Girls Gone Hallmark couldn’t let August slip away without some new movie reviews! Along with wrapping up Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Summer, Megan and Wendy return with a review of Hallmark’s latest movie, Junebug. Tune in to hear what your favorite Hallmark podcasters thought of the Autumn Reeser film, along with some listener emails!

What is your favorite Christmas movie? Email us at girlsgonehallmark@gmail.com or let’s talk about it in the Girls Gone Hallmark Facebook Group!

We Need Your 5-STAR Ratings and Reviews

Apple Podcast listeners: Use your phone’s podcast app -> find the Girls Gone Hallmark show -> scroll all the way down to the review section -> tap 5 stars and tell listeners why Girls Gone Hallmark is your favorite Hallmark podcast.

Spotify Podcast listeners: Spotify allows listeners to rate podcast episodes. Once you listen to a podcast for at least 30 seconds, you get the option to rate it between one and five stars. Return to the podcast’s main page and tap the star icon. Then, tap submit.

About “Junebug” – Hallmark Movie Review

• 
  
• Antonio Cupo and Autumn Reeser who appeared together in Love at the Thanksgiving day parade, both served as Executive Producers on “Junebug.”
  
• The film was directed by David Weaver. With 45 directing credits David has kept busy working with Hallmark. A few highlights include “Christmas Island” and “Lights, Camera, Christmas!” He is also directing some of the episodes of the upcoming series “Holidazed.” 
  
• The script was written by Summer Isreal Johnson. This is Summer’s first full length movie.
  
• Autumn Reeser plays Juniper. Autumn has 81 acting credits and this is the first time we’ve seen her on Hallmark since the final installment of “The Wedding Veil” in early 2023! She will be making an appearance at the Hallmark Christmas Experience this holiday season. 
  
• Aaron O’Connell plays Alex. Aaron has 18 acting credits and previous appeared in “With Love, Christmas,” “My Christmas Love,” and “12 Gifts of Christmas” for Hallmark. 
  
• Mila Jones plays young Junebug. Mila has racked up 19 acting credits at just nine years old.  She has appeared in “North to Home,” “Christmas at the Golden Dragon,” “Guiding Emily,” and “Magic in Mistletoe.” She’ll also appear in “Holidazed.”
  
• Donia Kash plays barista Mikah. Donia has 27 acting credits having previously appeared in “Hearts in the Game,” “The Holiday Sitter” and “#XMAS” for Hallmark. They also have been on episodes of “So Help Me Todd” and “A Million Little Things.” 
  
• Cheyenne Rouleau plays Kate. Cheyenne has 24 acting credits most recently in “Tipline Mysteries: Dial 1 for Murder.” She also appeared in “A Dickens of a Holiday!” a movie we recently revisited here on GGH.
  
• Stellina Rusich plays Mae. Stellina’s career dates back to 1991, but she didn’t appear on Hallmark until 2017 when she appeared in “Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Home Again.” Since then she has appeared in 4 additional Hallmark movies to round out her 41 acting credits.
  

Related: Autumn Reeser’s 20th Movie for Hallmark

Here’s What We Thought

We loved Autumn Reeser as Juniper, a woman in the throes of middle age who must reconnect with her youthful dreams. We see Juniper navigate her life with both humor and emotional depth. She experiences a revelation that it’s never too late to follow one’s dreams—an inspiring message for viewers of all ages.

New Wowie Zowie Alert!

Aaron O’Connell, playing Alex, delivers a standout performance. Alex, who becomes a significant part of Juniper’s journey, perfectly captures the essence of a supportive and understanding partner. Alex recognizes Juniper’s true self and supports her in embracing her inner child.

Little Junebug (Mila Jones)

We were split on our opinion of Mila Jones, portraying the young Juniper, adds a layer of innocence and charm to the film. While her character can be seen as precocious at times, she does a commendable job of embodying the spirit and curiosity of a young child.

A Message We Can Relate To!

One of the most beautiful messages of “Junebug” is that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. The movie emphasizes that every moment is the right moment and encourages viewers to stand up for their passions and aspirations, no matter where they are in life. As women in the depths of middle age, we’re all in on the “it’s never too late” messaging!

Inner Child and Self-Discovery

The interaction between Juniper and her younger self serves as a powerful metaphor for listening to our inner child. Excuse the therapy speak but, the movie suggests that embracing our true selves, even the parts we may have forgotten or suppressed, can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

A Pop Culture Moment for the Gen Xers

A delightful recurring theme in the movie is the homage to the iconic ’80s film “Say Anything.” Both Juniper and Alex share a love for this classic, and the scene where Juniper holds up a boombox at the end is a heartwarming nod to the original film.

Gasp! A Kiss on the First Date!

The chemistry between Autumn Reeser and Aaron O’Connell is palpable, and their realistic approach to their relationship makes the movie even more engaging. While we love to talk about Hallmark’s commitment to the final kiss, we’re loving this natural relationship development!

Criticisms
Characters we just wanted to shush!

Juniper’s parents and her boss were somewhat off-putting. The outdated, overly-involved parental role and the unsupportive, close-minded boss seemed overly stereotypical and detracted from the film’s otherwise fresh storyline.

Timing at the End

Hey, what happened at the end? The rapid progression from Juniper being told about her birthday party to having a fully published book at her party threw us. Did we miss a fast forwarding in time to suggest this is a full year in the future? Or do they have magic self-publishing skills to get this all wrapped up?

Final Thoughts

All in all this was a solid start for August for us.
Megan rated this movie 4 stars
Wendy gave it a solid 4.5 stars and definitely felt like the movie spoke directly to her!

Watch the Trailer for “Junebug”

More Hallmark Talk? Join Our Girls Gone Hallmark Facebook Group

Join our Girls Gone Hallmark Facebook Group! Tons of great people – just like you – who love Hallmark movies. We’re talking new movies, favorite movies, actors, Hallmark gossip, and so much more. Free to join, so click the link below or search “Girls Gone Hallmark” in Facebook Groups.

Don’t miss out on: Girls Gone Hallmark – A Group for Hallmark Movie Fans

We’re Your New Best Hallmark Friends

Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy! Join us for Hallmark movie reviews every Tuesday and Thursday! We review the new Hallmark Original movies, Hallmark Mysteries, Countdown to Christmas movies, and fan-favorite Hallmark movies – all year long.

You can expect fun, a few laughs, lots of questions and – as always – we ask ‘Did You See That?’

Want more Megan and Wendy? Find us on Patreon! New episodes, four times a month, where we cover everyday life, pop culture, and more!