Innamorarsi a Natale

I love the two lead actors! They're cute together, and bubbly, and make an overused storyline seem not quite so overused. But it really, Really, REALLY bothered me that she set foot into the food processing area several times with her long flowing hair possibly shedding all over the baked goods!!! Very unhygienic and against code, probably. Why can't these holiday movies actually show proper procedures around food stuffs.

Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace like this film. Some are above average and more, others are average and less.

'Christmas in Love' is one of the above average and more ones, and as far as 2018 Hallmark Christmas films go it is also one of the better ones in my view and proof that Hallmark can do good stuff. Which was actually evident well before seeing 'Christmas in Love'. It may not be exceptional or have much special to it, but it is a lot better than the rating (indicative of it being a middling effort) suggests in my view and better than a good deal of Hallmark Christmas films rated higher.

Brooke D'Orsay and Daniel Lissing are major selling points for seeing the film and their performances are among the best aspects. Both of them are immensely charming and very committed emotionally in roles that suit them beautifully and play to their strengths. D'Orsay especially. Really liked their chemistry too, which develops realistically and has a lot of honesty and heart. The rest of the cast are also good and it does help that the characters have personality and don't have exaggerated flaws (a pet peeve of mine and has been regrettably mentioned more than once with it being a common problem in Hallmark's films).

Furthermore, 'Christmas in Love' looks good. Especially the scenery, lovely festive locations attractively and it is never drably or garishly shot. The direction is sympathetic but not routine. Although the story is not perfect, it has a light hearted charm and a warm feel good centre without corn or over-sentiment creeping in.

It is at the same time quite formulaic, meaning that there are no surprises and a deja vu feeling throughout. The final third particularly is very same old and contrived, especially the misunderstanding.

Everything felt too neatly solved and unrealistically so considering the conflict that the misunderstanding caused. Some of the music felt intrusive.

On the whole, not great but a pleasant watch. 7/10.

Let's be honest I watched this movie to see Daniel Lissing!

Typical plot points...

Baking!

Incoming CEO wanting to get in touch with the "people".

With holding identity.

Someone in need of Christmas Spirit.

This one checks all the boxes.

Bonus points for the several smoldering kisses!

Enjoyable..

I really want to love Hallmark's Christmas films, but the phony and/or cheap details ruin them. The real plus in this film was the actors especially Brooke D'Orsay. So I rated this film with a six. But... the phony details ruin so much of the story and they are as follows:

1. Nobody ever looks really cold; and they never wear real coats. They also never wear warm hats...or gloves...or boots! Also we never see the misty breath which is the hallmark (ha, ha) of freezing temps. 2. There are little patches of snow around, but if you look in the background, you'll see plenty of deciduous trees, full of green leaves. These should be stripped bare! 3. The sun is WRONG! It has this intense brightness that is only seen in the summer. 4. Ms. D'Orsay runs around the bakery with flowing long hair. NOooo! She should be wearing the same head gear as the workers - or at least be wearing her hair up!

This lack of authenticity ruins the film for me. Instead of enjoying the show, I'm nitpicking every small mistake! And every year, I find myself watching fewer Christmas movies and enjoying the ones I watch less!

Lissing and D'Orsay are the glue that holds together a story that has been told umpteen times. I struggled with some scenes such as the incompetence of the corporate guy (Lissing) in squeezing a tube of frosting. But smiles and laughs of Lissing and D'Orsay brighten many scenes. A six rating is probably generous...but those smiles...