You Make It Feel Like Christmas
This year, Hallmark has gifted us with 39 movies (originally 40 but somehow A New Year’s Resolution got pushed back?). I’m not even kidding. 23 from Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas branding. But wait, they also have 16 from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ Miracles of Christmas. How do these two sets of movies differ? I have no clue. I’m usually just a Countdown to Christmas kind of girl. And I’ve never really seen a movie from the other set.
But then I saw the casts and the trailers and realised. It’s literally the same kind of movie! There’s no mystery at all! They seem to be equally cheesy and fun and have absolutely no factor that differs. I guess Hallmark just needed more time to air more shows and so they’ve spilled over to their other channel.
Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas
The main channel brought 24 movies this time around and I’m a bit shocked to not see the big names on this channel. And given I started late — they started airing things in October — I had to double up to make sure I saw as many movies as I could before the 25th. Challenge, accepted.
Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses
Starring: Abbey (Jill Wagner), single mom and aspiring interior decorator and Nick (Matthew Davis), businessman who needs an office decorated
I wanted to like it so bad because who doesn’t love Matthew Davis (aka hot uncle in The Vampire Diaries), but I just couldn’t bring myself to enjoy this one. And it’s sad because though I’m not Jill Wagner’s biggest fan, I was rooting for her and her decorating schtick.
I also wasn’t sure what they were trying to do with the second girl (Nick’s assistant), but of course they do that reveal in the end. And what about Mike? The second guy? I liked him so much more! He too was cute! He should be the star of his own Hallmark thing. And really that grand gesture in the end? Could the string quartet not have played something else? Anything else besides Away in a Manger?
Holiday Feels: 💝💝
Merry & Bright
Starring: Cate (Jodie Sweetin), CEO of the Merry & Bright Candy Cane Company, Gabe (Andrew Walker) business auditor from the Empire Corporate Recovery
Honestly, I will do whatever Andrew Walker tells me to do. I just wish he would have been paired with someone else because Jodie Sweetin isn’t quite my cup of tea. Still, the movie wasn’t bad. As long as Andrew Walker is in it, it can’t be that bad.
Of course they save the candy canes. Of course, it all works out. I did like the mom-and-dog side story and the assistant and the receptionist proposal. So all in all, not a bad way to spend an hour. I just wish I saw more chemistry between the leads.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Starring: Belinda, real estate agent on the way to making junior partner (Kim Shaw) and ex-boyfriend, Dustin, local hero and director of the textile museum — aka the real estate at risk! (Kevin McGarry)
Ever since Kevin McGarry joined When Calls the Heart, I’ve had a soft spot for him and so seeing him play local good guy and ex-boyfriend who didn’t keep his promise, Dustin, I knew I was at least 50% in. There’s nothing offensive about the lead girl either, so I guess it wasn’t too bad!
Also, it was strange to see Tom Arnold play Belinda’s dad but he was pretty subtle and not his usual laugh out loud comedy style, so it was just right. I got to love a town’s crazy Christmas traditions, including this lovely scavenger hunt that brought them all around town.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝
Picture a Perfect Christmas
Starring: Sophie (Merritt Patterson), a photographer and David (Jon Cor), app creator and single dad next-door
I always felt bad for Merritt Patterson on The Royals because in a show full of bananas characters, she tended to be a bit bland there. So seeing her elsewhere is nice and refreshing. She looks pretty good next to Jon Cor in their pretty people-ness. I can’t say I was rooting for them the entire time but they didn’t irk me either.
The child was not annoying and Sophie’s grandma was a treat to watch — I feel like I’ve seen too many Christmas pageant preparations already. Still, with her still hanging on to her career and just deferring opportunities to be with this family, it’s nice to see a girl try to keep a semblance of a career for a bit in the HCU.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
The Mistletoe Secret
Starring: Aria (Kellie Pickler), local diner owner and Christmas committee head in a small town and Alex (Tyler Hynes), ghost writer to a famous travel writer.
These two actors haven’t been my favorites even if they’ve been in multiple HCU movies. But I think we found the right roles and the right plot for them. As far-fetched as this plotline sounded, it did them justice. Comparing Alex to the very generically handsome front of a travel writer and letting Aria’s aww-shucks charm finally managed to warm my frosty heart.
