her pen pal movie review

'Her Pen Pal' Review: Hallmark romance is a predictable but delightful watch

Spoilers ahead It’s hard to stop smiling while watching ‘Her Pen Pal’. Hallmark’s latest romance outing is a blend of cheesy, funny and adorable all rolled into one and topped generously with one ingredient — love. Mallory Hansen’s Victoria’s love story forms the central theme of this love story. The 90-minute drama, despite being predictable, is a relatable affair. Victoria is an elite wedding planner and is eager to be the maid of honor at her best friend Tracy’s (Jane Wisener) wedding in Paris.

'Her Pen Pal' is a part of Hallmark's summer titles which include ' To Catch a Spy ', ' The Baker's Son' , ' You Had Me At Aloha ', and ' Sand Dollar Cove '. 

‘Playing Cupid’: Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about Hallmark’s romance movie starring Nicholas Gonzalez

'Right In Front Of Me': Air time, how to live stream, cast and all you need to know about Hallmark's spring romance Her happiness takes a nosedive when she realizes that her ex, Cameron (Lachlan Nieboer), is part of the wedding as the best man and has also brought his date, Jan with him. His ‘Work Wife’ as his new love, just infuriates and upsets Victoria. Somewhere along, good news comes in the form of Jacques (Joshua Sasse), Victoria’s old pen pal who she eventually moved on from. This may have given her a new plus-one for the wedding, but clearly, cupid’s work and some chemistry bring them closer. 

The first 30 minutes sets context about Victoria’s life. What makes ‘Her Pen Pal’ a worthwhile watch is the utter relatability of it all. How often do people get a second chance as far as love goes? Again, this may be a load of cheese, but it’s just what the ‘Summer Night Series’ has as part of its slate, and ‘Her Pen Pal’ is a crisp and light-hearted watch. Hansen’s Victoria does a great job as the in-love-but-can’t-hide-it lead, while Jacques is flirty, charming and intense at the same time. The supporting cast does their bit and pops in and out of the frame often, but never stealing the spotlight from Hansen and Sasse.

The Paris setting just adds to the depth of the movie. A rekindled love story in one of the most romantic places in the world just provides another reason to watch the film. Coming back to the story. Tracy’s indecisive nature comes to the fore when news of their venue being unavailable makes her question if she was better off without one. The movie fleshes out the supporting cast and gives them enough to make sure they’re more than just mise-en-scene. The flick quickly moves into love-triangle territory when Cameron realizes he still has feelings for Victoria. Surprise! Jan realizes the evident love felt, and after a heart-to-heart with Victoria agrees that no matter what, they remain friends.

‘Her Pen Pal’ slips from pleasant to complicated just once and that serves as the lump in the throat moment. And up until the last 10 minutes, the plot keeps you guessing whether Victoria will choose Cameron or Jacques. In the end, this was perhaps a love story that was always meant to work out the best for Victoria.  ‘Her Pen Pal’ premieres on June 19, Saturday, on Hallmark at 9/8c. 

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Her pen pal.

Directed by Clare Niederpruem

Say "oui" to love.

Event planner Victoria can’t wait to attend –- and plan –- her best friend’s wedding in Paris. But when she finds out her ex is bringing a date, Victoria reconnects with her French childhood pen pal.

Mallory Jansen Joshua Sasse Lachlan Nieboer John Macdonald Amanda Blake Jayne Wisener Gregory Haney Amy Pemberton Frédéric Gorny Manal El-Feitury Vlado Mihailov Euan Macnaughton Janis Ahern Gergana Todorova Bogdana Kotareva Kalina Stancheva

Director Director

Clare Niederpruem

Producers Producers

Jeffery Beach Phillip J. Roth

Writer Writer

Joie Botkin

Casting Casting

Penny Perry Rob Kelly

Editor Editor

Cinematography cinematography.

Kris Carrillo

Executive Producer Exec. Producer

Nancy Bennett

Production Design Production Design

Alexei Karagyaur

Composer Composer

Anne Kathrin Dern

UFO International Productions Shopgirl Productions

Releases by Date

19 jun 2021, 02 mar 2022, 26 jan 2023, releases by country.

• TV G Hallmark Channel

84 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Rachel Wagner

Her Pen Pal- honestly I think this was just about perfect for a Hallmark movie. It was super swoonworthy and the whole idea of a Parisian pen pal from your past is romantic. I also loved the supporting couples. It was great! #HerPenPal

Review by Michelle 🎄📚 MichelleBookAddict ★★★★

Took me a moment to recognize Joshua Sasse from Galavant (along with a few other cast members thus making this a sweet reunion). He’s a British actor and his accent is pretty good in this movie as the pen pal from France. The story is sweet and I absolutely loved the way they would mention Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina. Now it has me in the mood to rewatching that.

Review by GrandOldBastard ★★★½

This woman is so insanely beautiful, I could barely focus on the movie.

