O Segredo do Natal

Kelly's not going to garner any nominations for this one (except, maybe, for most patently disliked hallmark lead). BUT Tyler Hynes and Christopher Russell are wonderful in this movie, and the cyrano story was very entertaining. I would love to see these two act together again, and felt that their friendship was genuine. Honestly, Tyler Hynes carries this movie with humor and grace. I will definitely rewatch next year!

Ok look.. who is going to tell Kelly Pickler she cannot act because Hallmark sure isn't. It is a shame because I love Patrick Duffy and the lead actor but wow it is hard to watch anything she is in. The story was weird because they never explain why the family up and moved from NC to Utah of all places. Otherwise the story is pretty good.

If you are going to name a movie "the MISTLETOE Secret" - your writers, producers, staff or someone along the way in a lengthy production - someone should realize that the special ornament you have used as a main theme in the movie named "The MISTLETOE Secret" is actually holly, not mistletoe. Mistletoe has a very different leaf and WHITE berries. The ornament that was central to this movie is holly. Dumb mistake.

Not sure why there's so much negativity about Kelli Pickler in these reviews. Fifteen minutes into this movie, I was happy to see someone genuine playing the lead role - not the phony big teeth smiles I'm so used to in all of these Hallmark movies. I honestly look forward to seeing my annual Kelli Pickler movie each year.

Many of the reviews of this Hallmark holiday romance are blaming the performance of Kellie Pickler for its lack of chemistry. She plays the central character, Aria---a young woman who runs the diner in the town of Midway, where they celebrate Christmas every day. The film depends on her unflagging energy to convey an upbeat charm and make her believable as the object of love. As a fan of Ms. Pickler, it pains me to agree that her performance is uneven and uninspiring.

On the other hand, I don't agree that she lacks acting talent or charisma. I remember when she first came on the scene as a contestant on "American idol". And so I have to believe that she lacks confidence as an actor and/or she is dealing with personal issues. I hope she can yet prove she deserves roles such as this one.

The film's story is exactly what we expect from a Hallmark production. Tyler Hynes, who plays the male lead, Alex, holds up his end and one wonders what might have been if he had more energy to work with. Patrick Duffy is charming as Aria's father, who gives her solid advice and sometimes wears the red suit and whiskers.