Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater

I'm a fan of both Ashley and Niall. They both bring credibility to any project they are in. However, lately Ashley has apparently heard or read once too often about her own famous megawatt smile. Some of her scenes have a definite "insert smile here" feel. This was well made and Hallmark pulled out their A-Game for two of their most popular stars. They put a little more work into the plot, this time. Not one of their cookie cutter jobs, although they couldn't resist the usual flirty snowball fight. However, truth be told, the story was a little boring, and Ashley's character was a little too sweet and good. Sometimes her behavior with grumpy-pants Niall was kind of cringeworthy. She just would not leave him alone. For me it did not rise past the slightly above average rating. Kudos for having her ex-husband and his wife make appearances and her daughter was very appealing. Oh, and I do like Brandon Zub. He needs more starring roles. Oh Oh. The search for the out of print book was true to life and exactly right. Loved that.

This is my 7th Hallmark Christmas movie of the 2020 season. Overall, it was a good movie, I thought. I am a fan of Ashley Williams Hallmark movies; she performs really well in such roles. Niall Matter is also another one of my Hallmark favourites. Individually, they were great here again. My biggest critique, however, was there was no real chemistry between the two. Thru-out the film, it felt like they were becoming 'good friends' as opposed to 'falling in love'. The only scene where I got a glimpse of the latter was in the final scene of the movie. It is a pity, as the script/dialogue between the two was at times really good, in the sense of them getting to know each other (e.g., when they decorated the Christmas tree together). There is plenty of Christmas cheer, and the movie provides that Christmas atmosphere, which I have grown to love about Hallmark films. Fans of Hallmark movies will not be disappointed; it is worth a watch.

Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace. There are a fair share of them though that are surprisingly above average and even good amidst the many average and less ones.

Despite being pleasantly surprised by some of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films, part of me was expecting to be very corny and cheesy for some reason with a title like 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater', which is more akin to a list of "not to do" things written during secondary school. With no prior knowledge of the source material, that was my impression. 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater' is one of those films where one shouldn't judge a film by its title and it is not near as corny as it sounds. As far as 2020 Hallmark Christmas films go, it's one of the better faring ones.

Admittedly, the plot structurally and in terms of events is nothing special and is quite typical, not much new here. A lot of what happens here can be seen from a long way off. The gingerbread house plot was agreed on the rushed and silly side, cute idea not quite executed right.

Maybe it took a little too long to get going and maybe the central relationship could have been developed a little more.

Taking all that into account, a lot is good though. It is particularly well compensated by the acting, Ashley Williams and Niall Matter are Hallmark regulars and while Williams' performances have varied wildly Matter's Hallmark popularity on the whole is more than justified here. Both are good here. Williams has a very infectious smile that to me is not overused and is also photogenic and charming, mannerisms are not overdone and she doesn't hold back. Matter is more than comfortable and is a very sympathetic and subtly charismatic partner, nothing dull about him. While the relationship could have been developed more in the writing, the chemistry between the two is natural and feels real. Kayden Magnuson stands out in support and gives one of the more appealing younger performances of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films.

Did like too that the characters were appealing ones, grew rather than not changing or being too perfect and felt like real people, not always the case with Hallmark. They're not complex but they are not simplistic either and the interaction never looks stiff. It pleases visually too, especially the appropriately festive locations that are not drably shot or too drab in colour scheme. Once 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater' gets going and things get better, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. It is not as slight as most Hallmark Christmas films too, again though once it gets going. The ending is not a surprise but was touching.

Overall, not great but nicely executed. 7/10.

I really enjoyed this movie.

It was sweet and had a nice feel good to it. Touched the heart.

The cast was great and I liked the main leads together.

Being ex military and spending time away, this touched my heart.

It was a really nice movie.

Maggie accidentaly hurts Lucas while she is carring a Christmas Tree. So, feeling guilty, she offers him to stay at a cottage she usually rents. While there, Lucas, who lost the Christmas spirit (as usual), joins Maggie in her activities: helping those in need.

That's it, that's the "plot", it's quite plain, but enjoyable nonetheless. Niall Matter and Ashley Williams, the duo we didn't know we needed. They had good chemistry, and after watching so many movies with them I don't get tired.

The whole movie is predictable, including the ending, and we can't forget that moment in which one character assumes something they shouldn't (please, stop it). There was one scene, one of the last ones, which was emotional, and that alone gain one more star. I also really liked the fact that the relationship developed quite naturally.

Nothing extraordinary, but quite sweet, if you like Hallmark movies, I totally recommend it.