Natale a Christmas Valley

Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late last year through to early this year, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all.

'Love You Like Christmas' is not a Christmas classic, but seeing it the amount of effort that went into it was more than evident throughout. Hallmark's Christmas output has been very variable, the best ones being surprisingly very bad and the worst terrible. 'Love You Like Christmas' in many ways is one of their overall best, with almost everything done remarkably well and only a couple of things done imperfectly which was not unexpected in a way.

Have never expected much originality from Hallmark, and attempts at doing something different were quite rare. 'Love You Like Christmas' is not much of an exception, with the story being yet another variation on a very familiar and still done to death (for Hallmark) formula. So story-wise it is rather predictable with some slow spots here and there.

Perhaps the ending is a touch on the pat side.

Not much else to dislike otherwise. Bonnie Sommerville is a breath of fresh air, after seeing some pretty terrible female leads in other Hallmark and Lifetime films her performance here is among the better ones. Brennan Elliott is a very charming and equally likeable partner and they have a very sweet and genuine chemistry together (something that some other Hallmark films have failed badly in). Madison Brydges endears and is not bratty and too cute, her character also feels like a real character and not a stereotype. Which is true for the characters in general and how refreshing it was to finally have a Hallmark businesswoman character that isn't over the top annoying, Maddie being one of the few rootable ones.

Moreover, the production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Most of the soundtrack is nostalgic and appealing to listen to, capturing the festive spirit well. The script just about avoids being corny and saccharine, both of which are common for Hallmark, and the story is mostly very engaging, easy to be uplifted by and heart-warming. Oh and the dog is adorable with a capital A.

On the whole, surprisingly very good and one of the best Hallmark Christmas films. 8/10

A lot of these movies have to push the limits of credulity for their premise, but if you can get past that, they have a story.

In this case the stretch is a Madison Avenue ad exec driving to Denver for a client's wedding because she's afraid to fly. So she sets off in a vintage Mustang for the trip, winding up with a failing alternator in a small town in Ohio ... which happens to have an unseasonable early and heavy snow.

She meets an adorable little girl at the boarding house she must take refuge in while the part comes in for her car, and the film follows a growing relationship with the girl's father and others in the town ... particularly a woman running a diner who could use a bit of help promoting her business.

Other circumstances keep her stranded in the town until she seems to have "gone native". :-) Luckily, there is no "old boyfriend" trope, but there is the "big city exec helps small town business" trope.

But the characters and the story are enjoyable, and the film holds up under repeated viewings (thought probably a few years apart).

Although he looks like my weird friend Kevin, I actually find Brennan Elliot very attractive in this film. The leading female however? I can see why Ross dumped her in "Friends". She's quite annoying. Having said that, I think it very rude that everybody tells her that she shouldn't be available to answer her phone so much to her boss. This happens with a lot of these "City girl goes to a small town for Christmas" films. They can't know the pressure that she's under and shouldn't make judgements like that. It paints them as bad people and it's just not fair. It would be nice if she actually ate one of the omelettes she orders though.

Another cute romance and lots of festive fun to be had, but it doesn't win the best film ever award coming in somewhere a lot further down.

There is only one review as I write this and it misses the mark. This is an excellent happy movie. The lead actress Bonnie Sommerville is actually 42 yrs old and really reminds me of Stephanie Zimbalist in "The Story Lady" (this is a good thing). She absolutely carries the movie and interacts great with the supporting cast. Brennan Elliot plays the lead actor and it is just perfect. This movie is a home run. Kept my interest the whole time.

This movie had the little touches that made it memorable. Loved when they ask the ex-encyclopedia salesman who memorized the "A" volume to define "Angel". He touches the little girls nose and says "that's easy, it is a picture of you". That was sweet. Love when Brennan Elliot says "That reindeer cost me a lot". The diner scenes were great as well. Yes the movie started in New York City, but most of it was in Ohio. Enjoy it.

This movie has no big surprises or twists, but it is a very sweet romantic story.

Brennan Elliot does a really good job in this movie. Not too much and not too little. The character of Jo adds a special sweetness.

It is a nice, steady romantic story where the love Maddie develops for the community is just as much as her love for Kevin.