As the title suggests, this Hallmark romance has an automotive theme. Luke (Tyler Hynes) and Jess (Katherine Barrell) work on cars for competing garages. The two of them have a romantic history, but Jess now prefers cars over men, because they never disappoint. Emotions between them are further complicated by the fact that the two garages, owned by their fathers, also have a deep history.
The chemistry between the two leads is not off the charts, but the story really leans into the auto restoration contest that Luke and Jess enter. And Jess's father really needs the prize money to bail their garage out of existential financial problems. Still, as the contest goes on, old feelings are reignited, and Jess begins to allow Luke into her heart.
As always in a Hallmark film, a conflict arises in the eleventh hour, throwing a wrench into their love affair. But the viewer knows that love will overcome in the world where romance wears the crown.
In the final minutes, there is a resolution that promises not just a reconciliation, but also a brighter future. Even grease monkeys deserve love in Hallmark land.
Shifting Gears
2024
Action / Comedy / Romance
Shifting Gears
2024
Action / Comedy / Romance
Plot summary
After female mechanic Jess reluctantly agrees to participate in a car restoration show, she is shocked to learn that her ex-boyfriend, Luke, is her main competitor.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
March 24, 2024 at 08:11 PM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEBMovie Reviews
The Restoration Of Love
Writer needed to do his research.
I grew up a tomboy and automobile enthusiast. I love stories about female mechanics and restorers, but I expect them to be accurate. For instance, a 1954 Chevy should have a 235 cid inline six cylinder engine. Chevy didn't sell a V-8 until 1955. A 1947-8 Plymouth had a generator, not an alternator. These mistakes occur early on, which distracted me from the romance plot, and were hers. Was it sloppy writing or thinly disguised sexism?
There was humor to balance the tension, and a cute roller skating dance routine. The actors performed their characters well. Too bad the research didn't support the script. Having said that, I still recommend the movie. Just forgive the inaccuracies.
Not good
The leads were not a good match and had no chemistry. The female lead was not even likeable, much less appealing. I didn't buy their relationship for a second and am not sure why she was cast in that role. When they were skating they looked silly. I think that Julie Gonzalo would have been a much better choice as she and Tyler Hynes have great chemistry together. I also didn't buy the guy playing Tyler Hyne's father. The get to know you segment on the tv show was super cringey even for a Hallmark movie. I actually think just about any other female in the Hallmark universe would have been a better fit for the female lead than the one they cast.