Review by Melissa ★★★½ 5

This one is good. A woman is in Paris with a hot French guy (who is actually British in real life). I don't have much to complain about at all. There's some good talk about food, some nice scenery, and even the fashion is good. And it's romantic!

If you like these kind of movies, I think you will enjoy this. It's like the innocent, Hallmark version of "Emily in Paris".

I wish they didn't choose this for the title. It's too generic. Something like "Parisian Pen Pal" would be more memorable.

The main character is pretty neurotic and everyone in this movie seems to have some slight mental disorder, but I say that with love. We all have them.

It tickled me how they made every couple interracial but the main one. That doesn't make up for Hallmark's racism, sorry.

2021 Ranked Favourite Hallmark Movies Paris Scenery Weddings

Review by Clara ★★★

I watched this entirely for the Galavant reunion and I regret nothing.

Review by Abby ★★

if my middle school french textbook was adapted into a hallmark movie

Review by Kay 🌹 ★★

Not as bad as I thought it would be.

Review by Emmett Foss ★★

My dude has powdered sugar all over his shirt

Review by shaima2 ★

A little escape from real life to the ridiculously perfect parallel universe of hallmark !

Review by Gabriela Benevides ★★½

is this a cheesy cringy stupid hallmark rom-com? yes. did i wish those cheesy cringy stupid things happened to me instead? also yes, very much so.

Review by Brit 🔪 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖊𝖙𝖍 🔪 ★★

They say “her pen pal?” very quickly into the movie. Top quality writing. 

Honestly, though I just miss Paris a lot and would like a chocolate croissant ;(

Review by vicki ✨ ★½

SIR GALAVANT?!

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Her Pen Pal Reviews

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Her Pen Pal (2021)

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Her Pen Pal streaming: where to watch online?

Currently you are able to watch "Her Pen Pal" streaming on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Peacock Premium, Hallmark Movies Now Amazon Channel, Hallmark Movies Now Apple TV Channel, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Peacock Premium Plus or for free with ads on The Roku Channel. It is also possible to rent "Her Pen Pal" on Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube online and to download it on Google Play Movies, YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango At Home.

Event planner Victoria can’t wait to attend –- and plan –- her best friend’s wedding in Paris. But when she finds out her ex is bringing a date, Victoria reconnects with her French childhood pen pal.

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‘Her Pen Pal’ Hallmark Movie Premiere: Trailer, Synopsis, Cast

Summer Nights is officially continuing on Hallmark Chanel, and the network is ready to premiere its newest film for the event, “Her Pen Pal,” starring Mallory Jansen and Joshua Sasse.

The film is set to be an exciting one for Hallmarkies because it will reunite two former co-stars who are also relative newbies to the Hallmark family. While Jansen did star in “On The 12th Date of Christmas,” she is best known for her work as Madame Hydra on “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and Queen Madalena on “Galavant.” As for Sasse, he is a newbie to Hallmark, with this being his first film, though fans may have seen him on the TV show “No Tomorrow.” He previously worked with Jansen however when he starred in the title role on “Galavant.”

What will happen in this film where they both get to introduce themselves to Hallmark fans? Considering it takes place in Paris, fans should expect plenty of romance.

“Victoria (Jansen) is an elite wedding planner who has a tight-knit circle of friends, and she’s looking forward to being maid of honor at her best friend’s destination wedding in Paris,” a synopsis reads.

However, her excitement goes down a few notches when she learns her ex-fiancé is the Best Man—and is also bringing a date to the wedding. Desperate not to be alone, Victoria seeks out an old source of comfort for the event.

“After reconnecting with her French pen pal, Jacques (Sasse), Victoria finds herself with a new plus-one for the wedding week,” the synopsis continues.

What Victoria doesn’t expect though is that reconnecting with her former friend may have an unexpected extra benefit—a new love connection.

“As they spend time together, it becomes obvious that Jacques and Victoria’s old puppy love might bloom into something more in the City of Lights,” the synopsis concludes.

“Her Pen Pal” premieres Saturday, June 19 at 9 p.m. EDT on Hallmark Channel.

© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.

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Hallmark’s Her Pen Pal: Everything We Know

Directed by Clare Niederpruem, Hallmark’s ‘Her Pen Pal’ is a romance-drama movie that follows Victoria, a renowned elite wedding planner who has years of experience working in the industry. So, when she learns that her best friend is about to get married, Victoria’s happiness knows no bounds. Unfortunately, she later finds out that her ex, who is also going to be there, is coming with his new partner. Understandably disturbed by it, Victoria begins to reconnect with Jacques, her old French pen pal.

As they spend time together, the friends develop feelings for one another and begin to wonder if they have finally found the one they have been looking for. The sweet love story of pen pals is filmed in numerous romantic locations in Europe. Naturally, fans may be curious to learn more about them. So, without further ado, let’s familiarize ourselves with each of the locations.

