Lights, Camera, Christmas!

This movie stands by itself as one of a kind among the forever cheesy, irrelevant plots, terribly written and equally terribly delivered lines and poor acting so characteristic of Hallmark movies.

For once, we face an original plot with, all in all, very good acting. Leading and supporting cast all contribute to an entertaining, good quality flow. The lead actor is superb in the comedy passes, great facial expressions!

Believable, fun, multi-sided characters who can deliver lines and make good use of humor. Great settings, unobtrusive music appropriately used and good costumes.

I could have rated it 10 but for a couple of very cheesy scenes (one of them being the final scene).

I am picky about my comedies. I laughed at this one. It wasn't overly silly, but had some silly moments.

The story is about a big time movie in a small town where a local gets pulled in. In this case, the production company's costumer never showed and they couldn't find a replacement, so they hired a local designer, Kerry.

Kimberley Sustad is perfect for this part. She is a good fit for this style of comedy. Her timing and demeanor work here. She also has decent chemistry with John Brotherton, who plays the overbearing, self-absorbed star of the show, Brad.

The best gags are early, as Kerry is trying to fit into a world she knows nothing about. I think the writers stretched her fitting in a little too well as more than once she saves the day in ways unrelated to costuming. After the novelty of her assimilation winds down, the tenor of the film switches to the developing romance. There is also a secondary romance which also has funny and sweet moments.

The conflict, climax and ending were a surprise to me, but also a little convoluted.

This is probably one I will watch again.

This is really unique for a Hallmark holiday movie. It does not follow the typical formula and it even has Hallmark poking some playful fun at itself and the making of their Christmas films. The story is told in flashback, as the makers of a Santa movie participate in a "question and answer" at the premier of their latest film. The first hour is very funny as you get to know these characters and their circumstances. Sometimes, the humor is very cheeky and quick so you have to play close attention, but it can be hilarious. The second hour is more sentimental and dramatic, but it is still very engaging as these likable characters come to grips with their personal conflicts.

There is a lot of credit to be given all around here. Gary Goldstein has written a script that is fresh with crisp and realistic dialogue, the direction by Dennis Weaver is smart, attractive, and different, the production values, costumes, and sets are very well done, and casting director Jackie Lind has assembled an excellent cast, with some of the best Hallmark has in its stable, all of whom give it their all.

Kimberley Sustad and John Brotherton are just terrific as the big star, Brad, and his rather reluctant costumer, Kerry. The always excellent Sustad is the heart and soul of the story, and Brotherton is wonderful as the conflicted big time movie star. Still, they can be very funny and casting these two together makes the whole thing work. Their performances just shine here. Plus, there is Laura Soltis as Kerry's mother, a gushing fan of Brad's, who is very good, as is the rest of the cast : particularly Matthew Kevin Anderson as the director of the Santa movie, Leila Harrison as its screenwriter, and Veronica Long as Brad's co-star.

All in all, this is really different, really engaging, and really well done, thanks particularly to Sustad, Brotherton, director Weaver, and writer Goldstein. The best of the new 2022 Hallmark holiday season so far.

Do not be put off by the egotistical behavior displayed by the lead actor at the start of the movie -- that could be enough to turn off some people and make them not want to watch this delightful movie. In part this movie is a spoof of actors with big egos, and it pulls off that caricature very well! But it also reveals that beneath such facades can be very different people, with real feelings and emotions resulting from their character's backstory, and the movie pulls off that aspect very well, too.

All in all, an engaging story.

This movie has all of the elements necessary to make it one of the best of 2022: good acting, humor, plausible plot twists that I did not see coming, a romance that develops naturally, and a satisfying ending that pulls everything together and leaves you feeling good.

This is one is of my Top 10 favorite 2022 Christmas movies of 2022. You can see my other favorite 2022 Christmas movies by clicking on my profile link above; then look for "2022 FAVORITE CHRISTMAS ROM-COMs" under "Lists".

Hallmark is back with quality movies. Although I enjoy watching Hallmark more than any channel, it seems like many of the movies are pushed out like puppy mills. Truth be told I have turned off several before they even finished.

This wasn't one of them. Kimberly has never made a bad or even boring Hallmark movie. There is a reason she has risen through the ranks to become one of Hallmark's great stars.

I don't know Brotherton very well, but he sure did nail the part of a conceited movie star. I was also impressed with his tenderness when it called for an emotional scene.

Overall I thought the set was great, the direction was wonderful and the overall chemistry was extremely good, and I mean extremely good. Kudos to the casting Director.

This is a Hallmark movie. How could you possibly ruin it with spoilers? Everyone knows who will end up with who they are meant to be with and it will always be a happy ending.

But to get to the happy ending you must first watch the movie all the way through. I highly recommend that you do this. This is a movie worth watching start to finish.