Review

"Making Waves: A Splashy Rom-Com That’s More Hallmark Holiday Movie Than Blockbuster"

Ah, Making Waves, the 2023 rom-com that promised to be the Titanic of feel-good films but ended up more like a kiddie pool with a slow leak. Directed by someone who clearly binge-watched every Hallmark movie ever made, this film is a tidal wave of clichés, predictable plot twists, and enough cheese to make a fondue pot blush. If Hallmark holiday movies had a love child with a surfing documentary, this would be it—minus the holiday sweaters and plus a lot of awkwardly timed wipeouts.

The story follows Mia (played by the perpetually perky Emma Shore), a city girl who inherits her late aunt’s beachside surf shop in a quaint coastal town. Enter Jake (Liam Wavecrest, because of course that’s his name), the brooding local surf instructor with abs so chiseled they could cut glass. Naturally, Mia can’t surf to save her life, and Jake is contractually obligated to teach her while they fall in love. Spoiler alert: they do. Shocking, I know.

The dialogue is so Hallmark-movie-esque that at one point I half-expected a character to say, “Sometimes, the biggest waves aren’t in the ocean—they’re in your heart.” (Spoiler: they do.) The plot is as predictable as a Hallmark holiday movie marathon in December. Will Mia save the surf shop from the evil developer? Will Jake overcome his fear of commitment? Will there be a montage of Mia falling off a surfboard set to an indie pop cover of a 90s hit? Yes, yes, and oh my gosh, yes.

The film’s saving grace is its scenery. The beach is gorgeous, the waves are majestic, and the sunsets are so golden they could double as a screensaver. But let’s be real—if you’ve seen one Hallmark movie, you’ve seen them all, and Making Waves is no exception. It’s like someone took The Proposal, added a surfboard, and sprinkled in some sand for texture.

In conclusion, Making Waves is the cinematic equivalent of a lukewarm piña colada—sweet, mildly enjoyable, but ultimately forgettable. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies or Hallmark holiday movies, you’ll probably love it. If not, well, at least you’ll get to see Liam Wavecrest shirtless. 2.5 out of 5 stars—because even Hallmark deserves a little credit for trying. 🌊🍿