A Dance in the Snow

I always look forward to a Miracles of Christmas movie (Hallmark Mystery channel). They are usually different from the simple rom/com Christmas movies on the other Hallmark channel, or on competitors' channels. For one thing, MoC movies frequently have at least one, sometimes more, sentimental moment.

This movie was different but it also had some of the same. The same part was that the story was primarily about a couple, actually two couples, preparing a Christmas dance, actually two dances. The usual rom/coms have the couple develop a romantic relationship as they work together for a common goal. A second couple doing the same is not uncommon. What is different is that the story centered around an autistic girl and her single mom which changed the dynamics between characters.

I really can't judge how well this movie did the autistic part. The behavior of the two autistic teens was not what most of us are used to. For one thing, they both spoke their minds without much of the censorship that most of us use to avoid offending others.

Two things threw me off. 1) Daniel learns something important and it takes him two days to pass that along. Sometimes I feel like movie stories ignore what happens off screen. Two whole days go by, and there are interruptions, yet none of the offscreen time during those two days is utilized to have that conversation. Not even a text - "Hey I think there is something you need to know." 2) The other was Jenny's behavior towards her mother at one point, and I will just leave it at that.

The acting seemed good. The dialogue was good including being spiced up a little by the straight talking of Jenny and Will. The pacing was good. And there is at least one sentimental moment.

I wanted to try and watch this movie, but anything with Erica Cerra, it's like watching fingernails screeching down a chalkboard. She seriously needs to STOP THE VOCAL FRY. The purposely straining and screeching of her voice is so unnecessary! It's not cute, it's not sexy, it's freaking annoying, and so distracting from the movie. Someone please tell her to STOP DOING THAT! You can't even understand what she is saying because she is straining her voice so much, it sounds like a cat in heat going for it's next victim. Then it makes it difficult to follow the movie. I have to use the captions to even understand what she's saying.

7.6 stars.

Here is another one of those parent-with-a-child-on-the-spectrum Hallmark films. In this case, the mother is a successful woman that helps people with autism, whose daughter is in high school and is trying to fit in. Daughter in on the spectrum, the fringe, but is awkward and has anxiety issues as a result.

Daughter has a favorite teacher. He teaches English and literature at the school. Of course, he is her hero, and eventually helps the mom and the daughter as they navigate through their pitfalls. He's a great guy, and handsome too.

All in all, I enjoyed this movie, I really like the chemistry between the leads. The daughter is a good actress and she does great portraying a teenage girl with extra issues.

All around a decent movie. Entertainment, quality, endearment, and romance, all slightly above average. I recommend this one.

This was a special movie with very heartwarming characters. This year and last year, Hallmark had a movie featuring an autistic child, and I think this one was portrayed very accurately. I am not sure the two children are neurodivergent in real life; if not, they did an excellent job and were extremely believable.

Erica Cerra is also very believable and adds a lot of heart to her character and lines. To the comment about vocal fry: first, this is NOT what vocal fry is or even sounds like... Second, some people just have naturally more hoarse-sounding voices.

Great movie! A winner for this 2024 lineup.

Vanessa and Dorian did an amazing job. They are both very exceptional actors. I hope to see them in more Hallmark movies. I have family members with autism so this one hit home. It doesn't matter the age, all should know how important it is to be aware of those with sensitivity to certain, touch, sounds taste, or visually. Those that are not autistic but have vertigo or other health conditions, people need to be considerate of them, and movies similar to this one need to be seen. I hope to see more like this. Thank you Hallmark for a wonderful movie! Keep the momentum going for future ones. Can't wait to see what else will come.