A Model Christmas - Weihnachtsglück auf Umwegen

Don't pay too much attention to the intolerant reviewers who just want to complain about the main actor's lack of experience and to compare one network's stable of performers to another's--and even whine about the commercials shown during the TV broadcasts of a film. How are people like that even fans of the genre? In this instance, no, the main stars have not been doing the same old stories that many actors have been doing for fifteen or twenty years, but in my opinion that made them sound fresher. Sometimes the "experienced" actors just sound bored, or tired of the same old lines they are delivering. Of course, what I like best about Great American Family films is that they are not trying to socially manipulate their viewers like Hallmark does. GAC stories are family friendly--some of us really appreciate that. But even if you don't, or don't care, this is an enjoyable film regardless. That's the bottom line.

This is a very unique take on the concept of strangers meeting at Christmas. The characters are well rounded, believable and just enough of their backgrounds are explained so the viewer can understand motives and root for the best ending. This movie is entertaining enough for adults and safe for the whole family. Sweet is the best word to describe it. I would love to see a sequel and more movies with such believable characters. I was surprised that even the young girl was well cast and fit so well into the family dynamic. All too often a tween/young teen will be way too bubbly for no apparently reason or spoiled. This was a refreshing change.

A lot is predictable but it's worth watching. As I age, these movies have more meaning. Nice to watch a movie with no violence, profanity, or weird storylines. Good acting all around and the scenes have a decent production quality. These are good movies to watch year-round, but especially as we celebrate Christmas each year. Movies like this remind us that it's fine to slowly develop a relationship with somebody the two main actors do a really nice job. I've never seen them in anything else but I'm sure they have been another movies and shows. It's nice to see up-and-coming actors do a good job.

7.2 stars.

There is a lot to say about this very strange movie. First of all, I don't recognize any of the actors, literally not one. I've seen a million movies and how could I not recognize one? The lead female looks familiar, so maybe I've seen her, but I couldn't say for sure. The lead male, same story. The rest of the cast, nada.

'Journey to Christmas' feels like the first try for the director and most of the actors as well. It feels new, fresh, but amateur and green for sure. This is what I would imagine the final product would be if you took a bunch of skilled people doing it for the first time. Literally, all of them doing their first movie, but they are all very charismatic and intelligent, so it might turn out pretty good. And guess what, it actually works, overlooking the fact that the acting is so rudimentary and wooden throughout. Some of it was so cheesy and basic, as if they only did one take for every scene and we are stuck with the end product. What's amazing is that the last act is endearing and moving, even it it still feels robotic and wavers throughout. I just can't emphasize enough how freakish this film is to me, the acting is so bad, yet all the actors are so likable that I felt I could overlook the whole fiasco.

All the overly positive reviews are not realistic, so you know there are proponents of the movie with an agenda (whatever that may be) that are padding the results in their favor. That's fine, you can get an unadulterated opinion right here, go no further my friend.

A lovely story with "real people." It's a road trip rom com, with the usual twists and turns along the way--it is winter solstice after all!

Our protagonists discover Christmas as a season for expressing love by having the eyes to really see each other at their best.

While both leads are "easy on the eyes," one handsome and one beautiful, their attractiveness goes beyond the physical to the hearts we see revealed and softened throughout the movie.

If you love romcoms, add this to your list. If you're still feeling the blows of a breakup in your own life, add this to your list. If you are single and a workaholic, add this to your list. If you love the message of the meaning of Christmas (without any sermonizing), add this to your list.