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"How to Fall in Love for the Holidays" (2023) - a title that sounds like it was churned out of a Christmas rom-com generator, and trust me, the plot isn't far behind. This film, in its attempt to sprinkle a little holiday cheer, follows the story of a writer-turned-CEO of a lifestyle brand (because, why not?), who's tasked with the hilariously cliché mission of finding love by Christmas to save her company. Why her love life is the linchpin in a business deal is beyond me, but hey, it's Christmas in movieland!

Our protagonist pairs up with a photographer who's as charming as he is handsome (a prerequisite in this genre), and what follows is a series of predictable yet oddly comforting escapades. The film is like that one Christmas sweater you have - slightly itchy, not particularly stylish, but you wear it every year because it's familiar and warm. The actors do their best with a script that feels like it's been passed down the Hallmark assembly line, delivering performances that are as endearing as they are forgettable.

What makes "How to Fall in Love for the Holidays" stand out - in a sea of similar films - is, well, not much. It's the cinematic equivalent of a gingerbread latte; you know exactly what you're getting, it's sweet, not particularly good for you, but it's comforting in its consistency. The film doesn't break new ground, but it doesn't completely fall through the ice either. It's the kind of movie you half-watch while wrapping presents, and that's perfectly okay. Three stars for being the holiday comfort food of cinema - not great, not terrible, just pleasantly middle-of-the-road.

Great actors, very Christmassy set design, interesting story about slightly older than usual characters but... The fake snow is so fake, to the point of being comical and ruining 'the 4th wall'.

They paid so much attention to detail that they even got the characters' knees wet during the snowball fight, but it was all ruined by bouncy, cottonwool (more likely polyester ;)) light and bouncy snowmen. And then later you could see in the background that the snow patches were just white, fluffy polyester fabric.

About halfway through the movie, I couldn't focus on the plot or the interactions anymore, just watching the set and picking the funny moments there.

This badly plotted/written and lamely acted movie is SO symptomatic of Hallmark's current Christmas movie offerings, being not just utterly predictable (okay, they always have been!) but also totally lacking in fun and the sparkle of the season. Everything these days has to be so serious, with flawed leading characters grappling with problems which are then solved simplistically in the last five minutes after the most contrived of crises.

Whatever happened to a good, simple story told without resorting to in-your-face moralising and cheesy philosophy of life quips? When did humor and a light touch get completely thrown out the window? To see what I'm getting at, watch the 2008 film "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" with Henry Winkler. That is what Hallmark did back in the early days, i.e. Great straightforward tales told with wit, nothing too heavy and a touch of Christmas magic.

As other productions have proved, the dating/work premise works fine, but this incarnation refreshingly focuses on 50+ leads making a great change from the ubiquitous 'must-find-love-by-35' movies. Even the subtly festive soundtrack provides a holiday from the often bop-til-you-drop Christmas carols found in many movies. Yet there is still plenty for all generations with the young nephew, almost-graduating niece, younger sister / half sister / colleagues. The main tension is caused by juggling life and work, and getting the balance wrong at times - something that is hard to get right in most stages of life. The variety of actors makes this a very long term rewatchable movie as viewers will identify with different characters at different ages and won't grow out of it like the way too many young(ish)-love offerings in this genre.

Adequate if you need something in the background whilst you do a couple of hours of ironing, or filing, or painting.

There are some plot holes but the storyline is predictable. Although she has covered a number of roles over the decades, Terri Hatcher never really gets out of second gear (in line with the rest of the cast, it must be said).

There is also the matter of how big an age gap is too big? I do not address this at any particular actor (using the generic non-gender job title).

In olden days, this would be in the "straight to video" category. Now in 2023, we have "Great Movies Christmas Channel" instead. Same outcome.