Einsatz für Dr. Christmas

Truth be told, as I sat down to watch the 2020 Hallmark Christmas movie, I was sort of expecting that I would most likely be in for another run-of-the-mill-and-over-the-top sappy romantic Christmas movie. Why? Well, Hallmark does have a track record for producing these cheesy Christmas movies, don't they? But every now and again, Hallmark does surprise by releasing something that breaks their usual formula. So I opted to sit down and watch "The Christmas Doctor".

And actually "The Christmas Doctor" turned out to be one of those instances where Hallmark breaks away from their usual sappy, cheesy formula and surprise the audience. As it turned out, then writers Neal H. Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky churned out a storyline that was entertaining and enjoyable. It wasn't a movie driven by the usual romantic sap, which was a relief. Sure, "The Christmas Doctor" does have elements of romance to it, of course it does, but it wasn't the force that drove the movie forward.

So the writers definitely gave director Kevin Fair something wholesome, wholehearted and entertaining to work with, and that turned out to become "The Christmas Doctor".

They had a good cast ensemble for the movie, with lead actress Holly Robinson Peete (playing Dr. Zoey) and Adrian Holmes (playing Luke). I wasn't familiar with Adrian Holmes, but he carried the movie quite well alongside with Holly Robinson Peete. The movie also had the likes of Fred Henderson, Bronwen Smith, Nicole Anthony and Marlie Collins on the cast list, whom also contributed well to the movie.

Now, if you enjoy a Christmas movie that transcends the usual Christmas cheese of a man-and-a-woman-with-differences-and-some-dislike-between-them-having-to-work-together-for-a-mutual-goal-and-end-up-falling-in-love type of movie, then give "The Christmas Doctor" a chance. I genuinely enjoyed watching this one.

My rating of "The Christmas Doctor" lands on a seven out of ten stars.

7/10 - what can I say, I'm a sucker for a doctor in a small town Christmas story

The story is a bit like Christmas Under Wraps a few years ago with Candace Cameron Bure. The biggest difference is Willow Brook is not Santa's home base, but there's an additional little twist we get a hint of about 3/4th through and it's explained almost at the end. I wish this twist had been integrated a little better into the final outcome. It explains the look on Doctor Ray's face when we first see him, but other than that it doesn't affect the story of Zoey and Willow Brook. I bet there are some people who figured it out when they saw that look.

The appeal to the story is how the small town, and a handsome man, woo Doctor Zoey and change her. Other than the one twist, there are no great highs or lows, but simply a nice story. There's no looming tension nor any hint of any villain. Of course since it's Hallmark, the final result is predictable. Holly Robinson Peete and Adrian Holmes have chemistry. They develop some private jokes that run through the movie. They are comfortable together. But the entire cast works well with Peete and together. Emma and Zoey develop a special relationship as do Lilly and Zoey.

I noticed the apparent goof saying Buffalo is to Willow Brook's east, which means they aren't in the US, but hey maybe they were in Canada. So many of the actors are from Canada. The weather looked pretty mild for that region in late December.

This is an interesting story about life, family, finding love and a place to call home. Holly Robinson Peete does a great job playing a restless Doctor, constantly running in hopes of making amends from past regrets. She lands in a small town where she meets Adrian Holmes who along with some of the towns residents, heals the good Doctor as she heals others. The leads have good chemistry together and banter between them that's fun to watch. There also a mysterious thread running through the movie that concludes with a touching moment that's well worth watching.

So, this is now my 13th Hallmark Christmas movie of the 2020 season; this one falls somewhere in the middle of the movies I have seen thus far. Overall, it has a nice storyline. But, if I am being honest, the first 45 minutes were a bit slow, a bit boring at times. That said, the acting was good overall. Holly Robinson Peete's performance (a Hallmark regular) was solid. I must say, I think I am starting to like Adrian Holmes on screen. I have seen him in a few things now; I think he is a good actor. He had a pretty good performance in this film. The chemistry between the two (leads) was pretty good; it was believable, something a few Hallmark films I have seen thus far have been lacking. The supporting cast's performance too was strong, especially the doctor (Fred Henderson as Dr Ray). The scenery, props and sets were 'well-polished' and festive. Hmmm.... maybe this movie was not as 'cozy' (regarding its Christmas atmosphere) as some of the other Hallmark films I have seen. Finally, I did like the birdwatching element in the story; I will be looking for cardinals now when I take walks in the park. A nice Christmas story with some solid performances, well worth the watch for Hallmark fans.