As has been said quite a few times, Hallmark's Christmas output is very hit and miss. Some though are above average level, and there are some surprisingly enjoyable ones amongst the average and less films that there is in a good deal of in their output. Have been on a roll for the past couple of years watching and reviewing as many Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas films every now and again and it has been interesting despite the quality being uneven.
'Magic Stocking' for me is in the middle/in between category when it comes to Hallmark's Christmas films overall and one of the middle/in between Christmas efforts of theirs from 2015. Really appreciated that it tried to do something different with the female lead and its more serious subject matter, but other Hallmark Christmas films with serious and deep subjects have done this a lot better where characters and situations were easier to root for.
There is a lot that is done really well in 'Magic Stocking'. It is very professionally filmed and the locations are simply beautiful. While a bit mixed on the music (a common flaw for Hallmark), it didn't feel as overused or over-scored as other Hallmark films. The acting is well done on the whole, with a brave and poignant performance from Bridget Regan and Imogen Tear is very charming and likeable (one of the better younger performers of all the recently seen Hallmark films, this is an aspect they have always varied in).
Iris Quinn steals every scene she's in and gives the film a lot of energy, liked her chemistry with Fred Henderson. The script is well intentioned and honest, not sounding awkward or corny at all. The story is not perfect (neither is the script) but the conflict does have tension, it was touching and it did warm the heart when it let itself go. Regan and Victor Webster do have an appealing chemistry when the relationship starts to develop which it does at a realistic rate. Did like that everything with the magic was not over-emphasised or take over too much of the story, while not being neglected.
However, can see where people are coming from regarding Regan's character and the story's tone. Despite it being a very serious and relatable situation, 'Magic Stocking' did in my view go overboard with the grief suffering. It actually is realistic for people to get worked up when grieving over small things or struggling to come to terms with a trauma, especially if one has mental health problems or is autistic. It does though here get a little too disproportionate and made the film get too morose and over-serious at times, and with her being like that for a lot of the film's length it was not hard to feel depressed. A far cry from the light-hearted fare typically associated tonally with Hallmark.
While not intrusive, there are times where the music did spell out the emotions a little too much. The script could have benefitted from a lighter touch and the story is at times on the slow and sentimental side. Webster has sympathetic moments, especially later on, and his chemistry with Regan later is lovely, but his character doesn't have the biggest of personalities to begin with which made him come over as bland.
All in all, not great but above average. 6/10.
