L'Ange de Noël

It's a TV movie, so don't expect too much, and unfortunately it looks like it was edited around advert breaks, so it cuts away at strange times. Okay, it's contrived, but then so is a story where a man gets visited by 4 ghosts all in the same night and then wakes to find that the prize Christmas turkey is still for sale, which gets delivered, cooked and eaten all in one day. The ending does go a bit quickly, which is a shame, as they could have extended that whilst speeding up some of the middle bits of the film, which did drag a bit. I enjoyed the movie, but will i watch it again? We will have to see this time next year.

'Christmas Magic' (2011)

Opening thoughts: The premise, while not novel, did sound very sweet and moving as well as easy to relate to. Have seen some other work starring Lindy Booth, and both her performances and filmography are variable. Have been watching Christmas films (namely Hallmark), as someone who has always loved the holiday (if not quite as much in recent years for obvious reasons), as part of a completest quest started around 2018/2019, and 'Christmas Wish' was part of the quest.

Seeing it, 'Christmas Wish' is above average and has quite a lot of good things. At the same time, it could have been better, with some things that easily could have done better. Not one of the best Christmas films seen, but also a long way from being one of the worst. Booth comes off well, though the rest of the cast varied more. As far as Christmas films go, 'Christmas Wish' is in the somewhere in the middle and a little above mixed feelings category.

Good things: Booth is the best thing about the film. She is absolutely radiant, and succeeds in bringing depth to a flawed yet likeable character. The other casting standout is Derek McGrath, in a charming and sincere performance in a voice of reason sort of role. Most of the characters are easy to connect with, as are enough of the situations, and are developed quite well, particularly Booth's.

It is a good looking film, very nicely shot with beautiful scenery. The music is soothing and never seemed too loud or at odds tonally or in placement. The direction is confident enough, and appropriately low key without indifference. Tue film has a honest, thought-provoking script that doesn't sound awkward or too soapy. As well as a charming, heartwarming and moving story with inspiring messaging.

Bad things: However, Booth did deserve a better male lead than wooden, uncomfortable looking Paul McGillion, who also didn't look that happy to be there. Also standing out in a bad way is an incredibly annoying Teresa Pavlinek, her character really grated to the point of inducing a day long headache.

Detected very little chemistry between McGIllion and Booth and the relationship itself felt underwritten and mismatched. Admittedly, despite delivering on the emotional impact the story is predictable and is at its weakest with the very rushed, too schmaltzy ending. That also came over as far-fetched because of its unrealistic patness.

Closing thoughts: Overall, decent but not great.

6/10.

A very cheesy and harmless seasonal tale this may be. But the male lead is a strange choice as he's batting WAY above his average with his 'dates' in this film. They also have him wearing weird scruffy clothes throughout too. I assumed the actor must have financed the film or something and cast himself!

The lead actress is good as is the daughter but the rest are a little wooden especially the over familiar gas station grandad who comes across as a stalker at the start - little did we know what he was really up to...

Then they topped it all when the chef breaks out his synth and starts very badly lip syncing to an awful love song what he wrote. Quite funny actually though it's not supposed to be.

Switch your brain off and enjoy it though because it's Christmas ain't it?

...because it was UNlike some other Hm. Christmas movies that should be shelved permanently! Christmas Magic: 1. none of the characters were irritating. 2. The subject wasn't boring. 3. The plot was nice, decent, flowing...and 4. stayed focused on Christmas, 5. consistent also with Christmas décor. 6. Despite "Carrie," "Scott," and his daughter being in sorrowful situations, there was still a tone of optimism and lightness throughout. 7. Although a fantasy type of movie, it really didn't come across as being corny................................. It was just a very enjoyable movie with enjoyable characters, that I have enjoyed seeing several times.......so I didn't find it necessary or important to care about mistakes..................................On the slight down-side: I didn't care for Scott's attitude...that came out of nowhere...when he defended Carrie's business rival. It was an undeserving, senseless insult to Carrie at that point, after all she did for him and his daughter.

I completely disagree with the reviewer that gave this movie a poor rating. In a day where all we see on TV is violence, death, and sex- this is a refreshing and heartwarming Christmas story for the entire family. Lindy Booth gives a great performance as a woman who is a planner and assists businesses and individuals who need advertisement or just advise how to succeed- however living such a busy and hollow materialistic life has left her loveless, cynical, and alone. Her relationship with her father is non-existent, and she is in desperate need of a wakeup call before it's too late! She meets a kindly older gentleman while filling up her automobile at a local gas station who will change her life in ways she never expected. This is a must see movie for Christmas!!