Le Chœur de Noël

It is one of beautiful surprises. For story and for voices, for Scott Wolf and Eric Close, for atmosphere and, more important, for the message. But, especially, for Kristin Chenoweth giving to her character lovely, inspired brillance. The delicate themes are well used, to. And the twist just works. A film about parenthood, vocation, music, Christmas. Not great but surprising, in good sense, in profound sense. A beautiful film about things real important. And Chistmas in the fair light of emotions and options embroidery.

Had I been in charge of the remote, I would not have picked this movie from the recording list, but saved it to watch after I'd worked through other titles. I'm not at all a fan of Kristin Chenoweth. Neither she nor Wolf are on my list of must see young and beautiful (or handsome) people. I've seen Chenoweth in other movies in this genre and I have not been impressed.

Was I wrong. I enjoyed this movie. The story had many well used elements, but I liked the way it was put together. I probably should have seen it coming, but I didn't anticipate the "twist" until the last minute. Wolf and Chenoweth connected OK. I also enjoy Christmas movies where professional artists give quality musical performances. I had no idea Chenoweth had a voice like that. (Then I day later, I saw her performing on PBS with a big choir, maybe Mormon Tabernacle?.)

The music in this movie was much better than any other Hallmark movie. Kristen Chenoweth's singing is far and above any other artist today. Disney found that out when she sang a duet with the star of that movie Decendents and blasted her off the stage. But when will Hallmark learn they have to do more and produce a romance movie for Hallmark Hall of Fame? Their movies in previous years we so good, ex. "The Russel Girl","Beyond the Blackboard","The Magic or Ordinary Days","Front of the Class" and so many more. While this movie had great music, it was as good as my local high school chorus, it was just another rehashed Hallmark love story. Next time I see one, the rating goes DOWN.

I think that if I had been making this film I would have had Eric Close as the lead male instead of Scott Wolf. Don't get me wrong, Scott did a good job, but when you have Eric there and so lovely with those smiling eyes, why would you put him in the background? Kristin can be a bit Marmite for me, but she did well in this one as well and you can't deny her vocal range is fantastic.

The story is very sweet and takes a different tack to the usual romance at Christmas schtick. I really like the family dynamic, the twists, the blossoming romance for the younger generation as well and of course it's full of the seasonal things that make these films winners for me. I also love anything with a good, heartfelt, emotional song in it.

Sure to be watched again.

Kristin Chenoweth is little known here in the UK, so had to check on Google whether she could actually sing as she does in the film ! Wow - a bit of a revelation that she does, and what a CV (resume) this lady has ! Had to agree with another reviewer though, that I should have watched with sub titles, as she doesn't enunciate clearly in her speaking voice - which is unusual for a singer of her calibre.

The storyline is good, and wont spoil it for others, but a surprising ending. An enjoyable watch, and shows what Hallmark can achieve with older and experienced actors in lead parts. They should do it more often !!