Mix Up in the Mediterranean (TV Movie 2021) Poster

(2021 TV Movie)

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7/10
Fun mix up
TheLittleSongbird10 February 2022
'Mix Up in the Mediterranean' is one of the 2021 Hallmark films seen with mixed expectations. This year saw a number of beautiful and exotic locations with Hallmark (including Hawaii and Paris), and it doesn't become more exotic than the Mediterranean. That there would be the male lead doing a dual role (not seen a lot with Hallmark these days) also interested. Am really not a fan however of Jessica Lowndes, with a couple of exceptions but she has often come over as quite limited and most of her films don't do much for me.

2021's 'Mix Up in the Mediterranean' is one of the few films of hers that did impress me, though more for most of everything else than her. It is up there with one of the better 2021 Hallmark films, which have been a bit of a mixed bag but not too bad considering these tumultuous times. Of the Love Ever After films of the year, 'Mix Up in the Mediterranean' is one of the best and by quite some way. While not loving the film, it was pretty enjoyable.

Was not too enamoured by Lowndes, she could have had a lot more fun and the character needed more charm than what she gave. Her attempts at flirtation too are pretty awkward.

Some of the story could have had more clarity and subtlety, will agree regarding the reason for Meg to get that close and will agree too that she was too oblivious to something that was blatantly obvious. The ending felt too easy and too quick, and there is no surprise what it would be.

On the other hand, a lot is good. The production values are terrific, a vast majority of 2021 Hallmark films have been remarkably well made visually and 'Mix Up in the Mediterranean' is one of the most beautiful looking. How could it not be with a setting as incredible as the Mediterranean'. The music is not overpowering or overused and the direction is indicative of someone that was at ease with the material and was having fun with it.

The script has plenty of very amusing moments, while any tender moments are not too sentimental. The story goes at a tight pace and is charming and upbeat, the content that could easily have been stereotypical or judgemental was done very tastefully and contrary to what has been said by others regarding Hallmark including more diversity the diversity was more than welcome. The supporting cast are solid, but the best thing about the film is Jeremy Jordan. Who is truly excellent in one of the most difficult roles of the 2021 Hallmark batch (playing two completely contrasting characters rather than one) and one of the standout performances of the batch too. He is clearly having fun, but he does so without mugging, overdoing any mannerisms that would have made the character in question too much of a stereotype and brings nuanced heart to both characters (doing the seeming impossible at making a jerk endearing by the end).

Summing up, not everything works but much of it does and the film is worth seeing for primarily Jordan. 7/10.
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6/10
Not good, not horrible
Jackbv12323 February 2021
We've seen stories where twins confuse their opposite(s) by switching. We've seen contest stories. We've see the child who isn't appreciated by her parent(s). We've seen the character who wants to make it on her own. Two things are slightly different. First, the female lead things she is becoming friends with the gay brother who has a husband. Second, the big city doesn't turn out to be evil when compared to a small town.

The biggest thing that didn't make sense to me was why Meg was getting so close to the gay brother and it should have been obvious to her that he wanted to be more than friends. Even so, Jennifer Lowndes and Jeremy Jordan had chemistry, but again, it sure seemed like hetro chemistry to me.

The climax and ending were mostly predictable. The story had no real highs or lows or surprises.

Despite my complaints, I thought there were some funny moments and some sweet ones.
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6/10
Lowndes needs a haircut - Jordan still fantastic
vic-418467 March 2021
Love Jeremy Jordan. Jessica Lowndes needs a haircut, seriously, that long hair is so unappealing for her age and her face-shape (and stop pulling her hair off her face, it just highlights the gaukiness). Their chemistry was okay, but I just couldn't get past the full-facial scenes, close-ups, not attractive filming. The storyline was refreshing and the LGBT storyline was tastefully written (while a bit stereotypical). Would like to see more of Lowndes (but less of her thin face). Jordan showcased his acting talent in this one .. great job.
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6/10
Mix Up in the Mediterranean
JoBloTheMovieCritic26 February 2021
6/10 - the huge step for Hallmark in the inclusion of the first gay main character and beautiful sets are wasted on this been-there-seen-that plot
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7/10
The storyline is even more beautiful than the scenery
flisssaysno21 April 2022
The storyline is even more beautiful than the scenery. I didn't expect to like this film as much as I did and this is mainly due to the acting. It's not often people have to pull a Linsey Lohan but Jeremy Jordan pulls it off amazingly and is largely the reason the film is so good. He switches between a gay celebrity chef and hometown cook seamlessly and even when in the other's clothes you can tell who is who.
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just pleasant
Kirpianuscus18 February 2023
I like it very much. And it is normal, for the mix of Alaska, gay spice, admirable work of Jeremy Jordan and the effort of Jeniffer Lowndes and the location and the tension about revelation of true identities .

Sure, only few new good things and a lot of cliches, the too rapid and too predictable end ( you expect be little different, for a drop of fresh air ) and the big town as option , as nice inovation in classic Hallmark recipe.

