'Tis the Season to be Merry

I can never understand people being surprised by a Hallmark production. Yes, it's completely unbelievable and at times you feel in need of a bucket because the dialogue is so sickly sweet, but at it's core it's what a lot of people love / need, especially at Christmas. This movie might not be their best, but it made me feel good.

I loved the movie!!

The chemistry between Merry and Adam was spot on! (And the kisses between them did not disappoint!)

I enjoyed the friendship between Merry and Darlene, and the brother sister relationship between Darlene and Adam was very believable! This movie put good attention to detail and I noticed! From the looks the characters gave to each other, to their interactions, to the effortless and organic humor!

It just looses a star because I didn't care about the coupling of Joe and Sonia. Those parts were kinda boring.

Everything else was great! Hallmark, please pair Rachael and Travis again!

Well, the movie was fair; your typical made-for-tv Christmas movie. But what made me submit this was IMDB's own description, where it says Merry "finds a new perspective and Christmas cheer with charismatic aid worker Chris." Who is Chris? There's no Chris in this movie. Obviously, they mean Adam, the male lead opposite Merry.

As a Clemson Football fan, I loved the nod to Clemson with the orange and purple decorated Christmas tree, along with Joe and Sonia, the two characters with ties to Clemson. I found Rachael Leigh Cook to be really charming as Merry, and this is my favorite movie I have ever seen her in. I specifically liked her supportive friendship with Darlene and the comical moments between her and Adam. All around this is a fun holliday movie.

I can't say I've ever loved the premise of a relationship expert writer who loses or doesn't have a boyfriend/fiancé. Throw in that she is an "influencer" on social media. The truth comes out a little earlier than usual and then things get interesting. Sure, overall, it's predictable, but this kind of ending is what the viewers want. The way it gets there is kind of different.

There is some good dialogue, especially when Rachael Leigh Cook is involved. Cook and Travis Van Winkle have great interplay and chemistry.

There is at least one other romance going, but Cook and Van Winkle dominate most of the story.