Christmas Movie Magic

As of this writing, IMDb page for this movie has a Goof saying Holly Deveaux as Ally delivers her lines in an exaggerated and mechanical way. That statement is totally true in her first scene. Within 2 minutes of her character on the screen, I was ready to turn off the movie. She gets a much better after her first scene.

The story is a cub reporter chasing a big story for a promotion. The story involves an iconic movie star with a secret love affair. They overdo the hero worship a bit. The conflict is similar to all the reporter stories, but also a bit different than some.

The leads had chemistry.

The last scene is an extended song and dance routine reminiscent of old time movies like Singing in the Rain which fans of those movies will enjoy.

Considering how many bog-standard Christmas movies get ridiculously high ratings on IMDb, it's astonishing that this refreshingly different, well written and thoroughly engaging film can only muster a 6.

Sure, it's not a masterpiece, with some slightly below par acting in places and the usual missteps that this type of movie tends to have now and again, but its strengths far outweigh its deficiencies. It dares to be bold, reasonably intelligent and thoughtful, and by the end actually has some of the real sparkle which the old Hollywood movies it's referencing had.

Trust me, you can do many far worse things than spend 90 minutes watching this. And, I suspect, you might even enjoy it!!!

Once in a while, Lifetime forgoes its mission to indoctrinate the viewers and remembers how to create entertainment. And comes out with a charming production which is original, entertaining, and rich in meaningful motives. New romance is entwined with enduring love and respect for traditions, in a contest of 50ies nostalgia and a pinch of magic. Would I want to see it with a few changes? Sure, like taming the newspaper director, perhaps unnecessarily harsh and villainous, but all quite minimal. The movie is good, as is. And,.... it does bring a little magic to our Christmas.

I really liked this one! I loved that it revolved around a hometown mystery and a 1950/s musical complete Let's with a dance routine at the end. As a fan of old musicals especially "singin in the rain" I loved the homages. As lifetime/hallmark Christmas movies go this was one of my faves so far this year.

I like it fo For the retro air. For the desire to craft a different Christmas movie in Hallmark style. For venerable actors and for the references to classics ( indeed, a pig in leach is not a leopard ).

But the basic sin remains the forced use of pieces. The twist is far to impress. The search and the reaction to article are not very inspired .

Remains the delicate flavors of old times. And a modest, against its ambitions, Christmas film. The beautiful detail - the confession of Margaret Westdale about the romance of youth. So, the gratitude to Jill Frapier can be one of precious gifts of film. Is it enough ? Maybe.