The Spirit of Christmas

I try to stay away from the Hallmark/Lifetime movies, but the synopsis had me intrigued. I was so surprised at how well (and non-cheesy) the acting was. I was a little worried at first! But it was such a sweet and heartfelt movie. If you're a cynic it's probably not for you, but if you want a moving and romantic Christmas movie then this is for you!

This is actually the 2nd review I am doing for Christmas movie because I felt them both to be unique & not the typical cookie cutter movie you tend to see this time of year. During the holiday season tons of Christmas movies come out. They are purposely made to be feel good movies They are great to have on while you are putting decorations up - making cookies or anything to assist with that magical time of year. Which is a great thing especially that time of year. However you can only watch X amount of very expected guidelines with predictable repetitive story endings. Sometimes regardless of it being the holidays you want some substance. This offers just that. It is a great storyline that you really have to follow. Don't get me wrong it is still a feel good movie but part of that feel good you get is from when you walk away thinking WOW - that really was a great well thought nurtured storyline with an interesting story told!!! That is just my opinion - I say well worth watching & deciding yourself!!!

This movie is quite enjoyable due to the fact that the story is so delightfully different then most christmas movies. Sure, thereæs the hot girl who can't find the lov of her live, there's the handsome fellow she falls in love with and of course the setting is in a peacefull beautiful inn on the countryside covered in snow but the story itself is now and then even spooky and grim.

I will not blow it by adding spoilers, but if you're in to a christmas movie that is differnet and surprising with good acting of almost all the players, here's the one to watch.

Christmas has always been special to me and my favourite time of year. Main reasons being that it means lots of family time and reliving the nostalgia of singing and listening to carols, watching Christmas films and animations, playing festive games and opening presents. Will never tire of it and nothing will ever change that for the world.

Seing it as someone who wanted to see a different festive film other than the ones watched every year, 'The Spirit of Christmas' is never going to be among my favourites or one of the timeless festive films. It is not great, nor is it flawless. 'The Spirit of Christmas' is though a more than watchable film and avoids some, though not all, of the traps that other Christmas films have fallen into. It is a case of having appeal for some and others finding it a bit of a chore to sit through. For me despite its flaws, 'The Spirit of Christmas' is one of the better new Christmas films seen recently, but nowhere near close to ever.

As to be expected, the story is predictable and although the premise is a reasonably clever one there isn't really an original idea in sight. There are a lot of easily telegraphed scenes here. Some draggy pacing here and there too.

Quite a fair bit of the dialogue does make one cringe and like some festive films it is not without its cheesy moments, and when we say cheesy we are not talking a little sadly.

However, 'The Spirit of Christmas' is a decent looking film, the locations are particularly striking. The music provides some affectionate nostalgia and is pleasant to listen to, while the direction avoids being too routine. Didn't find myself irritated by the characters at least and wasn't bored.

Despite the predictability, 'The Spirit of Christmas' has its heart in the right place, a difficult to dislike atmosphere and has a nice message that is easily relatable and wasn't laid on too thick. There is definitely a festive spirit and there is plenty of warmth and charm here, with enough parts to warm and melt the heart. Never does it feel too juvenile or mean-spirited and the sentimentality generally doesn't become too much. The acting actually comes over very well, with two likeable leads and a supporting cast that show enthusiasm without over-doing it.

Overall, likeable and above average if nothing to be blown away by. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Loved this movie want to see a second part like so many Christmas Movies need to make second one.