Noël loin des projecteurs

I was looking forward to this Lifetime Christmas movie as it stars Tori Anderson, who I enjoyed watching on Blindspot. I have not seen her since. She was pretty good. But the story was rather dull. Don't get me wrong, there were some nice Christmas messages in the movie, but I often found myself disengaging with the movie, the story. It just did not have that X factor that some of the other Christmas movies I have seen have had, unfortunately. It's not bad, but it is not great either. It is a family friendly movie.

Good movie- simple story quite well done even if it is somewhat predictable.

interesting choice of Janet Kidder as the mother of Tori Anderson as she is only 16 years older.

Tori Anderson is a beauty and Victor Zinck is a stud and they both can act and they have chemistry in this movie. The script is weak and that's a common problem with holiday movies, but no offense to the cast. Zinck seemed a bit undertheweather with a horse voice, but it's still great to see him.

Here is hoping that Anderson and Zinck star in another movie soon, maybe a western themed movie in the Spring.

This started off strongly with the great casting of Tori Anderson as a believable A-list movie star. I also liked the actress that played her little half sister, though I was at first confused about the family dynamics. I found Victor Zinck just OK as the hometown love interest and was underwhelmed by the chemistry. I am apparently in the minority on this issue.

Unfortunately, It got slower and more boring as the movie went on. Interestingly I noted a small cameo by one of my favorite hallmark actresses at the beginning of the movie, Kimberly Sustad. Had she continued contribution in the role of the conflicted paparazzo, it might have added a needed spark to one of the dull subplots. Also noted that it was directed by another favorite, Ali Liebert. Good for her and better luck next time. I would like to see more of Tori Anderson in these Hallmark-type movies.

The story of film star returned to home after not the most happy period in sentimental and professional life. And, a new purpose , relations with mother, a handsome mate, students and growing up of a Christmas play. Nothing surprising but charming. And , in many senses, just charming.