Embrassez l'esprit de Noël

A seemingly odd Christmas movie in that there is not a lot of Hallmark's typical Christmas branding in this story. However, true to most Hallmark movies, the storyline becomes pretty predictable early in the movie. Some may object to the story including several mentions of "God" throughout the movie but I personally think it adds that bit of realism needed in this story. From the opening scenes to the closing scenes, you have to keep in mind that this a Christmas story that has a pleasant Hallmark ending!

This is a sweet Hallmark movie. (Aren't they all?!) I enjoyed all the main characters. The storyline was different, however, the ending was predictable. I was pleasantly surprised by the mention of God in this movie. God is the reason for the Christmas season, but I know Hallmark has chosen to largely move away from religious fare. I'm glad there's at least one 2017 Hallmark movie that still mentions God.

For the good parts. And for the not inspired parts. For performances. And for the lovely romanticism. And for details. A Christmas film with good ingredients - single mother and her wise mother, her clever boy, Charming Prince, a meeting after many years and not so awful dialogues. Far to be perfect, it is not so sweet and far to be boring. So, a beautiful film.

It should be noted that this is a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Movie. Hallmark advertises these as more serious and not as lighthearted as the classic Hallmark Channel movies. The cast was better than some of the Hallmark movies I've watched in the past - Hallmark has a habit of reusing many of their actors and actresses and while this is sometimes endearing (Candace Cameron Bure, Catherine Bell), sometimes it's like nails on a chalkboard (Erin Krakow, Alicia Witt) where they shoehorn one of their favorites into movies that they don't fit, just because they've worked with them in the past - in spite of what fans vocally prefer. I didn't find that to be the case here. I was only familiar with Luke MacFarlane's past movies and he fit this role nicely. The other lead who played Maggie seemed to be a nice mix of overbearing cynic meets slowly awakening optimist.

I've never read the book, but this was such a sweet movie. The thread of healing and hope that tied it all together made for an uplifting theme. This movie had more religious aspects than the typical Hallmark stories, which I appreciated. It was refreshing that a Christmas movie actually acknowledge the reason for the season. And even if this plot point wasn't exactly front and center, I loved that it was woven throughout and tied together. I'm optimistic Hallmark will continue to expand on this type of movie for the future Christmas seasons.

The story is a little bit different but with a familiar feel. It starts with a flashback of a teen boy and girl having a teen's romantic Christmas. But it's spoiled when Maggie's Dad abandons their family Christmas Eve. Maggie is nursing a lot of heartbreak as the story jumps forward to the now attorney Maggie who has a teenage son. She too had her husband leave her a week before Christmas. It happens that Maggie's son, Jordan needs a tutor and they find one in Casey. The movie doesn't progress the story much beyond that until the end, other than a lame attempt at a rival boyfriend for grown up Maggie.

Luke Macfarlane is lovable as a very friendly and down to earth Casey. Jill Wagner is the uptight and controlling Maggie. Macfarlane and Wagner are good together.

I love the ending even if the viewer may see it coming. Maybe not.

This movie has grown on me as I watch it again and again.