This is a fun reality competition movie - with the suspense of a whodunnit without the murder, I kept getting engrossed in the cook offs, forgetting it's rom(com)! Hallmark's stars are all gorgeous, but Luke M is one of their more convincing LGBT actors in a straight part, usually connecting a bit deeper with the female leads. The big cast of kid, competitors etc and their parents works well for a family-friendly show. I like that it's non-seasonal, so can be seen any time of the year ... but don't watch if you're on a diet, it'll make you hungry!

It's nice to see some fresh faces in a Hallmark film here, with Meghann Fahy in particular shining,

This film though is a bit let down by its own premise - we know that both the leads will make it through to the final of the cooking show otherwise there's no film. This robs it of drama a little.

I did think the leads had nice chemistry though, and that there were some nice moments.

Good overall.

Carly Benson (Meghann Fahy) and Jason Tucker (Luke Macfarlane) are friendly rivals in cooking class in Chicago. Unbeknownst to each other, they apply for TV cooking competition, Kitchen Showdown. The two resume their combative rivalry until a budding romance get in the way.

They are photogenic. They smile. They simmer but there is no explosive chemistry. This is strictly warmed up leftovers. There are no great turns or big jolts. They are doing the show and there should be cameras constantly following them around. This lacks stuff. This should be ready for some food porn but this doesn't take advantage. Even as a Hallmark romance, this is lacking.