Her Pen Pal Filming Locations

The romance drama was filmed extensively in France and Bulgaria. Located in western Europe, the former is famed for its fashion industry, medieval cities, Mediterranean beaches, rich history, and art. On the other hand, Bulgaria, which is part of southeast Europe, also has a rich dance, craft, and music scene. The diverse terrain of the country includes snow-capped mountains, plains, and rivers.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joshua Sasse (@joshuasasse)

Filming reportedly commenced sometime in early April 2021 and wrapped up just under a month on May 2, 2021. It was limited to two specific locations in these two countries. Let’s learn more about them.

Paris, France

The principal photography of ‘Her Pen Pal’ took place in Paris. Arc de Triomphe , the neo-classical architecture located at Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, is one of many filming locations of the Clare Niederpruem directorial in the city of romance.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clare Niederpruem (@clare_niederpruem)

Famous for its historical monuments such as Gothic Notre cathedral, Panthéon, Colonne de Juillet, Sainte-Chapelle, the French capital is the ideal filming location for a romantic film. Since production was done in the historic town, the makers couldn’t have missed the chance of filming some crucial scenes at the world-famous Eiffel Tower situated at Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mallory Jansen (@mallory_jansen)

Sofia, Bulgaria

The shooting for the Hallmark movie also took place in the beautiful city of Sofia. Located at the foothills of Vitosha mountain, the capital city of Bulgaria is known for its unique architecture, which is an amalgamation of different styles. Filming for the movie reportedly took place in or around  The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral located at pl. “Sveti Aleksandar Nevski”, 1000 Sofia Center in the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Macdonald (@johnmacfilms)

Since the production took place during the coronavirus pandemic, the cast and crew wore masks and followed other safety protocols to remain safe on the set. After the shooting was done in Sofia, the team of ‘Her Pen Pal’ moved to France, where most of the movie was filmed.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Janis Ahern (@janisahern)

Her Pen Pal Cast

Australian actress Mallory Jansen, whom you may recognize from the ABC series ‘Galavant,’ leads the cast by essaying the role of Victoria, the wedding planner. Joshua Sasse portrays Victoria’s pen pal Jacques. The British actor is best known for his role in the television series ‘No Tomorrow.’ The ‘ Downton Abbey ’ star Lachlan Nieboer appears as Cameron Reisch.

Jayne Wisener, the Irish-born actress and singer whom you may recall watching in ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,’ plays the role of Tracy Cook. Other noteworthy cast members include Gregory Haney as Mike Halstrom, John Macdonald as Seth, Amanda Blake as Jen Thomson, Janis Ahern as Beth, Benoît Maréchal as Henri, and Amy Louise Pemberton as Nathalie.

Read More: Best Romantic Movies of the 21st Century

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Her Pen Pal Reviews

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Event planner Victoria can't wait to attend, and plan, her best friend's Paris wedding. But when she finds out that her ex is bringing a date, she reconnects with her French childhood pen pal.

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‘The Good Half’ Review: Only Half Good

Nick Jonas and Brittany Snow play siblings coordinating funeral logistics for their mom in this drama, a cross between “Terms of Endearment” and a Hallmark movie.

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By Natalia Winkelman

“Grief turns out to be a place none of us know until we reach it,” Joan Didion once wrote. In “The Good Half,” that place is Cleveland, where 20-somethings with names like Renn, Leigh and Zoey frequent karaoke bars and banter about movies.

Renn (Nick Jonas) is a struggling writer in Hollywood flying back for his mom’s funeral. He is prone to avoidant behavior, the screenplay, written by Brett Ryland, shows and tells us, and his homecoming is a big deal. On the plane, he meets Zoey (Alexandra Shipp), a ray of sunshine who likes ’90s action movies and quotes “Scarface.”

In his fourth narrative feature, the director Robert Schwartzman (brother to Jason) takes us deep into young adult land. Over several days, Renn and his sister Leigh (Brittany Snow) coordinate post-loss logistics while rolling their eyes at Rick (David Arquette), their bellicose step-father. Breaking up the sibling repartee are periodic flashbacks to happier times with Mom (Elisabeth Shue).

When, and to which female listener, Renn will confront his demons is the question that drives “The Good Half,” which feels caught between “Terms of Endearment” and a Hallmark movie. Wry gags, like a hoarder priest, butt up against heartfelt exchanges. Snow, as the daughter who always played second fiddle, brings real feeling to her role — suggesting that she may in fact be the good half of this insipid drama.

The Good Half Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 36 minutes. In theaters.

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The Curtis' family is selected to test a new home device: a digital assistant called AIA. AIA learns the family's behaviors and begins to anticipate their needs. And she can make sure nothin... Read all The Curtis' family is selected to test a new home device: a digital assistant called AIA. AIA learns the family's behaviors and begins to anticipate their needs. And she can make sure nothing - and no one - gets in her family's way. The Curtis' family is selected to test a new home device: a digital assistant called AIA. AIA learns the family's behaviors and begins to anticipate their needs. And she can make sure nothing - and no one - gets in her family's way.

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