The ghost writing bit was a hit with me and the Christmas passport felt like a good way to inject holiday traditions. Even the mistletoe story Aria’s dad kept peddling washed over me just the right way. I’m surprised I enjoyed this as much as I did.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝
Christmas Under the Stars
Starring: Nick (Jesse Metcalfe), a investment banker turned Christmas tree lot helper, and Julie (Autumn Reeser), an astronomy teacher
I love me some Autumn Reeser. I love her so much, I go back seasons to watch her past HCU movies. But This one with Jesse Metcalfe (whose character on Chesapeake Shores kind of annoys me) just wasn’t doing it for me. Or at least their ‘chemistry’ or lack thereof was definitely lacking.
Don’t get me wrong, the holiday spirit was alive and well. I liked all the subplots of the Christmas tree lot and helping the dude out and even the teacher bit helping her student and the frazzled mom. But the love story bit? I wasn’t buying it one second.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Write Before Christmas
Starring: Jessica (Torrey DeVitto), jilted fiance and letter writer and (Chad Michael Murray), part-time Santa
I don’t know about you guys but I watched One Tree Hill for a hot second and so it’s weird to see Nanny Carrie and Lucas hooking up especially with how weird things went on in that show. However, pretty people together is always a good idea.
There were a tad too many things going on here though. With four storylines, I couldn’t quite keep-up. There was the aunt and the neighbor with the dog. The popstar and his brother (and so many jokes about not liking boybands — boo!), the main couple and then a soldier and another soldier.
I get trying to cater to as many kinds of love stories but it just felt a bit all over the place. Thankfully, the lead couple was cute so I kind of hung around.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays
Starring: Harper (Kaitlin Doubleday), world traveler turned nanny and Owen (Adrian Grenier), wealthy widower
So, again, I think I’ve found the perfect formula for an enjoyable HCU movie. Simple plotline (not too many crazy sideplots). Check. Pretty and non-offensive leads. Check. Some chemistry, please. Check. This is a HCU movie after all. Holiday cheer or weird quirk because it is the holidays. Check. I’m telling you, I’m not that difficult.
Given this, Christmas at Graceland ticked all the boxes and though it didn’t tip me over to LOVE, it definitely had like. Adrian Grenier — even without his mop of curls, was adorable and very Captain Von Trapp with his many children and crazy ass schedules. And Kaitlin Doubleday was adorable and pretty and non-annoying in the least. Plus her wardrobe was to die for. I wish I could pull this kind of shit off.
Then we have the Graceland aspect which was there much more than the last time they had a movie set there except this time, it felt less forced and annoying. So a good time for all.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝
Cherished Memories: A Gift to Remember 2
Starring: Darcy (Ali Liebert), bookstore manager and Aiden (Peter Porte), boyfriend post-amnesia.
Maybe I should have seen the first movie two years ago, but I didn’t and I’m not sure if watching it now would help because this was just a tad bit blah. Though the two leads are pretty benign in their attractiveness. They were cute and pretty separately, but just not doing anything for me.
I would have loved this movie because plotwise, they’re already together! I love movies that start off with the leads already together so that they could explore being together. But it just lacked on all fronts.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝
A Christmas Duet
Starring: Averie (Chaley Rose), inn owner and Jesse (Rome Flynn), struggling popstar and of course, a former duo with a hit Christmas song.
It’s a bit nuts watching this one right after Our Christmas Love Song because though we have similar themes, this one was just not as great for me. Don’t get me wrong, the stars are gorgeous. It was nice seeing Rome Flynn (I see him in HTGAWM and it’s nice to see him sans the murder — and I also wonder if it’s his singing voice). And Chaley is gorgeous, but this entire thing just wasn’t for me.
There’s the friend who’s giving birth and the inn that’s both in the running for some prize but also saving the Christmas festival and just like the ‘hotel critic’ staying in the inn said, “it’s just a bit much,”
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Check Inn to Christmas
Starring: Julia (Rachel Boston), New York City lawyer and Ryan (Wes Brown), rival inn owner
I wasn’t expecting much anymore because Movies & Mysteries has been kicking the original channel’s ass this season but I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve always liked Rachel Boston and it doesn’t hurt to see such a lovely actress across Wes Brown who charmed me (finally!)
