source: Rip Tide

First, to get to the best part first: Naomi Sequeira is really cute and fun as the "sidekick," as all Christmas romance films need. I wish her role were a bit larger. I see come criticism of Cora, but actually, I thought that given the role of a spoiled me-centric model, she carried it pretty well. The nicest part of this is not the plot ("fish out of water" typical plot) but the story. The story takes place "down under" and the Cora's character arc is slowly but effectively shown, from center of attention to the master designer in the background. There is a nicely-written secondary story of her mother and aunt's estrangement , which is of course tied up as you would expect. I laughed out loud at place in this. The writing, direction and editing (pacing) were all above-average, and I recommend this film.

I have never been more happy than when I saw that Belinda was not cooked. That chicken is a national treasure.

This is a really feel-good movie for me, and I have watched it multiple times - however, it is not without faults. The romance is lacking substance, and the side characters are charming, but they don't have a story of their own. I do not particularly love the main character, but I still enjoy the theme of finding yourself/breaking away from expectations and staying true to your own emotions. I'd rate it about 6.5/10

After seeing this three times simply because it was on, I decided to try and figure out why the ratings and reviews had such low scores. The scenery is fantastic and many actors in it are positively stunning, The reviews were not just terrible they were mean-spirited, with totally nonsensical objections. What I discovered, not surprisingly, was that the really bad reviews were written by one-time reviewers, meaning leftist shills created fake identities just to spew hatred and sabotage this film. Why, you might ask? Because it was old fashioned, lacking F bombs, sex, angry minorities, and PC propaganda. The lead actress Debby Ryan was a well known Christian in her earlier years and was involved in Christian programs. Hollywood despises Christians. Leftists want to destroy traditionalism, so they send in brigades of haters day one to write bad reviews and kill off these films before anyone can see them. Unfortunately, Debby Ryan has since surrendered and joined their causes in order to continue her career. The acting is excellent all around, and the characters well written. There is redemption, forgiveness and life changes. Debby Ryan is especially good and carries the film with aplomb. If you watch it without reading the bad reviews, you will not only enjoy it, you will give your kids some really wholesome entertainment.

I absolutely loved this movie. Such a good movie of coming to age, family expectations, and becoming yourself when you don't think it's possible. I have no clue why there's bad reviews here - this movie was great from start to finish for me! I fell in love with every character and followed the movie easily.

Cora Hamilton, a rich 18 year old model breaks away and finds a path she would rather pursue. Throw in an odd romantic interest and you have a story, right? Cora is pretty enough to be a model and everyone loves her in spite of her digging in to their personal lives. What does that make her? Yup, she's a Mary Sue. Unfortunately, smiling, laughing and looking pretty doesn't equal good acting. Where's the real emotion? The characters don't seem to mix well and their interactions with each other seem contrived. The oddball romance comes across as an attempt to make this story more interesting. The protagonist and the male 'love interest' fight, then all the sudden the protagonist wants to compare her non relationship to a married couple by asking the widow if she ever fought with her husband. Keep in mind the protagonist and her 'love interest' did nothing but look at each other since they met. Finally, 53 minutes in to the movie there's some sort of romantic start for the two that somehow justifies him being there. Would not watch again nor recommend. Sorry.

I love how they captured the scenes. It was breathtaking and so beautiful. I love the water especially. Very cool. The rest though. Eh. Nothing extraordinary. The story is typical but nothing against it. It just felt rushed somehow. The character development felt lacking. The mother had the most promise actually but it sorta failed with the jump. The lead character was cringy like whatever she did she's the "victim" etc, and everybody is just like I forgive you *hugs*. Some moments were a bit off, especially during the rescuing scene... felt like it was put there just to show the lead character being the "saviour" of the day. Would've added more impact if the aunt saved herself and Cora helps her back to shore. From designer perspective: Unrealistic how an untrained, never even practiced or nor made an outfit in her life (based on the fact that she modelled all her life) actually made 4 swimsuits that perfectly fit the body.

I think this is a good watch. The story and acting were very good. I really like the 'finding yourself' aspect that this movie displayed. Also, the relationship between the mom, daughter, aunt, old friend, etc. that were really important to this story. I recommend it.

After exactly 24 minutes i broke. I couldn't handle any more of it.