Sleigh Bells Ring

As has been said quite a few times, Hallmark's Christmas output is very hit and miss. Some though are above average level, and there are some surprisingly enjoyable ones amongst the average and less films that there is in a good deal of in their output. Have been on a roll for the past couple of years watching and reviewing as many Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas films every now and again and it has been interesting despite the quality being uneven.

'Sleigh Bells Ring' is to me among Hallmark's better festive efforts and certainly for that year. It is light years away from being a masterpiece or flawless and will admit to considering bailing early on, but stick with it as it does get better. It was a pleasant watch and is really not bad when taken for what it is and judged for what it's meant to be. Which is an inoffensive if uneven and hardly unique watch and not a cinematic classic or milestone.

There are a lot of great things in 'Sleigh Bells Ring'. It is very professionally filmed and the locations are simply beautiful. Loved the sleigh as well. A lot of Hallmark's Christmas films suffer from being over-scored, meaning being too constantly used and too loud. That isn't so big a problem here and the use of "Sleigh Ride", have always been very fond of Leroy Anderson's version (a favourite at Christmas concerts) was inspired. While the characters are not meaty or original, none of them annoyed me and nor did they bore me. The leads were easier to connect to than expected. They also had personality traits that appealed and any negative traits were not exaggerated, which can be a common problem with female lead characters particularly in Hallmark's Christmas output.

Erin Cahill, in one of her better festive outings for Hallmark, and David Alpay are very charming leads and their chemistry was natural and sweet, without being cloying. Hallmark have always varied when it comes to child performances, here is one of the better ones. Cute as a button without being too cutesy and with no flaws being overdone. The dialogue can be treacly, but it did generally make me smile and didn't take itself too seriously (while not treating things as too much of a joke either). The story is light-hearted and heart-warming, even if originality pretty much goes out the window. It isn't sluggish and it is not as contrived as other Hallmark Christmas films. The messaging is sweet and didn't find myself being beaten around the head with it.

Admittedly, the story is very formulaic and quite thin on the ground, with as said very little originality.

It, the film that is, is a slow starter and the dialogue is very cheesy and stilted in the early portions of the film. Enough to make you want to stop watching.

Overall, not bad at all if not great. 7/10

Another charming film. This one feels more real than most of the rest, despite its touch of Christmas Magic, through direction and acting ability.

I fell in love with Michael Rady all over again, having seen him in a few films last year, with his Hugh Jackman look and quality, and I fell in love with his character in this film. Erin Cahill (Yes I actually learned the girls name too this time) plays her part well too, although her character, Laurel, is a bit annoying to start with.

The hint of Festive Magic comes in the form of a man, who may or may not be Father Christmas and his sleigh that seems to bring the lovers together. Tie it all up with a little girl who loves her Mum and Christmas as well as a seasonal parade and you've got a cracking little tale.

The main thing you want in a Hallmark Christmas romance is chemistry between the lead actors and this one has it. Pretty Erin Cahill plays a single mom. When her ex boyfriend (David Alpay) who left for the big city years before comes back to town. He helps her restore a sleigh. He bonds with her girl. But will she get hurt again when he leaves for the city.

One thing about these Hallmark movies is why can't she move to the city and be one happy family there?

Slightly better than average.

Although we've liked the leads in other movies ... David Alpay in The Mistletoe Inn and Erin Cahill in A Timeless Christmas (among others) ... I found this movie falling a little flat.

David Alpay's performance here is exactly the same as in The Mistletoe Inn, which is sort of an issue with "Hallmark casts". They just don't get a lot of character definition out of many of their actors and actresses).

This is another of the disgruntled former lovers coming back together stories, this time assisted by Santa's magic sleigh that keeps moving around to put them in the same place.

These stories work best when they give the viewer a compelling reason to root for the romance. This story doesn't. We've just supposed to root for the romance, because that's the two people presented, not because the story makes it clear they're a real match to overcome the antithetical romance elements, which last a remarkably short time. One blah apology seems to heal the separation wound.

There is some slopping editing. While painting the sleigh, David has painted a small area, then the area widens, then it's back to the small area again, with some paint having disappeared. Plus, the paint seems to dry just a little too fast. If you've painted, you know how long it stays tacky, especially in cool weather. The two stop painting and lean on the sleigh. Nope.

Today marks our third viewing, and I think because I failed to remind us, by reviewing the movie before, just how drab and unconvincing it really is. Writers should not merely assume the viewer shares their goal, they should sell the story and the relationship, and that simply doesn't happen here.

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

Review Date 11/18/2018 Pauline struggles to get into the holiday spirit while heading up her hometown Christmas parade. With the help of a Christmas sleigh and a handsome woodworker, Pauline is destined to turn her luck around, rekindle her holiday spirit and even find time for love.

This film does everything you want in a "Hallmark Movie" and it does not bore you at all. It makes you feel like love is waiting for you.