A Movie That’ll Have You Smiling

The CW’s Harlequin romance slate kicks off with a heartwarming romance in Montana Mavericks. The film, which is inspired by the book series of the same name, takes viewers through a writer’s search for words.

Heather is a best-selling author who has struggled to write since her mother’s death. When she learns that she inherited the family ranch, she brings her friends with her to Montana to sell it. The trip is supposed to be a reset so she can deliver the book pages she owes her editor, but when Heather is reunited with her childhood friend Cliff, she finds herself questioning whether New York City is really the right place for her anymore.

Full of charm, with a dash of city vs. country stereotypes that’ll make you roll your eyes in amusement, Montana Mavericks is the kind of movie that shines on broadcast.

Key Takeaways

Banter fuels this romance
Friendship is at the heart of the story
Pairing the spares only works for one of the supporting characters

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Watching Is Time Well-Spent

Readers who enjoy Harlequin romances know exactly what they’re getting with Montana Mavericks, but for the uninitiated, it’s worth noting that this film is similar to a Hallmark movie, albeit with more sass. It’s a closed-door romance, so the spice the imprint is sometimes known for isn’t present. However, the banter between Heather (Katherine McNamara) and Cliff (Dennis Andres) sells their spark right from the moment they reunite.

The pair had known each other since they were five years old. A time when jumping from the hay loft sounds like a good idea until you actually hit the ground. Heather getting herself into a mess becomes a running gag in the movie, as does Cliff’s pig, Molly, escaping her pen due to her affinity for Heather. The film loves a good joke, and not all of them land, but it’ll have you grinning from ear to ear as you watch.

As will the friendship between Heather, Emily (Linda Kee), and Jess (Kaya Coleman). It’s been a year since Heather’s mother passed away, and Emily and Jess have been doing what they can to support their friend. While two weeks in Montana turns into their opportunity to grow, too, they’re at the ranch for Heather, and the plot reflects this reality. Still, the duo does get their own storylines.

L-R: Linda Kee as Emily, Katherine McNamara as Heather, and Kaya Coleman as Jess in Montana Mavericks

Side Romance Struggles

Emily is figuring out the next steps after walking away from the law firm she had poured all her time into for years. Since Heather needs a lot of help with the ranch, she finds herself flexing her skill set throughout the movie. This leads her to share scenes with Wade, the newly minted lawyer in charge of selling Heather’s ranch. Unfortunately, their scenes are nothing to write home about and are often played for comic relief. Jess, however, fares better in the romance department.

While Heather and Cliff make this movie sing beyond the strong bond between the trio, Jess and Olivia’s (Kaylee Sapieha) love story is serviceable. Jess is a womanizer who never remembers the names of the women she takes home for the night. But when Olivia, a local bartender and drummer, can’t be easily charmed, the artist finds herself having to be open and honest about what she wants, even if it makes her uncomfortable. Their exchanges are a nice addition to Montana Mavericks that gives the film some lift outside of the main romance.

Heather’s Search for Herself

Ultimately, this Harlequin movie is about Heather. The major conflict around her book deadline and the ranch couldn’t possibly be solved in two weeks, especially since she’s a personal essayist, but that’s not the point. Healing as she learns to navigate life without her mother’s presence is and that’s helped along by her friends and Cliff. He has his own heartbreak to contend with regarding the direction his life has taken. Being a small town veterinarian wasn’t exactly his dream, but Heather has him taking a risk with his heart, which is a joy to watch.

Their journey into love may feel rushed in the end, given the amount of time that’s supposed to have transpired, but McNamara and Andres’ chemistry more than makes up for it. The pair gives solid performances that’ll leave the audience rooting for them as they determine the best path forward for their lives.

Final Verdict: Montana Mavericks is the perfect start to The CW’s foray into original movies. The banter-filled romance is a charming addition to the network’s offerings as it leans into the kind of programming broadcast viewers enjoy while maintaining the whimsy and cheek The CW built its name on. With comically splashy outfits, a heartwarming core friendship, and a love story that’s rooted in healing, the film is made for a good night in.