Holiday Road

When you set out to watch "Holiday Road", you instantly think, oh, here's another take on "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles", which is an all-time classic. If you've seen it, you know it's a cornball comedy with heart, that leaves you feeling positive about human-relations. Overlook the sometimes sub-par acting and over-the-top silliness, here, and you actually can experience the goodwill between people of different creeds (purposeful), when they share a common experience (like a long bus/van trip), as in tragedies and disasters. It's unfathomable, in this world, that nine strangers would ever collaborate to rideshare a long distance, so you have to be open-minded (and patient) about the initial prep of the storyline. Nine central characters are a lot to follow (you have to pay attention), but the directors allot enough dialog that they each stay inter-connected in the ongoing journey. You begin to have empathy for each of the characters in their personal quests. I commend the background music, as well - the Christmas songs were original and played only in appropriate scenes. Social-networking (somewhat new in Hallmark movies) was also well-incorporated, and cleverly instrumental in the unfolding drama. As the movie comes to a close, each character receives a poignant moment, which leaves you satisfied for the enrichment you receive for "riding" this one out to the finish...

When Hallmark put their mind to it, THIS is what you get: "Holiday Road", a heartfelt, thoughtful and heartwarming Christmas movie about a group of strangers from different walks of life stranded in Portland and needing to get to Denver for Christmas for a multitude of oft-complicated reasons.

With flights grounded due to a winter storm, they rent one of those big Mercedes Sprinter Vans and drive there instead...learning about themselves and each other along the way, on a trip that doesn't quite go to plan. (Based on a true story, at least according to the opening credits.)

So many wonderful scenes. Well-written and well acted by the diverse cast - the casting is top-notch - with a great soundtrack, and, crucially, avoiding most of the usual Hallmark tropes. There are some melancholy moments and some happy moments, and an ending that, although a little predictable, hits you right in the feels.

Really loved this.

I have watching Hallmark channel since it started and can honestly say this is the best holiday movie it has ever produced. Kudos to the writers and entire cast. It was a perfect ten in every way. Finally a great holiday movie from Hallmark. Since I don't want to put in any spoilers. I would like to encourage every one to watch this excellent film. It grabs your interest from the very beginning and keeps you entertained through the entire film. All nine characters have their own story and problems and each character is give his or her complete story. It was so good I am thinking I will watch it again, thank Hallmark for a totally new romance movie!!!

This movie was an unexpected treasure. I love anything Warren Christie is in and he didn't disappoint here. He reluctantly becomes the de facto leader of a group of stranded travelers who each have their reason for trying to get to Denver for Christmas. Along their journey.they are interviewed by the TikTok influencer in their group. What starts out as annoying becomes something much more. There are tears, many many laughs, even Christmas costumes. The characters are an odd assortment, each with a secret. How those are revealed, and worked through, is the heart of this movie. It was surprisingly charming and worth at least another viewing.

7.2/10

Hallmark finally has a new storyline, but of course it comes with a price, if you've got a heart for true to life stories at Christmas time. I recommend checking it out with a box of tissues nearby. Lucky for you the commercials give you a moment to catch your heart before it gets too heavy.

This is more than just a love story. It's a friendship story with a loving twist added in. While the movie claims to be based on a true story it isn't specifically based on any one persons experience. It's based on the stranded travellers experience of wanting to get home for the holidays.

There are nine main characters in this film and each character is unique with a few stories having overlapping experiences. I won't describe them because part of the fun of watching "Holiday Road" was learning about each persons life and how the holidays affect them.

This is one of those few stories Hallmark has nailed and can be proud to have made. "Holiday Road" isn't cheesy. It's well written and acted. The characters are relatable in some aspect, and it just pulls you into the holiday spirit.

Overall, I recommend adding this one to your Christmas Countdown list. My aunt was right when she said the humour was good, and the film itself was pretty good too.

That's all for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. Until next time.... Enjoy the show!