The Mistletoe Secret

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.

The plot was good. There were some good actors in this movie. But Kellie Pickler single handily kills any emotional attachment to movie. Stiff an emotionless I don't take comfort in writing negative reviews. Especially when it is hallmark Xmas movie time 11/10/19. I record and watch all the movies. My wife thinks I'm nuts but she watches them with me. I glad she missed this one cause it may have ended her slim support of these movies. I know hallmark can and will do better. Find better female lead then this one. Please.

Kelly's not going to garner any nominations for this one (except, maybe, for most patently disliked hallmark lead). BUT Tyler Hynes and Christopher Russell are wonderful in this movie, and the cyrano story was very entertaining. I would love to see these two act together again, and felt that their friendship was genuine. Honestly, Tyler Hynes carries this movie with humor and grace. I will definitely rewatch next year!

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.