Christmas at Pemberley Manor

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.

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.

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!

As far as Hallmark Christmas movies go, this was one of the worst ones I've seen yet from them. (A Princess for Christmas 2011 still takes the prize.) This movie had so much hype, being the first of the new "Countdown to Christmas" season. As someone raised on the 1995 Pride & Prejudice (Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle), drooling over the grounds of Pemberley and the Pemberley mansion, when the camera showed this new "Pemberley Manor" it was as if someone tricked me with a poop flavored jelly bean. I was expecting something yummy, but was left betrayed and disappointed. The discouraging mirage continued. This movie lacked any chemistry. I like Michael Rady, and Jessica Lowndes is still growing on me, but together, they were unconvincing and awkward. Michael Rady should have talked to Colin Firth about how to be "Mr. Darcy."

Overall, there was nothing Pride & Prejudice or Pemberley about this movie, it lacked chemistry, and was stupidly predictable.