A Dream of Christmas

Nikki de Loach is always a comfortable watch. She doesn't shout her dialogue, she doesn't act the ditzy blonde, and unlike a lot of Hallmark actresses, she can act. Casting more mature leads, is always a winner, - and who doesn't like Andrew Walker ?

The storyline is fairytale, but hey its Christmas and because the acting is ok its an enjoyable view for a couple of hours.

At the start of A Dream of Christmas, Nikki Deloach is married to Andrew W. Walker and is a lowly employee in an advertising firm. She wants more out of life, namely a higher position at work and to be untethered from her self-centered husband. But, as Cindy Williams warns, "Be careful what you wish for." All of a sudden, Nikki is transported to an alternate universe in which she's single, carefree, and one of the bigwigs in her company!

It's always fun to watch pretty people in a movie, and Nikki, Andrew, and her other love interest Christopher Russell are all very nice-looking and make for a fun film. Since it's a Hallmark movie, it's pretty easy to predict, and the characters are a little one-dimensional, but it's one of the cuter ones to come from the channel. I would have preferred a different ending, but then it wouldn't really fit in with the Christmas spirit of Hallmark. It's not the end of the world, though. I watched the premiere last year and added it to my roster again this Christmas, because who doesn't like Christmas movies about getting a fresh start in life?

The movie has a bit of fantasy in it which added to its appeal. The story was very good and well done. The lead actress was very good as was the lead actor (I saw him in Dashing through the Snow- he was much better here). I especially liked the role of the personal assistant in this movie.

There it is a simple story with a few lead actors and some supporting actors and we have some success. I think they did a good job at defining the attraction of the lead actress. I would probably not mind watching this one again. My wife dozed a few times on this one but she was very tired. They did a good job.

My expectations were mixed before seeing 'A Dream of Christmas'. Andrew Walker and Nikki Deloach have been good in other things, even in projects beneath them. Hallmark films can be very charming and engaging and they have been capable of quite a number of above average and more films. My reservations come from the premise, which sounds nothing new and quite lukewarm, and because my recent Hallmark viewings have been very mixed.

'A Dream of Christmas' was to me one of their above average efforts. It isn't a great or flawless film and one plot point isn't as good as the rest. But DeLoach, Walker and their chemistry are served very well indeed, and there is a lot of charm and heart to be found. As far as the Hallmark films go from 2016, 'A Dream of Christmas' is among the better ones and one of the better ones from my relatively recent Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film viewings.

There are things that could have been done better. Did too find Cindy Williams' character rather unpleasant and thought that Williams, despite it being nice to see her again, overplayed her. As a result, the film did lose its warmth somewhat.

Did think that 'A Dream of Christmas' could have done more with its premise. It isn't wasted strictly speaking, but Penny's frustration and dilemma did to me seem too mild. It could have been tighter in the pace and one does know how the film is going to end which it does typically too tidily.

However, 'A Dream of Christmas' does have a huge amount to like. Visually, 'A Dream of Christmas' is slick and attractive. Hallmark often did deliver on the scenery, the locations were seldom authentic to the real thing but they still looked great and lovingly shot, and this film is no exception. There is a tendency in Hallmark to have the music too prominent and intrusive, found neither to be the case (not distractingly so anyhow) here. The script flows well and is easy to take seriously without being overly so. Really appreciated its sincerity, something that's evident in the story.

While the story is not innovative, it is warm hearted and has a lot of charm. The festive feel is beautifully done too. Really liked both Deloach and Walker's characters, Penny is not a female lead character that has negative attributes exaggerated and her feelings are relatable without being too perfect. Stuart is suitably sympathetic. Both Deloach and Walker play their parts beautifully, especially Deloach, and their chemistry is one of the few Hallmark pairings to actually work and feel genuine and worth relating to. Mostly the supporting cast do well, with only reservations with Williams.

Overall, nice film. 7/10.

Yes, this story has been done before but don't let that stop you from enjoying it. A woman makes an offhand wish and it's granted. Reminiscent of It's a Wonderful Life. Compared to some Hallmark movies, the characters were believable and had great chemistry. The acting, was well done, especially Nikki Deloach who played Penny and Andrew Walker, who played Stuart. Nothing seemed forced or fake. There was only character I didn't like and that was Jayne, played by Cindy Williams. Very annoying!

The story itself had a valuable lesson about appreciating what you have in life and the movie was warm and sentimental. I actually teared up at times. One of the better Hallmark holiday movies out there. Sure it was a bit predictable but not as much as you would think for this type of movie. Worth watching.