Coup de foudre avant Noël

The movie itself is nothing particularly innovative. A man feels if he'd made one particular decision at a crucial juncture, his life would have been better. So Santa shows up and let's him see what his life would have been like. Of course, that crucial juncture is what led him to meet and marry his wife. In order to get his old life back, he turns to the woman his wife has become (and she, of course, thinks he's crazy).

Nothing special about the film really but I was struck at how experienced actors (like Denton and Hatcher) come off in a Hallmark movie. Boy, does it make a difference! Many of these films star younger (and less experienced) actors who only underscore the superficiality of the Hallmark movie brand (with some exceptions). But take some pros and the pablum that is Hallmark sure goes down smoothly. Hatcher and Denton don't have to stretch their acting skills much but they bring a confidence and conviction to the roles that makes them very enjoyable to watch. I say put more fifty-somethings in these movies!

Santa grants you to review the implications of your life choices and try to mend your soul. It's a story line that has been so over used to become a cliche'. Other aspects or situations in this movie are cliche', as well. By the way, why are developers always portrayed as heartless, greedy villains? I am not one, yet my heart feels for them! On the good side, this show provides some new twists to the old yarn and is, definitely, a Christmas tale. Teri Hatcher and James Denton are a good match and live up to the expectations. The result is a likeable movie that delivers kind feelings and emotions, worthy of the season.

Destined to become a Christmas classic. Well done. Acting very good. Script good and sentiment not too sweet. Kept my attention straight through. Congratulations to Hallmark.

In recent years, Hallmark has curtailed the frequency of their Hall of Fame movies. 'A Kiss Before Christmas', although not billed as such, is in the same vein: digging a little deeper into the subject matter, taking a more serious, mature, thoughtful approach. In 'Christmas Carol' fashion, it's James Denton's turn to see what his life might be like in an alternate timeline. He and Teri Hatcher play their roles in a way that one might expect, since they've known each other professionally for years. Although I wish the story had been shortened about 30 minutes, if a successful Hallmark movie is one that makes one feel better for having watched, then I see this as a success - perhaps you will, too.

I'm a Christmas movie enthusiast and love even the bad ones. But this was not that. The harken back to Desperate Housewives was nearly forgotten because of the depth of story, but the chemistry between the leads remains. It's. Take as old as time, but it's authentic in its delivery. Highly recommend if you are a Hallmark fan.