Lacey Chabert Talks About Giving The Rom-Com A New, Modern Spin In ‘An Unexpected Valentine’

Lacey Chabert knows a thing or two about the rom-com genre. As she should, given that she has starred in over 40 of them for Hallmark Channel alone. So it makes sense that she is at the helm of a brand-new original movie that celebrates the most romantic day of all.

The Mississippi native stars opposite another Hallmark veteran, Robert Buckley in An Unexpected Valentine. Chabert said that she was drawn to this story because it is something different, or shall we say, unexpected.

“I hadn’t made a Valentine’s movie in a minute and I fell in love with the script. I love the idea that it takes place in one night. Which is an interesting way to film. Only one costume for the entire movie which was such a treat,” she told Southern Living.

Chabert plays Hannah who is rushing around the city, keeping busy with work and keeping her mind off the fact that it’s Valentine’s Day. She hops into a ride share for a quick ride that ends up changing the trajectory of her day and perhaps her life.

“She finds an engagement ring and partners up with the driver of the car to find the owner of the ring because it’s Valentine’s night and of course, there was a special purpose for this ring. And in the course of trying to find the owner, they find themselves on this very unexpected adventure. Get to know each other, they have some laughs. They almost get into a little bit of trouble,” Chabert described.

Finn, the driver, is played by Buckley and the chemistry between the two is evident immediately. As Chabert put it, “there is something about being in the car where it’s very disarming. And they find themselves opening up in a way that is, again, very unexpected.”

Unlike many of the other feel-good films we see on this network, the spark between these two characters isn’t built over baking cookies or at a holiday festival in the center of a small town. This movie largely takes place in the car as Hannah and Finn are searching the city for the ring’s rightful owner.

The story and the pace in which it is told, relies heavily on the interactions between Chabert and Buckley. The pair master the quick-witted banter and evoke the nostalgia of that golden age of Hollywood rom-coms—you know, the ones starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.

“I think when we’re having fun on set, which is almost always, it really translates, especially in a movie like this. And I was really happy that they gave us the freedom to ad lib. We had a wonderful script and when there were times and moments that were unexpected, those were also really fun to play. And I just love these types of rom-coms. I love these types of love stories. It’s about people connecting and I think sometimes when it’s not forced and you aren’t expecting it, that’s when the magic sometimes happens,” Chabert said.

She also gave credit to her co-star. “Robert Buckley was wonderful to work with. So talented. So funny. And he was a wonderful scene partner. We had a blast.”

An Unexpected Valentine premieres on Hallmark Channels on February 1, but that’s not the only thing Chabert is celebrating this week. Earlier in the week, Hallmark announced that there will be a second season of Chabert’s first unscripted series, Celebrations.

“We are underway into production now. We just did our first celebration and the heroes that we will be honoring are just the most incredible people and the way that they are making a difference in their communities is just so incredibly inspiring and touching. I just love it,” Chabert told us.

Each episode, Chabert and her professional party planner pals, Lisa Friedman and Marisa Lainer, select someone who selflessly serves their community in some way to celebrate. They conspire with the hero’s friends and family and plan the ultimate surprise party with a different, unique theme, catered to each recipient’s personal style and interests.

In the first season Chabert was all in and hands on creating the perfect parties with themes from “Barn Bat Mitzvah” to a tea party, and even a red carpet gala. Chabert told us she definitely picked up some ideas for the celebrations she plans in her own life. And it appears that has also led to another new venture.

“I’m so excited about this. I love celebrating every holiday. I have a line coming out with Hallmark this holiday season,” Chabert excitedly told us. The collection will include everything you need to host the perfect holiday soirée including gift wrap, glassware, and serving pieces.

“Everything is inspired by the Hallmark archives. Many of the designs are inspired by the 1950s prints. The designers did an incredible job and I really feel like it represents my style. There’ s a whimsical aspect to it, something vintage, but it’s also updated with pops of color. It’s really elegant and really fun.”

So many things to look forward to and celebrate! An Unexpected Valentine premieres on February 1 and you can stream all of season 1 of Celebrations with Lacey Chabert on Hallmark +

Read the original article on Southern Living