Christmas Cookies

There has never been any bias for or against Hallmark Christmas films. Actually think there are a mix of good, bad (and worse in some cases) and somewhere between mediocre and decent, so it's a variable output really. One just needs to know what to expect and not to expect too much. Have always appreciated romantic dramas with touches of comedy, so yeah 'Christmas Cookies' was hardly one of those doomed from the start sort of films.

'Christmas Cookies' lived up to and exceeded mixed expectations, as it could have gone either way of being charming and cute or being sickly sweet and cheesy. And it manages on the most part to be the former. Despite what the appetising but somewhat sugary title suggests, obviously made up to tie in with the cookie company setting. A good lesson in not judging a film by its title, advertising or any previous exposure to Hallmark Christmas films whether positive or negative. As far as Hallmark Christmas films go, generally 'Christmas Cookies' is among the better ones.

By all means, 'Christmas Cookies' could have been better. The ending is too abrupt and like it was made up at last minute. Despite the setting, the basic story is standard Hallmark fare and what is seen here has been used frequently before but not as freshly here.

A lot of anything concerning the job is pretty unrealistic, like for example the portrayal of negotiation which is total fabrication. At times the music is overpowering, a common thing with Hallmark.

However, 'Christmas Cookies' looks great with some of the best locations and use of them of all Hallmark's festive output. Photographed beautifully and absolutely loved everything to do with the cookie factory. While the music didn't have me completely sold in terms of balance, tonally it fitted at least and doesn't over-emphasise too much the mood. The dialogue can be corny, but it didn't feel stilted to me and was gently amusing and sincere.

Despite the story not being perfect, it is light on its feet and has a warm heart without being mawkish ot sugary sweet. Tonally it clearly knew what it was trying to be. Nothing charmless about it either and certainly makes one hungry for cookies during the film and after. The characters engage at least and are not too reminiscent of stereotypical ciphers, there is substance to them and nothing about them frustrated me. The acting is not bad at all and quite good in the case of the two leads, who have a sweet chemistry together. Nice to have a female lead that has positive traits without being too perfect or having any flaws exaggerated, have seen both extremes in a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the film just about manages in my opinion to avoid both.

In conclusion, nice film. Just know what to expect. 7/10

The local cookie company is about to be sold to a large conglomerate who send Hannah (Jill Wagner) to seal the deal. The magic of the town, along with some sparky dealings with current owner Jake (Wes Brown), make it increasingly difficult for Hannah to follow through with the assignment. Some really great interplay and performances which hit the spot, make for a movie worth returning to each holiday season.

I bet most of us have a separate rating scale for the Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas romance genre. They are low budget, quantity over quality films, so best to enter with a generous mindset.

For me, the number one strength or dealbreaker is the 2 leads. If they can both act, neither is annoying and there's some chemistry-boom, that makes it a rare bird. I DVR and delete at least half these movies after watching 10-15 minutes because I know I can't take 90 minutes of one of the leads.

Jill Wagner and Wes Brown are as good as it gets, and their 'introduction' scene conveyed some real sparks of friction. Their getting-to-know-you meet-ups were convincing, fun and served the plot. The supporting cast was also good, with extra points for a real sense of family in the scenes with Jake's relatives, especially his cute niece.

My number two criteria is sense of place, given these movies are short on plotting and long on setting. Some of them have little or no real in-town scenes and no feel of a distinct place, even as the dialogue constantly refers to how special ________town is.

In Cookie Jar, (yes, Cookie Jar) the cafe anchors the town, the tobogganing scenes practically smelled like pine and mountain air and the sets for Christmas events were lovely and realistic. Again, better than the vast majority of these films.

I would've rated this higher except for two major weak points. First, the resolution felt very slapdash and unbelievable. Like a cringe-y afterthought. Second, the business-related details rang so false they were distracting. Who travels to a small town on behalf of a 'conglomerate' without a rental car? With no public transport to rely on. Who would go out, solo, to close a deal with a biz owner after zero communications between the two? With no legal representation and no authority to revise the deal? We didn't need much detail about the business end-we just needed some logic there.

I love this film and Jill Wagner! It's a heartwarming story that I look forward to year after year.

This is a nice little Christmas movie! I like cookies, and I love Christmas! It's the typical big city vs small town story, but it's definitely worth the watch. The small town charm will win your over and make you want to be a part of it...especially at Christmas!!!