All I Need for Christmas

I watched the first 10 minutes of the film and almost flipped to a different movie. I wasn't familiar with Mallory Jansen (female lead) and I'd seen Dan Jeannotte (male lead) in other films and his acting wasn't great. And "app creators" are a totally over used job in Hallmark films, their writers are obsessed with them. Get real writers, all Americans aren't working in tech creating apps.

I stayed with the movie and once Dan Jeannotte's character Archer traveled to Vermont for the holidays, the movie started getting better. Dan Jeannotte's acting was better in this movie than others I've seen him in, definitely better than Mallory Jansen the female lead. The supporting cast was good and it had a good ending.

I've never been a bib fan of Hallmark's music themed movies- the music is usually pretty weak and pretty country. In addition, this has been a disappointing holiday movie season so I wasn't expecting much. What a pleasant surprise.

While the music still isn't great, it isn't a distraction and provides a framework for one of the underlying conflicts. Mallory Jansen has a always been a favorite and have to say this is Dan Jeannotte at his best- the most relatable believable I've seen him. In fact, the whole cast is great and (for a change this season) the important sibling relationship was given the attention it deserved as an intrinsic part of the story.

It was so nice to find a movie in this year's batch that didn't feel rushed, abbreviated or cynical. Just a pleasant, not flashy Christmas movie. I think most people will really enjoy it as I did.

7.9 stars.

What stands out about this film is the tension between the leads and also the lead male and his younger sister. While the romance is a long time coming, the buildup to it is palpable, so it's sufficient for me to come away refreshed.

There are several moments when the leads gaze into each other's eyes, but you know they're not going to kiss, they're not even leading up to it. But even in those moments you see there is potential. I thoroughly enjoy this type of tension in romantic films. So I went along with it, and the end was quite rewarding.

The cast were stellar and the story was good. Yes, this is still quite a formulaic Hallmark film, however It feels much different than most. The lead actors have a certain level of anticipation and a dramatic approach that is more prominent than most movies of this genre. They created a certain level of tension, and it was quite entertaining. It was probably the Director who orchestrated it. Along with the sister's competitive nature, and how it caused a lot of stress for the leading man, the nuanced performances were abundantly effective.

Will watch this every other year.

I'll give the writers credit here, since they tried to stretch beyond the most frequent of the cliches.

However, this movie was SLOW moving, and for me it took so long to develop I'd lost interest and had to regain some. The female lead was just quite unlikeable for the first half of the movie, and a little hit and miss through the second half.

The male lead was just about unbelievably patient with her and with his sister, and his sister wasn't easy to like either, right up to the "last eight minutes" climax, which is the piece of formula none of these movies are allowed to break away from.

While parts of the story were engaging, the relationship tension seemed forced and--once again--screenwriters believe they're business geniuses, which they aren't. LOL.

Yes, I am addicted to Christmas Movies, whether they be too clichéd or expected... but... Wow; 2024 Hallmark has really stepped up their game, following years of copy-past story lines. This year's Holiday Movies are original, imaginative, innovative and not as predictable,

They have definitely improved their attention to details and added authenticity to their décore.

Characters are genuinely interesting and believable, with complexed yet likeable roles!

Plots differ; more intriguing, relevant and they keep the holiday spirit alive, while providing a Holiday Twist at the last 22-minute mark!!!

It is always appreciated when local production is taken into consideration (filming in US/Canada) and also giving the viewers the opportunity to travel the world, by experiencing international holiday traditions.

So, well done Hallmark!!!