Angels and Ornaments

This Christmas TV movie does not stink (most do, some really badly). It was a story that I'd never seen before, and the characters had a believability despite the fact that this was a fantasy. Of the characters' performances, Harold, the angel was great, showing really good intensity and real feeling (not your typical angelic performance). In a nice twist he, as an angel, wasn't some know-it-all. Dave, the store owner, was game, sincere, and believable -- but not a total standout performance -- I suspect that he was constrained by some of the dialog. However Corrine was the most typical Hallmark heroine -- ie., a weak characterization. As other folks indicated, stating this was based in New York was silly -- a two-story store and a front-door of Corrine's home with a large-ish front yard and tiny stoop are so not NYC. Maybe the authors were too constrained by story length to make it Providence RI, Buffalo NY, Harrisburg PA -- so they said New York to mean some generic big city with cold winters. I also hated the "one-year-later" scene. This seems like a prerequisite for these Hallmark Christmas movies. Haven't they ever heard of "and they lived happily ever after"?

Harold is out to get his wings, but first he must help a heartbroken woman see what is right in front of her. He must match her with her childhood friend before Christmas Day.

So the "angel" is Harold the "ornament" is a family heirloom that her grandfather gave to her grandmother when they met. As she places the ornament on her tree, ding-dong the woman's doorbell rings and she finds carolers dresses exactly like the ornament. Coincidence?

The movie that follows is delightfully funny and charming.

Worth a view.

2014 was a bit hit and miss when it came to Hallmark Christmas films, and perhaps even Hallmark in general. While there were good ones such as 'A Royal Christmas' and 'Christmas Under Wraps', there were also misfires like 'One Starry Christmas' and especially 'A Cookie Cutter Christmas'. There has never been any bias against Hallmark, far from it. Have actually been impressed by a good deal of their work, though a lot of it is average or less especially in the past few years even when judging them for as they are intended to be.

A very strong contender for the best of the 2014 Hallmark Christmas films is 'Angels and Ornaments'. Was not expecting a massive amount, and it delivers a lot better than expected. While not masterpiece level or perfect, there is a lot that works absolutely beautifully and it is very highly successful when taking the film for what it is. Not only is 'Angels and Ornaments' to me the best of Hallmark's 2014 Christmas films it is also perhaps among their best ever work, with it being one of their not many very good ones.

It's not a perfect film. Dave is a rather dull and one-dimensional character and Graham Abbey doesn't have an awful lot of spark playing too.

Did think too that the ending was too easily telegraphed and too tidy.

However, as said a lot of things work absolutely beautifully. 'Angels and Ornaments' pleases visually, lovely festive locations attractively and never drably or garishly shot. The music isn't as intrusive as it tends to be with Hallmark while the direction gets the job done well. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow when it becomes more settled. The story is not too heavy while taking itself seriously and is both warm-hearted and has a light touch when necessary.

On the whole as well it isn't too predictable, there are elements that are different than the usual Hallmark Christmas film and they are elements that feature a lot but not rammed down the throat. On the most part, the characters are worth caring about. Jessalyn Gilsig is a charming female lead but do agree about Sergio Di Zio giving the best performance and making the film. He did start off a little too intense at first, but softens quite quickly and brings understated sincerity to an entertaining and wise character without any signs of being on autopilot.

Concluding, very well done. 8/10.

This was a real "10" for a Christmastime movie. They may all arrive at the same predictable place in the end, but the journeys vary. This was a sweet journey. The plot was a bit intriguing and the casting was very well done, in my opinion. Of course, it may have gotten a little "soupy" in the end, but it's a Christmastime movie and I loved it. Probably my favorite for this season. I always make sure to check out every new Hallmark Christmas movie or Lifetime or where ever I find them. 2014's were, overall, pretty darn good. If you like the them, be sure to see this one. I actually watched it twice! Good story too! Christmas Under Wraps was good too.

I absolutely loved the way it was done! Very powerful story of Christmas, love, and hope!!mi really would like to buy it ASAP! The actor that portrays H is amazing!! I cried more with his acting abilities than I have seen in a very long time! I highly recommend this movie not only to watch but a great addition to my home video collection! The whole plot is wonderful and you honestly feel like you are suffering right along with H. They are perfect together and he sees that and in the end they finally figure everything out after her ex tries to come back!! I love, love, love this movie!! Please inform us as to when it will be available for purchase!