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Christmas has always been special to me and my favourite time of year. Main reasons being that it means lots of family time and reliving the nostalgia of singing and listening to carols, watching Christmas films and animations, playing festive games and opening presents. Will never tire of it and nothing will ever change that for the world.

Seing it as someone who wanted to see a different festive film other than the ones watched every year, 'The Spirit of Christmas' is never going to be among my favourites or one of the timeless festive films. It is not great, nor is it flawless. 'The Spirit of Christmas' is though a more than watchable film and avoids some, though not all, of the traps that other Christmas films have fallen into. It is a case of having appeal for some and others finding it a bit of a chore to sit through. For me despite its flaws, 'The Spirit of Christmas' is one of the better new Christmas films seen recently, but nowhere near close to ever.

As to be expected, the story is predictable and although the premise is a reasonably clever one there isn't really an original idea in sight. There are a lot of easily telegraphed scenes here. Some draggy pacing here and there too.

Quite a fair bit of the dialogue does make one cringe and like some festive films it is not without its cheesy moments, and when we say cheesy we are not talking a little sadly.

However, 'The Spirit of Christmas' is a decent looking film, the locations are particularly striking. The music provides some affectionate nostalgia and is pleasant to listen to, while the direction avoids being too routine. Didn't find myself irritated by the characters at least and wasn't bored.

Despite the predictability, 'The Spirit of Christmas' has its heart in the right place, a difficult to dislike atmosphere and has a nice message that is easily relatable and wasn't laid on too thick. There is definitely a festive spirit and there is plenty of warmth and charm here, with enough parts to warm and melt the heart. Never does it feel too juvenile or mean-spirited and the sentimentality generally doesn't become too much. The acting actually comes over very well, with two likeable leads and a supporting cast that show enthusiasm without over-doing it.

Overall, likeable and above average if nothing to be blown away by. 6/10 Bethany Cox

If you look for a different Christmas theme film, by the mountains of Hallmark stories, this is an inspired choice. first - for the story who reminds old fashion mystery stories. second - for surprising performances. not the last - for the meaning of "spirit". sure, it is not original but the references to the known stories from a time when Christmas was not a piece from a brand represents one of magnificent virtues of this real special film who gives to classic ingredients of genre a delicate and powerfull ...flavour.

This movie is quite enjoyable due to the fact that the story is so delightfully different then most christmas movies. Sure, thereæs the hot girl who can't find the lov of her live, there's the handsome fellow she falls in love with and of course the setting is in a peacefull beautiful inn on the countryside covered in snow but the story itself is now and then even spooky and grim.

I will not blow it by adding spoilers, but if you're in to a christmas movie that is differnet and surprising with good acting of almost all the players, here's the one to watch.

Loved this movie want to see a second part like so many Christmas Movies need to make second one.

Let's get one thing straight. I am not a sentimental woman. I simply watch Hallmark movies to laugh at how bad they are. So can you imagine my surprise when this film presented itself as--not only a Christmas romance--but a MURDER MYSTERY? Granted, there are still the usual trademark Hallmark parts: cheesy dialogue, emotional piano playing, flubbed lines that somehow made the final cut, etc. But if you give this movie a chance, you will not be 100% disappointed.