Um Natal Apaixonado

A proper movie. Good singing, great believable acting and excellent chemistry between all parties.

I think that if I had been making this film I would have had Eric Close as the lead male instead of Scott Wolf. Don't get me wrong, Scott did a good job, but when you have Eric there and so lovely with those smiling eyes, why would you put him in the background? Kristin can be a bit Marmite for me, but she did well in this one as well and you can't deny her vocal range is fantastic.

The story is very sweet and takes a different tack to the usual romance at Christmas schtick. I really like the family dynamic, the twists, the blossoming romance for the younger generation as well and of course it's full of the seasonal things that make these films winners for me. I also love anything with a good, heartfelt, emotional song in it.

Sure to be watched again.

Other than my lifelong love of Christmas and that it was part of my Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas films quest, my reason (there is always a main reason for seeing something) for watching 'A Christmas Love Story' was Kristen Chenoweth. A very gifted and likeable performer and am always in awe at how such an amazing and powerful singing voice comes out of such a small person, most evident on all counts in her definitive version of "The Girl in 14G".

Am actually not going to be quite as enthusiastic as others have been in talking about 'A Christmas Love Story', it didn't quite wow me. Did find myself liking it quite a lot though, it didn't try to do too much while always showing signs of trying and there is a lot to like about it. 2019 has not been the best of years for Hallmark and their Christmas films, but 'A Christmas Love Story' agreed is up there as one of their better ones that year and can totally see the appeal.

Sure the romantic angle of the story is very standard Hallmark, with it doing very little new with very over-familiar story tropes used so many times. Very little is surprising here, though that was not unexpected as you do come to expect that from watching Hallmark Christmas films.

Did find some of the dialogue quite cheesy and the early stages are a bit on the thin side narratively which bogs the momentum down a bit.

However, there is a lot here that works. Really liked the performances. A lot of criticism has been directed towards Chenoweth's diction and admittedly her diction is usually clearer than here but the performance itself for me was actually quite charming and neither over-compensates or phones in. Vocally, she still has it and sounds amazing. Scott Wolf proves himself to be much more than just handsome looks, he seems at ease with his material without playing it too safe, is confident and never looks embarrassed or confused. He and Chenoweth's chemistry seems genuine and has charm and tenderness, even if it doesn't quite scintillate all the way through. Keith Robinson stood out in support. The characters are not meaty in development but didn't bore or annoy me at least, Katherine is interesting.

Furthermore, 'A Christmas Love Story' is well made visually. The scenery is beautiful and the camera certainly seemed to think so. Also loved the music here, this aspect can be problematic in Hallmark's films with a tendency to be too constant and too loud. Here the music is uplifting and has an infectiousness. The direction is solid enough, not exceptional but not routine or amateurish. The dialogue is mostly good-natured and light-hearted and even if the story is standard and derivative and a slow starter it is very sweet and doesn't feel cold emotionally. The setting, relatively different for Hallmark, is very well used and there is a neat twist towards the end that didn't come over as obvious.

On the whole, well above average and one of the 2019 Hallmark Christmas films that are worth watching. 7/10

It is one of beautiful surprises. For story and for voices, for Scott Wolf and Eric Close, for atmosphere and, more important, for the message. But, especially, for Kristin Chenoweth giving to her character lovely, inspired brillance. The delicate themes are well used, to. And the twist just works. A film about parenthood, vocation, music, Christmas. Not great but surprising, in good sense, in profound sense. A beautiful film about things real important. And Chistmas in the fair light of emotions and options embroidery.

Kristin Chenoweth's petite self is as gorgeous as ever! She plays Katherine a single former Broadway star turned music teacher/youth choir director who gave up a child for adoption some eighteen years prior so her child would be happy and have a better life. A high school senior volunteers for extra credit to help with the youth choir...but what was to be a one day volunteer job ends up becoming so much more when Katherine hears him sing and is impressed with his raw talent. While picking up the holiday concert wings across town she meets Greg in a ride share who turns out to be our volunteer, Danny's father. Greg is a widower and ends up needing convincing to let Danny sing in the choir, concerned that Danny will be distracted from his goal of applying for colleges...Greg is initially reluctant. This prompts Katherine to drive to their home in Connecticut, where she spends a weekend doing non-city traditional Christmas activities and convincing Greg to let Danny Sing in their Christmas concert. Greg and Katherine start to develop a believable relationship...supported by their warm friends, both his and hers.

"She's not the most subtle, but I'd be lost without her."

There was a really good supporting cast and it was nice to see people treating each other well and being in long term healthy, supportive relationships.

There were some great Christmas values put forward in this film: sacrifice, adoption, putting your child's happiness first, and being a hard-worker.

"There is danger of a little relaxing." "You know I'm not a relaxer?"

"Maybe it is meant to be."