Mon miracle de Noël

I agree with others that Ashley Williams comes across as fake to me, maybe it's the facial features not moving or something, but I haven't liked pretty much any movie she's been in. Others like her but I think she's a bad actress.

She goes from avoiding him to saying he's so great, huh? At least the 3rd movie of 2022 where people are talking to dead people.

Young boy only wants to help the food bank (in what world does this person exist)? Canada programs love pushing shelters & food banks, it's like they want all of us in them. School administrator gave the impression that because the boy was not social, somehow something was wrong with him, that's just sad they allowed that in the movie.

I propose a drinking game to get through some of these movies, drink whenever you hear "community". It will help to get you through some of these snore fests.

Not usually a fan of Ashley Williams, but she was really good in this movie. Even though she waffles continually, it's believable for a person who lost their spouse. You're torn between wanting the new person and feelings of loss and guilt for your spouse. The lead male actor was amazing and he seemed to sense her reticence. The son, Adam was also a very good actor, he played his role well.

All of the ancillary actors and actresses, I felt did a phenomenal job as well.

It turned out to be a pleasant surprise and I won't hesitate to watch again. I understand some logistical aspects were unbelievable to some, but all in all it was a good Christmas movie and definitely worth a watch.

A beautiful movie taking place during Christmas. Ashley Williams stars as Kaitlyn Morrison, a widow with a 10 year old son named Adam. She and her son return home during the holidays. I will not interject any story line to spoil your watching pleasure. I will say that Ms. Williams delivers her best performance to date. She is not doing her usual over the top sugar high performance. Depth and layers are in her presentation. Lucas Bryant never delivers a bad acting performance and possibly makes hers better. You see two mature adults work through the challenges toward a meaningful relationship. All the supporting cast understands the tone and direction of the movie.

Kevin Fair, who directed many of the Signed, Sealed & Delivered movies has skillfully guided the movie in the right direction. Don't miss this movie. I enjoy most Hallmark movie, but this one surprised me. It is a must see.

'Five More Minutes: Moments Like This' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Although Hallmark have always varied wildly when it came to their sequels, some good, some around average and some mediocre at best if that, 'Five More Minutes: Moments Like This' was seen because of liking the first film very much, one of Hallmark's better films that year. Also for Hallmark completest sake, having been watching many as part of a completest quest started in 2019.

'Five More Minutes: Moments Like This' is a respectable effort, both as a follow up and as a film and one of the in the middle category follow ups. It is admittedly nowhere near as good as the first 'Five More Minutes', which as said was one of Hallmark's best from that year, and is uneven story wise. It does though do a lot right, including the acting and the refreshing portrayal of children. While not being one of the best of the 2022 Miracles of Christmas block, it is also not one of the worst. In a block that had misfires like 'Maple Valley Christmas' and 'Christmas Bedtime Stories', as well as two of Hallmark's best ever films in 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' and 'Gift of Peace'.

Good things: There are plenty of good things here. My overall feelings on Ashley Williams are a little conflicted, she can be very charming and there is no doubting her commitment but she can have a tendency to overact and has had characters that have been difficult to like. Thankfully her performance here is closer to the former category and she brings a good deal of heart to her role. Lucas Bryant is an amiable and empathetic leading man, with a more likeable character and more subtlety without any signs of mailing it in. The supporting cast are solid, particularly for Adam.

As said earlier on, this reviewer really appreciated the more mature than usual (for Hallmark that is) portrayal of children, refreshing compared to the cutesiness and brattiness seen with younger characters in some Hallmark films. On paper, the subplot where this is more obvious is remarkably adult and beyond the years with potential to be inspiring and relatable. It is attractively made, appropriately scored (not intrusive or manipulative) and the writing is generally sincere and flows naturally. There are moving moments.

Bad things: However, there are things that could have been executed better. There is nothing original here, with everything mapping out pretty much exactly with too little tension and too much schmaltz. Adam's subplot had a good deal of potential, really was inspired and related to it on paper but felt that it was not focused upon or used enough.

Furthermore, the ending is too neat. Really didn't buy Williams' character's change in attitude towards Bryant's, too much of a suddenly introduced and rushed 180.

Closing thoughts: Overall, above average if a little lacking.

6/10.

I really loved this film! If you have never lost someone, you may not get into this movie. If you have lost someone, this film may make you feel better!

I love Ashley Williams as an actress. She does a remarkable job of an angst-ridden mom. A single parent's job is tough.

Adam is a sweet boy who really misses his dad! When he starts to make friends, it is so lovely to see him come out of his shell. Without giving anything away, I loved how he warmed up to all of the strangers he met.

The original Five More Minutes movie was a favorite and this one is becoming one as well. Trying to navigate what your children want vs what is best for them can be heart-wrenching!