Have actually seen a fair share of Hallmark Christmas films that have been surprisingly good and more, so they are absolutely capable of having a good film in them, hence why they keep getting watched by me. Despite giving 'Magical Christmas Ornaments' a mixed rating and am going to give it a fairly lukewarm review, it did have some potential even if expectations weren't entirely high. Seeing as Hallmark's Christmas offerings are so hit and miss and the overall quality very inconsistent.
'Magical Christmas Ornaments' is neither one of the hits or one of the misses. There are definitely worse Christmas films from Hallmark, as it is not in the mediocre at best or dud category, but there are also better as it is not quite surprisingly good level or particularly good. 'Magical Christmas Ornaments' is one of the just about watchable in between films of theirs, while not really living up to its absolutely lovely name that really grabbed my attention.
Am going to start with the good things, as 'Magical Christmas Ornaments' is not a complete humbug. It is graced by an immensely likeable Brendan Penny, who doesn't make his character too perfect or overplay his weaknesses. The supporting cast are also solid and make a lot of effort making on paper cliched characters interesting and like real people and not like flat caricatures.
It looks good, Hallmark always delivers on the scenery which always looks lovely regardless of any authenticity. The photography is not drab or gaudy, and while it is not showy as such it isn't too static. There is a nice festive atmosphere at times later on and the ornaments were a nice touch and not overused or gimmicky.
Jessica Lowndes didn't do it for me sadly however. Have nothing personal against her and am certainly not going to make personal comments about her appearance, as it is shallow and has no place in a review, but she has never sold it to me as an actress and this is another example of why. The performance just felt rather affected and also lacking in expression, plus her character is dull and never goes beyond a typical Hallmark cliche that doesn't really grow all that much or come over as easy to relate to (was actually frustrated by her behaviour early on). Her chemistry with Penny is mostly lacking, it has moments later on but could have been featured more and developed more. It feels like it goes nowhere for a while and then has a little development just like that.
When it comes to the dialogue, it is very awkward in flow and there is no heart to it. Both the cheese and sentiment go overboard, and there is too little in 'Magical Christmas Ornaments' to connect with emotionally. The story is not much of one at all for most of the length, much of the first portion is endless and pointless filler and what there is of the story is very dull, excessively predictable and at times silly with senseless motivations and rushed character development. The too neat and contrived ending can be seen from miles off. The direction is routine on the whole and the music is overbearing tonally and in placement.
Concluding, watchable but could have done with a lot more magic. 5/10.
