Le Noël de Sophie

I truly liked this one. Good storyline, fabulous chemistry by the two leads, all around enjoyable cast, and although a predictable conclusion, getting there was pleasant to watch.

One of this years Hallmark Christmas offerings, Merritt Patterson and Jon Cor take the leads in this warm Christmas jumper, feel warm and fuzzy film. Sophie returns home (someone is always returning home in these films) to look after her Grandma, David lives next door to Grandma with his nephew Troy (there's often a child involved as well). The spirit of Christmas is in full force, these two good looking people find each other, find love, find a family, find out how to celebrate Christmas properly. Standard Hallmark fare but also a lovely watch on a Sunday afternoon whilst the weather is rubbish outside.

Me and Shell googled Hallmark towns and are planning a Christmas tour of these type of towns later on when we have money to afford it. Hallmark I am hooked on your Hot Chocolately goodness. You are my first sign of Christmas approaching, when you start to land on Christmas 24.

The scale of 20 for normal films does not apply for Hallmark films, instead we have a Christmas Bauble scale and this one receives a big ole shiny bauble, not a little tree space filler.

8.3 stars.

It's gonna be difficult to surpass this. Out of 46 reviews, 'Picture a Perfect Christmas' moves into first place. Will it remain #1 to the end of my Hallmark Christmas journey? It's unlikely, considering this is now the 5th time my #1 has been dethroned.

This movie is astounding, due to several factors. The most prominent is the dialogue.

The first time our leads meet, the banter is priceless and the humorous misunderstanding is hilarious. As our leads continue to converse throughout the film, it does not disappoint for a moment. Sophie (Merritt Patterson) and David (Jon Cor) share witty conversation unlike other similar films, but the good conversation isn't limited to them.

This one is pleasant from start to finish. Jon Cor is a refined actor, and even sporting a somewhat sparse looking beard, somehow his sophistication shines. And how can you not fall in love with Merritt Patterson, she's one of a kind, the sort of woman you write home to momma about hoping she's the one.

The storyline is clever, and intriguing, and there's never a dull moment. The dialogue and screen presence of the four main actors carries this film to the pinnacle of my personal tastes like no other. Although the plot is fairly mundane, their on-screen interactions and chemistry breathe life into this script. Troy's rendition of a lonely boy shines bright. I look forward to seeing more of him.

Troy's parents passed away a few years ago in a car accident, so he's being raised by his uncle David. Mrs. Griffith is his favorite nanny, and hasn't seen her granddaughter Sophie very often the past couple years because Sophie has been traveling round the world as a professional photographer. Sophie has a week to spend the holidays with Grandma and she meets David and Troy. From first introduction to final credits she delivers an over-abundance of joy and love - the glue that binds them all.

I liked this story. The kid was cute and it was something different. The guy wearing 2 different shoes to work was not believable and at some points it was boring but overall it was good.

This movie exemplifies what the Christmas season is all about. It's very well-written with a plausible and interesting plot. The acting is so good by the four leads that they hold your interest throughout. Merritt Patterson and Jon Cor have real screen chemistry here, and are very good in developing characters with depth and feeling. Engaging performances whether their scenes are together or apart. Whoever cast Paula Shaw as Grandmother Louise deserves much credit. These films regularly have "older" supporting characters to provide wisdom and advice to the younger ones, but, in this case, Shaw delivers a sincere, spirited, and forthright performance that is really quite good. She is on par with Susan Hogan, who appears in many Hallmark movies as the "older" mother, grandmother, etc. And Luke Roessler, as the orphan Troy, really ACTS as opposed to just reciting his lines as so many child actors do in these movies. His performance is very nuanced and natural, making his part enjoyable to watch rather than annoying. The direction is very good and the settings are attractive - professional looking and detailed. No cut-the-cost cheapness here. This movie really generates a warm and satisfying feeling for the Christmas season, particularly because of the four leads and the interactions between their characters that are so genuinely and well played. Nicely done and worthy of repeat viewings to keep you in the Christmas spirit.