Christmas Keepsake

Another quality film from GAC Family, ironically starring Australia's Daniel Lissing - actually using his Aussie accent for a change, just like he's in 'Crownies', or something! - who was once something approaching a Hallmark poster boy for his role on When Calls the Heart.

In Christmas Keepsake he plays Tom, an Australian (not much prep work needed there!) who moves to a wintry small town in America with his daughter, Grace (played by Ellie Stewart, also an Australian).

When Grace finds a time capsule buried in their backyard, it connects them with Elizabeth (Jillian Murray, not an Australian!), who is grieving a loss just as Tom is.

If you've seen only even one of these movies, you probably don't need me to tell you what happens eventually...

This was a pleasant film about second chances and new Christmas beginnings.

Great American seems to, thus far, passed the Hallmark Channel on new movies for 2023. They've improved the story lines and are employing better or more seasoned supporting cast. Wholesome entertainment with happy endings; a welcome respite from world news. This is a nice story with solid acting and ultimately, redemption. A dutiful daughter who still hurts though many years have passed. A new stranger welcomed to a new homeland, in time for Christmas. His daughter in need of family...the set up for a blessed Christmas. Nice scenery and an abundance of Christmas cookies makes for good viewing.

Christmas Keepsake is a low-key romance about an Australian widower who relocates along with his preteen daughter to America, where the discovery of a time capsule buried in their back yard leads to new relationships and new traditions.

The acting is much better than some of the GAC movies out there. Old pro Daniel Lissing is excellent as always, although it's a bit of an adjustment hearing him speak in his natural Australian voice. I can't wait for all the reviews saying how bad his Aussie accent is.

Jillian Murray is one of the GAC stable who was brought back this year, and rightfully so. She is improving, as I'm sure many others will too.

The daughter did a fine job as well.

The movie itself was just ok. To be honest, I didn't feel like there was a relationship developing, in spite of the mother's blatant attempts at matchmaking.

Still in all, definitely a step in the right direction.

I really liked Christmas Keepsake. I watched it a couple times last year and have seen it a few more times this year. The thing I like most about this movie is the dad/daughter relationship. There was a genuine warmth there. I enjoy Daniel Lissing's acting. Gracie was good too. I didn't think Elizabeth and Tom had much chemistry. I felt like they were more like friends. The mom was trying too hard to get them together. I've seen Jillian Murray in other movies and I don't think she is a particularly great actress. She's pretty so she gets the parts. I liked the idea of the time capsule. It gave Gracie and Tom more dad/daughter time.

I always hope the next movie with Danial Lissing would portray him as well as his strong role as Jack in WCTH. This one does not do it. Albeit.it was enjoyable to have him speaking with his natural accent. From the start of the movie there was an attempt to have an attraction between Tom and Elisabeth but it came out to be rather forced. It progressed in a ho-hum pace obstensively because the poor girl did not want to be vulnerable. It dragged along tooooo long. She didn't even try to snap out of it, at least to have shown a little spine along the way rather than poof at the end she sees the light. The young girl, Grace, actually acted the age she looked. Kudos on that, usually they say the child is 10 and they look 15, Noted it was supported by Australian movie guild. Nice to see the international aspect. Hoping Lissing's next movie gives him a more substantive character role.