Perfect Strangers

I was not going to bother writing a review of this film until I saw all the 10 star reviews from people who obviously did not see this film. The giveaway was when they wrote things like "touching", "heartwarming" and "hysterically funny". Those are catch phrases one might use when reviewing a Christmas Romantic Comedy. However, this film is not funny or romantic, and with the exception of the female lead telling everybody it's Christmas (yay), it could very well be arbor day.

There is ZERO chemistry going on between the two leads. There is very little connection between anybody in this film. There are some weird things like the left/right business that turned out to be nothing. There is just a coating of slush on the ground, yet the last train couldn't get through. People (yes I'm saying it too) who claim to be freezing, yet don't button up their coats. A plow that's stuck in the garage because they can't get it out because of the coating of slush blocking the door.

Then, as a twist, nothing happens.

All that snow, yet none falls on their heads. No 'breath' coming out their mouths? Couldn't suspend my reality for all the cheesy one liners.

This movie is what Christmas is about and my favorite Christmas film the acting is top rate by all, now for the negative part the ending I could scream at the director why did you end it that way I watch it every Christmas in the hope for a miracle and the end would change or that there would be another movie that carries the story on I can't believe some of the poor reviews are you watching the same movie as me or all those other unbelievable Christmas movies with no heart that leave you cold, the two stars have so much chemistry between them and so believable and beautiful to watch o well perhaps next Christmas.

Besides some excellent acting and cinematography, the storyline and non intrusive soundtrack made this the best Christmas movie of the season for my spouse and I. I happened to catch the beginning on Christmas when heading to bed but was glad to stay up until the end. Generally, I tend to watch films once but this was an exception. I watched on Boxing Day with my spouse which was a treat. My wife being Scottish felt the cast played their parts well besides relating to the backdrop of the north of Scotland where we bide. The bittersweet aspect of the film made the production memorable and thought the pace was right for a movie filmed in the Highlands. "Local Hero" has nothing on this production and purchasing the film is well worth the cost of a DVD or a watch online.

This is delightfully filmed in snowy highland Scottish scenery and locations. The characterisation is great. The story is enjoyable. It is not entirely clear why it gets such poor reviews. Perhaps accents are a factor. Another reason that might be off-putting is that at times it is a bit over-schmalzy. However - ignoring the schmalz - I personally thought this was a great film. When compared to the highly standardized storylines behind many Hallmark movies etc this is far better scripted and acted. I suppose at the end of the day it comes down to personal taste. This was definitely to my taste and is unreservedly recommended.