Le Secret d'un Noël parfait

This is a fairly common Hallmark trope ... looking for estranged family. It's done well ... and with some beautiful buildings inside and out, since we have a builder and an interior decorator.

The actors all do a good job, I believe "as directed", but this is one of a long list of Hallmark Christmas films this year I find to be rather drab. The characters are all very reserved, even in their happiest moments. In the movies I REALLY enjoy, the actors bring some real life and personality to the roles, and I simply didn't get that from this movie.

It's absolutely worth a watch, but it's not one I'll look for again.

The cast in this movie is extra special. And the storyline is exceptionally good. That said, the character Hayley is a bit over the top with her emotions. I'm used to the heroines working through their problems to a satisfying conclusion. The character Haley seems to emotionally break down at the beginning of the movie and isn't a strong woman as I've come to expect from Hallmark. It's a great movie and takes place in the Winter in a beautiful part of the country and well worth watching - I was just disappointed in the Haley character's portrayal as weak and unable to meet challenges with strength.

'Long Lost Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Was generally not particularly impressed by the previous 2022 Hallmark Christmas Movies and Mysteries films, the best being the promising 'We Need a Little Christmas' and there was a lot good about 'Our Italian Christmas Memories'. 'Christmas Bedtime Stories' and particularly 'Maple Valley Christmas' were very bad. As said elsewhere, Hallmark have succeeded in the past with producing quieter more serious films.

'Long Lost Christmas' is by far the best 2022 Hallmark Christmas Movies and Mysteries film up to this point and one of the best of what continued to be a very variable seasonal block. 'Long Lost Christmas' is a beautiful film and in the better half of Hallmark's 2022 Hallmark output, as well as proof of Taylor Cole (personally find her on the take and leave side) being capable of giving a good performance with good material.

Bad things: It is not quite perfect. The pace is a little too slow to begin with.

One reaction to a major revelation leading into the conflict didn't really ring true, seeming at odds at what is revealed, and came slightly out of nowhere. Maybe the music could have been toned down at times.

Good things: However, 'Long Lost Christmas' is beautifully acted. Cole's performance is very charming and heartfelt, she has a good deal of warmth and there is none of the ice queen persona that is present in some of her roles. Benjamin Ayres' character is somewhat a cipher, but one that Ayres brings a lot of subtle charisma and easy-going charm to him.

The supporting cast are strong, Jacqueline Ann Stuart bringing a lot of class. The characters are relatable and sympathetic and the relationships are written in a way that's affecting and easy to relate to. That between Cole's character and the daughter in particular.

Moreover, it is pleasingly shot with lovely scenery. The music is still pleasant enough and the direction is accommodating without losing momentum. The script is thought provoking and doesn't go overboard on the schmaltz (meaning not too frequent or too heavy). The story is quiet and reflective and has a lot of poignant emotional impact, it isn't too predictable and is honest and charming. Did tear up at the ending.

Closing thoughts: Overall, beautiful.

8/10.

This is another story about searching for lost family. Hayley's mom was separated from her brother by the child welfare system when he aged out. The story includes a potential budding romance with a business partner of the possible family member. It seems like the two threads are about equal.

Most of the story wanders from one holiday activity to another while Hayley tries to stay close to her target, at least through half the movie. Hayley is pushy prying into the life of her possible Uncle Gordon. He is coy about his past which prolongs the search.

While Hayley searches, her mom deals with bittersweet memories while trying to get back out into the world after the recent loss of her husband.

Benjamin Ayres and Taylor Cole have quiet chemistry. The acting is good. Dialogue is decent but not sparkling. There isn't a lot of comedy with this movie focusing more on sentimental drama which is the norm on the HMM Miracles of Christmas.

There is a twist leading into the conflict, but it is one that I pretty much expected despite a red herring along the way. I was taken aback by Hayley's reaction. But that does not take away from a nice ending

Kudos to writers who actually know something about Astronomy acknowledging that shooting star watching is best leading up to 5 AM and on a moonless night. That doesn't stop the director from ruining it all with hundreds of Christmas lights which would wash out the darkness in the same scene.

Taylor Cole has never been a huge favorite with me but in the past year or two, she has really grown on me. She is very beautiful but does best playing more down-to-earth family-oriented characters. In some roles, her beauty is a almost little off-putting. And she finally settled on a hairstyle that works. This quiet well-paced story really worked for me.

Haley finds out that her mother, who was adopted, had a brother from whom she was separated as a child. Her mother, beautifully played by Jacqueline Ann Steuart, has been sad and reclusive since the death of her husband. As the perfect Christmas gift for her mom, she decides to see if she can find this mysterious brother. With the help of a friend, she narrows the possibilities down to a builder of mountain cabins in Colorado. She goes to visit and meet him to see if he could possibly be her long-lost uncle. Is he or isn't he? Of course we know he is, because otherwise why are we there for an hour and a half? But why is he being so secretive and denying his past?

Benjamin Ayers, who plays a protégé of the possible uncle, and Taylor made a good couple. She needs a strong-looking male lead, and Benjamin fits the bill. The romance seemed right and definitely added to the story. The actor who played her uncle had a strong impact as well. He had a lot of charisma. The other aspects that really added to the story were Haley's friendship with the uncle's daughter, her mother's personal journey back home, and Taylor's career-defining interior design project and its setbacks and successes.

Finally, I do want to give Hallmark props for doing away with the bottomless suitcase. Taylor plans only an overnight trip to Colorado and packed accordingly. In the past, regardless of only bringing minimal luggage for a trip, the leading lady pulls out outfit after outfit with different bulky and matching coats out of the magical suitcase. In this one, Taylor actually wears the same sweater two days in a row and makes a point of having to go shopping for more clothes when her trip is extended. Proof positive that Hallmark reads their reviews, as this phenomenon has been a favorite topic with Hallmark commenters for quite some time. The more I think about it, such an issue is made of her not having enough clothes that I think Hallmark is indulging in a little self-deprecating inside humor. Well Played.