Noël au château

I enjoy watching Hallmark Christmas movies, for the most part. I come to them knowing what they are: they are made for TV romance movies with a predictable plot. That said, I usually enjoy their uplifting, cozy feel and their festive spirit. I also learn a lot about 'so-called' Christmas traditions; I expect some genuine and other not so genuine. I was, however, a bit disappointed with this movie. The acting by both Luke Macfarlane and Merritt Patterson was good; I typically like their Hallmark films (e.g., The Mistletoe Promise was good). The acting by the supporting cast, however, was rather weak, especially the mother and sister. Something seemed to be missing as well; it lacked the cozy Christmas atmosphere, which I love about Hallmark movies.

Another movie where a musician feels that they have lost their passion but important people in their life help them rediscover their passion. Filmed, at least in part, in beautiful Whistler, BC had us looking at the scenes and witching we could experience Christmas there.

Like most Hallmark movies it is filmed in Canada but set somewhere else, in this case Boulder Colorado and surrounding areas. It is nearing Christmas and many families are vacationing at the Chateau.

It revolves around two 30-something musicians who were once in a serious relationship but parted when she became a world-renowned pianist and began touring the world to perform. He stayed in Colorado and eventually got his PhD in music and became a music professor. Now they surprise each other by being at the Chateau at the same time. Further their old college friend talks them into helping the Chateau put on a big Christmas concert.

Being a Hallmark movie we know what will happen and it is fun watching it get there. Just a nice, clean story and pleasant entertainment. I was feeling I was in Pleasantville.

At home, my wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library.

The music saves this film to be only another Halmark Christmas film. The reunion of ex lovers, after long period has its charme , to, being fair constructed. And, for the large public of this genre of film, the presence in cast of Merritt Peterson and Luke Macfarlane , their seductive job, to, represents the nice gift. In same measure, the eulogy to family, the references to options after universitarian studies, the lovely presences of Suki Kaiser, Bobby Steward, Hrothgar Mathews and young Alix West Lefter , the inspired portrait of mother , proposed by Jessica Steen and the relation between Kate and Todd are the good virtues, in same measure. Sure, the recipe is more than familiar, but the music gives soul and grace to a story not very rich in surprises. The result is decent and, for few scenes, just seductive.

Such a lovely movie, "so simple yet charming" is the best way to describe it.

The story is somewhat different but still very familiar to most Hallmark movies, but that's not a bad thing. The musical aspects of the movie gave it an original direction, something more than the standard event planner or bakery angle.

But the best thing about this movie is without a doubt the actors, Margot (Merritt Patterson) is just unbelievable as always, every one of her lines radiates charm effortlessly, as for her co-star Jackson (Luke Macfarlane) he compliments her perfectly, this is definitely one of his better performances.

Another strong aspect of this movie is the supporting cast, without a doubt one of the better ones i have seen in a while, nothing extraordinary, just plain good acting all around with no exception.

I would strongly recommend seeing this delightful movie.

6.9 out of 10 stars.