Hearts of Christmas

Unless you are the Grinch tears will be rolling down your cheeks by the end of this film. The movie follows the story of the nurse manager of the NICU at the hospital being forced to retirement much to the dismay of other nurses and former patients. Nothing tugs at the heart strings like tiny humans and those that take care of them in their greatest hour. The reveal at the end and the romance that develops over the film is enough to warm the cockles of almost anyone's heart. This was a good one!

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 also had any bias for this genre and the two leads are no strangers to good performances even in hit and miss film choices. Did like the idea for the story, although the structure is samey the setting is a departure to the usual ones seen.

'Hearts of Christmas' is a very pleasant watch and when taken for what it is and meant to be it succeeds at what it set out to do. Expectations were mixed, they were met and exceeded. The title is a pretty sugary one, but the film isn't as much so it's another case of not judging a film by its title. As far as Hallmark films go, 'Hearts of Christmas' is somewhere around high middle. This opinion is from judging the film on its own terms without comparing it to anything else, so am not saying (never have, never will do) that it is on par with something else that has gotten the same rating that will make some scoff.

Is 'Hearts of Christmas' perfect? No. The structure of the film and what happens is very familiar territory for Hallmark so there is a seen it all before vibe throughout. Did find the ending a bit too rushed and too tidy, as well as easily telegraphed.

A lot of the dialogue early on is heavy on the cheese and corn factors and doesn't flow very naturally, so there were moments where there was admittedly some cringing into my seat.

However, 'Hearts of Christmas' at least looks nice and professional. Although the authenticity of the locations can be, and has been, questioned, the scenery still looks lovely and appropriately festive, complemented very nicely by the photography. The soundtrack is nostalgic and isn't as intrusive in tone or placement as most other Hallmark Christmas films, as that has been a common criticism from me and quite a number of others. The direction is accomodating while not going through the motions.

The dialogue is less than great early on but if one sticks with the film it does improve, it is tighter and less stilted and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Emilie Ullerup and Kristoffer Polaha are very appealing leads, they look comfortable and don't overdo any habitual mannerisms. Their chemistry came over as genuine, took time to unfold and didn't come over as contrived. The supporting cast also do very well, with a sparkling Sharon Lawrence standing out and also giving the film's best performance.

Concluding, worth watching. 7/10.

Yes, it made a huge change from the usual cookies, bakeries, ad agencies etc,, and the two leads could actually act, BUT the basis of the story made the Emilie Ullerop look really shallow, not altogether very nice, and totally unrealistic in her outlook. Getting sulky because an accountant was hired to do cost cutting is a fact of life, and certainly not a reason to blank the guy ! This was the irritating side of this storyline and made her look stupid. Of course it all comes together in the end, but only because she got the ending she wanted. If I was the chap I'd send her packing - after she apologised.

I am surprised I am the first one to write a review on this movie.

Very very pleasant lead actress and actor (Jenny and Matt) make this a delightful one to watch. There is a conflict on her part and even a hint of a "White Christmas" (Bing Crosby Rosemary Clooney) misunderstanding at the end. The supporting role of Alice made for some of the nicest heartfelt moments in the movie- well done.

The Neo Natal Ward at the hospital was well done with the care they provide the families. The smaller part of parents the baby in the incubator did make me wonder where I had seen him before-- Looked it up- he was in 4 Christmas Movies in 2016. The lady that played a small part as Matt's sister looked familiar and had starred in Nine Lives of Christmas.

I am borderline on this- but yes I would watch it again. Even though we were tired we did not doze. I gave it a 9 instead of an 8 because of a surprise at the end and the Neo Natal care for the family aspect.

Some criticisms. The movie title is a bit of a stretch. Another ice skating scene- really?

My family criticized my criticisms. There is a pledge/farewell that is said by the staff to the parents that has "Hearts" in it. I did not quite catch that, but thought it is great they do the pledge. The staff is about Heart and not the bottom line, hence the "Hearts of Christmas" title. Also what happens at the ice skating rink does contribute to the story.

Any movie with Kristoffer Polaha will be a hit with me. Just his tender voice melts my heart! This was another one of Hallmark's heartwarming productions. I love their "farewells" to the babies as they are discharged. I think that would be a good practice for any neonatal unit to adopt.