Review

"Love in Zion National: A National Park Romance – Where the Scenery is Stunning, but the Plot is a Cliffhanger... Literally"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Hallmark movie and a National Park brochure had a baby, Love in Zion National: A National Park Romance is here to answer that question. Released in 2023, this film is the cinematic equivalent of a cozy flannel blanket, a mug of hot cocoa, and a postcard from your aunt who insists on sending you updates from her RV trip. It’s wholesome, predictable, and features more pine trees than a Hallmark holiday movie marathon.

The plot is as straightforward as a park ranger’s trail map: city girl (with a heart of gold, naturally) returns to her small hometown near Zion National Park to save her family’s struggling outdoor gear shop. Along the way, she reconnects with her ruggedly handsome high school sweetheart, who now works as a park ranger and has a dog named something like “Aspen” or “Canyon.” Spoiler alert: they fall in love. Shocking, I know.

The movie’s greatest strength is its scenery. Zion National Park is the real star here, with its towering red cliffs and sweeping vistas. Honestly, the cinematography is so breathtaking, you’ll forget you’re watching a movie where the dialogue includes lines like, “Sometimes, love is like a hiking trail—full of twists and turns, but worth it in the end.” (Yes, that’s an actual quote. No, I’m not kidding.)

But let’s talk about the tropes, because Love in Zion National has more of them than a Hallmark holiday movie has fake snow. There’s the obligatory small-town festival (complete with a pie-eating contest), the quirky best friend who runs the local coffee shop, and the moment where the leads almost kiss but are interrupted by a sudden rainstorm. Oh, and don’t forget the villain—a big-city developer who wants to turn the park into a luxury resort. (Gasp! The horror!)

The acting is... well, let’s just say it’s on par with your average Hallmark movie. The leads have chemistry, but it’s the kind of chemistry you’d expect from two people who just met at a church potluck. The supporting cast is delightful, though, especially the town’s elderly couple who provide comic relief by bickering about trail mix recipes.

In the end, Love in Zion National: A National Park Romance is exactly what you’d expect: a sweet, cheesy, and utterly predictable love story set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. It won’t win any Oscars, but it might just win your heart—or at least make you want to book a trip to Zion. Just don’t forget to pack your flannel and a sense of humor.

Rating: 3 out of 5 pinecones. Perfect for a rainy Sunday or when you need a break from the chaos of real life.