A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love

I loved the second Godwink movie where Cindy Busby's character faces a difficult future but the Godwinks are bringing someone special into her life at a crucial time. The first movie was nice, but didn't knock me over. I put this movie about the same as the first. It's decent but I didn't think there were any great highs or lows, or major surprises.

It would be hard for me not to like a movie with Brook D'Orsay. She is such a joyful actor and it's hard not to smile when she's around. (At this writing, this website doesn't even acknowledge her in the cast despite her presence in the promo picture as one of the leads. Likewise Sam Page.) And Page is always a strong presence. They have instant chemistry and share a fair amount of screen time. However the movie also uses a lot of screen time to set up the various situations that bring them to the right place for the inevitable result.. The main supporting actors ranged from adequate to good. The two boys did a pretty good job.

The movie is very predictable in general, but each Godwink is a mini twist. Margie's fearful assumption was pretty silly given how much her boss obviously approved of her. I saw where things were going right about the time of the overheard phone call.

I was so excited to see this installment of the "Godwink" Christmas series. All unrelated stories, all based on true couples with cute romances, you can expect them to be extremely corny. After all, the premise is God "winking" at a couple who needs a little nudge to get together. Add that to a Christmas setting, and this Hallmark franchise is just about as cheesy as it gets. But there are lots of people who love those types of movies and look forward to them every year, so don't knock them until you've watched a couple.

Starring Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay as high school sweethearts reunited years later, they both "coincidentally" run into each other driving through the streets of Boise. Brooke actually recognizes his car (those who just rolled their eyes can turn the movie off now). Sam has an ex-wife, two sons, and no job. He's just moved home after living his dream adventure job in Hawaii. You can't help but feel a little sad, since his life didn't turn out the way he wanted it. And, since he's obviously going to get back together with his high school girlfriend, it makes you wonder if the past fifteen years had been a big waste. Don't throw anything at me; I know he loves his children. But he'll also love the children he'll have with Brooke just as much.

When you watch this one, just throw realism out the window. Yes, it's based on a true story, and yes Brooke makes sure to say "Boise" the way Idahoans do, but the rest of it is pure fantasy. Sam's mom, Michele Scarabelli, looks way too young to be a grandmother. If it weren't for the white wig they made her wear, you'd think she was the female lead. Brooke's relationship with her co-worker and boyfriend, Zahf Paroo, is pretty forced. They've been long-distance for six months, and now that his transfer puts him in Boise with her, they're ... pretty anxious to stay as far apart as possible. Brooke's boss, Hallmark veteran Brenda Crichlow, does not treat her like an employee, and Brooke's best friend, Katrina Reynolds, has great energy but is far more supportive than real best friends. And does no one else notice that the younger actors cast as the teenage versions of the leads look absolutely nothing like them?

Overall, even though I liked the cast, I didn't end up liking this movie. I'll stick with some of my favorites, Christmas in Rome and Miss Christmas. By the time Brooke declares their latest foray will be "the most amazing adventure in the world!" the cynics will no doubt mutter, "I don't care," under their breaths. Those who love corn, cheese, and mistletoe, will probably dab their eyes and hope something so romantic will happen to them.

I agree with another reviewer on here. I thought the second was the best thus far, while this was in par with the first. That said, it is a sweet and warm story. I do love the concept of this series; thus, I hope we get a fourth instalment next Christmas. The script was strong as well. The writers could have given more scenes to the two leads, though, to be fair, they only have 80 minutes to tell this story. The relationship between Margie (played by Brooke D'Orsay) and Scott (played by Zahf Paroo) seemed odd. They never once touched on screen, for example; it was hard to believe that they were a couple. It just seemed strange. The acting, overall, was strong. Both Sam Page (as Pat) and D'Orsay had good performances, convincing performances for the most part. The chemistry was good, though, as I alluded to above, the writers could have developed this a bit more. The supporting cast was pretty good too. I thought the grandmother (played by Michele Scarabelli) had a very warm and gentle feel to her performance, which I enjoyed. Finally, the scenery, props and sets were very well polished, quite festive. Overall, this latest edition to the Godwink series specifically, and Hallmark's 2020 Christmas movie lineup more broadly, is a warm and heartfelt welcome. Fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy this Christmas movie.

My favorite Godwink movie (so far). It's a heartwarming story throughout, without any dramatic misunderstandings or negative characters. It's well acted and easy to watch and stay interested. Well done, it is on my re-watch list Beautiful winter and Christmas scenes.

Nov 2021.

I really enjoyed this installment of Godwink, Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay do a great job portraying a pair of high school sweethearts who meet again later in life. Page & D'Orsay have great chemistry and an easy flow between them that you would expect to see in this, all too relatable scenario, in this "Facebook" generation. The pace is good, the entire cast is good, and the story is interesting enough that I found myself being pulled right into it. I'll be watching this one again.