Caro Babbo Natale...

From the beginning of this movie I knew it was different than the usual Hallmark movie. The story line lends itself to Hallmark but there is just something about the way it was written and directed that draws you in. I'm not an expert on movie making but it is so well made and acted it stands apart from the others. It was a wonderful story and the connection between Jake and Celia was immediate. Lilly was precocious and delightful and so enjoyable to watch. Jake's agent was hysterical and poor Randy was clueless. This is easily one of my favorites. We need to see this cast again on Hallmark.

I am not admirer of Hallmark Christmas films. Sure, each is a hot chocolate, some cookies and a slice of cake -like. Or warm milk in frozen morning. In this case, the things are different. Sure, romance, the widow and her child, the charming stranger and the expected end. >But the humor, the performances, the idea itself are more than seductive, working in nice manner. A film about hope and letters and Santa in a manner special for the nuances. Isadora Swann and Marguerite Moreau chemistry, a Prince Charming who gives new sense to his status by Mike Faiola and, sure, literature as perfect cover. Short - a special film. Or a smart one.

I watch a lot of Hallmark movies and enjoy them, but it's always a great pleasure when one rises above the fold and turns out to be much better than expected. That's the case with this one.

The lead actors are appealing, the romantic chemistry is good, and the premise of the little girl writing to Santa, who writes back and then falls for the mom--that's all good. But what makes it so much better than average is the humor in the script.

I *loved* the various side characters like the hero's best friend, who is always making sarcastic quips about marriage and kids (but really loves his own family). The heroine's sister's husband and his buddy, Randy, are obsessed with a potato shooting contest. Randy is such a crazy guy, he practically deserves a series of his own. Brilliant! Then there's the heroine's Hemingway-themed cafe, called The Bun Also Rises, with menu items like To Ham and Ham Not and The Old Man and the Tea.

The ending with the magical Christmas barn and sleigh was tongue-in-cheek about all the Hallmark Christmas smaltz, yet in a fond way. It worked.

There are a few Hallmarks that stand out due to really good scripts -- I love Seven Year Hitch (2012) and Naughty Or Nice (2012). This movie goes to the top of the heap for me. In fact, I even looked up the writers and am seeking out more of their movies. I've never done that.

Watch it!

With the glut of Hallmark Christmas cookie cutter plots, this one is a refreshing change of pace.

A writer becomes pen pals with a widowed mother, and they develop a connection. Of course, when he goes to her town without letting her know who he is, complications arise. I'm not a fan of the specific ending they chose, but it's bearable considering the great story preceding it.

The characters are warm, and there are plenty of chuckles. This isn't one we'd watch every year, but it certainly bears repeated viewings. :-)

Okay, I am a chauvinist pig and proud of it. I was having a moment of weakness and watched this movie. Fearing the worst, my heart instantly melted watching the plot unfold.

It is about a divorced man who receives a letter from a girl and her mother. And one thing leads to another and they want to know if it is meant to be. All the characters are very likable and if you want to watch a family movie, with romance and good natured fun, give this a look. The acting was pretty good and the plot is something that everyone can enjoy.

I give it a 9 out of 10 and it will make you happy.