Natale con Holly

You don't have to be Alex to know where this is going.

Holly is adorable even when she doesn't speak or even smile. There's just something about her.

The main characters are appealing enough. Sean Faris and Eloise Mumford (who looks like Katherine Heigl to me) do a good enough job for Lifetime. This is a Hallmark Hall of Fame production, though, but they're okay. Catherine Berube as the voice of reason probably does the best job of anyone.

The town is one of those pleasant small towns, but with a little more culture than Mayberry. The people there are nice for the most part.

The best moments involve Maggie and Holly and that tiny house where the fairy lives.

And Maggie can Riverdance!

It's a nice Christmas story, even of it doesn't quite reach the level of a Hallmark production.

Three brothers are cast well and very believable in their interactions. Love the characters. Little girl is adorable & has wonderful facial expressions.

Really did like the premise for 'Christmas with Holly', no make that love. It sounded so moving and you know a film does something right when its premise immediately connects with you even before watching like it did with me. This premise connected with me personally, which is already something in its favour. Something that has not been the case for any film in a while. Well certainly not the case for a Hallmark film in a while, not since 'Once Upon a Christmas Miracle'.

'Christmas with Holly' wholly lived up to its premise and the high expectations had (actually did have higher expectations for it than most Hallmark Christmas films). While not a flawless film, it was very well done. Out of a fairly unimpressive year for Hallmark, 'Christmas with Holly' to me is definitely one of the best Hallmark Christmas films for that year. Also one of their best Christmas outings seen in quite some time, as well as one of their most emotional and personal.

Is it perfect? No. Perhaps a bit slow in the early stages, with it taking a while to get started.

Also didn't care for the ambiguous feeling the ending has, it just felt too abrupt and there may be a little bias as it is not the sort of ending that does much for me.

There is a huge amount to like about 'Christmas with Holly' however. It is very professionally filmed and the locations are simply beautiful. A lot of Hallmark's Christmas films suffer from being over-scored, meaning being too constantly used and too loud. That isn't so big a problem here. The script is a lot less cheesy and schmaltzy than most Hallmark Christmas films and did find it very sincere, very affecting and that it never sounded awkward. It is also not over-serious, with a light hearted-ness that was very appealing.

Furthermore, that the story departed from the usual Hallmark Christmas film formula and took on a more serious, a more personal and more true to life situation. There is nothing cheesy or over-sentimental in how this subject is handled either, it came over as truly poignant, heart-warming and well meaning and also with a good deal of warmth. Really did connect with the story emotionally. And the same with the characters. The acting is strong, with a heartfelt Eloise Mumford standing out.

Overall, very well done. 8/10.

I have read other reviews posted, saying it was sappy with uninteresting characters and I say, NOT! If you are the type of person who attends film festivals and thrives on subtitles, maybe so. If you just need a plain old fashioned heart warming tale, this is it! Needless to say, I purchased it for my collection. I am a hopeless romantic and I love Christmas, so this was a given. I think it is a wonderful story of love lost and love found, of family trials and the enduring spirit of a families ties. I say give it a chance and you will not leave without shedding a tear or bursting out in joyous laughter. I have five brothers, so the brother scenes are a hoot! Break out the popcorn and tissues!

I know these Xmas movies are not for everyone (mainly because most are so by-the-book and lamely acted), but this is one I can highly recommend. Highlights are the beautiful scenery (it takes place in Friday Harbor, WA so features nice island and water views) - an unusual, appealing story - not just one but THREE very handsome young men who are actually good actors - a very pretty and appealing young woman - real chemistry between the couple - one of the cutest kids ever in these Hallmark movies - and a lovely final scene with Christmas sailboats and a full moon.