Un festival pour Noël

As I sat down in 2021 to watch the 2017 Christmas movie titled "Christmas in Evergreen" I must admit that I wasn't harboring much of any expectations to it. Why? Well, the movie's cover/poster sort of had that archetypical Christmas cheesy feel to it. So I figured I would be in for one of those run-of-the-mill Christmas romance movies that come a dime a dozen each year. But still, I opted to sit down and watch what writer Rick Garman and director Alex Zamm had to offer.

And as it turned out, then "Christmas in Evergreen" was actually a rather wholesome and entertaining Christmas movie. Sure, it had that sappy romantic element to it, but it wasn't really the main focal point of the movie. So I will say that "Christmas in Evergreen" had something for just about everyone in the audience. I, personally, was genuinely entertained by the story told here.

They had managed to put together a good ensemble of actors and actresses for the movie, with the lead roles belonging to Ashley Williams and Teddy Sears. I will say that the lead performers carried the movie quite well and they were rather nicely cast for the movie. "Christmas in Evergreen" also has the likes of Holly Robinson Peete and Barbara Niven on the cast list.

If you enjoy Christmas movies, then "Christmas in Evergreen" is certainly an enjoyable movie, and it definitely surprised me. So this is a Christmas movie that I can warmly recommend.

My rating of "Christmas in Evergreen" lands on a seven out of ten stars.

I find Ashley Williams so annoying! Her constant smile and over-the-top acting is just too much for me.

I've seen her in other Hallmark movies. Not a fan. Her acting is always the same. Perky, happy, and not believable. Annoyingly so.

The plot was not believable. Driving an antique truck to D.C.?

Ever seen a dancing class recital? The group is dancing away but there is always the kid who is simply doing steps. Sometimes you can see her mentally counting the step-ball-changes before the turn. It looks like dancing but it's missing what makes dancing, dancing.

For me, watching this movie, Ashley Williams is that kid and it ruins the movie for me. Overacting to the hilt, that jack-o-lantern smile, everything too big, too much, overdone. Natural is not in her acting tool box, she acts like a pre-teen in her school play. It's distracting and pulls me right out of the movie. It's a problem b/c she plays the lead and is on camera a LOT, so if watching an actor substitute big-eyed ear-to-ear smiles (sometimes at inappropriate moments) for actually getting into a role annoys you, you might want to plug in It's a Wonderful Life and enjoy the great acting that turns a Christmas movie into a Christmas classic.

The other actors are ok in their roles, and the plot is typical Christmas romance with the usual angels in the snow, tree decorating, bearded old guy dispensing holiday wisdom, etc. etc. The movie is predictable, of course, but that's what Hallmark movies do: guarantee the happy ending.

I love Christmas movies, and for me this one is fair to middling. If you enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies, you'll like this one as it follows their holiday pattern. Teddy Sears (Ryan) and Holly Robinson Peete (Michelle) were bright spots in this movie

This one had every freaking Christmas cliche in the book. Country good/city bad, specious current boyfriend/fiance versus christmas-phobic single Dad, Save the festival, magical Santa, frolicking in the snow, Christmas Cookies, and Christmas-centric small town. And... the boyfriend who appeared like a jump-scare in a horror film. I still liked it. I am one of the majority that really likes Ashley Williams. The screen loves her and she is never less than a sweetie-pie. This entry also featured two other shining stars: Jaida Lily Miller and Rukiya Bernard. Young Jaida is a Hallmark regular for good reason. She is a great little actress and a charming presence. I wish Rukiya were more of a regular than she is. I have seen her as a supporting player in 3 other Christmas Hallmarks and she quite simply lights up the screen. She needs to move over to Lifetime, Hallmark mysteries, or Ion and start starring in her own movies. Move over Tatiana Ali. All this goodness was marred by the irritating mother who was a little too dependent on her beloved daughter. She needed a little therapy, as does many of these Hallmark mothers. As was the town, which couldn't seem to function without the capable heroine.

The town of Evergreen is home to a magic Christmas globe. Veterinarian Allie Shaw (Ashley Williams) is moving to DC for a new job at a big clinic and spending time with her ex Spencer. She makes a wish on the globe and situations conspire to keep her stuck in town. Michelle (Holly Robinson Peete) is her best friend who is taking over the Christmas festival. Ryan Bellamy (Teddy Sears) and his daughter Zoe are passing through town to fly to Florida. Zoe makes a wish on the globe. They run into Allie at the airport. Flights are canceled. The road out is blocked. No one can come in for the Christmas festival and no one can leave.

This is a Hallmark Christmas romance. It is a no drama special. There are no big surprises. Ashley Williams is super sweet. Teddy Sears is perfectly nice. It is hot sugary chocolate and it doesn't even have the marshmallows for fun. It does what it sets up to do. It does not offend. It does not challenge. It is a dash of magic and a batch of sugar cookies. It is Christmas at its nicest and safest.