A Christmas Love Story

I know all Hallmark movies have a similar formula. But, this one has a little extra something that pushes it over the top. I think this is one of my favorite Hallmark movies of all time. Kristin Chenoweth and Scott Wolf are great co-stars and elevate the Hallmark formula for movies to top notch quality.

Had I been in charge of the remote, I would not have picked this movie from the recording list, but saved it to watch after I'd worked through other titles. I'm not at all a fan of Kristin Chenoweth. Neither she nor Wolf are on my list of must see young and beautiful (or handsome) people. I've seen Chenoweth in other movies in this genre and I have not been impressed.

Was I wrong. I enjoyed this movie. The story had many well used elements, but I liked the way it was put together. I probably should have seen it coming, but I didn't anticipate the "twist" until the last minute. Wolf and Chenoweth connected OK. I also enjoy Christmas movies where professional artists give quality musical performances. I had no idea Chenoweth had a voice like that. (Then I day later, I saw her performing on PBS with a big choir, maybe Mormon Tabernacle?.)

Hallmark Hall of Fame presents a remarkable Christmas movie that will be enjoyed for years to come. The outstanding singing talents of Kristin Chenoweth and newcomer Kevin Quinn is a special Hallmark card in movie form. Scott Wolf adds delightful acting to an important role in the story. It is a lovely story with drama to tug at your heartstrings and just enough fun to keep you smiling. Kudos to a great cast.

The music is glorious with superb direction by Eric Close (who also stars) to make it the perfect Christmas experience. Don't miss watching this one.

Hallmark, Thank you for a special treat this holiday season.

I think that if I had been making this film I would have had Eric Close as the lead male instead of Scott Wolf. Don't get me wrong, Scott did a good job, but when you have Eric there and so lovely with those smiling eyes, why would you put him in the background? Kristin can be a bit Marmite for me, but she did well in this one as well and you can't deny her vocal range is fantastic.

The story is very sweet and takes a different tack to the usual romance at Christmas schtick. I really like the family dynamic, the twists, the blossoming romance for the younger generation as well and of course it's full of the seasonal things that make these films winners for me. I also love anything with a good, heartfelt, emotional song in it.

Sure to be watched again.

I tend to watch the Hallmark films to de-stress, so don't require anything with real depth. Usually I find Scott Wolf a weak actor and unfortunately one I have never warmed too but in this he has a little more depth, probably brought out by Director and supporting actor Eric Close (a more likeable actor of this genre).

Kristen Chenoweth gave an adequate acting performance and an excellent singing performance.

It was a good premise for a film with a really strong supporting cast but would have been lifted more by stronger leads.