We Need a Little Christmas

'We Need a Little Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: 'We Need a Little Christmas' is the first 2022 Hallmark Miracles of Christmas film, which has always been a hit and miss block in all the years it's been going on. The story sounded really heartfelt, and Hallmark have proven many times that they can explore family relationships and deeper, more serious themes very well (they have not always been successful at this though). Erica Durance has been good in other things, despite a very up and down in quality filmography.

Like all the previous years, 2022 was a very up and down year for Hallmark. 'We Need a Little Christmas' is one of the better 2022 Hallmark films and one of the most charming and moving. As far as the 2022 Miracles of Christmas films go, it compares favourably and is again one of the more sincere, moving and charming ones. 'We Need a Little Christmas' may not be perfect by all means, but it is beautifully done in a vast majority of areas, especially the acting and emotion.

Bad things: It does end a little too patly in a way that jars a little.

Also did find Durance's character not the easiest to warm to at first, her lack of competence frustrating and a little silly.

Good things: Couldn't find any fault with the acting, with classy and deeply felt performances from Durance and Lynn Whitfield and a sympathetic male lead. Their characters are well fleshed out, not over perfect or excessively flawed, and relatable.

Furthermore, the script sounds natural and has real sincerity throughout, it doesn't sugar coat the serious theme without on the whole not overdoing the seriousness. The story is extremely touching and warms the heart, with everything done with a lot of honesty. All the subplots are nicely balanced and tie together cohesively, a good job is done developing them and making them relatable and true to life. The drama is not too soapy or over sentimental and it doesn't feel forced. Visually it looks pleasing, with the photography and scenery being equally attractive.

Closing thoughts: Overall, good if not great.

7/10.

Some of them scenes felt awkward because of the dialogue and the camera angle choices. The lead actress was strong, as was the supporting actress. But some of the other characters could have been neighbors of the crew --that's how absolutely ZERO inexperienced they were. . It was almost cringe-worthy.

The wardrobe department did a nice job and the costumes were nicely done. The sets were done well -- not overtly repurposed buildings that are typical in Hallmark movies. And reasonably decorated for Christmas, not the typical "xmas tree in every bedroom" nonsense.

The neighbor character (and the actress playing that part) saved the movie from being a complete loss.

7.8 stars.

These two endearing women carry a Christmas presentation better than most. I must say I wish to see more of them both on Hallmark this year and in the future.

The story is of an older woman (Whitfield) who dearly misses her grandson whom she's expecting home for the holidays. She lives next door to a woman (Durance) and her son who are grieving the loss of husband/father who passed about a year ago. A nice man also enters their lives soon after, and together these four characters create a wonderful story full of encouragement and healing. There's even a little spark of casual romance, suitable for the uplifting theme.

'We Need a Little Christmas' is the right mix of sadness, loneliness, hope and happiness amidst grief. It is presented in such a way to summon sympathetic tears and profound joy.

The movie was decent. Th3 acting was good. There was nothing in it that made me want to watch it again in a hurry. Th3 neighbor was great and the lead male and f3male worked. Didn't see chemistry but wasn't necessarily their fault. The writing left more areas trying to incorporayeneighbor but didn't build chemistry. I would have hoped they acted more bonded like watching Christmas on my mind or one of my other favorites. Christmas in homestead worked it all. Need to pickup the pause in these or justspend logical time building chemistry versus trying to get the viewer to assume they have it. Spend more than 10 minutes to make the movie.

I've seen this movie a few times already. It's sweet and different from the usual feel good Hallmark movie.

I love the actor who plays the son, Gavin. Aziel Dalman. He is just the sweetest boy and perfect for the role he plays. I think he's the star of the movie.

It's a great movie for the holidays and I'll be watching it every year now.

Another plus is that it did not have the gratuitous snowball fight or kiss at the end of the movie. Hallmark proved that they can stray from the usual predictable script. I hope they will produce more original material. Lately Hallmark has been doing just that.