘A Little Park Music’.
Hallmark Channel’s ‘To Philly With Love’ Is The Perfect Love Letter To My Favorite City
