Un finale natalizio

The 2020 Lifetime Christmas efforts did vary and often veered between mediocre and slightly above average and were indicative at times of rushed productions. But there were enough of them that were still watchable and more (was pleasantly surprised by some) and were not amateur efforts. Actually think on reflection that the standard was of better quality than 2019's batch. 'Christmas Ever After' sounded promising and really appreciated its inclusion of diversity by having one of the main characters wheelchair-bound.

'Christmas Ever After' turned out to be very nicely done. Is one of the better ones and has one particularly big surprise that was not expected at all. Is it a great film? No, none of the 2020 Lifetime Christmas films are though in all fairness. Is it worth watching? Absolutely yes (as is enough of this particular batch), and one of the recently seen Christmas films that surprised me a lot. While not everything in 'Christmas Ever After' works, a lot does and very well indeed.

Am going to start with what could have been better. The plot is nothing special formula-wise and in terms of how it maps out. It's another film that is a bit of a slow starter, where it takes time to set up and the dialogue is on the awkward side.

Do agree that Bill Marchant is too over the top in his role and came over as annoying. The ending felt too hasty.

However, a lot is good. Ali Stroker's performance was courageous and heartfelt, as well as easy to endear to. Daniel Di Tomasso matches her in charm and his gentle warmth and sincerity help him come over as very likeable. Their chemistry is beautifully done, tasteful and sympathetic with no judgement and they are very natural together. Melia Charlotte Cressaty is adorable without being too cute. Lifetime have always varied when it comes to having characters that are interesting and worth caring for, 'Christmas Ever After' is a case of both.

Visually, the film is professional looking rather than looking on the cheap, the scenery is lovely. The music is not used too much and has an appropriate sound. The direction shows somebody at ease with the genre and while there is nothing innovative it's not routine or dull either. Furthermore, a great job is done with the Christmas atmosphere, where it does feel like Christmas and in an affectionate way. Some lovely Christmas touches, especially in the second half, and there are some very sweet, but not sickly, scenes. The script did have a nice mix of funny and poignant lines, especially the banter between the leads. The story may be thin but has a warm heart and charm and doesn't take itself too seriously. While the first quarter is not easy to get into at first, a vast majority of the second half is great.

Overall, well done. 7/10.

This is a decent Lifetime Christmas movie, not one of the best nor one of their worst this season. And it gives wheelchair users some representation on screen in this genre of film, which is a plus. In this one, a romance novelist (Izzi) heads off on her yearly Christmas getaway. Unfortunately, she has missed a deadline for her book, thus must spend her holiday finishing it. To her surprise, the owner's son (Matt) has taken over the Inn, and he happens to look like the protagonist in her book (on the cover of her books, that is). Shortly thereafter, the two start to develop a connection, a relationship as they take part in the towns Christmas festivities. It is a lovely romance story, and the movie does give off a warm Christmas vibe during the last 40 minutes or so. The script too was decent. There were a couple of scenes with some fun and entertaining dialogue (e.g., the scene where she complains about the floor not squeaking and meets Matt, some witty lines in that scene). However, I found the first 30 minutes difficult to engage with; i.e., the story did not pull me in. I had to stop myself a couple of times from multitasking. It was not until Izzi agreed to help Matt with the Christmas lights competition that I finally started to connect with the film. The acting, overall, was good. Ali Stroker (playing Izzi) had a very strong performance. I thought she had some very good dialogue and exchanges with Daniel di Tomasso (playing Matt). He had a strong yet gentle and sincere presence on screen, I felt. The chemistry between the two was also pretty good. As I alluded to above, I thought Stroker had a very convincing performance here. Her dialogue and exchanges came off as genuine and heartfelt on screen. The supporting cast was a bit mixed. Bill Marchant's performance (playing Bob, Matt's father and former Inn owner) was difficult to watch at times. His lines and exchanges often felt forced and exaggerated, which made for some awkward scenes, I felt. Melia Charlotte Cressaty (playing Matt's daughter), on the other hand, had a very cute performance. The scenery, props, and sets were charming and festive. As I noted above, the movie had a warm Christmas vibe to it, which is partly due to the cozy Christmas atmosphere at the inn and village. All in all, it is a pretty good Christmas movie, especially the last 40 minutes or so. Well worth a watch, I'd say.

The actors deserve so much better than this. I faithfully watch all the films of this type every year, but this one is just trying too hard and not succeeding. All the conversations bring up a topic that seems like it should move the plot forward, but then someone leaves the room and nothing moves forward. That is not banter. I quit 25 minutes in. It's just poor writing. I really hope Ali Stroker gets to be in another one of these (or that Broadway reopens). If you like the leading man, watch him in Chicago Fire or Major Crimes. This movie just doesn't work.

Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Christmas Ever After.

Story: 1.50/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.75/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.50/2

Total 7/10

Christmas Ever After is a coincidental tale of romance and family. And having experienced plenty of chance meetings and fluke opportunities in my life, I have a warm place in my heart for this type of story, especially if the coincidences smack of truth, which these, on the whole, do. I also adored how the writers portrayed romance novelist Izzi Simmons. Though confined to a wheelchair, the only disability she has is the inability to choose the right man: Because Izzi is looking for perfection in Mr Wright. But, like I always say, "I'm perfect because I know my imperfections". Perfection is an impossible yardstick to measure by, but it's amusing to watch her try. Will she change her Mr Wright wishlist? When she meets the doppelgänger of the Icon of Romance himself, Matt, Izzi finally realises the truth of the human soul; we are imperfect, and that imperfection may be just what the author needs. The director has a marvellous talent for imbuing the picture with warmth, whether it's through relationships or visualisations; Christmas Ever After was a joy to watch. I especially like the typing scenes where the narration appears on the screen. The director chose the correct font to accent the romance and the right colour to tie in with the warm tones of Izzi's romantic writing room. It emphasises how much work has gone into the picture. And the exceptional work comes not only from the writers and director but also from the splendid cast. No one outshines the other, as they're on an equal skill footing. And for this style of story, it's perfect.

If you are looking for a charmingly heartwarming movie this Christmastime, you could do much worse than Christmas Ever After. It's witty, well thought-out, exquisitely directed, and marvellously acted. It's a fine film to cuddle up with your loved one while sipping a mug of hot chocolate on a cold and dreary day.

Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.

Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.

I have loved Ali Stroker since she guest starred on Glee & then she made it to Broadway in the revival of Oklahoma! Ali stars as a romance writer that is unlucky in love, but then stumbles upon a man that looks exactly like the artwork on her novels. Is this swooning hero for real? Cute holiday story!