Christmas Sail

I really enjoyed this Christmas movie. It is, what I call, a classic Hallmark Christmas movie: a warm and engaging romance with a good script; quality acting and performances; and plenty of Christmas spirit and festive cheer. Hands down, one of my favorites thus far this season (though we are only two weeks in). The storyline revolves around Liz (played by Katee Sackhoff). After receiving news that her father, Dennis (played by Terry O'Quinn), injured himself saving a child from a falling Christmas tree, Liz and her daughter Hannah (played by Emma Oliver) head home to Portside for Christmas after many years away. On their arrival at the docks, they are greeted by Liz's old friend Luke (played by Patrick Sabongui), who points out that their family sailboat has not been sold after all. As they clean and decorate the sailboat for Portside's upcoming Christmas Boat Parade, the two pick up where they left off. And so our story (and romance) begins. The story touches on the issue of dealing with loss and grief during the holidays (via the character Dennis, the father), and how dealing with such loss can impact others (how Dennis's grief has impacted Liz, especially during Christmas). The plot, of course, was predictable. That said, the script was well-written. In particular, the dialogue between Liz and her daughter, Liz and her father, and Liz and Luke pulled me in; it engaged me. There were several touching scenes. For example, I shed a few tears during the heart-to-heart between Liz and her father towards the end of the movie. Overall, the writer did a good job in many scenes capturing something that felt authentic, moments that pulled you in as a viewer. This was all made possible, of course, by some quality acting. Fans of sci-fi will be happy (or surprised) to see Sackhoff in this one. She did not disappoint. She had a very convincing performance. In addition to her scenes with her father, she had some great mother-daughter dynamics going on with Oliver. The chemistry between her and Sabongui was excellent, with a very romantic dance scene towards the end, to boot. The supporting cast too had a superb performance. Oliver's performance was adorable. O'Quinn too had some lovely scenes with both Sackoff and Oliver. Finally, there was plenty of Christmas cheer in this one. The scenery and sets in Portside were very festive, along with some beautiful scenery of the harbor. The Christmas Boat Parade at the end was also a nice touch, a very good ending, I felt. All in all, it is an entertaining Christmas movie, providing some holiday warmth, Christmas spirit, and festive cheer this 2021 Christmas season. Fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy.

Emma Oliver and Terry O'Quinn. They are the pillars of this real nice film about lost, old love story becoming a new one, a boat and Christmas. And, sure, a contest.

Not remarkable but charming crafted, explaining the loneliness after deuil period, the motherhood in energetic style, the friendship and the kicks to risk for help the loved one.

So, a sort of different Hallmark. And the same destination with few ways little different.

The good point - gentle, maybe superficial but not in bad sense, of delicate realities from every day, from many lives. And this recipes , sensitive, touching, with few drops of wisdom just works. This is the virtue of this clever portrait of a grandfather and his grandaughter colaboration.

I thought this was one of the better Countdown to Christmas movies in recent years. The acting all around is good, including the scene-stealing kid. The plot was okay (not sure they really needed the sailing prize aspect of it; in fact story would have been better without it). One of these days Hallmark will let its characters do a full kiss instead of one of those where they plaster their lips together and try not to move. But an entertaining watch with a real emotional scene at the end. Well worth the effort.

I have to disagree with the low star ratings from other reviews.... I found the story a delightful change from the "traditional" winter wonderland holiday romance movies. Thank you Hallmark for going a different direction with this movie! I did not find that there were any real issues with the lead, it is more a case of you either like Katee or you don't...so thinking the lower reviews simply don't care for the lead. I like to think I am a bit more open minded and can actually rate a movie on the entire film and cast and not on one actor! I am neither a fan or not of Katee but I enjoyed her in this movie. There should be nervous laughter, the two characters that are rekindling their childhood romance are nervous and unsure, it should be expected, it certainly would be in real life... Was the result expected, of course... it's a Hallmark and that is the way we want our Hallmark movies to end. But, the unexpected part, and you all know who watched this know what I am talking about, well that did make me cry and it was beautiful.... so after the horrible year the world has been through in 2020 and now 2021 it is an absolutely joy to be seeing a NEW Hallmark Christmas movie and I for one found it a delight!

Christmas On The Lake (2021) -

I really liked the leading man Luke, played by Patrick Sabongui. I felt he was a nice character that I wanted to succeed in love, which made this film easy to watch.

But Terry O'Quinn was outstanding in his role of the disillusioned widower, Dennis. I liked how he slowly melted and came around because of his interactions with his Granddaughter and I liked his vulnerability, because I could really feel his sadness. The whole thing actually got me quite emotional if I'm honest and mostly thanks to Terry.

I really bought the relationship between the two leads and I wanted them to get together.

And I was glad that they didn't make up some crap argument for them to fall out over and just played it simple, with practicalities getting in the way of things instead of some ridiculous misunderstanding or overheard comment.

It had lots of seasonal fun and a different take on the usual themes, with a pleasant romance and heart that has sometimes been missing.

6/10.