Love's Unfolding Dream

I watched “Love’s Unfolding Dream”, the sixth chapter in the beloved film series, when it premiered on the Hallmark Channel. I re-watched it on DVD for this review. While this was an improvement over the previous installment, I can’t recommend it, except for those viewers who wish to continue watching the trials and tribulations of the LaHaye family on screen.

It’s eight years after the events of the fifth movie, and Belinda Tyler (Scout Taylor-Compton of the excellent “Halloween” remake) has grown up immensely: she has studied countless medical books and wishes so desirably to become a doctor at Anderson Cooper. However, there are a few things standing in her way: the town’s only doctor Micah Jackson, whom Belinda wants to work for as an assistant, has no excuse for females in the profession (with the only exception being a noted female doctor referenced in the film), and Drew Simpson (Patrick Levis), a young prominent lawyer from Boston who also shares the good doctor’s beliefs. Drew is in town to fix up the house that once belonged to his uncle, with the only intention of selling it and moving on.

Dale Midkiff, Erin Cottrell, Victor Browne, and Samantha Smith reprise their roles as Clark, Missie, Zach Tyler (the town’s sheriff and Missie’s new husband), and Marty respectively, and they all help in their separate ways. Dale Midkiff is good at what he does as Clark, taking Drew under his wings and giving him wisdom tips about life and love.

A subplot involving Virginia Stafford-Smith (Nancy Lineham Charles), a patient whom Belinda sees and helps regain her confidence after her stroke, is very cliched in its convoluted approach, as well as another subplot where Missie encourages an illiterate mother how to read and help her son. The execution is well-done, but then reverts to formulaic soap-opera approach after a while, giving each the happy ending they deserve.

Like the last movie, this movie has been met with controversy by its fans, as the final three books are crammed together. The Christian themes that the book introduces are still evident, and the message that is found here is that God is calling us for a higher purpose, no matter if it’s becoming a teacher (Missie), a doctor (Belinda), or even a lawyer (Drew).

The movie does have its moments, but the movie loses its momentum by the middle and loses more steam as it approaches the end. I tried to like the movie for all its merit, and the series in particular, but it just doesn't seem to work for me.

Violence: Minor / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: None

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

• Positive
• Young people