Sleigh Bells Ring

One of the more enjoyable Christmas films from the Hallmark pantheon. This premise is based on current single mom reunites with former flame in hometown. They must plan and execute holiday festivities for the town including a parade with a SLEIGH. Don't you know one of their more memorable dates was on a sleigh ride! The sleigh disappears and reappears frequently and Santa look-a-like Mr. Winter comes to the rescue more than once. Cute premise, good acting, enjoyable holiday flick!

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

Review Date 11/18/2018 Pauline struggles to get into the holiday spirit while heading up her hometown Christmas parade. With the help of a Christmas sleigh and a handsome woodworker, Pauline is destined to turn her luck around, rekindle her holiday spirit and even find time for love.

This film does everything you want in a "Hallmark Movie" and it does not bore you at all. It makes you feel like love is waiting for you.

First review I guess! This movie was beautiful! I think that these Christmas movies have to deliver a lot of things, plot, good characters, but specially that feeling like when we used to open the presents on Christmas morning. That feeling of magic and happiness. And this movie accomplished it!

The characters were great, the child, fortunately, wasn't annoying. And even though there were a few things that I was like "Really?" I actually enjoyed this movie. This won't go into my favorite Hallmark movies list, but it is definitely worth the watch, while having a hot cocoa in hand and snuggling in the couch.

7.3 stars.

The chemistry between the leads (Laurel and David) is natural and warm with some fun and even a bit of tension. They dated many years ago and it didn't work out, he left town after college etc... Now they are working on putting together the perfect Christmas parade for the Mayor of the town. If it all goes smoothly Laurel is looking at a promotion to City Manager. Her daughter Scarlett is a little sweetheart, a very endearing pre-teen girl. Scarlett has an instant connection with David and has grown fond of him almost like an uncle or even a father figure. It would appear this is mostly due to the chemistry between her mom and him. As Laurel and David embark on refurbishing an old Christmas sleigh, the sparks fly, and then they hit a slump. Many challenges pop up over the weeks leading to the tree lighting, preparing the sleigh, and ushering in a wonderful parade. The whole cast works together to make it a smooth and uneventful Holiday.

The story is ordinary, however the casting and acting are great. The rest is average. I give this film slightly above average ratings because the interactions between the characters was remarkable. I can't justify any higher than 7.3, the x-factor and entertainment value are feeble.

What otherwise might have been a decent but routine plan-an-event type of ROM-COM, warranting a "6" review score, becomes elevated to a "7" because of the lead characters' interplay around their respective, and partially shared, backstories. Tracy and Hepburn its not, but this adds spice to the story. Then the movie rises to become a very memorable "8" by the addition of the most charming Santa look-alike since Edmund Gwenn's portrayal in 1947's "Miracle on 34th Street". The Sleigh, itself, gets an honorable mention in a supporting role. I agree with several other User Reviewers who recommended hanging in there through a slow start and some awkward dialogue early on. I think you'll be glad you did.

I've thought about this film a number of times since I first saw it years ago, and it grows on you with time. That qualifies it to be included as a "Hidden Gem" on my IMDB "Christmas Movie Favorites" list.