Uma Viagem de Natal

I truly needed something to fill THE LAST SHIP void and this did the trick. Stars Regan and Van Winkle are easily the most versatile actors and it was a true joy seeing them on something lighter, whimsical and smart. Can I get more of this dynamic duo please????

Emory Blake (Bridget Regan) is a workaholic travel writer. She is often away from her San Francisco home. When her boyfriend invites her to visit his family in Boston for Christmas, she turns him down and they break up. She is eager for her next work assignment doing a story on a cabin holiday in Pine Grove. She is shocked when Scott Hays (Travis Van Winkle) seems to have broke in and gives him a swift kick. The owner had double booked the rental. Scott is a widower with his daughter Katy and waiting for his mother Marilyn (Teryl Rothery) to arrive. Emory agrees to go home but her car breaks down and she's forced to stay. Alice Bennett is a parent to Katy's classmate Johnny.

It's a rather straight forward romance. There is a hint of a love triangle but Alice is never given enough screen time to be a bigger character. In the end, the path is singular and straight. There are no turns, no twists, and no surprises. There is a predictable misunderstanding and an easy resolution. It's a Hallmark movie.

This movie is a cut above. Interesting story. The two leads have chemistry like mad. They are very charming and natural together. I really liked this one. All the actors were very good.

I've seen a few Hallmark Christmas films and most have limited back-story and the dialogue is unrealistic. This film is an exception to the rule. The dialogue and chemistry between the actors is great and everyone does a good job. The Mum, Teryl Rothery is so accomplished and daughter Katy, played by Raven Stewart is adorable and cute as a button. Bridget Regan and Travis Van Winkle develop a growing attachment, though double-booked at a cottage in Pine Grove , there's an initial wariness. Bridget especially, as Travel Writer Emory Blake , displays wonderful small-town worldly charm - and is so NICE !! She's just great in this role and her scenes with Travis are believable and flow well. This is one of the better Christmas releases guys - so see it !

So a little honesty here, my least favorite part of Hallmark Christmas movies is the preachy attitude. That is what separates this movie from the rest. Instead the focus is on the characters who happen to be enjoying Christmas traditions together. The chemistry between the 2 appealing character leads, Emory and Scott is wonderful, and Scott's daughter and mother are also on mark. You just believe and like them, and the amusing dialogue is a step above the usual Hallmark movie. It's just a fun romantic comedy, and I hope Hallmark makes more of these movies in the future.