Noël dans la prairie

While loving Christmas (a lifelong love too) and having liked/loved many Christmas films, there are plenty of Christmas films that are too sappy and cheese ridden as well as predictable. Have seen quite a few films in the past few years using Christmas on a ranch setting (always an intriguing setting for this particular holiday) and they have varied in success, some are very charming, sweet and engaging while others are too simplistic, dull and silly.

'Christmas on the Range' is among the better ones and generally in the former category, though there are some not unexpected glimpses of the latter adjectives. Was not expecting a classic and didn't get that, but did expect in a way an at least average film that didn't have me wrenching my hair and teeth out. Luckily that was the case here with 'Christmas on the Range'. Not an essential, but there is nothing offensive about it either at the same time.

Shall get the not so good things out of the way. The story is rather basic and too slight, a fair share of familiar elements with not much new done to them (including the obligatory too easily telegraphed and too neat ending). There are moments of dullness early on and some of the dialogue is on the awkward and too sappy side.

Most of the acting is fine, but there are signs of overacting in the supporting cast.

On the other hand, 'Christmas on the Range' looks attractive enough. The scenery is both rustic and festive and the photography doesn't look rushed or drab. The music doesn't come over as too melodramatic while still having some presence. The direction is suitably sympathetic on the most part while taking a little time to find its feet. Erin Cahill and Nicholas Gonzalez are very likeable leads, their chemistry has a lot of charm and their relationship develops realistically, easy to connect with emotionally and is not underused. A Martinez and Lindsay Wagner are fun in support, with Wagner especially bringing a lot of heart to the film.

The dialogue generally gets better as the film progresses, it becomes more natural in the flow and it didn't make me cringe as much. The story on the most part, providing that one doesn't mind that it is predictable and slight, is heart-warming and easy going. And while there is more of a serious edge here than most recently seen Christmas films, it doesn't come over as too serious or heavy-handed.

In conclusion, worth watching. 6/10

7.8 stars

'Christmas on the Range' is my favorite Hallmark ranch adventure thus far. Maybe not my favorite romance on a ranch, but for farm and cowboy themes, this takes the cake. The reason for it is because there is actual drama and tension and it's more authentic than most.

First of all, you have a son who has been estranged from his father for years because of a feud between two families. His father is apparently the "villain" of the story. This is beyond standard Hallmark conflict and adrenaline. For Hollywood this would be considered light drama and action, and is obviously blunted for the Hallmark audience. There is even a physical altercation, almost nonexistent for the average family oriented "romance". However, this is not a romance film by any means. That aspect is downplayed, but still sweet with the limited amount afforded us. They certainly make up for the lack in the last 7 minutes, but it should've have come sooner.

The primary story is about a long history of anger and resentment that Clint's (Gonzalez) father Brick (Martinez) has harbored toward Kendall's (Cahill) family for decades. The cause is not immediately shown and we have to stick around for about 90 minutes before it's revealed. At the start, Clint and Kendall begin a shaky friendship based on misconceptions and bitterness due to the feud between their families. Eventually they discover there is much more to this squabble than they realized and immediately get to work figuring out how to mend fences. With the help of Clint's mom (Wagner) and the townsfolk, maybe it will work itself out, but Brick is a tougher nut to crack than anticipated.

The actors are at their best, this is a first-rate campaign featuring a cowgirl vs the ranch baron.

One of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Great that it had some action in it. Great chemistry between Erin and Nicholas. I hope they make a sequel and soon. I wish they would make a series out of this. Love, loved it!!! Thanks Karen

This was a really good Christmas movie Clayton Georgia so beautiful.

The cast Erin Cahill Nicholas Gonzales A Martinez Lindsay Wagner great cast lots of good support cast.

It's a nice change from the usual fluff to have a slightly more serious Christmas movie about 2 rival ranches and a budding romance. I like the cast. Erin Cahill is pretty and believable. There is some diversity here with a biracial element. Hispanic actors A Martinez and Nicholas Gonzales Star. Good to see Lindsay Wagner - a lovely actress who hasn't ruined her face with plastic surgery. Looks so much better than some of her contemporaries.