Jingle Bell Run

Here Hallmark has made a Christmas movie with a reality show theme as contestants vie for a million dollar prize while engaging in a race across the country. Does it work ?

Yes, because Williams and Walker are such engaging performers, so they are able to carry this off. Plus, there is some comedy and sentimentality that is quite good.

The supporting cast does well, too, particularly Teana-Marie Smith as Shirley. So, basically, this works well and is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. It's not one of Hallmark's best but it is satisfying and it will not make you feel like you wasted your time. It's worth it.

Directed by Lucie Guest and penned by Tom McCurrie and Stephanie Sourapas, "Jingle Bell Run" is a holiday film that combines the spirit of Christmas with the thrill of competition.

The premise of "Jingle Bell Run" is engaging, as it mirrors the structure of popular reality shows like "The Amazing Race." Contestants are pitted against each other in a variety of Christmas-themed tasks that test their teamwork, creativity, and holiday spirit. Williams was good as the dedicated teacher, bringing warmth to her role, while Walker's portrayal of the competitive athlete adds a layer of charm. Their chemistry is questionable, making their journey sometimes feeling fake...

The film's cinematography captures the festive spirit well enough, with vibrant holiday decorations and picturesque winter landscapes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy. The pacing is brisk, keeping audiences engaged as the characters navigate through various challenges.

While "Jingle Bell Run" follows a familiar formula, it does so with a refreshing twist that emphasizes the importance of community, friendship, and the true meaning of the holiday season.

Whether you're a fan of reality shows or simply looking for a lighthearted Christmas film, "Jingle Bell Run" could bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

I'm a big fan of both actors but, unfortunately, this one was a bit of a miss for me. The storyline was not exciting, despite the Christmas race plot and for me the chemistry was just not there. I mean no disrespect to either of them, but they were both too old for the script. Andrew Walker's character was supposed to be in his early 30's just retiring from a hockey career? That just doesn't compute. It's no fault of the actors, but of Hallmark casting. I hope that they find a more suitable storyline next year for two of their best! They deserve a script that serves their considerable talents!

Andrew Walker and Ashley Williams are two standards of Hallmark Christmas movies for more than a decade. Walker's first was in 2012, and Williams in 2011, and they've both appeared in MANY of these Christmas movies over the years.

The only issue I have with Ashley is that she tends to smile ALL the time, even in some situations where a smile isn't called for. However, that's a small gripe, because she does always bring a lot of life to her roles. (And why is it I always initially confuse her with Kimberly Sustad LOL).

The movie starts out with a bit of a silly episode to extablish an antithetical romance, then they wind up teamed--without their choice--in the Amazing Race style contest. The antithetical element quickly disappears after that.

The movie spent plenty of time in relationship building, making their growing regard for each other believable, and as Amazing Race fans, we enjoyed that element of the plot.

Recommended.

This is one of my favorite movies now. I enjoyed every moment of it. Jingle Bell Run is comical and awesome. And has an amazing cast. Ashley and Andrew have great chemistry, and make a awesome team. I like how Wes and Avery. Became close! And form a unbreakable bond. Also! I was so happy to see Brad in this movie. He is an amazing actor. Hallmark is making some great Christmas movies this year. Keep up the great work! Seeing Avery and Wes. Going across the world was epic. It was a adventure of a lifetime. This movie deserves nothing but positive reviews. Instead of hate! Hallmark rocks. Always!