The Makeover – 2013 Hallmark Movie Review: A Charming Tale of Personal Transformation

“The Makeover” is a charming 2013 TV movie that puts a modern spin on the classic tale of Pygmalion. This Hallmark Channel production stars Julia Stiles as Hannah Higgins, an education consultant who decides to transform a beer vendor into a political candidate. The film offers a delightful mix of romance, humor, and social commentary, making it a perfect choice for viewers who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of wit.

For those interested in watching “The Makeover,” it’s available to stream on several platforms, including fuboTV and Hallmark Movies Now. The movie follows Hannah’s journey as she coaches Elliot Doolittle, played by David Walton, to run for Congress. Their unlikely partnership leads to unexpected personal growth and a budding romance.

While the plot may seem familiar, “The Makeover” adds its own unique twists to keep viewers engaged. The film explores themes of authenticity, personal growth, and the nature of political campaigns in a lighthearted yet thoughtful manner. Its 6.5/10 rating on IMDb suggests that many viewers found it to be an enjoyable watch.

Background: The Hallmark Landscape

The Hallmark Channel has been a staple of American television since its launch in 2001. Known for its family-friendly content, the channel has carved out a niche in the entertainment industry.

Hallmark movies, particularly those airing in 2013, often featured heartwarming stories and romantic comedies. These films aimed to provide viewers with feel-good entertainment and positive messages.

The Hallmark Hall of Fame series, which includes “The Makeover,” represented a higher production value compared to typical Hallmark offerings. These films often tackled more complex themes while maintaining the channel’s signature wholesome approach.

In 2013, Hallmark was expanding its original content. The channel was investing in adaptations of classic literature and plays, breathing new life into timeless stories for modern audiences.

Education and personal growth were common themes in Hallmark productions. Many films explored characters undergoing transformations, learning valuable life lessons along the way.

The Hallmark landscape of 2013 was characterized by:

• Emphasis on family values
• Romantic storylines
• Seasonal programming (holiday movies)
• Adaptations of literary classics
• Focus on personal development

This environment set the stage for “The Makeover,” a modern retelling of George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion.” The film fit well within Hallmark’s mission to provide uplifting, educational content with broad appeal.

Plot Summary & Analysis

“The Makeover” puts a modern spin on the classic Pygmalion story. It follows Hannah Higgins, a polished political consultant, and Elliot Doolittle, a rough-around-the-edges beer vendor from Boston.

Character Development

Hannah Higgins, played by Julia Stiles, starts as a smart but uptight woman. After losing a congressional election, she decides to transform Elliot Doolittle into a viable political candidate. David Walton portrays Elliot, a likable but unrefined Bostonian with a thick accent.

As Hannah coaches Elliot, both characters grow. Elliot learns to speak more eloquently and dress better. Hannah loosens up and discovers the value of Elliot’s down-to-earth charm. Their relationship evolves from teacher-student to potential romantic partners.

Camryn Manheim plays Colleen, Hannah’s supportive friend and business partner. She adds depth to the story, offering advice and reality checks to Hannah throughout her journey.

Themes & Messages

The movie explores several key themes. Class differences take center stage as Hannah from the educated elite clashes with Elliot’s blue-collar world. The film examines how these differences shape perceptions and opportunities.

Personal growth is another major theme. Hannah learns to value substance over style, while Elliot gains confidence and new skills. The story suggests that true change comes from within, not just from outward appearances.

Politics and media also feature prominently. The movie critiques the superficial nature of political campaigns, showing how image often trumps substance in elections. It raises questions about what makes a good leader and the role of authenticity in politics.

Performance & Direction

Julia Stiles and David Walton star in this Hallmark film as Hannah and Elliot. Stiles brings a polished charm to Hannah, a well-spoken but unsuccessful congressional candidate.

Walton’s portrayal of Elliot, a beer vendor with a likable personality, adds warmth to the story. The actors’ chemistry helps sell the unlikely pairing of their characters.

Director John Gray, known for his work on TV movies, guides the cast with a steady hand. His approach keeps the film light-hearted, staying true to Hallmark’s family-friendly brand.

The screenplay by C. Jay Cox adapts George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion” for a modern audience. Cox’s writing maintains the core themes of the original while updating the setting and characters.

Gray’s direction and Cox’s screenplay work together to create a pleasant diversion for viewers. The film balances humor and heart, a hallmark of successful romantic comedies.

Supporting performances by Camryn Manheim and Georgia Lyman round out the cast. Their characters add depth to the world of the film and provide opportunities for both comedy and drama.

Technical Aspects

“The Makeover” was produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions. The TV movie aired with a TV-PG rating, making it suitable for most audiences.

The crew worked to create a blend of comedy and romance. They used lighting and camera techniques to enhance the movie’s warm, lighthearted atmosphere.

The film’s production design team focused on creating believable sets. These ranged from Hannah’s polished political world to Elliot’s more modest surroundings.

Costume designers played a key role. They crafted looks that showed the characters’ transformations throughout the story.

Sound design and music choices helped set the tone. They supported both the comedic moments and the developing romance between the leads.

The editing team faced the challenge of balancing the movie’s various elements. They had to maintain a steady pace while allowing character development to unfold naturally.

Special attention was given to hair and makeup. These departments were crucial in portraying Elliot’s makeover and Hannah’s subtle changes.

Reception & Critics’ Reviews

Upon its release in 2013, “The Makeover” received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film’s lighthearted approach and charming performances.

Variety’s review called it “a pleasant enough diversion for a few light-hearted hours.” The critic appreciated the movie’s potential to steer Hallmark in a positive direction.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film garnered some positive feedback. Critics noted its entertainment value and feel-good nature, typical of Hallmark productions.

However, not all reviews were glowing. Some viewers felt the plot was predictable and lacked depth. The gender-flipped “Pygmalion” concept received both praise and criticism for its modern twist.

IMDb user reviews were generally favorable. Many appreciated the film’s cute and well-behaved nature, along with its guaranteed happy ending – a hallmark of Hallmark movies.

Critics agreed that “The Makeover” delivered on its promise of light entertainment. While it may not have broken new ground, it satisfied its target audience of Hallmark movie enthusiasts.

My Personal Thoughts

“The Makeover” (2013) is a frustrating example of Hallmark’s formulaic approach to filmmaking. The plot is so predictable it borders on insulting; every beat is telegraphed miles in advance, leaving no room for genuine surprise or emotional engagement.

Julia Stiles, despite her talent, is saddled with a painfully one-dimensional character, a caricature of a woman needing a man to unlock her potential. The “transformation” arc is superficial, focusing solely on external changes rather than any meaningful internal growth.

The supporting characters are bland and underdeveloped, serving only to further the already thin narrative. The pacing is glacial, and the resolution is utterly saccharine and unconvincing.

While it attempts to address themes of societal expectations, it does so with such a heavy hand and lack of nuance that any potential for meaningful commentary is completely lost.

Ultimately, “The Makeover” is a tedious and forgettable film that squanders its potential with its lazy writing and uninspired direction.