Not all Hallmark films are bad, so this is not somebody who gives a low rating and negative review to every one of them in existence (or at least the ones rated and reviewed so far). Actually have been pleasantly surprised by a fair share of them, though have yet to come across a flawless one (my highest mark for Hallmark Christmas films has been a 8). There are though a fair share of below average and worse ones though, but few are irredeemable.
'Last Vermont Christmas' is one of the below average Hallmark Christmas films, well actually it is worse than that. It is not one of the worst of their output and it is not without its redeeming qualities, but there is a lot that is wrong here. And there is much more to the problem than just Justin Breuning's distracting and "has to be seen to be believed" hair-style, which is like a character of its own. Many of the typical Hallmark flaws in fact are here.
As said, 'Last Vermont Christmas' is not a complete waste. It looks quite good, especially the scenery and the look of the film isn't drab or garish. There are some pleasant moments on the soundtrack.
Breuning and Erin Cahill actually do their utmost best in the lead roles and generally do credibly. Some of their chemistry is sweet enough.
Though also in terms of development very rushed and under-baked, with the romantic relationship needing more time to grow rather than a series of unrealistic decisions that move onto the next one too quickly. The rest of the acting came over as very phoned in and like the actors didn't know what to make of their poorly written lines. Or like they didn't know what to do with their shallow cliches passing for characters. Most of the chemistry between the cast lack warmth and seem disconnected.
Excepting moments of pleasantness, the music tends to be rather too constant and could have been toned down. The direction is rather run of the mill, getting the job done just about but with no distinction. The dialogue throughout makes the toes curl, the cheese and schmaltz often overkill. The story is too thin and everything is obvious from miles away, the pace tends to be pedestrian too and the charm and warmth there in other Hallmark Christmas films aren't here.
In conclusion, pretty weak. 3/10
