Une bague sous le sapin

Hallmark's Christmas output is very variable and 2018 was a mixed and generally not very impressive year for them. Some of their Christmas films that year were decent and more, three of the best being 'Road to Christmas', 'Christmas Made to Order' and 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas'. Other films in the batch are less than average, with 'A Gingerbread Romance' and 'Christmas at Graceland' being particularly weak. The others are in between.

'Reunited at Christmas' is one of the best Hallmark Christmas films from that year in my view. It is not quite my definition of a great film and there are definitely shortcomings with some of the story execution. Credit is due for 'Reunited at Christmas' doing something different from the usual Hallmark Christmas film formula and tackling heavier than usual subject matter, which it handles with more depth than expected and it is far from wasted, half-hearted or half-baked.

There are plenty of good things with 'Reunited at Christmas'. It pleases visually, with beautiful locations and the filming looks professional. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow the more settled it gets. Also really liked the writing's maturity and sincerity, nothing corny or childish here. As said, the story here is a departure from the usual type of story seen with Hallmark, so it is not as light-hearted and is more serious.

Luckily, the story's heavy theme is handled in a way that's well-intended, mature and poignant. The characters don't irritate while not being too perfect, they are not meaty but they have personality at least and not too stock. Nikki DeLoach and Mike Faiola are charming and affecting leads, neither overwrought and dull and it is easy to see what they see in each other. Their chemistry is genuine and easy to relate to, it grows at a realistic rate. Lisa Durupt and Andrew Airlie are sympathetic support.

Although most of the story appealed to me, it is admittedly very slight and has a few uneventful stretches in the middle. Which makes some of the film drag and the film could have had points where it was light-hearted, as it did feel a little too heavy going later.

Did feel too that the music could have been used less and been more subtle, spelling out the emotions a little too much at times.

In conclusion, admirable and well above average if not a masterpiece. 7/10.

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.

As a child, Samantha spent every Christmas at her beloved Nana's house building the traditions of fun and joy with her family. Sam is facing the first Christmas without Nana and still struggling to find the Christmas spirit when she gets a surprise.

The film is cute but not one you will ever want to see again. The cast is good and the locations are attractive.

Honestly I found this a bit refreshing. The love story was one that existed prior to the start of the movie and not some world wind 2 week romance or two people reunited after years. I do feel that it belonged on HM&M and not regular Hallmark as it wasn't light like Hallmark movies are. Overall it was a sweet story about family and the spirit of Christmas.

This is not a typical Christmas romance story. It is more of a family story. There are family activities and nostalgia.

There is a primary focus on Samantha and Simon who already have a relationship much of the movie is about a struggle in their relationship due to doubts on her part We learn some of her backstory which helps explain her attitude. As a result, I found the overall tone of the movie to be less optimistic than I would hope for in a Christmas movie.

This movie leaves out a lot of overused plot lines, but it does cram in a lot of the usual traditional Christmas activities. In fact Nanna gave them a list.

My rating is more about how I personally felt about the movie than about the actual quality of the story and acting. The story is refreshingly different from the usual fare and the acting is true to life.

If you don't want to think about the pain that relationships can cause at Christmas, skip this one. It's a good story, about the daughter's relationship and that of her divorced parents. Of course there are happy endings for all, and I loved how they used Nana's posthumous instructions to have a wonderful Christmas.