Romeo and Juliet vibes with this one and the rival inns competing for prizes and defeating the big bad hotel chain but I really enjoyed their chemistry and how straightforward they were with their attraction. No beating around the bush — and they didn’t even have to be childhood sweethearts! How refreshing!
It reminded me more of the Movies & Mysteries style of storytelling and maybe that’s why I liked it so much!
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝💝
The Christmas Club
Starring: Olivia (Elizabeth Mitchell), ballet teacher and single mom and Edward (Cameron Mathison), consultant and all around great uncle.
I shouldn’t like this movie but maybe it was a weak moment because it wasn’t bad. Elizabeth Mitchell’s voice was a tiny bit annoying and her demeanor was really confusing but I trudged on. Cameron Mathison was also surprisingly ok, even if a bit botox-ed.
All in all, it lots of moments together and they were strangely matched for two people I wasn’t exactly rooting for (they just didn’t do anything for me). And yet over-all, still a bit more acceptable than other movies. So yes, wow. That was a whole lot of nothing.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Christmas at the Plaza
Starring: Jessica (Elizabeth Henstridge), an archival historian and Nick (Ryan Paevey), hotel decorator
Well I guess I had to be proven wrong. Pretty people (both Ryan Paevy and Elizabeth Henstridge) can have very little chemistry even if you really want them to because pretty people! Still, the Plaza was a nice little background and though all the funny things entertained me: Christmas karaoke! The bad-but-not-so-bad exes and current boyfriends!
I really wanted this to work! I like Elizabeth Henstridge! I liked her in Agents of Shield! Ryan Paevy is handsome! But I just didn’t feel their chemistry. It’s really too bad.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy
Starring: Katie (Maggie Lawson), writer on holiday and Ben (Paul Greene), local librarian and writer in hiding
I like Paul Greene. A lot. When he came along on When Calls the Heart, I was very excited for his addition. Maggie Lawson is also very easy on the eyes. Together, pretty people come together.
This franchise, however, has never really been my favorite. It’s nice that they get the leading ladies to come back and revisit their plots, but I’m just not invested in it.
Also, SO MANY questions on that crazy time capsule. It’s made of wood and yet somehow looks amazingly new and clean after being hidden all those years in plain sight. And the things inside the capsule look so fresh and non-gross which they would be if they were hidden that long yet exposed to the elements.
I know this is HCU and I shouldn’t even bother to think these things but when the frisson isn’t there, I tend to focus elsewhere. Such a waste of Paul Greene.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Christmas in Rome
Starring: Angela (Lacey Chabert), tour guide and Oliver (Sam Page), executive looking for a ceramics investment
Somehow these foreign trip movies always leave me wanting more and this go-around in Rome is no different. Don’t get me wrong, I stan a Lacey movie and she’s as adorable as ever in this one. And Sam Page is always a pretty thing to look at. But I just wasn’t feeling their chemistry.
I have yet to do Italy in real life so it was nice to get a crash course on the supposedly ‘non-touristy’ things from tour guide Lacey, but I was hoping for more magic. Yay for everyone getting the deals they wanted to and for all the food and baking.
I hope the next foreign destination brings more spark.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Christmas Town
Starring: Lauren (Candace Cameron Bure), teacher en-route to her new town and Travis (Tim Rozon), town mechanic and foster father.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of Candace Cameron Bure but seeing her paired alongside Tom Rozon (whom I adore on Schitt’s Creek), it was a balance that I wasn’t ready for and shockingly was open to. Also it has Aunt Zelda Spellman from Sabrina the Teenage Witch!
It was an over-all ok movie, complete with adoptions and town donation drives and and long lost angels on top of trees. It was really strange seeing Mutt in non-Mutt settings and as a romantic lead, but I looked forward to seeing him saunter through the town, repairing things. Honestly, I would watch him in other things.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
A Christmas Love Story
Starring: Katherine (Kristin Chenoweth), youth choir director and Greg (Scott Wolf), widowed father
I haven’t seen Scott Wolf in a long time (since Party of Five days) and it was nice to see him back on my screen in all his wholesome glory. He has not aged one bit. He literally looks like he did back in the Po5 days which is a freaking feat! I also love Kristine Chenoweth since her Pushing Daisies days. I literally paused the movie in the middle just to watch clips of her singing on the show. Eternal Flame and Hopelessly Devoted To You to be specific.
