The Mistletoe Secret

I have to say that I might have rated this higher if the female lead was someone else. I believe her acting is minimal at best, I really can't stand her singing and her screen warmth is minimal. Now on to the movie, it's OK - the best things are Tyler and Patrick. So, I watched to complete my Checklist, but won't watch again.

If you are going to name a movie "the MISTLETOE Secret" - your writers, producers, staff or someone along the way in a lengthy production - someone should realize that the special ornament you have used as a main theme in the movie named "The MISTLETOE Secret" is actually holly, not mistletoe. Mistletoe has a very different leaf and WHITE berries. The ornament that was central to this movie is holly. Dumb mistake.

Many of the reviews of this Hallmark holiday romance are blaming the performance of Kellie Pickler for its lack of chemistry. She plays the central character, Aria---a young woman who runs the diner in the town of Midway, where they celebrate Christmas every day. The film depends on her unflagging energy to convey an upbeat charm and make her believable as the object of love. As a fan of Ms. Pickler, it pains me to agree that her performance is uneven and uninspiring.

On the other hand, I don't agree that she lacks acting talent or charisma. I remember when she first came on the scene as a contestant on "American idol". And so I have to believe that she lacks confidence as an actor and/or she is dealing with personal issues. I hope she can yet prove she deserves roles such as this one.

The film's story is exactly what we expect from a Hallmark production. Tyler Hynes, who plays the male lead, Alex, holds up his end and one wonders what might have been if he had more energy to work with. Patrick Duffy is charming as Aria's father, who gives her solid advice and sometimes wears the red suit and whiskers.

I gave it a 5/10 only because Kellie Pickler was so wrong in the movie. It was cute and the story had all the classic Hallmark "ahh's." Kellie was so stiff, emotionless and monotone. I Loved the guys, Tyler, Christopher and Patrick were endearing, funny and relatable. Like I said, I wanted to love it and was all settled in to enjoy it, but 20 min in I knew this wasn't going to be a keeper.

I have been a huge Hallmark supporter for years, I can watch Hallmark movies all day everyday and not get sick of it. But Kellie Pickler is just too painful to watch. She has an amazing voice, but her acting is so awkward and it appears she is always forgetting her lines. Don't they notice this? I couldn't finish watching the Graceland one either. Both movies had so much potential. So disappointing, cute story and was nice to see Patrick Duffy. I'm sure Pickler can improve but the tough love needs to trigger some acting classes. Or please stick to singing.