Christmas in the Smokies

7.0 stars.

Mason broke Shelby's heart many years ago and became a big country star. Sound familiar? Yep, it's the theme of many a drama. Now Mason's back in town for a while and Shelby is still bitter and angry for the fact that he was her one true love and always will be (even if she can't come to terms). Shelby and her parents run a berry farm that will be in foreclosure very soon. They can't keep up with the mortgage and they need help. Unfortunately for Shelby, Mason is the last resort they must turn to in order to save the farm.

This story is standard formula Hallmark, but it was released in 2015, which means maybe it's one of the forerunners of this particular storyline. It doesn't stand out for me, it's just a simple and easy going film about a woman who is beside herself over a guy who broke her heart. Now that he's back in town, she must experience the pain all over again, because she truly hasn't gotten over him after all these years.

There are some tender moments and the film is of a higher quality, but the story itself just isn't as entertaining as I would've preferred. The romance is not fully elevated or rewarding. Take it or leave it.

Shelby is angry at Mason. Through a full 2/3rds of the movie her look at him is like a super villain that is enough to freeze and shatter him. Angry!!! Plus she is about to lose her farm. And don't forget the developer that is going to destroy the beauty of everything. So not only is this story almost exactly like so many others, it is a total downer. Too much screen time is spent dwelling on the financial problems and Shelby's futile efforts to fight it.

Almost no screen time is spent with a rekindling romance. I wouldn't even call this a romance. There is no comedy except Alan Powell doing a deliberately stupid dance on TV at the beginning. Then he gets made fun of for it for a while afterwards. By the end of the movie, based on the type of movie this is you know Shelby and Mason are going to get back together. Problem is, based on what's in the movie, there is no reason for it to happen.

There is a little performing of Christmas jingles, country style. A little.

Don't watch this unless you have never seen a Hallmark type movie based on saving the farm.

Bought this for $19.99 4 years ago and can't go back.... I've already spent the money and then found out it was streamable.... So there's that.

10/10 recommend watching this while drinking wine. Shelby is literally the most toxic female lead, hung up on someone from high school, asking for money and feeling entitled to it, even though she can't even pay on her own house. She sucks, it's amazing. The villain, Mr Baxter, is the real hero of this movie and I'm fully behind him. Amazing movie, watch it every Christmas and shout at the screen the whole time!

The love story..... don't worry about it. Watch this movie to witness someone's blind and unsubstantiated belief in their way being the only way there is.

Give them credit to have a Christmas movie somewhere other than New York City. Loved the home in the Smokies. Sarah Lancaster and Barry Corbin fit right in as Tennessee folks- very convincing and very well done. Barry Corbin was perfect as the boisterous dad- loved the tender mom as well. Alan Powell was great as the country music star. His dance was the most memorable part of the movie.

The film lacked any real drama or surprise and lagged in many spots. I watched it on DVD and dozed about half way. A very forceful Brett Rice was present in the film in a small part as a villain of sorts. It was on the verge of being a good film but only made it as an OK film with lots of good talent.

I can't be the only one waiting for a kiss happen. I guess this was one of an inspirational type of film rather than a romance. I was just waiting for more to happen.