L'Inconnu du bal

We've been consistently watching Hallmark's Christmas movies for at least ten years now, but very seldom paid attention to the rest. We branched out a bit this year, and discovered to no surprise at all that all of their movies are very similar ... it's just that the Christmas movies throw in a Christmas theme which may or may not have much to do with the story.

But Cameron Mathison and Danica McKellar are two of our favorites in the Christmas movies, so when I happened to spot this on the schedule I flagged it to record. We're happy I did. The movie was as charming as these two actors consistently are, and the story was at least a BIT different, as these two romantic leads are best friends without a clue they're really in love ... that is ... until Mathison thinks McKellar is attracted to a mysterious man from a costume event and tries to make the match ...

Every part of this movie was as I expected it to be. That being said, it still had the feel-good charm that Hallmarkers are famous for. Worth the watch, I'd say.

I will not add much about the overall movie as many others have given plenty. I will, however, comment on the editing...not so good. One moment she is wearing a black wrap....and then she's not. One moment a friend was going to get Helen's coat and only came back with a scarf, wrapped it around her neck...on a body already wearing a black coat. Helen leaves the store in the black coat...but all of a sudden she is wearing a red coat. In the masquerade ball Henry has a mask, and then he doesn't in the next shot. This was all in the first third of the movie...and little things like that just kept happening. So while I enjoyed the movie, storyline and acting...the editing was poor and thus distracting and detracting.

This tv movie is a sweet, very romantic story about two college best friends, who discover their true feelings about one another a bit late in life. It benefits from being tied in to a serious enviromental theme of preserving a botanical garden that is at risk for being turned into a condo/mall money-maker. Both leads are established made-for-tv movie stars and are very appealing favorites. However. both seemed a bit mature in years to be experiencing such a romantic realization. Having been best friends in college, and then each going their separate way is a good beginning background story..But Danica McKellar is 43 and Cameron Mathieson is 48..leaving this viewer to wonder how the audience is expected to believe that more than 20 years had passed before they revealed their true feelings. Their romance seemed more appropriate for people in their late 20's, perhaps mid-thirties..but not at age 43 and 48. Something about Cameron Mathison's wide-eyed, innocent portrayal of a very smart botanist left one in disbelief. He is too mature and too established an actor to portray such an immature suitor. Danica McKellar is always lovely and takes her roles seriously. However, at this time of her own career, she might want to rethink all that long hair and all those tendrils around her face. She is far too beautiful to cover so much of her beauty with all that fussy hair. The second male lead, Damon Runyon, is under-used in Hallmark films. He is handsome, talented and very much leading man material. He needs to be moved out of the 'other man'/bad guy roles.

A problem I have with these movies, are the little mistakes, most of which have been mentioned. One that hasn't been mentioned, was glaringly obvious in this one. Why, when they have been friends for years, didn't Helen recognize Henry's handwriting? Friends that I have known for that many years, I know their handwriting, if they give me an unsigned card or a gift, I know who it is and don't thank someone else.

Other reviewers here have commented on Danica McKellar's long hair. Why shouldn't she have long hair at any age? If it looks good (and it does), and mostly, if she likes it, that is her choice. Just because a woman reaches a certain age, doesn't mean she has to automatically chop off her hair.

linda-plant2 lamented that Damon Runyan should get the girl for a change. Off the top of my head, he got the girl in: 'One Starry Christmas' 2014. They do seem to give their corral of actors/actresses each a chance at getting the girl/guy. So hang in there, I'm sure he will get the girl again.