Noël à Pemberley

Other than Elaine Hendrix (who plays a villain to perfection), I didn't recognize a single actor in this movie. The lead actress was so inexpressive and wooden I honestly thought she was another famous-singer-wants-to-act-so-gets-her-start-in-a-Christmas-movie train wreck. I thought my suspicions were confirmed when she started humming her little tunes halfway through the movie. I had to look her up after she destroyed the upper register in "Oh Holy Night". Apparently she is actually an actress. Okay. I just couldn't connect with her at all. It didn't help that every single time I looked at her face, I wondered if she had some terrible Botox treatments or if her plastic surgeon should be fired.

The guy who played Mr. Darcy, however, was fantastic. He was every bit what you would think Darcy is. This really has absolutely nothing to do with the Jane Austen novel, but at least the names were the same. Santa Claus just seemed awkward and creepy, yet again for reasons I can't seem to pinpoint.

If you love Christmas movies and are like me where you have to watch every single one ever made, watch it. Just be prepared to be underwhelmed.

I love a good Pride and Predjudice take any time, and I wanted to love this movie. Fact is, the lead was just miscast. Jessica comes off fake, over acted, and without even a shred of what the Elizabeth Bennet character is known for. Rady on the other hand, is phenomenal as the Darcy image. He is the only reason I finished the film. The storyline is your run-of-the-mill Hallmark -- heartwarming, happy ending and cheerful. But sadly, the female lead takes what could have been a winning Hallmark film down to the bottom of the list.

I applaud Jessica Loundes for trying to step out of her type casting. Unfortunately this one didn't land well. I'd like to see her take her craft more seriously by getting a voice and diction coach to help her develop the power of tone and cadence. As another said, the valley girl voice was an issue. It tended to quickly pull me out of what could've been an endearing character. However, that was only one issue. Her character was a little too Mary Sue as well. She doesn't really grow as she doesn't see her hypocrisy and projection when she yells at Darcy for his behavior but plays the martyr when it comes to her own boss. More than once I sort of wondered if she wrote the script for herself. Just a vibe even if not true. Honestly I was a bit disappointed as Rick Garman usually writes very well. He's got a long list of films that I just adore. Perhaps what he wrote really was fine and her portrayal just didn't fit well?

She wasn't terrible but I think she could've done better and perhaps she was miscast without more work.

I like Michael Rady as usual. I think he did well in playing a quieter version of his roles, the careful and distant business man who is slowly drawn out of his seclusion. His portrayal of his growing attraction to Elizabeth helped make her a bit more likable. But that chemistry was still lacking between the two. He wasn't perfect but still more enjoyable and believable.

I'll admit it's all grown on me a bit but often I'll skip the less palatable parts upon rewatching.

I loved the supporting cast. The dialogue could've used a bit more work.

Not a total bomb. Good enough but I'll always wish for somethings to be different.

Oh dear, Jessica Lowndes, never heard of her or seen her before, but her acting skills are clearly overshadowed by obvious 'work' she's had done to her face, which is hard to look away from. Does anyone really have such feline eyes naturally ? and why do Hallmark make their lead actresses wear such awful long curl extensions ? they're a bit last season here in the UK.

Cant complain about Michael Rady, an understated actor if ever there was one. The storyline was ok, but I think its the second one with the D'Arcy /Bennet theme - the last one involved dog shows I believe.

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

Review Date 8/18/2018

As Christmas approaches, Elizabeth Bennett (Lowndes), a New York event planner, is sent to a quaint, small town to organize their holiday festival. When she arrives, she finds William Darcy (Rady), a high-profile billionaire lacking in holiday spirit, in the process of selling the charming estate she hoped to use as a venue. Determined to make her event a success, Elizabeth persuades the reluctant Darcy to let her hold the festival on the historical estate once known for its holiday cheer.

Not great but worth watching!