Christmas Bells Are Ringing

I give this an eight out of ten for these reasons. Although not a single frame is filmed in Cape Cod there is an effort to mimic the town. The lighthouse is a nice touch but again not found in Massachusetts. The acting is a little better than usual and Emilie plays a convincing part but someone should have taught her how to handle the Cannon camera she uses in the movie. So to be fair, this is a Hallmark movie, put together in a few weeks and the production company has but one thing in mind... make a movie on a shoestring budget that will bring a bit of "holly jolly" to the viewer. Because it's a Hallmark movie it is exactly what I expected, a little romance, a little holiday spirit, with a lot of boy gets girl in the end!

This is the same plot as umpteen other Hallmark sentimental movies. As soon as you meet the two love interests and hear about their personal plans you know exactly what will happen which means that you only need to see the first ten minutes.

And for the love of Pete, get a new hair stylist for the woman. Every single woman in every single Hallmark movie has an identical hair style except women of color - but Hallmark is woefully lacking in using anything but Caucasians in their drivel.

And while on a hiring kick, get a new technical adviser for any of the myriad of fake photographer plot lines and have them teach the character how to hold a camera correctly!

Was not expecting to like 'Christmas Bells are Ringing' this much. While certainly not having any bias against Hallmark Christmas output (far from the truth and have always made that clear) and a fair share of them have fallen into the better than expected category, their output has always been very formulaic and can be very cheesy and schmaltzy and the characters and acting have always varied. 2018 was a hit and miss year for Hallmark's Christmas output.

'Christmas Bells are Ringing' was for me one of the surprising hits and easily one of the best of their 2018 batch of Christmas films. As well as actually their Christmas films in general. As far as their overall films for any occasion or genre goes, 'Christmas Bells are Ringing' is somewhere in the top end in my view. This opinion is from judging the film on its own terms without comparing it to anything else, so am not saying (never have, never will do) that it is on par with something else that has gotten the same rating that will make some scoff.

Sure, the structure of the film and what happens is very familiar territory for Hallmark so there is a seen it all before vibe throughout. Did find the ending a bit too rushed and too tidy, as well as easily telegraphed.

A lot of the dialogue early on is heavy on the cheese and corn factors and doesn't flow very naturally, so there were moments where there was admittedly some cringing into my seat.

However, 'Christmas Bells are Ringing' at least looks nice and professional. Although the authenticity of the locations can be, and has been, questioned, the scenery still looks lovely and appropriately festive, complemented very nicely by the photography. The soundtrack is nostalgic and isn't as intrusive in tone or placement as most other Hallmark Christmas films, as that has been a common criticism from me and quite a number of others. The direction is accomodating while not going through the motions.

The dialogue is less than great early on but if one sticks with the film it does improve, it is tighter and less stilted and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Emilie Ullerup and Josh Kelly are very appealing leads, they look comfortable and don't overdo any habitual mannerisms. Their chemistry came over as genuine, took time to unfold and didn't come over as contrived. The supporting cast also do very well.

In conclusion, surprisingly very well done. 8/10

Living here in the UK, the geography of the film wasn't a concern, but the story line and acting was far better than a lot of Hallmark's output. The lead players admittedly had little chemistry, but Emilie Ullerup is pleasant to watch and her acting is far superior to most of those in Hallmark's stable.

I would say - again from the point of view of someone in England, but is Deck The Halls the only carol ever sung in the States ? because according to Hallmark its the only one ever played in their films; with the odd O Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night thrown in.

We enjoyed the movie very much. I do understand filming is difficult but BC does not substitute for Cape Cod. Different vibe all together.