Shifting Gears is the kind of Hallmark movie that slides in at a confident 3 crowns out of 5 crowns, the cinematic equivalent of a well‑worn hoodie: soft, familiar, slightly stretched out, and somehow still comforting. The premise is classic Hallmark chaos — Jess Barro (Katherine Barrell), a talented mechanic with a chip on her shoulder, ends up in a competitive car‑restoration show only to discover her ex, Luke Childs (Tyler Hynes), is her main rival. Sparks fly, wrenches clatter, and the whole thing hums along with the gentle predictability of a Sunday afternoon cable marathon.
Director Yan‑Kay Crystal Lowe keeps the tone warm and breezy, never letting the story idle too long. She’s got a knack for making everything feel cozy, even when characters are elbow‑deep in engine grease. Meanwhile, writer Matt Marx delivers a script that’s equal parts banter, unresolved feelings, and just enough emotional turbulence to keep things interesting. It’s not reinventing the Hallmark wheel, but it’s definitely polishing the rims. The dialogue has that pleasant, slightly goofy charm — the kind where you can predict the next line but still smile when it lands.
The leads do their part, too. Barrell and Hynes are fun, flirty, and fully committed to the “we’re exes but also obviously still into each other” routine. Their chemistry is like a warm quesadilla: soft, melty, satisfying, but you do wish it had a little more kick. They coast well, they banter well, but they never quite hit the emotional RPMs that would elevate this from “cute” to “oh wow, they’re really going for it.” It’s all pleasant, but you can feel the movie begging for one big, messy, heartfelt moment that never quite arrives.
Where the movie sneaks in some unexpected heft is with the dads. Andrew Jackson as Steven Childs brings that classic “emotionally constipated father who loves his son but expresses it through gruff nods and unsolicited advice” energy. Jess’s father isn’t far off — another man who communicates primarily through unfinished projects and generational stubbornness. Their tension adds a welcome layer of drama, the kind that makes you think, “Ah yes, this is why these two leads are so romantically dysfunctional.” It’s Hallmark‑level depth, sure, but it gives the story a little more texture than the usual cookie‑cutter romance.
In the end, Shifting Gears is fun, a little sloppy, and totally satisfying — the kind of movie you can fold laundry to while still feeling emotionally nourished. It knows exactly what lane it’s in and stays there proudly, even if the leads could’ve pushed the pedal a bit harder. Still, between the charming direction, the easy chemistry, and the surprisingly juicy father‑son tension, it earns its 3 crowns out of 5 crowns with a smile and a wink.
MPAA Rating: TV-G.
Runtime: 84 mins
Director: Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe
Writer: Matt Marx
Cast: Tyler Hynes; Katherine Barrell; Kristin Booth
Genre: Comedy | Romance
Tagline: Old Flames Fire on all Cylinders
Memorable Movie Quote:
Distributor: Hallmark +
Official Site:
Release Date: March 23, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: 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. Will sparks reignite?
