Un Noël paradisiaque

It's Christmas! Which means there will be an abundance of "mean person changes her ways" stories. In A Heavenly Christmas, two beloved television stars unite. . .and whatever romantic tension that was intended by the script fizzles miserably. Eric McCormack gives his all, and I dare any woman in the audience not to fall in love with him this holiday season, but chemistry can't happen with only one person's attempt. Kristin Davis either absolutely hated her costar (in which case, she should have implemented those acting lessons she desperately needed) or is just a terrible actress (hence being in need of acting lessons). For the life of me, I don't understand how any actress, when face to face with a lovelorn Eric McCormack, would be capable of such a lousy performance.

My criticisms of Kristin Davis aside (which, believe me is never-ending), I'll definitely watch this movie again next Christmas. McCormack gives a wonderful performance, and at Christmas, I'm always more forgiving about less-than-stellar movies. It's not the best one out there, but give it a try and take the good from it!

My favorite part of the movie (besides the eye candy) is Shirley MacLaine. Lately, she's been typecast as a "sassy, old broad" with gruff one-liners, but in this dual-role performance, she shows much more than a hard shell. In one of the roles, she's warm, friendly, and full of sunshine.

Fun, light and pleasant film. Always a pleasure to see Shirley McClain. A nice ending and just a bit of a teary eye.

Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken from late 2019 and still ongoing, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all.

'A Heavenly Christmas' as far as Hallmark's Christmas films go fares quite well and is definitely worth watching and remembering. It is not flawless or a classic, but have come overtime to not expect any of those things watching a Hallmark Christmas film and have always tried to not judge them too seriously. Have seen the two leads in other things and they have shown that they can be good with the right material, which they do have once 'A Heavenly Christmas' gets going.

It is a bit slow to begin with, the set up taking a little too long and some of the dialogue early on is on the ropey side.

Did feel as well that Kristin Davis overdid it at times when it seemed like she was trying too hard to act younger than she was.

However, so much is good. Davis on the whole gives a performance that is committed and deeply felt, even if it isn't flawless. Eric McCormack, proving that he can do drama as well as comedy, and Shirley MacLaine (as the most interesting character) are very good, McCormack is understated and charming and MacLaine is dignified and fun to watch. The characters were on the most part ones easy to get behind and carry the film well.

The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments. The dialogue is not great to begin with but improves when the plot properly kicks in, not being too sweet and it flows at least. The story is sentimental but is also very sincere and moving, with nothing feeling contrived.

Summing up, good if not great. 7/10.

Max (Eric McCormack) is unhappy with his life, though he is surrounded by friends and family. Eve (Kristin Davis) is content, though she has no friends and disregards her family as she focuses on moving up the corporate ladder. Circumstances thrust them together, and each reevaluates his or her life.

This Hallmark holiday film relies on the supernatural to move the story along, much like "A Christmas Carol". Shirley MacLaine plays the part of Pearl, an angel who stirs the pot with some predictable results.

McCormack is strong in his role. He is uncle and custodian to Lauren (Jaeda Lily Miller), who lost her parents in an accident. Davis is pleasant, but never very convincing as one side of the burgeoning romance that is central to the final chapter. Unlike some other Hallmark shows, Christmas is not an important part of the story; the action could have occurred at any time of the year.

It is a sweet Christmas movie not the best but a nice one. I recommend it if you want to relax and just be entertained.