So seeing them both on the screen for my first Hallmark Hall fo Fame movie was quite a treat. This movie had everything from getting snowed in to ride sharing apps to adopted kids to kids wanting to do something else for college and the like. It had choir romances and new songs and Christmas decor of course. It also had a kid that had a very Zac Efron vibe from the first High School Musical — I don’t know if they meant for this to happen.
It was nice and uplifting and had some sweet moments. I wish the musical moments were better considering they had Kristen freaking Chenoweth but I know we’re still in the HCU so I shouldn’t hold my breath. I like the adult romance of straightforwardness even when there could have been room for drama so I appreciate it.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝
Christmas at Dollywood
Starring: Rachel (Danica McKellar), NYC event planner and Luke (Niall Matter), aspiring head of operations at Dollywood
I’m not usually Danica McKellar or Niall Matter’s biggest fans but somehow putting them together and putting a bit of Dolly magic into it and I was all in. Also, we’ve had some Graceland set things before but this Dollywood setting was actually pretty magical, I kind of want to go now. Guys, I don’t know if my defences are down, I’m sorry (not sorry)
Having the Rachel and Luke team up to plan a production for Dollywood’s 30th year anniversary was pretty cute. They had the banter, they had the cuteness. They made it work. I honestly wouldn’t mind seeing a part 2 — Wedding at Dollywood like they’ve done with Graceland because these two leads who I don’t usually root for — actually work together.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝
Holiday Date
Starring: Brooke (Brittany Bristow), recently jilted girlfriend and Joel (Matt Cohen), hired actor as a boyfriend stand-in
I love this plotline because it’s always bound to be horribly delightful and this was that. I like Brittany Bristow — usually playing the second fiddle, finally gets the lead and she’s cast with Matt Cohen who is also very easy on the eyes so all in all I’m not complaining.
I’ll admit I was trying to cook while watching this so my focus was elsewhere (spoiler: i managed to cook, but it wasn’t very good) but over-all, it was cute in the usual tropes of pretending to have a boyfriend only to have that ex-boyfriend show up and have your parents think you’re crazy and the lies!!!
I wouldn’t mind another go around with this because the leads are quite charming.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝
A Cheerful Christmas
Starring: Lauren (Erica Deutschman), Christmas Coach and James (Chad Connell), British (?) rich son of client and apparently somewhat related to royalty.
This is the comedy we didn’t think we need but got nevertheless. Wow. I have no words for how silly and awesome this was. From the accents (I honestly don’t want to know if it was real or fake) to the plotline (Christmas coach brought in to decorate a house/plan a party) to the exaggerated peppiness of the lead (too much energy? there’s such a thing), I was HOWLING with laughter the entire time.
I just couldn’t believe this was real! A secret ballroom inside the mansion? Check. A rival British lady for the heart of the lead but then she turns nice even after vying for his attention the entire time? Check. It felt very similar to Mistletoe Kisses the first movie of the season except with added “royalty.”
Holiday Feels: 💝💝
Double Holiday
Starring: Rebecca (Carly Pope), hotshot career girl vying for a leg up and Chris (Kristoffer Polaha), colleague and competitor for that promotion.
Stop the presses. I think we’ve found a winner. Kris Polaha is so goddamn charming, he could do anything and I’m there. But then you add Carly Pope (whom I’ve loved since Popular) and all her cuteness and charm — I’m honestly baffled as to why she isn’t in more HCU movies.
Playing colleagues that are both competing for a promotion but also have to work together to plan a party, you know sparks are going to fly. But every freaking frame of Kris Polaha gazing lovingly or in admiration of Carly has me getting the shivers. This guy knows how to stare at the camera. And we get it in glimpses. He’s a big brother. He’s good to his mom. He’s witty and works hard but knows how to chill. Also he’s so handsome? And Tall?! And just wow. I’m floored.
