A Little Christmas Charm

It seems like the last couple of years that the new formula Christmas story is the quest to return something, possibly a keepsake, one of the leads found by accident. This story follows that formula pretty closely. The attempt to frame a conflict near the end was very weak on both sides of the relationship. I think Greg's excuse wasn't laid out well enough emotionally, and Holly overreacted to the situation. I'd like to expand on that but then it really is a spoiler.

All theses movies start with friction between the leads and in this case it was fairly mild, but Holly resisted Greg's persistent charm firmly, until she didn't. After that Brendan Penny and Ashley Greene developed a quiet chemistry. Other actors filled their roles well.

All of these quest stories give the viewer a mystery, but unlike some crime mysteries, the viewer doesn't know enough to jump ahead to the solution. However, the viewer can watch while the characters sleuth out new leads. In this case, many of the leads were related in a technical way to fine jewelry in the form of charms for bracelets. The mystery has a nice sentimental resolution. The romance story follows the expected formula. There are no great highs or lows. There's almost no tension in the form of any threat hanging over the main characters. Any surprises are in the form of the technical clues I mentioned as Holly discovers she jumped to conclusions that weren't exactly correct. A viewer with an interest to learn about this subject will find a bit of education.

A couple of side notes. 1 - Once again this web site doesn't recognize who the real leads are in the movie, as of this writing several days after the premiere. 2- Another reviewer claims that one of Greene's facial features "ruins" the move. I think that's a bit cruel and I thought Greene was quite attractive, hopefully someone we'll see again on Hallmark. We all see people differently.

I really enjoyed this Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original Christmas movie. It is one of my favorites thus far this season. A jeweler (played by Ashley Greene) and journalist (played by Brendan Penny) team up to find the owner of a charm bracelet left in a jacket donated to charity. The mystery here is a warm and delightful journey from a steam engine train station to a scenic view of the city skyline. During their search, we watch their relationship blossom thru some charming and engaging dialogue. Indeed, one of the strengths of the story/script is the dialogue and exchanges between Holly and Greg. There were some weak elements to the story; e.g., Greg's backstory, which is used as a reason for him bailing on the search with Holly, was rather weak. That said, the story is an engaging one; I found myself pulled in from the start The acting, overall, is superb. Greene (playing Holly, the jeweler) had a warm and graceful vibe to her performance. Penny too had an impressive performance as Greg, the journalist. What stands out is their dialogue and chemistry. It was brilliant, I thought, quite convincing. The supporting cast was strong as well. All around excellent acting. The scenery, props, and sets were striking and festive (a Hallmark trademark). I especially liked the getup and atmosphere at the train station. The movie too had a nice Christmas feel to it. All in all, this is a lovely Christmas movie, a nice new edition to 2020 season lineup. Fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy. I highly recommend it.

In this Hallmark holiday romance, Holly (Ashley Greene) finds a charm bracelet in a coat at the used clothing store. She immediately understands that the owner might have sentimental ties to such a personal item, so she vows to find her. Greg (Brendan Penny) is a reporter who is not very Yule-positive, but he offers to help Holly in her quest, because he is interested in her. Holly declines, but he is an insistent guy who actually has skills in investigation.

When they eventually team up, the chemistry is believable. And the investigative trail is interesting enough to hold the story together.

I admit, I was real seduced. By story and by acting. And, sure, about the charm bracelet reminding old values, building a nice romance and proposing a fair end. A sweet film for chemistry between main actors, for humor, for Christmas and family spirit and for a great embroidery of small events, from 200 dolars tip to the proximity of birth and second hand clothes. And nice supporting characters.

This story reminds me of USS Christmas (also new in 2020) in that a couple are working together during the holidays to solve a mystery of sorts. Although I love the premise of these two movies I hope Hallmark doesn't produce too many like this or, while currently new and refreshing, the storyline repetition could become expected and possibly boring.

The acting was good and the scenery was beautiful. I only wish the leads had better chemistry.