Geteilte Weihnacht

I've seen a few Hallmark Christmas films and most have limited back-story and the dialogue is unrealistic. This film is an exception to the rule. The dialogue and chemistry between the actors is great and everyone does a good job. The Mum, Teryl Rothery is so accomplished and daughter Katy, played by Raven Stewart is adorable and cute as a button. Bridget Regan and Travis Van Winkle develop a growing attachment, though double-booked at a cottage in Pine Grove , there's an initial wariness. Bridget especially, as Travel Writer Emory Blake , displays wonderful small-town worldly charm - and is so NICE !! She's just great in this role and her scenes with Travis are believable and flow well. This is one of the better Christmas releases guys - so see it !

So a little honesty here, my least favorite part of Hallmark Christmas movies is the preachy attitude. That is what separates this movie from the rest. Instead the focus is on the characters who happen to be enjoying Christmas traditions together. The chemistry between the 2 appealing character leads, Emory and Scott is wonderful, and Scott's daughter and mother are also on mark. You just believe and like them, and the amusing dialogue is a step above the usual Hallmark movie. It's just a fun romantic comedy, and I hope Hallmark makes more of these movies in the future.

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 output. There was however always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with enough of Hallmark's output but not all.

'Christmas Getaway' is not a Christmas classic, but seeing it the amount of effort that went into it was more than evident throughout. Hallmark's Christmas output has been very variable, the best ones being surprisingly well done and the worst being terrible. 'Christmas Getaway' in many ways is towards being of their overall best, with most elements done remarkably well and only a few things done imperfectly which was not unexpected in a way.

It is a bit of a slow starter, where it takes a bit of time to get going. Was expecting much originality and the film is pretty formulaic as far as Christmas films go.

Also thought that Emory was a bit difficult to warm to at first, exaggerated negative character traits is a pet peeve of mine and something that Hallmark was guilty of a lot. The resolution agreed is a bit too easy and Alice Bennett is underused.

However, Bridget Regan is truly charming and easy to like and once Emory becomes easier to warm to (which is actually quite quickly) it is very easy to root for her and her goals. Travis Van Winkle matches her beautifully in the easy going charm department and never overoes it while never phoning in. Teryl Rothery had a knack for scene stealing. And she is a breath of fresh air delight whenever she appears. Child performances have varied so much in Christmas films, this is a example of an adorable and likeable child performance that is also remarkably mature.

Variable also in Christmas films has been the chemistry between the actors. The chemistry between the leads is very heart-warming, grows realistically and never comes over as forced. The romance never comes over as too heavy and endears, development is not too aimless and it doesn't feel rushed through.

Moreover, the production values still manage to be great, one of the best looking Hallmark festive films of that year. It's 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. Hallmark had a real habit of over-scoring their films but that's not as much the case here. The script just about avoids being corny and saccharine, both of which are common for Hallmark, and the story is mostly very engaging, easy to be uplifted by and heart-warming. Did like the characters too and they came over as more real than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films.

Concluding, really liked it on the whole. 7/10.

The chemistry between the two stars is off the charts...its obvious that they know each other (both are co-stars in "The Last Ship") and seemed to genuinely like each other. This makes the movie better than some of the other offerings as the acting is natural. The storyline is somewhat standard but the setting is unique. The daughter is cute-not precocious-which also makes this movie better than some. Good acting and sweet story. Highly recommend.

Loved this movie and can watch it over and over. All three of the main characters were good but Travis Van Winkle carries this movie. It is some of the best acting I've seen in a hallmark movie. I also enjoy watching the mother character in Hallmark movies. She is a good actor as well.

The story is good and and keeps you interested. Not the typical Hallmark, girl in big city goes home to country hometown.

Love movies like these with more imagination.