Noël, couronnes et pâtisseries

Lissing and D'Orsay are the glue that holds together a story that has been told umpteen times. I struggled with some scenes such as the incompetence of the corporate guy (Lissing) in squeezing a tube of frosting. But smiles and laughs of Lissing and D'Orsay brighten many scenes. A six rating is probably generous...but those smiles...

I know I'm prejudiced. There is something about the bright shining face and happy spirit that Brooke D'Orsay does so well. It's hard not to get drawn into that spirit when she has as much screen time as she does in this movie. Add Hallmark favorite Daniel Lissing and you have a winning combination. Give them plenty of screen time together and it's a winner.

There are only so many ways a plot like this can go. I thought there was a nice tiny twist with the rival. The way the Secret/Lie was discovered was totally natural, not forced. On the slightly negative side, Hallmark movie writers have a tendency to make it sound like the star's money making talent can be turned into gold, but if you watch many of these movies, that's not unusual.

There is nothing about this movie that isn't just another Hallmark standard formula but Brooke D'Orsay makes up for it with her charm. She and Daniel Lissing play off of each well which makes what could be a boring movie legitimately enjoyable.

I would watch anything with Brooke in it. She's a natural and you feel like she's kind of just being herself. A genuinely sweet lady.

Now with that said, the storyline had a few, nice differences from the typical Hallmark norm but some of the usual things were annoying. There's always that misunderstanding at the end that needs to be cleared up. When the guy makes an attempt twice to clear it up nobody will let him speak. He's also not so desperate to clear the air and just blurt out that they are wrong and explain why. He just kind of says OK and turns around and leaves. Twice. I mean, seriously? This is not real life and it just kills what was such a great story. They could've found a happy heartwarming way to end it with him coming to her and explaining why he was not going to make the changes he thought he would and tell her that was all because of her warm spirit and everything she taught him. That he learned a new life lesson. Instead the writers think it's fun to have this happy build up and then they tear it down and then all is happy again. Its not fun. It's just silly Hallmark.

I do recommend the movie but be forewarned the typical Hallmark cheese is at the end. Interior decorations were once again a little overdone. I would watch it again and I'm on the fence as to whether or not I would seek it out and record it. Brooke is the main reason I would watch again.

Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace like this film. Some are above average and more, others are average and less.

'Christmas in Love' is one of the above average and more ones, and as far as 2018 Hallmark Christmas films go it is also one of the better ones in my view and proof that Hallmark can do good stuff. Which was actually evident well before seeing 'Christmas in Love'. It may not be exceptional or have much special to it, but it is a lot better than the rating (indicative of it being a middling effort) suggests in my view and better than a good deal of Hallmark Christmas films rated higher.

Brooke D'Orsay and Daniel Lissing are major selling points for seeing the film and their performances are among the best aspects. Both of them are immensely charming and very committed emotionally in roles that suit them beautifully and play to their strengths. D'Orsay especially. Really liked their chemistry too, which develops realistically and has a lot of honesty and heart. The rest of the cast are also good and it does help that the characters have personality and don't have exaggerated flaws (a pet peeve of mine and has been regrettably mentioned more than once with it being a common problem in Hallmark's films).

Furthermore, 'Christmas in Love' looks good. Especially the scenery, lovely festive locations attractively and it is never drably or garishly shot. The direction is sympathetic but not routine. Although the story is not perfect, it has a light hearted charm and a warm feel good centre without corn or over-sentiment creeping in.

It is at the same time quite formulaic, meaning that there are no surprises and a deja vu feeling throughout. The final third particularly is very same old and contrived, especially the misunderstanding.

Everything felt too neatly solved and unrealistically so considering the conflict that the misunderstanding caused. Some of the music felt intrusive.

On the whole, not great but a pleasant watch. 7/10.