Noël au château

I wasn't a big fan of this one and I can't put my finger on why exactly, it just seemed slow and without any fun or spark. I know it's about classical musicians who may seem reserved in their performances but perhaps they took that too far. I really like both of the leads in most everything they do, and their performances here were very good, just no romantic chemistry

Like most Hallmark movies it is filmed in Canada but set somewhere else, in this case Boulder Colorado and surrounding areas. It is nearing Christmas and many families are vacationing at the Chateau.

It revolves around two 30-something musicians who were once in a serious relationship but parted when she became a world-renowned pianist and began touring the world to perform. He stayed in Colorado and eventually got his PhD in music and became a music professor. Now they surprise each other by being at the Chateau at the same time. Further their old college friend talks them into helping the Chateau put on a big Christmas concert.

Being a Hallmark movie we know what will happen and it is fun watching it get there. Just a nice, clean story and pleasant entertainment. I was feeling I was in Pleasantville.

At home, my wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library.

Such a lovely movie, "so simple yet charming" is the best way to describe it.

The story is somewhat different but still very familiar to most Hallmark movies, but that's not a bad thing. The musical aspects of the movie gave it an original direction, something more than the standard event planner or bakery angle.

But the best thing about this movie is without a doubt the actors, Margot (Merritt Patterson) is just unbelievable as always, every one of her lines radiates charm effortlessly, as for her co-star Jackson (Luke Macfarlane) he compliments her perfectly, this is definitely one of his better performances.

Another strong aspect of this movie is the supporting cast, without a doubt one of the better ones i have seen in a while, nothing extraordinary, just plain good acting all around with no exception.

I would strongly recommend seeing this delightful movie.

6.9 out of 10 stars.

Margot is a well known pianist who is going through a rough patch, musically. She reunites with her family for the holidays. Jackson plays the cello, and they used to date. He is offered the position to direct the Christmas concert at the place where they are staying, the "Chateau", so they both come together to create something beautiful.

I like Merritt as a lead although she is not a favorite of mine. Luke, on the other hand, is becoming one of my favorites. I think they had good chemistry but not necessarily a romantic one, in my opinion. (I felt that she wasn't that into him). But I will accept all the Luke Macfarlane movies Hallmark gives us.

I know nothing about instruments, I don't know if any of the actors were actually playing them but they had me fooled.

I don't have any major complaints about this. It was such an "elegant" movie, if that means anything to you. There was not fooling around, not funny montage,, which made it kind of slow at times. . The final scene had me smiling from ear to ear. I know it's only the second movie of the Christmas season (lol, it's not even Halloween yet) but it was a good one. Nothing spectacular, but if you enjoy these, i'd recommend it.

"A second chance doesn't come along very often and when it does, you gotta grab it"

I'm confused about what to rate it, either 7 or 8. I will consult with the pillow. May change it later.

The music saves this film to be only another Halmark Christmas film. The reunion of ex lovers, after long period has its charme , to, being fair constructed. And, for the large public of this genre of film, the presence in cast of Merritt Peterson and Luke Macfarlane , their seductive job, to, represents the nice gift. In same measure, the eulogy to family, the references to options after universitarian studies, the lovely presences of Suki Kaiser, Bobby Steward, Hrothgar Mathews and young Alix West Lefter , the inspired portrait of mother , proposed by Jessica Steen and the relation between Kate and Todd are the good virtues, in same measure. Sure, the recipe is more than familiar, but the music gives soul and grace to a story not very rich in surprises. The result is decent and, for few scenes, just seductive.