They try to throw in a second dude (in the form of a fancy suit guy) that Rebecca bumps into in the elevators and though he’s generally a nice guy, obviously he’s no match. We all KNOW this. He’s also played by the actor from Cheerful Christmas minus the horrible British accent and stache and this is so much better.
I’ve rated a couple movies on the 5 heart scale thus far and I have 3 more movies to go at this point but I would wager to say this would be one of my favorites of the season (if not the year — alongside Bottled with Love which also stars colleagues teaming up!) Am I just low hanging fruit for this plotline? Am I the target demographic?! Either way, I’m all in.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝💝
It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
Starring: Liam (Eric Mabius) and Sarah (Tricia Helfer), mayors of rival towns and also friends since college.
I always love a good rivalry and Hallmark loves to give us this (think, Good Witch rival mayors) and this Christmas, they put a holiday spin to this. Eric Mabius and Tricia Helfer can hold their own on screen but putting them together gave enough tension because you can tell they’re hella competitive but also that they could have a softer side to both of them.
It of course featured Tricia as a single mom but lo and behold, she’s not a widow! She’s divorced! And she’s still on good terms with her ex who is conveniently engaged as to not have him in the running for her heart. I liked their portrayal of exes who are on good terms. This is Hallmark after all. Eric Mabius brings it as well as determined mayor who wants to do good by his side of town. Over-all, they were pretty cute to watch.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas
Starring: Elizabeth, town teacher (Erin Krakow), Nathan, not so new Mountie (Kevin McGarry aka good boy), Lucas, town bar proprietor (Chris McNally aka bad boy)
You all know how I got suckered into this show and had no regrets falling in and so with the Christmas special, it’s always a nice wrap-up to the entire year’s shenanigans and this year, was no exception.
The love triangle continues even if it’s not a subtle — the season ended with Elizabeth dancing with Lucas (effectively choosing him but not quite) and thus leaving Nathan feeling dejected. Still, WCTH knows how to string a few hearts along and so we see Nathan getting a promotion and a job at Union City since there’s ‘nothing holding him back’ in Hope Valley anyway.
There’s also Carson and Faith who have a sliding doors moment and almost missing each other at Christmas! I’m glad they didn’t. We also see Rosemary and Coulter being adorable in their married life — doting after Little Jack. I hope next season they get their baby since they want one so badly. Bill and Henry don’t get much of a plotline apart from looking for a lost gift and helping a travelling salesman.
Still, it was nice to see the good folks of Hope Valley and see how BIG THE KIDS are. I swear they’re growing so rapidly, they’re all as tall as Elizabeth. A nice ending to this crazy season.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝💝
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ Miracle of Christmas
My first time diving in to this network and I have to say that I’m pretty excited because I honestly thought this channel was about murder mysteries and so far, none of the trailers I’ve seen for this holiday season display such. And they seem to have gotten the ‘bigger’ stars too! What is this madness!
A Merry Christmas Match
Starring: Corey (Ashley Newbrough), local antique shop owner and Ryder (Kyle Dean Massey), all around rich guy who happens to love antiques.
I am shocked but I actually quite enjoyed this one. I guess pretty people do the trick for me. Ashley and Kyle Dean look like watered down version’s of Margaret Qualley and Richard Armitage respectively and honestly, I’m here for it.
And I don’t know if I found it cheesier than the usual but I thought it was quite cute! Falling in love over a weekend is always a question mark for me, but hello, as if the entire HCU isn’t one big alternate universe. Nevertheless, I’m really pleasantly surprised I liked it. Even the sidekicks weren’t annoying! Oh what beauty can do,
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝
Nostalgic Christmas
Starring: Annie (Brooke D’Orsay), big city toy buyer turned small town toy shop heiress and Keith (Trevor Donovan), single dad — widow of course, local mill manager and co-chair of the Christmas program
I first saw Trevor Donovan play a closeted teen on 90210 so seeing him play single dads now of pre-teens makes me feel very old. Also, I like Brooke D’Orsay and I find her quite charming so this was a match that was easy to swallow.
