Mr. Christmas

Most films begin with loads of titles, stock footage etc, all of which make you want to change channel. Unusually and to its credit, this film hooked me from the beginning with some interesting facts about snowflakes and an introduction into the leading man Tom's work. His job is to research and find the perfect present for the partner of his (clueless) client.

Not only is this film entertaining, but there is food for thought in terms of a serious theme. When buying a present for your other half, do you really know enough about them to get them exactly what they want?

There are only four principal players in this movie - Jenny, her unreliable boyfriend Paul, Tom and socialite Victoria.

Tara Holt is excellent as leading lady Jenny, demonstrating a wide range of emotions, facial expressions and matching body language. When she inevitably kisses Tom (this is Hallmark), it really looks like her heart is racing. When she is upset with Tom, she looks upset. I also liked her boyfriend Paul (Sam Guinan-Nyhart), who ropes his faternity buddy Tom into the job of finding a present for Jenny.

Leading man Tom (played by Sam Page) is trying not to get involved with Sarah for professional reasons, which means his chemistry with her is not quite as good as it could be.

Victoria (played by Emily Peterson) is comfortable as an attractive socialite who would like to sink her claws into Tom. My favourite scene comes at about 24 minutes when Victoria is telling Jenny and Tom about the history of her old house. This is a piece of unexpected, nicely written script.

In the end, Tom does find the perfect present for Jenny, but not something material like a car or jewellry, but is instead something personal to her.

The only negative I have is that I found the final scene to be cheesy and over-acted.

Overall, one of the better Hallmark Christmas films and will watch again next year.

In my opinion, the male roles should have been switched, as Sam Page could have played a better embarrassing villain. Very unconvincing character, I don't mean he's not a good actor, he just doesn't feels like he belongs there.

Throughout my whole Christmas film completest quest undertaken since late 2019, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's and Lifetime's output in particular. There was however always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level.

A distinction that does not belong to 'The Perfect Christmas Present' in any way. It is not quite a Christmas classic, but out of the films seen between then and now (which have been very hit and miss) 'The Perfect Christmas Present' is easily among the best faring and quite a pleasant surprise for a premise that could have gone either way. With almost everything done remarkably well and only a couple of things done imperfectly which was not unexpected in a way.

For me the final quarter was on the rushed and too convenient side. It did take a bit of time for me to warm to Tom and it was once the romantic chemistry got going when it was easier to do so.

Sadly am another person that didn't always care for Tara Holt here, she did have some odd overdone mannerisms and it made her performance on the mannered and over-eager side at times.

However, Sam Page is charming and did like how Tom grows as a character. Nice genuine chemistry with perky Emily Peterson too. Generally the characters were interesting and engaging and the romantic chemistry moves at a realistic rate and felt natural and genuine.

Production values wise, 'The Perfect Christmas Present' is not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Most of the soundtrack is nostalgic and appealing to listen to, capturing the festive spirit well. Have seen a lot of over-scored Christmas films, but that's not as much the case here.

Furthermore, the script just about avoids being corny and saccharine, with it never coming over as awkward, and the story is mostly very engaging, easy to be uplifted by and heart-warming. Not to mention quite poignant, with a serious theme being handled tactfully.

Overall, pleasant and well done film. 7/10.

Simple formula Christmas Movie, acting very good. Showcasing the Windy City was a plus.

I can't think of having seen this premise before, although there is some similarity to Cyrano de Bergerac. It's nominally a Christmas story, but except for the holiday event, it didn't have to be around Christmas.

For me, a lot of how much I like this kind of movie has a lot to do with the relationship building between the leads and the premise provided a great mechanism for the leads to spend time together. Sam Page and Emily Peterson had great chemistry. Without it, the conflict wouldn't have made any sense.

I don't remember the first time I saw this movie, but I would think the surprise at the end was to be expected. That didn't mean it wasn't sweet.