Review

"Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act – A Love Story So Sweet, Your Dentist Will Send You a Thank-You Note"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Hallmark movie had a midlife crisis, Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act is here to answer that burning question. Released in 2025, this film is the cinematic equivalent of a warm cup of cocoa with extra marshmallows—so sweet it might just give you a cavity. But hey, isn’t that what Hallmark holiday movies are all about?

The plot follows Shari (played by the ever-charming Karen Gillan), a recently divorced empty-nester who decides to open a quirky café in her small hometown. Naturally, the café is decorated with enough twinkling lights to power a small country, and every customer seems to have a heartwarming backstory. Enter Jack (Chris Hemsworth, because why not?), the ruggedly handsome handyman who just so happens to be single, loves baking, and has a golden retriever named Muffin. Spoiler alert: sparks fly faster than a Christmas tree catching fire from too many LED lights.

The movie is a masterclass in Hallmark movies tropes. There’s the obligatory montage of Shari and Jack decorating the café while a folksy acoustic cover of a pop song plays in the background. There’s the small-town festival where everyone wears plaid and drinks cider. And, of course, there’s the dramatic third-act misunderstanding that could be solved with a single text message but instead takes 20 minutes of screen time to resolve. It’s like the writers had a checklist titled “How to Make a Hallmark Holiday Movie” and followed it religiously.

But here’s the twist: Shari’s Second Act isn’t just about finding love. It’s about finding yourself, which is code for “learning to bake a perfect soufflé while wearing an apron that says ‘Kiss the Cook.’” The film also tackles deeper themes, like the importance of community, the joy of second chances, and the fact that no one in a Hallmark movie ever has to worry about Wi-Fi bills or student loans.

In the end, Hearts Around the Table: Shari’s Second Act is exactly what you’d expect from a Hallmark holiday movie: predictable, heartwarming, and just a little bit ridiculous. It’s the kind of film that makes you roll your eyes while simultaneously reaching for a tissue. So grab your coziest blanket, pour yourself a mug of peppermint tea, and let Shari’s journey remind you that life is better when it’s sprinkled with sugar, spice, and a whole lot of clichés.

Rating: 4 out of 5 cinnamon rolls (because even Hallmark movies deserve a little love).