A Kiss Before Christmas

I really hate the premise where the lead is dropped into an alternate universe with no memory of how he got there or even how to operate. As a result he looks like a fool for a long time after that. Really, the character should be committed or suffer other permanent consequences. This movie takes this whole premise about as far as any I can remember. The characters even acknowledge that he's certifiable. I guess it's supposed to be funny. I just wanted to get past it. And I had looked forward to this pairing of lead stars.

Once you get past the initial pain, things smooth out. Ethan goes from being timid and disheartened with life, to a competent man who is more than just a noble nobody. The story becomes a mutual project to ,,,,, you guessed it, to raise money to save a youth center, which is also part of Ethan getting his old life back. The story uses many of the usual devices, but Teri Hatcher and James Denton carry it off with excellent chemistry.

There is a very sweet twist near the end. It transforms the story into something different. Some will say too sappy, but I love sappy.

I'm a Christmas movie enthusiast and love even the bad ones. But this was not that. The harken back to Desperate Housewives was nearly forgotten because of the depth of story, but the chemistry between the leads remains. It's. Take as old as time, but it's authentic in its delivery. Highly recommend if you are a Hallmark fan.

Two good actors & a few different twists on an often recycled plot lift this movie above most of the holiday tv fare. Hatcher & Denton have great chemistry and give excellent performances - especially Denton. The screen play is well written with enough twists on the typical plot line to be interesting & kept us engaged. But the acting in a number of pivotal, emotional scenes was remarkable for a Christmas movie. This pair gave an acting clinic that puts most of the Hallmark acting stable to shame - and raised this oft told tale to an 8 rating from me (which is basically a 10 for a Hallmark Christmas movie)

Destined to become a Christmas classic. Well done. Acting very good. Script good and sentiment not too sweet. Kept my attention straight through. Congratulations to Hallmark.

Reminiscent of classic 1940s Christmas films such as 'It's a Wonderful Life', 'A Kiss Before Christmas' is an engaging movie with a timeless message, fun and heartfelt script, and, of course, some brilliant acting performances by two leads with great chemistry. The story follows Ethan (played by James Denton), a mid-level real estate development executive who has been passed over for promotion for the last 20 years. Although he has a loving wife (Joyce, played by Teri Hatcher) and two amazing teenage kids, Ethan can't help wondering what his life, especially his finances, would be like if he wasn't always such a 'nice guy' in business. One morning while waiting at a newsstand, he tells a man dressed as Santa that he wishes he had a second chance at his career. And so our journey begins as Ethan awakes to discover that his wish has come true, or has it? He is now the CEO, but he isn't married and doesn't have his kids. And so, we follow Ethan on his quest in discovering what truly matters in life this Christmas. It is a well-written and engaging story. The writers do a great job of capturing the Christmas spirit, delivering a timeless message of what truly matters in a fairly straightforward manner. True, the storyline has been done many times before, but the simplicity of the story and message, along with a slight twist, kept me engaged from the start. What makes this work on-screen, of course, is the acting. Denton was impressive, I thought. He had me smiling, chuckling even, in some scenes (e.g., talking to his coffee machine), while in others, I might have even shed a tear or two. Hatcher too had a very strong performance. Their chemistry was brilliant. They have a wonderful back and forth that pulls you in. Quality stuff. The movie also has a nice Christmas vibe to it that no doubt will get you into the Christmas spirit. All in all, 'A Kiss Before Christmas' is an entertaining movie, delivering some Christmas magic, a dynamic duo performance, a bit of fun and humor, and a timeless Christmas message. I highly recommend it.