Even with all the cliches of the big city versus small town, ex-boyfriends who are good guys and adding in a Christmas pageant that needs to be prepared, this was a pretty benign movie. Lots of holiday cheer, complete with wooden Santas that somehow fit every occasion. And I don’t know if I’m turning soft but I didn’t find the kid TOO annoying which is a huge thing for me.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Two Turtle Doves
Starring: Sharon (Nikki DeLoach), scientist on the verge of receiving a grant and Sam (Michael Rady), estate lawyer and single dad (widower, of course)
I’m 50/50 on Michael Rady but I am 200% in with Nikki DeLoach and so I was interested to see how this pairing would go. And hello, when I love someone, the halo around them really does affect the surroundings because this pairing was pretty damn good. It felt quite adult and real down to not wanting to get into something if they aren’t there long term. Even with the kitschy to-do list from grandma.
I enjoyed the younger brother (who is supposed to be gay? Did the daughter say, ‘when uncle alex first came out’?!) and his relationship with Sam and even the daughter wasn’t annoying (which is always a win) and even pregnant cousin, Lucy was nice to see. I wish they’d have made her give birth but that’s too much budget allocation for a side character, I suppose.. Also, the entire grant plotline wasn’t grating and it was nice to see her get her cake and eat it, to.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝💝
A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas
Starring: Willow (Rachael Leigh Cook), big town hotel manager and David (Benjamin Ayres), small town inn owner & single dad.
I have to say, I wasn’t sold on the leading guy. I’m not sure if I’ve seen Benjamin Ayres elsewhere in the HCU but he wasn’t my top of mind for Rachel Leigh Cook, HCU royalty. Still, as the show went on and we saw them work together to ‘stage’ the barn/inn for Willow’s sister’s wedding, I could tell why they chose him. He grows on you slowly.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of the kid storyline for the first time this season and I’m not surprised. I wish there was more wedding planning rather than just barn decorating but that’s not too bad. Over-all, a perfectly normal movie that could have been better. I feel bad for Rachel Leigh. Maybe next time.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Holiday for Heroes
Starring: Matt (Marc Blucas), homebound soldier and Aubrey (Melissa Claire Egan), local cafe owner
I don’t think I’ve seen Marc Blucas in any HCU movies but damn, he should be in more of them because damn, he got to me. As homecoming soldier and also penpal of Aubrey, he lit up the damn screen with his aww-shucks feels. Bring on all the cliches but I was lapping it up because man has got it.
And his chemistry with Aubrey was through the roof. They were writing letters at first and you know where it would go and I was rooting for them the entire time. And I don’t know if I’m just digging the Movies & Mysteries movies more but they seem more mature and resolved issues quite straightforward even if there was initial misunderstanding.
And of course there’s a ton of parties and skating and dancing but I was here for all of it. These two are going to be the death of me and I’m digging all the veteran/soldier cheese. Can they do a sequel of this next year?
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝💝
A Christmas Miracle
Starring: Emma (Tamera Mowry-Housley), optimistic single mom & new to the big city and Marcus (Brooks Darnell), supportive colleague & talented photographer
I’ll admit I “watched” this one while doing other things but even at that, it was pretty damn entertaining. Sure, a cheese-fest, but we’re on Hallmark remember? I was watching the grand preview of all things Movies & Mysteries and their keyword was ‘uplifting’ and I guess that’s what this was.
Emma and Marcus do have pretty good chemistry and though it seems so easy to fall for a colleague in the HCU, I don’t know how realistic that is in real life — but then again, we are not in real life. The jazz musician dad story and the boss stealing your ideas were all pretty crazy on a scale of what the fuck to this is real life, but that’s what you get wit the HCU, a mixed bag.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love
Starring: Alice (Cindy Busby), small-town, second generation shop-keeper and Jack (Benjamin Hollingsworth), medical sales guy and they also happen to be neighbors!
I’ll be honest. I almost didn’t want to watch this one because with a title like this, I knew it was going to be a cheese fest (says the girl that’s watching all the Hallmark movies), but so far this season, the Movies & Mysteries bunch has been hitting it out of the ballpark for me, so I thought, why not.
