Christmas Connection

Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late last year through to early this year, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all.

'Christmas Connection' as far as Hallmark's Christmas films go fares quite well and is definitely worth watching and remembering. It is not flawless or a classic, but have come overtime to not expect any of those things watching a Hallmark Christmas film and have always tried to not judge them too seriously. As far as Hallmark's 2017 Christmas output goes, 'Christmas Connection' is among the better ones of a variable in quality batch.

It is a bit slow to begin with, the set up taking a little too long.

Some of the dialogue early on is pretty ropey too, the cheese really stinking up the room and the pacing is very draggy. The music could have been toned down too tonally and in placement, too constant and too loud.

However, it is worth sticking with 'Christmas Connection' if in any initial doubt as to me it did get a lot better. The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments. The dialogue is not great to begin with but improves when the plot properly kicks in, not being too sweet and it flows at least.

Furthermore, the story is light-hearted and really warms the heart without going into over-saccharine territory despite being familiar territory in tropes and thematically. The characters were on the most part ones easy to get behind and carry the film well. The acting is well above average, with the two leads being very endearing and having a very natural chemistry together. Sophie Neudorf is a likeable presence too.

Concluding, worthwhile and worth remembering if not quite a must watch. 7/10

Beautifully written & acted drama from the Christmas Romance genre with perfectly cast leads - Brooke Burns is a real delight as the warm-hearted flight attendant who is unexpectedly involved with a father and his young daughter over the yuletide.

Superb dialogue and a wonderful touching moment towards the end brought a tear to my eye...and I'm not one for schmaltz at all.

The subplot re her parents fledgling romance many moons ago is a delightful and ingenious touch.

Similar themes & plot (ish) as The Christmas Getaway but both work very well on their own merits...I recommend both as they hit the spot where many of these movie miss by a long shot.

My two favourites so far this year - Christmas 2018.

Granted, the plot was weak, but it did provide the lead characters a chance to interact, throw in a cute young daughter, well you have what Hallmark strives for.

This movie has a story within a story. A reporter, Jonathan, and a flight attendant, Sydney, grow into a relationship while tracking down the story of her parents' meeting on Christmas day. The parents' story is enough of a mini-mystery to give a little suspense while the daughter and the reporter spend a lot of quality time together.

The reporter's daughter, Leah, adds a nice touch as she and Sydney develops affection for each other as well.

This is pretty good casting for Brooke Burns. Sophie Neudorf does a good job as Leah without going overboard in the cute department.

Let's face it, by the time December 23rd rolls around the average Hallmark viewer can repeat dialogue from a number of it's Christmas movies. We can guess the movie by the first couple movie frames. The decision is whether to watch or switch to some Christmas cookie competition on the food channel. I always decide to watch The Christmas Connection. Brooke Burns is believable as a flight attendant down to her smooth side bun and bright red lipstick. And then there's Tom Everett Scott and his easy going delivery. Great chemistry-decent double plot. And there's no prince in sight. It's repeat worthy!