Un Noël traditionnel

The chemistry between the two stars is off the charts...its obvious that they know each other (both are co-stars in "The Last Ship") and seemed to genuinely like each other. This makes the movie better than some of the other offerings as the acting is natural. The storyline is somewhat standard but the setting is unique. The daughter is cute-not precocious-which also makes this movie better than some. Good acting and sweet story. Highly recommend.

No joke, this movie was great! I loved every second of it and that's not an understatement. This movie rocks! I'm not giving anything away (no spoiler alerts here), other than it has got to be watched if you are sitting on the fence about what to do with your time. I don't believe you will be disappointed by watching this. It truly touches the heart on every level. Good job Hallmark and thank you for this one!

Emory Blake (Bridget Regan) is a workaholic travel writer. She is often away from her San Francisco home. When her boyfriend invites her to visit his family in Boston for Christmas, she turns him down and they break up. She is eager for her next work assignment doing a story on a cabin holiday in Pine Grove. She is shocked when Scott Hays (Travis Van Winkle) seems to have broke in and gives him a swift kick. The owner had double booked the rental. Scott is a widower with his daughter Katy and waiting for his mother Marilyn (Teryl Rothery) to arrive. Emory agrees to go home but her car breaks down and she's forced to stay. Alice Bennett is a parent to Katy's classmate Johnny.

It's a rather straight forward romance. There is a hint of a love triangle but Alice is never given enough screen time to be a bigger character. In the end, the path is singular and straight. There are no turns, no twists, and no surprises. There is a predictable misunderstanding and an easy resolution. It's a Hallmark movie.

I truly needed something to fill THE LAST SHIP void and this did the trick. Stars Regan and Van Winkle are easily the most versatile actors and it was a true joy seeing them on something lighter, whimsical and smart. Can I get more of this dynamic duo please????

So a little honesty here, my least favorite part of Hallmark Christmas movies is the preachy attitude. That is what separates this movie from the rest. Instead the focus is on the characters who happen to be enjoying Christmas traditions together. The chemistry between the 2 appealing character leads, Emory and Scott is wonderful, and Scott's daughter and mother are also on mark. You just believe and like them, and the amusing dialogue is a step above the usual Hallmark movie. It's just a fun romantic comedy, and I hope Hallmark makes more of these movies in the future.