A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love

First review after countless years on here. And it's because I've lived in both Hawaii and now Boise that I watched it. But the scene of the downtown spread out with mountains in the background just isn't right. We have a real downtown, with high-rises. Not huge, but distinguishing from smaller cities. And the main pictures are from the Bench, staring down at the wide road leading through downtown and ending at the Capitol. Most photos of Boise are like that. We have foothills, leading to the Sawtooths behind, which are basically invisible from Boise. And it doesn't snow much here. Some now and then, and we did have a slightly snowy year very recently (climate change?), but snow on the ground, and drifts, etc., just isn't here. It's Dec. 11, and no snow. A few flakes, but nothing has stayed. And that's normal. But otherwise it's a typical Hallmark rom-com with the you either like them or not basic plots. I usually do, so they get my Hallmark rating, which is different from my action/sci-fi rating scale. Apples and kiwis.

I was so excited to see this installment of the "Godwink" Christmas series. All unrelated stories, all based on true couples with cute romances, you can expect them to be extremely corny. After all, the premise is God "winking" at a couple who needs a little nudge to get together. Add that to a Christmas setting, and this Hallmark franchise is just about as cheesy as it gets. But there are lots of people who love those types of movies and look forward to them every year, so don't knock them until you've watched a couple.

Starring Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay as high school sweethearts reunited years later, they both "coincidentally" run into each other driving through the streets of Boise. Brooke actually recognizes his car (those who just rolled their eyes can turn the movie off now). Sam has an ex-wife, two sons, and no job. He's just moved home after living his dream adventure job in Hawaii. You can't help but feel a little sad, since his life didn't turn out the way he wanted it. And, since he's obviously going to get back together with his high school girlfriend, it makes you wonder if the past fifteen years had been a big waste. Don't throw anything at me; I know he loves his children. But he'll also love the children he'll have with Brooke just as much.

When you watch this one, just throw realism out the window. Yes, it's based on a true story, and yes Brooke makes sure to say "Boise" the way Idahoans do, but the rest of it is pure fantasy. Sam's mom, Michele Scarabelli, looks way too young to be a grandmother. If it weren't for the white wig they made her wear, you'd think she was the female lead. Brooke's relationship with her co-worker and boyfriend, Zahf Paroo, is pretty forced. They've been long-distance for six months, and now that his transfer puts him in Boise with her, they're ... pretty anxious to stay as far apart as possible. Brooke's boss, Hallmark veteran Brenda Crichlow, does not treat her like an employee, and Brooke's best friend, Katrina Reynolds, has great energy but is far more supportive than real best friends. And does no one else notice that the younger actors cast as the teenage versions of the leads look absolutely nothing like them?

Overall, even though I liked the cast, I didn't end up liking this movie. I'll stick with some of my favorites, Christmas in Rome and Miss Christmas. By the time Brooke declares their latest foray will be "the most amazing adventure in the world!" the cynics will no doubt mutter, "I don't care," under their breaths. Those who love corn, cheese, and mistletoe, will probably dab their eyes and hope something so romantic will happen to them.

My favorite Godwink movie (so far). It's a heartwarming story throughout, without any dramatic misunderstandings or negative characters. It's well acted and easy to watch and stay interested. Well done, it is on my re-watch list Beautiful winter and Christmas scenes.

Nov 2021.

I loved the second Godwink movie where Cindy Busby's character faces a difficult future but the Godwinks are bringing someone special into her life at a crucial time. The first movie was nice, but didn't knock me over. I put this movie about the same as the first. It's decent but I didn't think there were any great highs or lows, or major surprises.

It would be hard for me not to like a movie with Brook D'Orsay. She is such a joyful actor and it's hard not to smile when she's around. (At this writing, this website doesn't even acknowledge her in the cast despite her presence in the promo picture as one of the leads. Likewise Sam Page.) And Page is always a strong presence. They have instant chemistry and share a fair amount of screen time. However the movie also uses a lot of screen time to set up the various situations that bring them to the right place for the inevitable result.. The main supporting actors ranged from adequate to good. The two boys did a pretty good job.

The movie is very predictable in general, but each Godwink is a mini twist. Margie's fearful assumption was pretty silly given how much her boss obviously approved of her. I saw where things were going right about the time of the overheard phone call.

I was surprised by how little screen time Brooke gets despite being the protagonist. Of course the movie could be about the male protagonist, but he's not presented as being the center of the story yet most of the screen time goes to pointless scenes about him having irrelevant conversations with his children. Her initial boyfriend, uncannily feminine, serves no purpose whatsoever in the story, which is yet another element the writers used to fill empty spaces and compensate for the lack of an actual story.

Anyway, I'd say it's an okay family movie, just mislabeled as romance.