Un Noël à Ashford

Danica McKellar is always a winner when combined with the writers of Hallmark movies. I'm also a sucker for a big old house setting. The kids weren't overly annoying, either.

The acting is strong and solid. I have to admit, that Danica McKellar is very easy on the eyes. I was interested in seeing this because it takes place in my home state of Virginia. So naturally, I was wondering (if at all) I would recognize something as they might be filming on location. And apparently, not so.

Perhaps its just a pet peeve of mine, but it would have been more accurate if they had the setting some place other than Virginia. For example, Virginians can be stuffy, but not New England stuffy! I do realize this film was made in Canada and they sort of shoot in the dark when it comes to getting the right flavor of the locale . But the tone was a bit off for Virginia. The characters seem very New England/Northeastern and a Butler with a British accent? That would not be commonplace here in Virginia. The help would be... well, mostly non-white. Also, while Virginia can get some decent snow amounts , its not commonplace to have snow on the ground before Christmas, and even a White Christmas isn't all that common either. I realize they may have just used the snow for affectation to make sure you knew it was "Christmasy".

I'm trying to picture where in Virginia they might be, and I'm guessing outside of Washington D.C. towards the blue ridge- perhaps Loudoun or Fauquier County. While by no means Deep South, its personality here is not like depicted in this film. Virginia definitely has a more Southern lilt and a more folksy , friendly kind of wealth than the New Englander-ish style they portrayed.

A real nice film. First, for the clear reference to "Sabrina". Second - for Paula Shaw. And for atmosphere. Sure, the recipe of Christmas romance is obvious familiar. But it has few sweet nuances in this case, lovely, funny, charming. It is not different by many others films of same genre. But it has the gift to not be boring or too ...pink. The wise old lady, a decision, her two nephews. And the predictable end. So, a real seductive easy film.

Slows the way a good spirit and attitude can have wide ranging impacts. Enjoyed the way the different characters responded to unexpected changes.

Watched because Danica McKellar is always pleasant in these Hallmark movies. I don't want to say she and the male lead didn't have chemistry but something was off that I couldn't put my finger on. Either way, enjoyable movie and I appreciated the grandmother. Worth adding to your Christmas movie list.