A Joyous Christmas

Although some reviewers didn't like her work in this movie, I thought Bonnie Bedelia did a convincing job depicting Joy, a broken, perpetually sad woman trying to help others. She was slow moving, slow talking, and withdrawn because that is in line with her sad and depressed character, especially when we learn why she's so sad. It's probably also worth pointing out that Bedelia was nominated for two Emmy awards and has been in countless TV shows and movies including the first 2 Die Hard movies (she was Holly McClane).

Michael Rady and Natalie Knepp were both fine. Rady has done good work at Hallmark (my favorite so far is Christmas in Homestead). Knepp, on the other hand, seems to be one and done at Hallmark. She apparently hasn't acted in much since. I liked her, but it's a tough business.

There are 2 big problems with A Joyous Christmas. One is the Big Reveal. It's not just implausible, it's insanely unlikely. It's like in Dumb and Dumber when Jim Carrey is told the chance of being with Lauren Holly is "one in a million" and he says "so you're telling me there's a chance?".

And he had way better odds than the odds of what is disclosed during this movie's Big Reveal.

The other big problem is the whole "Me First" self help phenomenon that somehow justifies a pricey big production "Event" in Rachel's hometown during Christmas. I've seen plenty of lectures and they're basically somebody standing on the stage in front of a lectern, or sitting on a couch or chair, talking for an hour. Occasionally, there's a multi media presentation projected on the screen behind the speaker. There's also, inevitably, a Teleprompter to help them out. There's not a whole lot of "production" involved, and there certainly wasn't any evidence of any special production with the "Me First" event despite all the scrambling around to "get ready". Basic Christmas decorations don't count.

And Rachel's brother, and his kids, would likely have been bored out of their minds.

Plus, a "Me First" "Christmas spectacular" makes about as much sense as a Fourth of July celebration in Russia. How can Rachel promote her "Me First" brand in the midst of a holiday season centered around the selflessness of Christmas? Why would anyone set that up? And why would a successful producer just happen to be in their small town ready to work?

And if Rachel is inevitably convinced to wrap herself up in the Christmas spirit, and give a speech that embraces the selflessness of Christmas, how does that promote her "Me First" brand? In fact, doesn't that just undermine her book's message? And thereby invalidate her entire career?

This one rates somewhere in the middle of my list of Christmas films. It's not bad, it's just not got that wow factor either.

I was glad that Rachel had a moment at the beginning that changed her outlook on life, because the film would not have lasted in my house if she hadn't. It's great the way that Michael Rady (With those beautiful eyes) gets the best out of her and shows her the way, using Christmas spirit to help, which makes him very attractive in his role.

I did like the story arc involving the character of Joy and felt that I could really empathise with her. It was easy to feel her pain, even before we knew what it was.

I've also never understood how families can separate, even having experienced it myself. It should never be and I love that these Christmas films always right these wrongs. Everyone can be forgiven at any time of the year, but especially at Christmas.

It's a well put together film.

I absolutely loved this movie. Natalie Knepp plays Rachel Kennedy a motivational speaker who returns to her home of Fall Oaks, Massachusetts for an event near Christmas. The bad guy manager was played very well by Steve Bacic. The good guy producer Jack is played by Michael Rady. He starred in Christmas in Homestead (2016) which I have not seen, but probably will after seeing him here. The scene where Rachel and Jack first meet is great as he is asking her whether he should get the Santa or Snowman tie. The last main character is Joy who is the reason the movie is named a Joyous Christmas (very well done).

The movie to its success focuses on Rachel. Natalie Knepp seemed so familiar to me, but I haven't seen her in other roles. Seems like this is her biggest role and she was superb. I did see she was in Loving Leah 8 years ago as "the female guard" (very small part). I will go out of my way to see her again. This movie came close to getting a perfect 10 from me. The story has a little surprise between Jack and Joy, which was good. My criticism is the revealing could have been done better maybe involving Rachel a little more.

I am happy to watch it again. The scenes and dynamic between Rachel and Jack are good. We have some singing by Jack and piano playing by Joy.

Rachel is a self-help book writer who is promoting her new book "Me First" (or close to that). This movie is about her journey to realizing that Christmas is about giving to others. My first problem with this movie is that these two principles are absolutely contradictory and a self-help writer can't suddenly promote one theme when her book is about the other.

Another problem is Rachel herself. This woman is unsure of herself. For a self-help guru with at least two published books, she shows that she has almost no understanding of people. She can't see obvious things going on around her.

Finally the character Joy is nothing more than a prop. Joy herself seems confused at times.

If you can just accept all of the above without questioning, which is what you are supposed to do with Hallmark movies, you may enjoy this movie. The story has some interesting things in it including a little secret that needs to be revealed. There is a nice romance. And there are some heartwarming moments. I don't think I can be objective about the acting because some of the main characters were so self-contradictory which I think is more due to the story.

Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late last year through to early this year, 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 output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all.

'A Joyous Christmas' is neither one of the best or worst Hallmark Christmas films. It's another one that is firmly in the middle, with not a lot that is done wrong other than some major story issues but with little that is wow-worthy or extraordinary. 'A Joyous Christmas' is one of those type of films where everything is present and correct and with a lot done right, but also one of those type of films that could have done with more spark and with more joy. If asked whether it's recommended, my personal answer would be yes with a small y.

Will get the not so good out of the way. The story is pleasant enough, but there are times where it does try to include too much and some of it is underdeveloped and on the bland side. Some things happen too quickly and too conveniently, in a credibility straining way which does make for some convoluted parts. There is not much that is unique, with the film playing it too safe.

Rachel was neither interesting or endearing, with not enough character growth. Her indecisiveness is frustrating and Natalie Knepp didn't always seem at ease.

However, a lot is done well. Joy is much easier to empathise with and grows as a character. Bonnie Bedelia plays her very movingly. The best performance comes from Michael Rady, understated while never looking bored and very charming and very sympathetic. The chemistry between him and Bedelia is very genuine and not sugary sweet. The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments.

Dialogue isn't stilted and doesn't go too heavy on the cheese or schmaltz. While the story was problematic, it was not a disaster by any stretch. Is light-hearted and really warms the heart without going into over-saccharine territory despite being familiar territory in tropes and thematically. Most of the characters are fine, apart from Rachel's indecisiveness.

On the whole, nice enough but didn't wow me. 6/10.