Five Star Christmas

I really enjoyed this film! Of the 2020 Hallmark Holiday film offerings, this one was one of my two favorite ("Holly and Ivy", being the other). I loved the script, the sets, and most of all, the chemistry of the entire acting ensemble. It made me laugh, which felt good, especially after this year!. Bethany Joy Lenz never disappoints, and always delivers. I wrote a quick note to the production company, echoing my sentiments here, and wondering if(hoping) we might see a sequel of the continuing adventures and goings-on at the Ralston family B&B for Christmas 2021.

Cheers!

This is what happens when you get actors who have tons of chemistry together. I don't mean just the leads. I mean the ENTIRE CAST. Who is mostly made up of veteran actors. IF only Hallmark would do this with every movie! I am going to praise Bethany Joy as I always do with her movies. She's a godsend of of a actress. She never disappoints me! She could have chemistry with a door handle that's why I am quick to watch whatever she's in. Cast in Victor Webber and you can't go wrong with Five Star Christmas. The plot is new and not overdone. The conflict is fresh without the usual hang-up of another lover. Add in Christmas fun and you'll have a good time. Laughs all around! You won't be disappointed!

A man and his family put on a good face for an incognito critic who visits their B&B.

This Hallmark holiday romance has a strong cast, featuring Bethany Joy Lenz as Lucy Ralston, daughter of the owner of the Ralston Inn.

This film has elements of comedy combined with heartwarming moments. It also has a gentle tone and a slower pace.

Bethany Joy Lenz is my favorite female Hallmark lead, hands-down. If the summary said it was her leading a team of Christmas pugs against a team of alien invaders, I'd be in. And that's before I knew how well she could sing!

Five Star Christmas is not only the best movie of the 2020 holiday season, I think it's the best I've ever seen.

'Hilarious' is not a word I associate with Hallmark, but this movie was laugh-out-loud funny. And it sacrificed none of the romance or Christmas we expect along the way. Lenz' Lucy and co-star Victor Webster as Jake had a real snap of chemistry from their first run-in, and her extended family had an easy, loving vibe that never felt schmaltzy or forced. Two points for letting a little squabble in.

Honestly, Five Star Christmas felt like proof Hallmark noted all of our gripes and turned them into one warm, goofy movie. The plot was much fresher. The sets were lovely and well-decorated without being overdone. Family memories and traditions were represented without getting sappy. No smarmy little kids, crazed workaholics, overbearing mothers, exes from hell, or marches through 50 Christmas events.

I'll leave it for other reviewers to name exactly what they enjoyed most, because I don't want to spoil a single surprise, even the little ones.

As Grandma said, "People surprise you. You should follow your heart."

The supporting cast totally made this movie! They were so fun and entertaining.