A Joyous Christmas

It is like a small, crooked tree. It has nothing special among Hallmark Christmas films but it is different. And you love it. For many reasons, many out of words, few very simple. First, for the rehabilitation of Christmas as a happy , in profound sense , of family, in many aspects. Second- for the beautiful acting of Bonnie Bedelia. Three- for the fine job of Michael Rady. Not the last - for the nice perspective about motivational literature. It is real different and you feel that. Not better, not special, not great or out of the too familiar recipe. But a seductive crooked tree. And it is enough to see it not only once .

I absolutely loved this movie. Natalie Knepp plays Rachel Kennedy a motivational speaker who returns to her home of Fall Oaks, Massachusetts for an event near Christmas. The bad guy manager was played very well by Steve Bacic. The good guy producer Jack is played by Michael Rady. He starred in Christmas in Homestead (2016) which I have not seen, but probably will after seeing him here. The scene where Rachel and Jack first meet is great as he is asking her whether he should get the Santa or Snowman tie. The last main character is Joy who is the reason the movie is named a Joyous Christmas (very well done).

The movie to its success focuses on Rachel. Natalie Knepp seemed so familiar to me, but I haven't seen her in other roles. Seems like this is her biggest role and she was superb. I did see she was in Loving Leah 8 years ago as "the female guard" (very small part). I will go out of my way to see her again. This movie came close to getting a perfect 10 from me. The story has a little surprise between Jack and Joy, which was good. My criticism is the revealing could have been done better maybe involving Rachel a little more.

I am happy to watch it again. The scenes and dynamic between Rachel and Jack are good. We have some singing by Jack and piano playing by Joy.

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.

'A Joyous Christmas' is neither one of the best or worst Hallmark Christmas films. It's another one that is firmly in the middle, with not a lot that is done wrong other than some major story issues but with little that is wow-worthy or extraordinary. 'A Joyous Christmas' is one of those type of films where everything is present and correct and with a lot done right, but also one of those type of films that could have done with more spark and with more joy. If asked whether it's recommended, my personal answer would be yes with a small y.

Will get the not so good out of the way. The story is pleasant enough, but there are times where it does try to include too much and some of it is underdeveloped and on the bland side. Some things happen too quickly and too conveniently, in a credibility straining way which does make for some convoluted parts. There is not much that is unique, with the film playing it too safe.

Rachel was neither interesting or endearing, with not enough character growth. Her indecisiveness is frustrating and Natalie Knepp didn't always seem at ease.

However, a lot is done well. Joy is much easier to empathise with and grows as a character. Bonnie Bedelia plays her very movingly. The best performance comes from Michael Rady, understated while never looking bored and very charming and very sympathetic. The chemistry between him and Bedelia is very genuine and not sugary sweet. 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.

Dialogue isn't stilted and doesn't go too heavy on the cheese or schmaltz. While the story was problematic, it was not a disaster by any stretch. Is light-hearted and really warms the heart without going into over-saccharine territory despite being familiar territory in tropes and thematically. Most of the characters are fine, apart from Rachel's indecisiveness.

On the whole, nice enough but didn't wow me. 6/10.

Review Date 7/1/2018

Kicking off my 2018 Holiday movie watch begins with this film

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 Christmas MOVIES. On all Christmas movies BEWARE OF FAKE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. Many reviewers have only have ONE REVIEW. When it's a POSITIVE REVIEW chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. If its a negative review then they may have a huge grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

In this film A successful motivational speaker learns the true meaning of Christmas when a stranger rescues her from a near-fatal accident. Upon her rescue she stumbles upon this woman fight to save a community center. As the movie moves along these women lives become entangled with one another and they become each others support.

Thie film is not great but it has it some great moments.

The one thing I didn't like about the movie was Joy. She had NO joy, was sour-faced throughout the whole movie. She never smiled!

Yes, she had sadness in her past, but when a miracle happened in her life, she had the same expression. She did not believe that you must love yourself before you are able to give love to others. Not a selfish "Me Only" kind of love of oneself, but an acceptance.

She was always giving her time and energies to others because she carried so much guilt. Yet there was no progression in her character at all. It could have been a better movie with different casting or different directing, not sure which was the problem.