Christmas at Pemberley Manor

Which makes sense as their was not a line of believable dialogue. I mean, it's a Hallmark Christmas movie - it's got it's own genre almost. This was more boring & formulaic than most. Can there ever be one of these WITHOUT a holiday festival/fair/ball? It's been done to death. Hallmark writers, gotta change things up!

I applaud Jessica Loundes for trying to step out of her type casting. Unfortunately this one didn't land well. I'd like to see her take her craft more seriously by getting a voice and diction coach to help her develop the power of tone and cadence. As another said, the valley girl voice was an issue. It tended to quickly pull me out of what could've been an endearing character. However, that was only one issue. Her character was a little too Mary Sue as well. She doesn't really grow as she doesn't see her hypocrisy and projection when she yells at Darcy for his behavior but plays the martyr when it comes to her own boss. More than once I sort of wondered if she wrote the script for herself. Just a vibe even if not true. Honestly I was a bit disappointed as Rick Garman usually writes very well. He's got a long list of films that I just adore. Perhaps what he wrote really was fine and her portrayal just didn't fit well?

She wasn't terrible but I think she could've done better and perhaps she was miscast without more work.

I like Michael Rady as usual. I think he did well in playing a quieter version of his roles, the careful and distant business man who is slowly drawn out of his seclusion. His portrayal of his growing attraction to Elizabeth helped make her a bit more likable. But that chemistry was still lacking between the two. He wasn't perfect but still more enjoyable and believable.

I'll admit it's all grown on me a bit but often I'll skip the less palatable parts upon rewatching.

I loved the supporting cast. The dialogue could've used a bit more work.

Not a total bomb. Good enough but I'll always wish for somethings to be different.

Oh dear, Jessica Lowndes, never heard of her or seen her before, but her acting skills are clearly overshadowed by obvious 'work' she's had done to her face, which is hard to look away from. Does anyone really have such feline eyes naturally ? and why do Hallmark make their lead actresses wear such awful long curl extensions ? they're a bit last season here in the UK.

Cant complain about Michael Rady, an understated actor if ever there was one. The storyline was ok, but I think its the second one with the D'Arcy /Bennet theme - the last one involved dog shows I believe.

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 8/18/2018

As Christmas approaches, Elizabeth Bennett (Lowndes), a New York event planner, is sent to a quaint, small town to organize their holiday festival. When she arrives, she finds William Darcy (Rady), a high-profile billionaire lacking in holiday spirit, in the process of selling the charming estate she hoped to use as a venue. Determined to make her event a success, Elizabeth persuades the reluctant Darcy to let her hold the festival on the historical estate once known for its holiday cheer.

Not great but worth watching!

This is not coming from somebody that hates Christmas or has a bias against Hallmark. They did make quite a number of average and less films, but also quite a number of above average and more ones. Hallmark Christmas films do have a tendency more often than not to be very predictable, cliched, very cheesy, too schmaltzy and over-scored. There have been many times where they have also been very cute, warm hearted, heartfelt, charming and appealingly acted.

As much as there was the genuine want of 'Christmas at Pemberley Manor' to be in the latter category, it sadly didn't do much for me. Which does sadden me a good deal, because clearly very formulaic the premise did sound charming. It has good points and is a long way from being one of Hallmark's worst, but sadly 'Christmas at Pemberley Manor' has nearly all the negative qualities mentioned above and came over as mediocre.

'Christmas at Pemberley Manor' is not a complete humbug. It is graced by an immensely likeable Michael Rady, who doesn't make his character too perfect or overplay his weaknesses. As well as a scene stealing Elaine Hendrix who was clearly enjoying herself (despite playing one of the most cliched types of characters in the book of cliches).

It looks pretty good, especially the manor. Which looks beautiful and is like a character of its own (exteriors and interiors). The photography is never too drab or over-saturated. There is a nice festive atmosphere at times.

Jessica Lowndes however didn't cut it for me sadly in the female lead role. The performance just felt rather affected and also lacking in expression, plus her character is dull and never goes beyond a typical Hallmark cliche that doesn't really grow all that much. She and Rady have very little chemistry together, what little there is doesn't charm or sparkle at all and the relationship itself lacks development. Didn't really buy their love and there is not much conflict or anything that leads to it, so it felt like it came out of the blue. The supporting cast try but can't do much with very sketchy typical roles, nobody is annoying but nobody is interesting enough.

When it comes to the dialogue, it is very awkward in flow and there is no heart to it. Both the cheese and sentiment go overboard, and because of disliking the characters so much there was nothing in 'Christmas at Pemberley Manor' to connect with emotionally. The story is not much of one at all for most of the length, much of the first portion is endless and pointless filler and what there is of the story is very dull, excessively predictable and at times silly. The too neat and contrived ending can be seen from miles off. The direction is routine on the whole and will agree that the music is overbearing.

Overall, lacklustre but not terrible. 4/10