A Gift to Remember

While Hallmark Christmas films have varied in quality, as has been said more than once by me, they in my view are not to be immediately dismissed and swept under the carpet. Yes, many of them have a lot of flaws and the flaws are very common. But if watched with the right expectations and taken for what they are, some might find some pleasantly surprised by quite a number of them. Speaking as one of those people, who tries to appreciate all types of films etc of all genres and decades.

'A Gift for Christmas' may on the outside seem like another typical Hallmark film with lots of corn, over-sentimentality and overload of sugar as well as an excessively predictable and wafer thin story. Like a lot of them are, even the ones that are average and just above have these problems. 'A Gift for Christmas' however is one of those films, Hallmark or not, that is like a seemingly not so promising book to not be judged by its cover. While it's not perfect by any stretch, 'A Gift for Christmas' was a gift and among the better films Hallmark has ever done, well certainly of their festive output but to me it fares very favourably when it comes to putting their output into groups.

Sure there are not many surprises, then again that is not uncommon for Hallmark and other Hallmark films have done this far worse.

Did feel that the ending was wrapped up a little too hastily and neatly, though credit is due for tying things up.

However, so much works here. The production values are attractive, especially the quite lush scenery, with no signs of under-budget or being rushed. Intrusive and overbearing music is often a problem with Hallmark, for me it was not an issue here in 'A Gift for Christmas'. Plus it was authentically festive and had an affectionate nostalgic feel and sound. The direction is accomodating without going too far that it becomes dreary.

The writing can be too cheesy and mushy in Hallmark films, here the dialogue had playfulness without being juvenile, poignant sentiment without going too far and it flows naturally. Furthermore, the story is light-hearted and really warms the heart without going into over-saccharine territory. Despite being predictable, it never felt dull to me. The acting is good, with immensely engaging lead turns from Ali Liebert and Peter Porte. Their chemistry is very genuine and sweet and their relationship develops just about realistically.

Overall, very lovely and surprisingly good film. 8/10

A Christmas Hallmark film reminding a Swedish buffet. For everybody- everything. The good looking guy and the nice girl ( and few drops of amnesia for the first ), a lovely dog and a beautiful bookshop and its problem, "un Italiano vero" and his energetic love, confusions, mistakes, romantic flavors and a moment demanding inspired twist. All - pieces for a seductive film.Why see this film ? For its atmosphere and nice story, off course ! But, first, for the lovely performances of Tina Lifford and Aurelio DiNunzio. And, sure, for the lead couple. And for dog.

In a nice part of Philadelphia, Darcy (Ali Lieber) rides a bike everyday to her dream job, a book saleslady at Chaucer's private book store. When she returns home to her nice apartment a few blocks away, she reads the night away. Oh, she goes out on dates from time to time, but if the gentleman doesn't read, Darcy is not interested. As she is dressing up the store for the holidays, Darcy spies a cute man, name unknown (Peter Porte) and his sheepdog Bailey and likes what she sees. Yet, he doesn't come in the store so she can't meet him. Some days later, Darcy is running late and hops on her bike for the fastest commute she can mount. Horrors! She actually runs over "cute guy" and knocks him to the ground. He goes into a coma! The ambulance takes him to a nearby hospital and Darcy knows she has to take care of the pooch in the interim. This complicates things with her landlady but they work out an arrangement. Soon, the new patient awakes from coma land, but doesn't remember his name or why he is there. Darcy comes to visit and she and the medical staff try to find the missing pieces in his memory. But, two problems arise for Darcy. One, the man may have a fiancée, oh no. Two, her manager is leaving and the store is looking for a replacement. Does Darcy have the daring to apply for the job? What another fine gift from my favorite company on the planet: HALLMARK! What would rom-com lovers do without the endless string of funny love stories Hallmark bestows on its fans? I shudder to think. Lieber is cute and funny while Porte, the lookalike to Jim Caviezel, is already a great favorite of this viewer and the world. What fun to see Philadelphia in a good light and animal lovers will fall hard for Bailey, too. In short, tie a string on your finger and remember to look for this one.

7/10 - a refreshing holiday treat from Hallmark Channel

One of the better films to come out of the Hallmark channel at Christmastime, A Gift to Remember follows the romance between Ali Liebert and Peter Porte, who have a very rocky start. While on her bicycle, Ali literally crashes into Peter, and he hits his head a little too hard on the pavement. He's hospitalized, but wakes up with no memory of who he is! Ali feels terribly responsible, so she visits him often to help him recuperate, and as they get to know each other, they fall in love.

In one scene, Ali searches his apartment for clues to inspire his memory, and she thinks it's incredibly strange that he has no Christmas decorations in any of this rooms. It's supposed to be this huge red flag, but only on Hallmark would it not even occur to her that he might not celebrate the holiday! "You're Jewish, bud," my mom said to the TV, hoping to help Peter and Ali along.

Humor aside, this is actually a really good movie, one that I plan to watch every year as it's re-aired on television. The leads have a very sweet chemistry together, and it's refreshing to see a romance that isn't peppered with bickering or surface flirtations. Ali puts her heart into her performance, and her dramatic acting makes all the difference in the world. She has some very pretty expressions, and she's an instantly likable heroine.