É Hora de Passar o Natal em Casa

Somehow, Christmas movies with amnesiac heroines seem to work, at Hallmark. The idea may be trite, but is developed credibly, again. Schram and Penny are quite good, acting with empathy and restrain. The story is simple and gentle. Just right in the Holiday spirit. Should you not be looking to be blown by shocking drama, you are encouraged to watch it and dwell in warm feelings, while resting cozily on your comfy couch.

Amnesia stories usually provide rich material for a nice story, and this one is no exception. Jessy Schram, a favorite of mine, plays a young woman who gets dunked in a river after being bumped by a car. We next see her in the local hospital near the Canadian border with amnesia. Her luggage has been lost. The only clue to who she is is an ad for a Christmas Tree lighting in Charleston, SC that she left behind at a local diner. It has a handwritten message on the back saying "Please Come" and signed "Mark".

"Jane Doe" is an immediate hit at the hospital due to her friendly, spirited, and outgoing nature. Jessy conveys all of that with the underlying vulnerability that she is so good at. She makes a friendly connection with a nice nurse, Paul, who offers to drive her to Charleston as it on his way to his family's home. It is almost immediately apparent that Paul is hiding some secret pain as he is very conflicted about going home. Jessy and Brendan are perfectly cast and their performances are spot on. I like that they made Paul a nurse instead of a doctor, thus making sense when he drives her in an old dilapidated car which conveniently breaks down on the way. A doctor would have flown.

On their road trip, they have a positive impact on all of the people they meet along the way. Including Alison Sweeney in a brief cameo appearance! This is a real thing this year. This is the third movie I have seen in which other Hallmark stars appear briefly in another movie not their own. I think it's really cool. And very smart given the competition other networks are giving them for the attention of Christmas movie viewing public.

The movie keeps you engaged at all times what with the mystery behind Paul's sadness and conflicted feelings going home and Jessy's real identity. Jessy starts having flashbacks which hint that she may be married and have a child! Why would she leave a husband and child? Is she a bad person? Is he a bad person? It won't be a spoiler to reassure you that she is not a bad person and her future lies with the nice and attractive Paul.

The two main characters had excellent rapport and chemistry between them.

Acting was excellent with entire cast.

Puts you in the best frame of mind.

Well done.

Jessy Schram at her best. She has an effect on people.

Take the first "Time for You to Come Home for Christmas" movie and subtract about half the snow and add amnesia and of course Jessy Schram. Actually all the female leads in this franchise have been appealing ladies, but Jessy always seems to be so upbeat and this role is perfect for her. Brendan Penny does his job well and the two have great chemistry.

Like the first one, this is another road trip with stops along the way and some obstacles. There is some mystery even beyond the amnesia and both parts unfold in pieces.

Like the others, this story is touching and the actors do a fine job. There's a scene with Allison Sweeney reprising her character from two years ago where she gives Jane some cookies.

Brendan Perry and Jessy Schram, I love them both and they have great chemistry. They have never disappointed me.

Then there is Lochlyn Munro, I am used to seeing him playing almost a soap opera villain type. Normally when he enters a scene my first thought is, what sleaziness is he up to this time. But no, Lochlyn proves what a good actor he is, he played the local sheriff as a competent, caring law enforcement officer. Even after the amnesia victim leaves town, he continues to work the case. Kudos, Lochlyn, great job. Left me wishing he had more scenes.

The film moves pretty slow at times and for that reason probably not a good family film, the kiddos will loose interest pretty quickly.

My advice: watch this movie.