Review: Stars Fell on Alabama

Successful Hollywood agent Bryce Dixon (James Maslow) has to return to Alabama for his high school reunion. When he realizes he’s the only one out of his friends who isn’t married or has kids, he conveniences his famous client Madison Belle (Ciara Hanna) to accompany him for the weekend as his fake girlfriend.

While reminiscing about his high school days with Madison, the two start to realize maybe their relationship isn’t so fake after all. As they explore their new romance, Madison’s ex-boyfriend Zane (Zebedee Row) shows up to woo her back. Now Bryce has to decide if he wants to take the leap for love or let it pass by him.

As romantic comedies go, this has every trope in the book: fake relationships, coworker turned lovers, and city girl falls for a country boy. Throw in an eccentric ex, and you have a classic cliché love story. And I’m a sucker for all of it.

The issue is the films just isn’t executed very well. Stars Fell on Alabama seems like it would fit in with every Hallmark-style romance, but it just doesn’t have the whimsy to pull off a quirky and lovable story.

All the side characters were great and encapsulated their roles. Sadly the problem lies with the two leads. Unfortunately, there was zero chemistry between the two. Maybe it’s because there was virtually no build-up to their romance. In one scene, they’re coworkers, and then suddenly they’re falling for each other. There’s no lingering glances, no sexual tension; it just happens.

In conclusion, this movie was just… okay. It’s a subpar attempt at a witty love story. It’s okay for a one time watch, but it’s not charming enough to keep on your DVD shelf next to more astonishing love stories.