Hallmark Channel’s “Summer Nights.” a weekly original film series begins with it Location of Greece, starring Nikki DeLoach and Apostolis Totsikas. The film takes viewers on a Mediterranean vacation from the comfort of home as our leading lady takes to the Greek island of Corfu to resolve a family issue that sees her stumble upon her perfect marriage. Is this fake relationship as temporary as they initially believed? Is this movie worth taking the time to watch? Is it physically possible to magically transport delicious-looking Greek food from a movie into your stomach? You may have to watch the movie to find out.
Idea: Georgia (Nikki DeLoach) and Rose (Maurii Davenport) are longtime friends who take a big risk leaving their secure corporate jobs to start their own startup that helps small businesses with branding and marketing. To keep their startup afloat in these early days, they took out a business loan that they still have to pay off, so now everything is on the upswing. Unfortunately, their best-laid plans quickly go awry when Georgia receives a final notice stating that she must travel to Corfu, Greece as soon as possible to complete her late Aunt Margaret’s will and protect her inheritance.
Determined to resolve the matter quickly, Georgia leaves her home in Denver to spend five days on the stunning Mediterranean island where she studied abroad as a child under 20 years ago. She also connects with her aunt’s old friend, the widowed restaurant owner Elena (Wanja Mary Sellers), whose son Alex (Apostolis Totsikas) was one of Georgia’s first friends in Greece when she lived there two decades ago. Once an unlikable young man, Alex has grown into a handsome, cat-loving police officer with dreams of making the move to become a private investigator. With a job application pending, he feels like his life is moving forward at least as he prepares to inherit his late neighbor and friend, Margaret’s house.
This leads to the startling realization that Margaret has left both Georgia and Alex as co-heirs, posing a major challenge to Georgia’s plan to sell the property for her business. Georgia is proposing that Alex buy his share of the estate, but doing so could take six months to process due to international laws and Georgia’s status as a non-citizen of Greece. Fortunately, there’s a quick but silly loophole: for Georgia and Alex to get married. Georgia extends her journey, talking Alex into one month of a fake wedding to help each other achieve their respective career and personal aspirations before calling off the union and going their separate ways. But the more time they spend together on this magical island, the more the lines between fake and real blur as they grow closer, forcing them to rethink what they want, who they are, and if they dare to look before they jump.
What Movies Will They Remind You Of? Greek Aisle may recall various aspects of the 2009 rom-com A suggestiona 2002 rom-com My Big Fat Greek Weddingand the Greek island-set 2008 musical rom-com Mama Mia!.
Performances to Watch: DeLoach delivers an effective performance, carrying the film with ease. He also has great chemistry with everyone he shares a scene with, making it a joy to watch him every time he’s on screen.
Memorable Conversation: This is an exchange between Georgia and Alex as she tries to get him to come around to the idea of a simple marriage:
“People will not think that I married someone I just met.”
“Calm down, it’s not like we’re strangers. We have a little history after all.”
“Ancient history.”
“We are in Greece! Isn’t that what your people are famous for?”
Georgia’s honorable mention, “I just don’t want this balloon to be anything big, you know? My little Greek wedding, not the other way around.”
Sex and Skin: There are a few moments where Alex is shirtless, but this is still Hallmark, so that’s as dangerous as it gets.
Ours: Greek Aisle is Hallmark’s strongest show in their original summer lineup, as it takes you on a fun international adventure from the comfort of home. First and foremost, the setting of Corfu is absolutely beautiful, with a rich history, stunning architecture, and stunning sea views. The food is another element that jumps off the screen and makes your mouth water, serving as pieces of authenticity and character throughout the film. From the schedule to the food to the clothes, it’s all about Greek Aisle pops with color, character, and life, welcoming you into the world of this story.
As for the story, sure, it’s crazy to jump into marrying a stranger because of some inheritance law, but what’s a romantic movie without a wild resource or two, anyway? Honestly, I love that the carefree tone is set from the start, and it’s something that all the actors seem to understand naturally, as they give dedicated, light-hearted performances full of easy charm and warmth. DeLoach and Totsikas have an easy chemistry that makes them a joy to watch together, and the actors interact easily enough to make you believe in their relationship and feel a sense of community on screen. In the end, it’s a simple and cute movie full of likable characters that I enjoyed spending a good 84 minutes running time. What more could you ask for in a summer rom-com?
Our Phone: Greek Aisle it’s like a summer day on a Greek island: warm, breezy, and lovely. Sure, it’s cute, but that’s what we love about a good Hallmark movie! Embrace that delicious schmaltz, and SPREAD IT!
How to Watch Greek Aisle
The only way to watch the Hallmark Channel live without cable is to use a live TV streaming service. We recommend DIRECTV, which comes with a free five-day trial before billing begins.
DIRECTV offers many flexible subscription options, including Genre Packs, so you can better choose which streaming programs fit your needs and budget. Plans start at $49.99/month.
Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow him on Duolingo @MCasale.
