Christmas on Call

This was one of the most boring Christmas movies I have watched in a long time. There was nothing going on at all. I wasted 2 hours hoping it would get better.

I love stories that interconnect with others so I was super excited to watch this one. Hallmark usually does this pretty good but totally missed the mark on this one.

The actors has zero chemistry so it was hard to believe the love story aspect. The "doctor" has got to have the easiest schedule of any ER doctor in the history of man kind. The 2 police officers provided comedic relief but it was easy to figure out their storyline. I figured out half way through what the dramatic scene was going to be.

Maybe I just expected more from Hallmark.

This wasn't your typical type of Hallmark movie. It was different. I think someone else said it was fresh and I agree. I loved how the storyline was not your typical storyline. It didn't follow the same trope that a lot of the other movies do. It has its own spin and it was good.

There are some new faces this Christmas season. I really hope to see them again. There was a really cute cameo as well. I don't want to give a spoiler.

Lastly, I liked how this one showed that First Responders have hearts, feelings, etc. They also have a family that they leave, to go home to the family that they love.

This story is mostly fresh. It's about an ER doc in a new city, Philly, starting up a relationship with an EMT. There is some drama within the ER and some more out with the Fire Department. There is also plenty of charity and good will to go around as all the main player reach out to help others. There is a second romance story with two cops who had a brief romantic encounter last New Year's. Something happened after the initial meeting that left some friction that needs to be worked through.

Sara Canning and Ser'Darius Blain have good chemistry. The acting all around is good and so is the dialogue.

The movie gives a fictional look at the every day lives of both people who risk their lives and those under pressure to heal the sick and injured. The story is mostly about the relationships rather than any quests or businesses to save or careers to launch or stories to write or festivals to put on or other usual Christmas stories. The pacing was good so it made for a good watch.

Ser'Darius Blain, who plays the EMT Wes, is the best part of this Hallmark holiday film around first responders in Philadelphia. The film would ask us to believe that Philadelphia is the best city to spend Christmas in...a fact that I would argue, especially with all of it's crime. The main storyline is around a new ER doctor Hannah who is new to town and Wes a Philadelphia native and EMT, who takes it upon himself to show her the city. There are some arguing neighbors that tie into a police storyline, a nurse who is missing her military daughter, and a wife and mother dealing with sending her son to college.

There is a fun cameo at the Philly cheesesteaks sandwich shop by the matron of the Kelce family, Donna.

I appreciated the film taking such pride in Philadelphia and trying to show it off in it's best light. I also really appreciated the showcase of a hospital storyline for those of us who sacrifice family time for the care of others on Christmas and lots of other holidays. It's because of this and of course Ser'Darius Blain that I recommend this to Hallmark holiday romance fans. It was slightly different than the usual formula and it tried to have just a little bit of fun.

Hallmark, we need to talk. Are we making real movies now? Ones with multiple, complex storylines that develop characters and aren't focused entirely on being cheesy? It seems that way! Christmas on Call gives us several storylines from the City of Brotherly Love that dip into real movie territory. It's a recommended movie.

Hannah (Sara Canning) is an ER doctor, which would seem really impressive until we meet her love interest Wes. Wes (Ser'Darius Blain) is an EMT, but also a veteran, volunteer at everything, singer, former firefighter, and all around good guy. Hannah is in her first year in a new city-Philadelphia-and a little homesick. Wes spends December apparently never sleeping, and showing Hannah what the city is all about.

You might remember Canning from Holiday Road (7 stars) or Wes from the Jimanji movies. These are legit actors, who turn in great performances.

We also follow Sanjay (Erik Athavle) and Danielle (Reena Jolly) as police officers who dated once. Despite all the crime in Philly (come on guys) they spend their patrol refereeing a neighborly dispute over lawn ornaments. Athavle is one of my favorites from Santa Summit - and he rocks a great stache in this one.

The cast in this movie is huge, but it's easy to keep track of. We get a father/daughter story (twice), a college-hopeful kid story, an EMT finding her way, an asthmatic patient who is going through a rough time, and a nurse whose daughter is in the military overseas.

You also can't miss Donna Kelce, yes Travis' mom and Taylor Swift's bestie, serving cheese stakes. I love that they actually call her Donna and she's wearing a Jason Kelcee Eagles jersey.

One note I'm sending into the world. Stop making Christmas karaoke a thing. It's not a thing and bad singers aren't fun.

Funny line: In one scene Hannah tells her dad, over the phone "I met someone" and she describes him a bit. And dad replies inquisitively and very loudly, "He?!" Like maybe the last person she met wasn't a "he." It was super awkward. I'm here for it, but the lead couple being two women seems like a million miles from where Hallmark plays. Prove me wrong, Gold Crown!! Prove me wrong.

Measuring Christmas Magic: Absolutely. Lots of establishing shots of Philadelphia, and scenes that are dripping in Christmas lights and joy.

Cast Kudos: Ser'Darius Blain as Wes. This guy does everything!

Alternative titles: Christmas and Cheesesteaks; Philadelphia Christmas; Philadelphia Med, Fire and PD for the holidays.