Sleigh Bells Ring

One of the more enjoyable Christmas films from the Hallmark pantheon. This premise is based on current single mom reunites with former flame in hometown. They must plan and execute holiday festivities for the town including a parade with a SLEIGH. Don't you know one of their more memorable dates was on a sleigh ride! The sleigh disappears and reappears frequently and Santa look-a-like Mr. Winter comes to the rescue more than once. Cute premise, good acting, enjoyable holiday flick!

What otherwise might have been a decent but routine plan-an-event type of ROM-COM, warranting a "6" review score, becomes elevated to a "7" because of the lead characters' interplay around their respective, and partially shared, backstories. Tracy and Hepburn its not, but this adds spice to the story. Then the movie rises to become a very memorable "8" by the addition of the most charming Santa look-alike since Edmund Gwenn's portrayal in 1947's "Miracle on 34th Street". The Sleigh, itself, gets an honorable mention in a supporting role. I agree with several other User Reviewers who recommended hanging in there through a slow start and some awkward dialogue early on. I think you'll be glad you did.

I've thought about this film a number of times since I first saw it years ago, and it grows on you with time. That qualifies it to be included as a "Hidden Gem" on my IMDB "Christmas Movie Favorites" list.

Although we've liked the leads in other movies ... David Alpay in The Mistletoe Inn and Erin Cahill in A Timeless Christmas (among others) ... I found this movie falling a little flat.

David Alpay's performance here is exactly the same as in The Mistletoe Inn, which is sort of an issue with "Hallmark casts". They just don't get a lot of character definition out of many of their actors and actresses).

This is another of the disgruntled former lovers coming back together stories, this time assisted by Santa's magic sleigh that keeps moving around to put them in the same place.

These stories work best when they give the viewer a compelling reason to root for the romance. This story doesn't. We've just supposed to root for the romance, because that's the two people presented, not because the story makes it clear they're a real match to overcome the antithetical romance elements, which last a remarkably short time. One blah apology seems to heal the separation wound.

There is some slopping editing. While painting the sleigh, David has painted a small area, then the area widens, then it's back to the small area again, with some paint having disappeared. Plus, the paint seems to dry just a little too fast. If you've painted, you know how long it stays tacky, especially in cool weather. The two stop painting and lean on the sleigh. Nope.

Today marks our third viewing, and I think because I failed to remind us, by reviewing the movie before, just how drab and unconvincing it really is. Writers should not merely assume the viewer shares their goal, they should sell the story and the relationship, and that simply doesn't happen here.

7.3 stars.

The chemistry between the leads (Laurel and David) is natural and warm with some fun and even a bit of tension. They dated many years ago and it didn't work out, he left town after college etc... Now they are working on putting together the perfect Christmas parade for the Mayor of the town. If it all goes smoothly Laurel is looking at a promotion to City Manager. Her daughter Scarlett is a little sweetheart, a very endearing pre-teen girl. Scarlett has an instant connection with David and has grown fond of him almost like an uncle or even a father figure. It would appear this is mostly due to the chemistry between her mom and him. As Laurel and David embark on refurbishing an old Christmas sleigh, the sparks fly, and then they hit a slump. Many challenges pop up over the weeks leading to the tree lighting, preparing the sleigh, and ushering in a wonderful parade. The whole cast works together to make it a smooth and uneventful Holiday.

The story is ordinary, however the casting and acting are great. The rest is average. I give this film slightly above average ratings because the interactions between the characters was remarkable. I can't justify any higher than 7.3, the x-factor and entertainment value are feeble.

Another charming film. This one feels more real than most of the rest, despite its touch of Christmas Magic, through direction and acting ability.

I fell in love with Michael Rady all over again, having seen him in a few films last year, with his Hugh Jackman look and quality, and I fell in love with his character in this film. Erin Cahill (Yes I actually learned the girls name too this time) plays her part well too, although her character, Laurel, is a bit annoying to start with.

The hint of Festive Magic comes in the form of a man, who may or may not be Father Christmas and his sleigh that seems to bring the lovers together. Tie it all up with a little girl who loves her Mum and Christmas as well as a seasonal parade and you've got a cracking little tale.