Natale a Holly Lodge

Yet another Hallmark movie that follows that very familiar Hallmark recipe of how to construct a Christmas movie.

But I will say that in this instance, it actually worked out quite well, because this movie managed to lift itself out of the average and somewhat generic gutter that these trademark Hallmark movies turn out to be.

Why?

Well, because of the storyline, although it was predictable to the core, but also because of the acting performances by a very motivated cast ensemble.

This movie felt very magical and had something to offer for the entire movie. While it is not a Christmas classic, it is still a movie that is well worth the time and effort to sit down and watch with the family and loved ones.

It was exactly what you would expect from a Hallmark movie.

The recurring song; I swear it's the song from 1983 movie "Somewhere Tomorrow" called"You Brought Me To Loving"... Anyone else think so??

I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 (C H R I S T M A S ) MOVIES AND SPECIALS.

SO PLEASE BEWARE OF SOME REVIEWERS THAT ONLY HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE NO AGENDA! I REVIEW MOVIES & SPECIALS AS A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN! I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY GEMS IN MY QUEST TO SEE AS MANY " C H R I S T M A S " MOVIES AS I CAN.

When a major developer sends Evan to evaluate the value of Holly Lodge, he and lodge owner Sophie have an instant attraction. But when Sophie realizes the reason for Evan's stay, she must convince him the lodge is a bad investment -- while trying not to fall in love with him.

What was nice about this film was that in the film you do get a since of "Community". You see that people do care for each other and that "good things happen when you care".

The performances are very good and above everything else the film does work.

There are many "Christmas Films" that Hallmark has made this year. It will be hard to find one that is much better.

I like Allison Sweeney and she was the best part of this movie for me. The story was slow and did not have much plot. Some scenes were unbelievable such as Sweeney sitting up all night to bang on the pipes in the basement.

A couple of reviewers said this movie was like "Let It Snow" from 2013 but I disagree. The basic premise was similar but the big difference was in this movie she did not want to sell and in "Let it Snow" they did want to sell. Also, "Let It Snow" was such a better movie with more story and superb acting.

This was enjoyable for one viewing but I won't likely watch it again.

Predictable yet enjoyable movie to curl up with warm blanket and hot chocolate. Some of the background music sounded oddly familiar and drove me crazy trying to remember where I heard it before. Turns out it is very (very) similar to the theme song from Jurassic Park.