If you have seen your fair share of Hallmark Christmas films, it would be safe to say that you are very likely to know what to expect and one shouldn't expect any more. Have seen my fair share myself and have always watched them with mixed expectations. That are either met and even exceeded, or the film completely misses the mark and does little with any potential. '12 Gifts of Christmas' was no different, familiar plot but Katrina Law impressed in other Hallmark work of hers (i.e. 'Snow Bride').
'12 Gifts of Christmas' exceeded the mixed expectations had before watching. Very few Hallmark festive films fit my definition of great and '12 Gifts of Christmas' is no exception. Compared to other Hallmark etc. films seen in the past four/five months or so, it fares favourably though and towards being in the better half of a hit and miss bunch. Even if not a must see or one one can watch over and over, it is worth seeing once or twice.
Did feel that it started off on an unsure note. It takes a while to find its footing and Anna is a pretty obnoxious character (or so it seemed to be) early on.
Was not expecting many surprises watching '12 Gifts of Christmas' and expectedly the film didn't provide very many at all. It is the standard Hallmark Christmas film formula pretty much story-wise with not much variation, with some of it obviously telegraphed early on. The ending can be seen from some while off.
Once '12 Gifts of Christmas' gets going, being a film that also takes time to find its footing, and Anna starts to develop and evolve, it does become much better so stick with it. The production values are very pleasing to look at, nice use of locations slickly shot. The music captures the Christmas feel very well and is not near as over-scored or intrusive as too many of a lot of Hallmark films. The script can be very corny, but mostly flows nicely and has a light-hearted and sweet tone without being saccharine.
Despite the predictability, the story is charming is light on its feet and warms the heart. Much of the pace doesn't drag and the characters are generally not bad, Anna in the early portions being an exception. Nice to see characters that actually show growth. The acting is also pretty decent, with solid supporting turns and very engaging lead performances from particularly Law. The chemistry between the actors is existent at least and doesn't take too long to build or feel hastily wrapped up. Donna Mills looks amazing too and steals all her scenes.
All in all, not a bad film at all. 7/10
