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Expectations weren't particularly massive for 'Too Close for Christmas'. Am not a fan of Jessica Lowndes and have not been impressed by a lot of her performances. Chad Michael Murray generally has come on a lot, though some performances and films are better than others dependent on the material. The premise also wasn't wow worthy. But there was hope as there were good films in the unsurprisingly uneven 2020 Lifetime Christmas batch.

Of which 'Too Close for Christmas' is one of the better ones and has one particularly big surprise that was not expected at all. Is it a great film? No, none of the 2020 Lifetime Christmas films are though in all fairness. Is it worth watching? Absolutely yes (as is enough of this particular batch), and one of the recently seen Christmas films that surprised me a lot. While not everything in 'Too Close for Christmas' works, a lot does and very well indeed.

Am going to start with what could have been better. The plot is nothing special formula-wise and in terms of how it maps out. It's another film that is a bit of a slow starter, where it takes time to set up and the dialogue is on the awkward side.

Did think that some of the conflict was a bit forced and that the ending was too neatly resolved.

Having said all of this, 'Too Close for Christmas' succeeds in many areas. Visually, the film is professional looking rather than looking on the cheap, the scenery is lovely. The music is not used too much and has an appropriate sound. The direction shows somebody at ease with the genre and while there is nothing innovative it's not routine or dull either. Murray tries too hard at times, especially in the argument, but he brings energy and charm to his performance. Even better, surprisingly, is Lowndes in one of her best performances, much more relaxed and expressive than usual. The chemistry between them endears. The supporting cast are strong all round.

Characters were ones worth rooting for, they may not be complex but they at least have personality and the personalities are interesting and appealing. No overblown character flaws. Furthermore, a great job is done with the Christmas atmosphere, where it does feel like Christmas and in an affectionate way. Some lovely Christmas touches and there are some very sweet, but not sickly, scenes. Was not crazy about the script early on, but it did have a nice mix of funny and poignant lines. The story may be thin but has a warm heart and charm and doesn't take itself too seriously.

In conclusion, a pleasant surprise. 7/10.

I have never been a fan of Jessica Lowndes with her Valleygirl/Kardasian inflection and her eyeliner. But she has really really improved. So much so that she is the main attraction in this very watchable movie. Her acting is very good and I can't always say that this has been the case. Her beauty has been indisputable but kind of unapproachable. She has scaled down the make up which has allowed her natural beauty to shine through. Well Done! Now to work on that unfortunate southern California accent.

Her chemistry with the messily coifed Chad Michael Murray was palpable. I just wish they had tamed those locks a bit at least for the gala.

This was pretty darn good with most of the Hallmark/Lifetime set pieces avoided or toned down. Not a stand out, but I liked most of it and it had very few if any cringey moments.

OR this script and JMM make her seem better. Typical storyline but not annoying. Dialogue very believable. CMM made the romance work. Supporting characters entertaining.

The story has a bit of snowed-in-for-Christmas and of newbie-event-plans-gala. But the approaches were different both in story and dialogue.

I agree completely with another reviewer concerning Jessica Lowndes. For a long time, she was my least favorite of the actors we see repeatedly in Christmas stories. Maybe she's improved, or maybe she's just grown on me. Also she and Chad Michael Murray developed some great chemistry once Paul stopped insulting Hayley with virtually every word he said. Was Hayley a bit too sensitive? The "argument at the wedding" might have been overblown, but if Paul was as relentless then as he is for the first half of the movie, it's no wonder Hayley was unhappy. Just before half way, their banter goes from rude to playful and from there on it was fun to watch.

Some of the usual devices are there, but like I said, they seem a little unusual. I especially liked the ending. A lot of it is expected. Usually the final scene is what's expected but doesn't overly impress me. In this movie, I really enjoyed that final scene.

Couldn't get past Chad Michael Murray's bird nest hair. It was like someone roughed it up before every scene.. He was trying too hard to look rugged and ruffled and laid back. It just looked phony.