And holy cow, I’m glad I did because either a) my defenses are down or b) it was actually a pretty good movie because I liked it a lot. The leads had instant chemistry without them trying to be overt about it and all the godwinks (lord it took me reading an article post movie watching to realise it was “God winks”) were contrived but somehow fit in and worked.
I never usually care about side characters but I actually cared about her whole freaking family (and there’s a lot of them) and though I did laugh at moments that were meant to be heartfelt, it was an over-all entertaining one. Who knew! Lesson? Give chance to even the cheesiest titles! Hallmark (Movies & Mysteries) may surprise you!
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝💝
Holiday Hearts
Starring: Peyton (Ashley Williams), party planner and Ben (Paul Campbell), doctor bound for a vacation/new job. Oh and they were childhood sweethearts
Peyton and Ben do have the chemistry and you’re kind of always rooting for both of them to get together because they just seem like really nice people. I wouldn’t say I was feeling the chemistry between them but they were pretty adorable.
The entire taking care of a child and bringing them closer together was of course expected but the planning the party and the foreign posting was a bit distracting. Still, lots of cutesy moments to get.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Our Christmas Love Song
Starring: Melody (Alicia Witt), country star and Chase (Brendan Hines), tavern owner/music teacher and of course, ex-boyfriend
Guys, I think I’m all in with Movies & Mysteries. They keep hitting things out of the park for me. I didn’t think Alicia Witt would do it for me but I felt like she was giving me major Taylor Swift when she was still country vibes and going home to her hometown to look for sheet music in an attempt to prove to her old mentor that she didn’t plagiarise a hit song she just released. Crazy, I know.
Then of course, there’s the hometown lover who honestly is very cute and now I want to see everything he’s in (spoiler: I don’t think he’s been in any other HCU movie which is a goddamn shame). Of course you throw in some sisters (on both sides), a niece taking guitar lessons from said ex-boyfriend, a mom grieving her husband/dad to Taylor Swift and country star suing for plagiarism and there isn’t much left for holiday cheer but somehow they still figure that in.
I like it. Straightforward romance. Not much drama. Easy admittance of feelings. I approve completely. We’ve got no time for bullshit this holiday.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝💝
Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen
Starring: Ella (Erin Krakow), party planner and Edward (Luke MacFarlane), Christmas Toy Company CEO
So I’m a sucker. Last year’s Pride, Prejudice & Mistletoe had so much potential but also pressure, that I didn’t think it quite made it. Well, I guess second time around and they got it quite right. Erin Krakow is always a bundle of joy and seeing her in the present day is always a nice treat. And I’ve always enjoyed Luke MacFarlane so it was a nice cherry on top.
And sure, it’s a bit of a spin to the original Austen. Ella is the impulsive one and Marianne was the serious one, but i guess they made it work. The toy company and party planner thing were a nice touch and I enjoyed all the Austen inspirations without it being too trying hard.
Over-all, a really cute spin to Jane Austen and so glad to see Erin Krakow in non-When Calls the Heart things.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝
A Homecoming for the Holidays
Starring: Charlotte (Laura Osnes), country singer and Matt (Stephen Huszar), ex-soldier and local helper at the pet adoption store?
I love when pretty people get together and I love when fresh faces grace my screen and this had everything in double. Laura Osnes is ALWAYS a delight to see even if she’s not the regular and I was wondering where I had seen Stephen Huszar before and then Google tells me he was the second fiddle to Sam Page and Pascale Hutton in My One and Only.
Hallmark has given him the chance to step up and damn, he stepped up in his henley and those broad shoulders because goddamn, this man can smoulder. He didn’t get a lot of uniform time but he didn’t have ot because playing the helpful soldier to Osnes’s country star going home, I was just all in with the way they’d look at each other.
Also, tiny moment but a moment nevertheless. near the end, after some slight drama (because it is HCU, there’s got to be), he walks in while Laura’s character is on the stairs. and she’s a couple of steps up. But because he’s so tall, even when she’s a step up from him, he’s still just a bit taller than her and their faces are just level and you know they’re leaning for a kiss. YES. That vignette of a kiss on the stairs — no need for damn mistletoe and the disparity in their heights but making it just right KILLS ME. KILLS ME I TELL YOU. I need more.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝💝
Time for You to Come Home for Christmas
Starring: Katherine (Alison Sweeney), widower and Jack (Lucas Bryant), veteran and interim guitar player.