I am far be seduce by the option for Jennifer Lowndes for meg and the final part seems very forced , by appreciate the game between Josh and Meg, not ignoring the premises of this impossible romance.

In final, the big, beautiful good point remains the acting of Jeremy Jordan and his game with cliches for the fair portrait of julian. The gay couple relation, reflected in reasonable manner, is another good point, like the work of Stephen Oliver and Callum Blue.

In short, just pleasant.
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7/10
Diversity done beautifully
mguelkerwilson28 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Aside from the scenery of Malta, which was beautiful, perhaps the best thing about this first attempt by Hallmark to feature a gay main character was that it wasn't overdone or shoved down the viewers' throats ... it was done very well. Henri and Julian's relationship was lovely, and wonderfully woven into the story, it didn't shout "look at us we're gay." Jeremy Jordan did a marvelous job in the dual role of Julian and Josh. He was great in playing each character, so much so, that the question popped into my head -- hmmm, I wonder if the actor in real life is gay or straight? Which just goes to show you that a straight person CAN play a gay character and vice verse if they are good at their art. I thought Jordan was fabulous and hope he is used in more Hallmark movies.

Now ... the plot(s) itself. We've seen all of them before, and in this case, there were too many things going on. What was the point of the Meg-and-her-father conflict? It was minimal and didn't really seem to do anything for the movie overall. I'm not a huge fan of Jessica Lowndes having seen her in other Hallmark movies, but in this one, her acting was even more stiff and unnatural. Also, Meg knew Julian was married and gay, wouldn't she have questioned why he seemed to be attracted to her?
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4/10
Skip This One
moonlightlex-5329224 March 2021
Jessica Lowndes is one of my least favorite actors, but I thought I'd give the movie a try anyway. The guy playing the twins did a great job, and the LGBT part was handled nicely. Unfortunately the plot was too predictable with the twins, and then also with the contest. The French accents (especially by the French man) were terrible!! Do yourself a favor and find a different Hallmark movie to watch. PS ~ Hallmark needs to find a stylist to do something with Jessica Lowndes way too long and way too dark hair. It looked atrocious!!!
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8/10
Cute movie
toncincin24 February 2021
OK - so let me say right away ... I do not care for Jessica Lowndes. She can't act her way out of a paper bag.

I set my DVR for this one - fully expecting to delete it after 15 minutes. Well ... it didn't happen. I put off watching it for several days - and finally watched it tonight for lack of anything better to do. I actually liked the story. It had comedic moments. It had great family moments. The LGBT aspect was not overdone (and I don't have a problem with gay people - several family members are gay). It just wasn't a focal point of the story. Henry was simply a sous chef married to Julian. They did not focus on the LGBT story.

Don't get me wrong - Jessica Lowndes is still a mediocre actor - but she was actually OK in this role. Not over the top - but the story really about her (even though there was her family turmoil incorporated into the plot). The star of the movie was Josh and Julian (played by Jeremy Jordan). Hope Hallmark uses him more - this is his second Hallmark movie (Holly and Ivy being his first) and he was great in both.

Not a movie I will watch over and over - but it was a fun watch.
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4/10
I want my two months!
cgvsluis6 August 2021
This was a sweet entry in the hallmark movie romances with a beautiful backdrop of a "palace" and hotel in Malta where a cooking competition takes place. The stars are Jessica Lowndes, from 90210, and Jeremy Jordan, who plays Alaska born twins Josh and Julian Northrop. Julian Northrop and his husband, Henri, have a five star New York restaurant that is struggling since their latest remodel and they need the prestige and prize money from the prestigious culinary competition in Malta. To support his brother, his twin Josh comes to Malta...which is where the accidental twin switch occurs. Before registration, Julian throws out his back and to help out... Josh volunteers to pretend to be Julian just to sign in. Unbeknownst to them, Josh gets a wrist tracking device at the registration that can't be removed until after the competition or they forfeit. Thus creating the need for Josh to do the competition for Julian. Problem...Josh is falling for Meg the event coordinator...and Meg doesn't like men who lie.

I loved that the rich girl's favorite food is a cheese burger and the average joe's favorite is baked Alaska.

The developing friendship and desire to help one another really made this a sweet and watchable romance.

I love the look and name of the new restaurant and having the truffle burger named for Meg is a very nice touch.
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8/10
So much potential
skpn12314 March 2021
Great storyline, really nice idea, beautiful photography but the whole thing is pulled down by poor scripting and stilted acting. Could have been amazing but still fun and great.
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5/10
Changes at the top?
Northener28 March 2021
I didn't care too much for this, just wasn't very interesting, but I had to ask - Did they finally get new management at Hallmark Channel? Nevermind the attempt at representation, they switched up the trope. Instead of working for the evil corporation and moving back to the small town they left because they couldn't make a living there in the first place, this guy has regrets about not going for it and decides to finally move away from the small town to start a new life. And then at the end of the movie...gasp...there is a real kiss that lasts longer than two seconds. And in this movie it actually makes sense in the story that they wouldn't kiss until the end. Just wow.

