Family for Christmas

This is simply a, practically scene by scene, copy of "The Family Man" from 2000. And in that version, it was a MAN that ended up seeing what his life would be like with a family instead of a powerful career. Hallmark has done this with other films and it's pretty standard to swap the genders with the movie they copy.

I think people have been overly harsh to this film, missing the message completely.

I thought this was a different sort of Hallmark film, and all the better for it.

It helps that it boasts Lacey Chabert in the lead, who can make even the sappiest of material palatable.

With some nice messages and moments this kept us entertained.

Lighten up people!

This Hallmark holiday romance downplays the romance and concentrates on the choices we make in life. Lacey Chabert does a good job of portraying Hanna Dunbar, a successful television newswoman who is single. A Christmas miracle allows her to see what her life would be like if she made other choices.

Or is it all a dream? Regardless, Hanna has an opportunity to compare two possible life tracks, and she is changed by that experience. What I like most about the story is that when she is placed in her alternate life, the shock of the experience is not glossed over for comedic effect; she actually does seem concerned and distraught. Hanna is a bright woman with agency who comes to understand that her choices have consequences, and that we sometimes make those choices because they seem to naturally follow from the life path we are on.

5.4 stars.

Barely enough to watch. Chabert is great in this, and while she can carry a movie all by herself, it's not advisable to do so. The male lead (Leitso) had as much personality as a rock. Chabert was funny at times, and the daughters were cute and funny too. The male reporter she was dating was actually more interesting than the male lead (not saying much).

It was a surreal sort of movie throughout, and while it's kinda the point, it's too much so. Problem is that it never became tangible or real, as if the whole story is a nightmare. Neither universe is preferable in my opinion. The female friend/neighbor was interesting, and animated. Santa Claus was lackluster and creepy.

Emphasizing again - Chabert literally carries 95% of this movie. Good thing she is talented.

I wouldn't watch this again. It's one of the least favorites.

The movie begins with Hannah Dunbar (Lacey Chabert) faced with a decision between her career or her sweetheart Ben Matthews (Tyron Leitso). The movie fast forwards 10 years and she is an award winning news reporter. Out of the blue she gets a friend request through social media from Ben. With a chance encounter with Santa he asks her to wish for something that she wants, and then she wakes up she is married to Ben, with two children, a dog and living in the suburbs. It is a delightful movie that has Hannah trying to figure out which life is most important.

Victor J