I don’t know where Lucas Bryant has been my entire life (and by that I mean my entire HCU life) but damn, I want him in more things. The tall! the lanky! The jaw! the hair! All my weaknesses. Sure, I wans’t that big a fan of Alison but a movie can’t be perfect!
I was honestly just jealous of her the entire time. From him aggressively playing guitar in the station to playing solitaire to building a fort and more guitar playing and more brooding and more smouldering. I probably won’t remember the plot of this film but I’ll remember Lucas Bryant making croissants and asking for a kiss under the mistletoe (spoiler, she denies him! How dare she! I would never!) and just looking great in a suit. I am sold. Obviously.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Christmas in Montana
Starring: Sara (Kellie Martin), efficiency expert and Travis (Colin Ferguson), ranch owner
I’m all for a mature love story — at least mom’s with older kids but at least make me want to root for them. Kellie Martin is perfectly normal but I just wasn’t rooting for her. Colin Ferguson, I don’t mind one bit but I just felt like we could have chosen another lead girl? Am I being mean for saying that?
Having said this, the entire supporting cast was pretty good — from the pretty daughter (who I’m glad they didn’t give a love team with — I honestly thought she was going to turn lesbian with the other girl) to the grandpa and grandma in the ranch. And of course, Mr. Ranchman/lawyer himself, Travis. Is it bad that I wouldn’t have minded Candace Cameron Buree suddenly?
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday
Starring: Hannah (Jen Lilley), book editor and Ryan (Carlo Marks), childhood friend and rival editor
I do enjoy seeing Carlo Marks on screen because he’s such a joy to watch on Chesapeake Shores and Jen Lilley has always been ok in my book so over-all, they were both quite pleasant to watch. Was I rooting for them? Not entirely but they were cute enough. I haven’t seen the previous Angel Falls installments but I’m assuming there’s the usual angel guide that’s embedded and somehow ok to watch.
I do love it when they do a book-related thing because publishing is always going to be close to my heart but it always makes me laugh how they approach it. Still, the romance author’s plot line was predictable enough — but hilariously the characters were oblivious to it, so that’s the HCU for you. All in all, pretty enjoyable.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝💝
Christmas on My Mind
Starring: Lucy (Ashley Greene), amnesiac bride-to-be and Zach (Andrew Walker), childhood sweetheart
Though a HUGE step up from Andrew’s other HCU Christmas movie, I really feel like they need to step up their game on who they pair Andrew Walker with because Bottled With Love is my number on HCU movie this year and nothing has compared since. Don’t get me wrong. Ashley Greene is perfectly fine, but just a little bland next to Andrew.
And it’s too bad because this plot line had so much potential! Amnesia! Thinking you’re still engaged to someone you actually broke up with two years ago! Can you imagine where this could go? Alas, it wasn’t as great as it could have been. Maybe next season, we’ll get an Andrew Walker with an Autumn Reeser or something.
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
A Family Christmas Gift
Starring: Amber (Holly Robinson Peete), big time New York City magazine editor and Alan (Dion Johnstone), local musician and single dad (divorced!)
I wasn’t expecting much from this movie but Amber and Alan actually had pretty good chemistry! I also really enjoyed Patti LaBelle’s character (the wise aunt with regrets) and obviously her singing voice.
And though it’s the usual HCU plotline: big time city girl comes home to a past she’s forgotten and finds love and finds a reason to stay even if the big city is calling — it was a pretty enjoyable one. Maybe it’s because I also had no expectations but that’s HCU for you! Sometimes it’s surprising!
Holiday Feels: 💝💝💝
I want to give a special shoutout to Chinggay who listened to me rant or rave and just spam her in real time with my thoughts on all 39 movies. Enablers are going to enable and I enjoyed the Christmas season so much more thanks to these movies and the commentary along the way. Did anyone else watch any of these? No? Ok. Well if you did, tell me because I clearly need someone to talk to (both Chinggay and I do!).
More from the Hallmark Cinematic Universe
