The Perfect Christmas Present

Throughout my whole Christmas film completest quest undertaken since late 2019, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's and Lifetime's output in particular. There was however always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level.

A distinction that does not belong to 'The Perfect Christmas Present' in any way. It is not quite a Christmas classic, but out of the films seen between then and now (which have been very hit and miss) 'The Perfect Christmas Present' is easily among the best faring and quite a pleasant surprise for a premise that could have gone either way. With almost everything done remarkably well and only a couple of things done imperfectly which was not unexpected in a way.

For me the final quarter was on the rushed and too convenient side. It did take a bit of time for me to warm to Tom and it was once the romantic chemistry got going when it was easier to do so.

Sadly am another person that didn't always care for Tara Holt here, she did have some odd overdone mannerisms and it made her performance on the mannered and over-eager side at times.

However, Sam Page is charming and did like how Tom grows as a character. Nice genuine chemistry with perky Emily Peterson too. Generally the characters were interesting and engaging and the romantic chemistry moves at a realistic rate and felt natural and genuine.

Production values wise, 'The Perfect Christmas Present' is not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Most of the soundtrack is nostalgic and appealing to listen to, capturing the festive spirit well. Have seen a lot of over-scored Christmas films, but that's not as much the case here.

Furthermore, the script just about avoids being corny and saccharine, with it never coming over as awkward, and the story is mostly very engaging, easy to be uplifted by and heart-warming. Not to mention quite poignant, with a serious theme being handled tactfully.

Overall, pleasant and well done film. 7/10.

This is the sort of life I could be living if I'd had more of a plan and the ability to see it through. I would love to run the sort of service that Mr Christmas does. Ensuring people get the best Christmas present and letting others take the credit is a good thing.

It helps that the lead is seen in just his boxers and that he has that sultry, sexy Marlon Brando thing going on. I have to say though, that it would be difficult to choose between the two fellas here, as the other one is also quite easy on the eye and not the usual jerky character that we've come to expect.

It's a sweet romance and builds up to a big festive party. Cheerful and lovely.

Most films begin with loads of titles, stock footage etc, all of which make you want to change channel. Unusually and to its credit, this film hooked me from the beginning with some interesting facts about snowflakes and an introduction into the leading man Tom's work. His job is to research and find the perfect present for the partner of his (clueless) client.

Not only is this film entertaining, but there is food for thought in terms of a serious theme. When buying a present for your other half, do you really know enough about them to get them exactly what they want?

There are only four principal players in this movie - Jenny, her unreliable boyfriend Paul, Tom and socialite Victoria.

Tara Holt is excellent as leading lady Jenny, demonstrating a wide range of emotions, facial expressions and matching body language. When she inevitably kisses Tom (this is Hallmark), it really looks like her heart is racing. When she is upset with Tom, she looks upset. I also liked her boyfriend Paul (Sam Guinan-Nyhart), who ropes his faternity buddy Tom into the job of finding a present for Jenny.

Leading man Tom (played by Sam Page) is trying not to get involved with Sarah for professional reasons, which means his chemistry with her is not quite as good as it could be.

Victoria (played by Emily Peterson) is comfortable as an attractive socialite who would like to sink her claws into Tom. My favourite scene comes at about 24 minutes when Victoria is telling Jenny and Tom about the history of her old house. This is a piece of unexpected, nicely written script.

In the end, Tom does find the perfect present for Jenny, but not something material like a car or jewellry, but is instead something personal to her.

The only negative I have is that I found the final scene to be cheesy and over-acted.

Overall, one of the better Hallmark Christmas films and will watch again next year.

I went into this with low expectations because the premise of a "gift consultant" (known as "Mr. Christmas") being hired by an old frat buddy seemed kind of ridiculous to me. But it turns out there are such people, and some of them make as much as $100,000 a year.

This was a really good Hallmark movie, and a very different one. As another reviewer noted, It was kind of an updated twist on the old Cyrano de Bergerac story.

Sam Page is a Hallmark veteran who's also been in other shows like the Bold Type. He's solid as usual, but I was really impressed by Tara Holt who played Jenny. She was cute, fun, radiant and believably expressed a range of different emotions. I was a little shocked to see that she hasn't had a more successful career. I guess that's just another reminder that show business is a tough business.

I found the growing chemistry and familiarity between Tom and Jenny convincingly depicted and it was quite touching when Jenny said "today was the kind of day I used to have with my dad".

I loved the "real" story of the origin of the 1871 Chicago fire.

The movie also had some great editing (which I can't recall ever noticing in a Hallmark movie before). For example, I like how they switched back-and-forth between the two leads having separate conversations with their friends. It reminded me of a scene from Annie Hall (Involving two separate visits to therapists).

I liked this description during one of Jenny's video chats:

Jenny: "I'm the worst person ever" Meg: "No, you're just in a complicated situation."

There's a rather unbelievable couple of "bros. Before... women" scenes that, while unlikely, include some noble sentiments expressed by Paul. I thought he was a pretty good boyfriend but hey, the heart wants what it wants.

Victoria also (and more believably) comes across as quite noble which, frankly, is refreshing. It's always easier for writers to paint the "wrong ones" as very flawed and deficient people; but here, the "wrong ones" were quite the opposite.

Jenny's gift was truly amazing and extremely thoughtful.

In my opinion, the male roles should have been switched, as Sam Page could have played a better embarrassing villain. Very unconvincing character, I don't mean he's not a good actor, he just doesn't feels like he belongs there.