Dial S for Santa

I am a connoisseur of Christmas Movies. This one had a great premise and was an enjoyable watch for the most part but I do have one criticism and I really don't like having to say this but all of the actors were wonderful except the primary actress playing Lana. She had the acting ability, depth of character, and personality of a wet sock. She seemed to have one look on her face at all times as if her face was frozen, one monotone delivery for pretty much every scene and I was bored to tears by her acting. Now, that said I will say that I am sure I could not have done better and as I said I really don't like to be this negative but I also don't want to shower praise where none is warranted. Maybe in a different part she would be better but not this one. As I said the rest of the cast delivered a thoroughly enjoyable experience and the writers did a great job delivering something unique. I love a good whodunnit with a Christmas twist. They should definitely utilize the actor who played Nick in more leading mens rolls. I also liked the Santa. He was a subtle Santa and had the right aura for the roll.

Insurance investigator Lana Lawton (Sarah Dugdale) returns home to visit her mom who owns a Christmas store on main street. Someone broke in. There has been a spree of small robberies. Policeman Nick Fallon (Julian Haig) is on the case where few crimes are committed. The store has hired Kris Kringle to be the store Santa, but Lana tells her nephew that he's not the real Santa.

The town needs to be smaller. This needs to be one street of small stores. Otherwise, I like the premise and the mysteries. This is Hallmark's Christmas in July. The investigation stalls around the middle and so does the movie. I do like the Santa suspicion. She could do more like comically stalking Santa. On the other hand, I don't like her talking down on her mom. I really don't like her sex-shaming her mom. Writers need to stop doing that even if the character learns a lesson. She is a fine lead although the guy needs a bit more time at the beginning. Finally, I have an issue with the final act. This is mostly fine.

I rarely take the time to review a Hallmark movie - they are lighthearted entertainment so my expectations are not too high but they are usually pretty reliable. However, the main character Lana (played by Sarah Dugdale) ruins what would otherwise be a decent movie. Her acting is so terrible...like really really terrible. I really hope Hallmark doesn't hire her again. It is sad to hear they are getting rid of some of the older actresses that can actually act in favor of young actresses like this one that ruin their movies. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard. I couldn't even make it to the end because of her.

These movies are a particular guilty pleasure for me. There are few that I haven't seen. The stories vary only a little but I always manage to enjoy the comfort in that, while doing various Christmas tasks or just enjoying a fire.

Unfortunately I found this one painful, not due to the story but the acting of the main character. I haven't seen her in other films. She definitely needs more experience and training before taking on a leading role like this. She was very stiff and not at all like the usual calibre for this type of film. I usually at least manage to feel some connection to, or affection for the main character but this actress' monotone and flat delivery made this impossible.

Not a bad story line but the main character Lana is one of the worse Hallmark actors I have watched. She is so fake and has little to no range of emotion or abilities on her face, body or voice. The support actors were pretty good just a shame that the main female actor was just so bad it took away from what the others were providing in the characters. I premise of the movie and the town or neighbouring store owners coming together and all getting along. Not much more to say on the movie just hoping to not see the actor in any other Hallmark movies or if so. Get her a great acting coach to help her.