A Homecoming for the Holidays

I love how they incorporated the helping ways of dogs for vets. Saving dogs and vets together.

My title pretty well sums up my take on this movie. The story is a little bit different than most of the ones we see this time of year, but also has many of the usual elements. (Snowmen, Christmas cookies.) There isn't a lot of tension or mystery, but it's watchable. Without Osnes' performances this movie is more like 6 stars.

I can't say there were fireworks between Laura Osnes and Stephen Huszar and I think part of that is because so much screen time is spent on other things. In this case, I was willing to accept that because one of the biggest other things was Osnes' music. I kind of like that her country music isn't loaded with Southern twang. I like the Southern accent, but it is refreshing to have something different.

There is a healthy dose of giving to others. The story treats it as a responsibility and a privilege.

This isn't just about this movie ... but it is a common Hallmark failing. There are over one million American men and women in the US Army on any given day. They are in virtually every single US city and town. It cannot be too hard to find one. Can you please find one current or retired Soldier to give you a little technical assistance with uniforms, haircuts, military bearing, and basic procedures?

6.3 stars.

A woman (female lead) is a talented singer, songwriter. Her brother is in the military (doesn't really seem the type, he reminds me of a young Woody Harrelson, I swear they are related even though I can't find anything on it), her dad is ex-military, mom and dad own a business of some kind. The son is supposed to take over the business when he is discharged. There's another military guy, he's our male lead. Our female lead goes on to become a country music star (we learn this through a 1-2 minute slow motion sequence that covers a 3-4 year period of time showing her rise to fame). Now we are 3-4 years later, the military dude is out and searching for a job in finance, the female lead is now a big country music star and her brother is finishing his tour, and the town is basically unchanged. Now the main story begins. The two leads eventually fall in love, she sings and helps a fledgling female artist a bit, and gives a bunch of money to various people, he helps around town with some veterans program, the brother might take over the business or accept another job overseas, and the parents are going to retire. There is an ex-military friend who appears to have PTSD and other issues that plague military folk, and he has a rescue dog.

I have to say this: I feel for those military people who suffer. I understand it as best as I can, I've seen it first hand. Now for the rest of my review...

The movie was not anything special, and I bet most people would agree. The reason I suspect this is that there are only 11 reviews as I write this, and that's the least number of reviews I've seen yet on any Hallmark Christmas movie made prior to 2022.

I enjoyed the meaningful story dealing with a successful singer and her family with a brother in the service and a blossoming romance with another veteran. Many Hallmark Christmas movies feel boring and optional after a while. This one does not. Nice to see a close family separated by their jobs but close in their hearts. Like the part where she paid off her parent's house.

It's wonderful that Broadway star Laura Osnes is doing Hallmark movies now. A really superb singer and pretty and sweet too. Different story is refreshing.