I had to laugh at some of the comments on here about her hair. 😅I don't usually comment on such things, but I've been saying that same thing about the women in my office building for a very long time now. It seems no one under 35 has heard of a salon. Rapunzel hair doesn't actually look good in real life, just lazy and unprofessional. Just cut it, what diff does extra length make if you keep it straight and away from your face, or worse, in a ponytail or granny bun? But I guess that's the issue, they don't want to pay for a cut or take care of their hair. At least Jessica's was styled nicely.
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3/10
Little too much makeup on leading lady.
cspratt-300837 August 2022
Nice scenery with predictable ending. Leading lady's eye makeup was overdone and drop that red lipstick! Enjoyed the scenery which added to the appeal. Story was so-so.
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8/10
Really Cute Movie
beepagan28 March 2021
Typical Hallmark Movie which is what I love. The scenery is worth the watch.
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5/10
Enough with the wokeness
harleybabe200322 February 2021
DVRed it watched first 30 minutes and then deleted it horrible story
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9/10
A Tour de Force performance by Jeremy Jordan
rebekahrox22 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I can't think of too many Hallmark actors who could have pulled off the tricky challenge of playing two brothers, one straight and one gay, One a nice guy, one an arrogant jerk. Jeremy gives a nuanced and funny portrayal. He never overdoes the stereotypical gay mannerisms and voice inflexions, yet the viewer knows immediately which brother is which. Even when the down to earth nice guy is impersonating the gay brother and then going back to his real self. He also makes the gay brother seem redeemable even when he is being controlling and ungrateful. If Hallmark had their own Emmys Jeremy would win hands down for best lead actor. The script is good with some laugh out loud moments and some both amusing and tense situations. There were some sticky plot developments that I was not not sure how they were going to resolve, but the happy ending was achieved very cleverly. I must say it is certainly refreshing for a Hallmark movie to have the small town country boy end up the big city rather than the big city dude to find his bliss in the country. It's got to be a first for Hallmark.

Jessica Lowndes was adequate, but another actress could have mined comic gold as a girl who finds herself attracted to a married gay man and confused and hurt by his changing personality. As it was, a lot of their semi-flirtation was just awkward. She unfortunately has gone back to the over-the-top makeup that she does not need as she is so gorgeous. But I will give her a pass this time as it kind of fit the character.

Kudos all around. Great setting, nice acting (shout out to Callum Blue as Julian Northrup's nice husband), good chemistry, and intriguing plotlines which stepped out of the Hallmark box on several fronts.
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2/10
More LGBT Is Good; This movie is BAD
johne-5595222 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Well I suppose we should be encouraging Hallmark to feature more gay characters in their productions but this particular instance isn't doing anyone any favors...particularly the audience.

The acting is mediocre at best. Particularly bad is the male lead trying to play twins, one of whom is gay. Doesn't work. Not believable. The rest of the cast are veterans of such shows and are OK but not enough to cover for the terrible script.

Pretty much anything you're planning to do is going to be a better use of time than watching this show. Skip it.
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1/10
Hated it
LtlHippo23 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The horrid red lipstick. The lying. The cheating. And then he wins? UGH Just not a good movie. The location shots weren't even that great. Why couldn't the guy with the back problem take some muscle relaxers and cook in a wheelchair. He could still sit down. Just a dumb movie. Had high hopes from previews.
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10/10
Loved this movie
rhonnie-4313925 February 2021
It was funny and had a good cast. Loved the location and story line. Better than a lot of other movies from that channel. I recommend it.
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1/10
Another alternative disaster
klaverweid10 March 2021
Another wasted Hallmark movie introducing alternative lifestyles! If I wished to view such things there are existing means to do so without pushing onto the unsuspecting public.
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9/10
Cute and Funny
pattersonjamie-1207924 February 2021
I knew going into this movie there were going to be scenes between a gay couple, but it looked so funny and I like both of actors who portray the main characters, I thought I would give a chance. The gay couple scenes were very tasteful. The movie was very entertaining. Jeremy Jordan did an amazing job in a dual role.
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1/10
Woke hallmark
fkrjgzjvq8 February 2022
Hallmark movies are formulaic, they are very tame heterosexual love stories and every film is pretty much the same but with different settings and actors, that's why hallmark has such a big following but when you bring in all the woke stuff it's not hallmark anymore, i can watch absolutely any other tv series or Holywood film and everybody is represented and you're made to be ok with whatever people want to do/be, that's how society is now but hallmark was different, this is the beginning of the end for them if they continue in this direction. Such a shame.
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1/10
I don't say this often...sucks!
YabbaDabbaDabba12 March 2021
Hallmark has really hit the tank. Every movie is off, just off. What went wrong? Maybe amateurs at the helm, or maybe works or some other idiots. They need to wake up before it all tanks.
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9/10
Best Hallmark kiss
sailingStu24 February 2021
Even if you didn't care for the storyline, this movie had one of the best Hallmark kisses ever at the end. I think Jessica was lip-locked for at least two minutes!! Great scene.
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10/10
Great movie
milesspartan26 February 2021
Great film with great scenery in a beautiful country
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