'The Real West' Reviews: Film is "breezy" and "charming"

         On September 28, 2024, Hallmark Channel premiered 'The Real West', which has earned predominantly positive reviews from critics. In the film, "A family vacation to a working Ranch introduces Professor Rebecca to Jake West. Rebecca is a widower chasing tenure and Jake is a handsome cowboy who never settled down." The ensemble cast includes Lucas Bryant, Kimberley Sustad, and James Denton. But what did the critics say?

        Liz Kocan of Decider says, "For the majority of the time that I was watching The Real West, I was delighted by how breezy and charming it all was. Every character, from pragmatic but funny Rebecca to wise but elusive Jake to flighty but supportive Cassidy was fully realized and their characters were likeable and fully-formed. While, sure, the main drama of the film surrounds Rebecca’s quiet resignation over the fact that the man she’s pining for is dating her sister, with this being a Hallmark movie, you always knew that in the end, she’d get her man. What I didn’t expect was the emotional resonance that arose from a scene with Rebecca’s younger son, Ollie (Azriel Dalman). It turns out, Rebecca’s life wasn’t the only one upended by her husband’s sudden death three years earlier. Late in the movie, Ollie, an average kid with an obsession with ghosts, runs away without telling anyone to go on a “ghost hunt” at the ranch. When he’s found (by Jake, of course), he explains that he was desperate to find a ghost because if it turns out ghosts are real, maybe then he’d be able to see his father again. Oof." Adding, "STREAM IT! The Real West is one of the better Hallmark romances I’ve seen this year, and I’ve seen a lot. Blending humor with tenderness and filled with characters that are lovable and not cloying, it’s two hours well spent."

Photo Courtesy of Hallmark Media and Luka Cyprian

        Kanika Saini of Meaww.com writes, "It's truly worth mentioning how humor has been infused into this romantic and emotional saga. From the beginning, the movie feels light and breezy. Rebecca, being a mom of two boys, is practical and funny. Cassidy (played by Marlie Collins), is a chaotic mess yet the best sister one can ask for. Her easy approach to life inspires Rebecca to not over-burden herself with responsibilities." Continuing, "Lynda Boyd as Rebecca’s mom, Maureen is a pure joy to watch with her natural dialogue delivery. Amid this complex mix of family dynamics, Jake exudes calm and a mysterious vibe. We can't blame Rebecca for being attracted to him, despite all the limitations. Bringing together a well-rounded cast of characters, 'The Real West' is much more than a romantic movie. It is about moving forward after a loss. The film's ability to balance laughs and heartfelt moments makes it one of the best movies delivered by Hallmark in 2024."