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 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.Her Pen Pal 2021.
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.