Christmas Pen Pals

Beautiful love story as portrayed by two very distinguished performers: Niall Matter and Sarah Drew. Chemistry at its best as well.

I thought the story was so cute. Loved the old fashioned letter writing with a mix of new technology too - great message underlying a super cute story. Also, emotional! Hit close to home in a couple spots - the writing and acting combined really made me feel connected to the characters and invested in their story. A perfect Christmas love story!

The experience of Niall Matter in Christmas Halmark films, , the admirable work of Michael Gross as Ted, the atmosfere and, of course, the frame of letters are the secret ingredients making this film just special. Yes,it is a Halmark. But a profound charming one because, în fair and wise way, r,eminds the essential significance of people off line connections and sure, the rules of romance.

Really enjoyed this movie and thought the story played out well. Great acting by all but in particular Michael Gross made the father seem so natural and warm. Well done Hallmark.

My biggest obstacle to enjoying this was Sarah Drew as Hannah, whose piercing voice and manic manner grated against a mostly charming plot.

First we get Hannah's automated, colorless attempt at life, met with shrill anxiety about her company's failing dating app and stock. So Hannah goes home to visit her father and married sister to regroup and find the 'spark'.

Home, Hannah quickly chooses the 'love' option of the town's anonymous pen pal matching effort. Her doubts turn to intrigue as smart, thoughtful letters from her match arrive.

Then, with her shrill sister's input, Hannah promptly obsesses over the identity of her pen pal-despite knowing all will be revealed in 2 weeks.

Anxiety is Hannah's consistent theme. Which reaches a fever pitch of stress as she makes dumb and desperate moves guessing at her soulmate.

It's a shame for the film. Hannah's love interest/ex Sam is a perfectly cast Niall Matter, whose subdued kindness hints at the long hurt underneath.

You may like this much better if you can get past my 2 nagging questions. 1) Did the Lifetime folks really consider Hannah likable? If you dated someone for 4 years, wouldn't you easily be able to rule in, or out, their handwriting???