Le Concours de Noël

Another film that could've been made better with a slight alteration.

The thing that lets this movie down is the story, there are quite a few holes, which if filled, would've made this film better.

For example, there is one character whose resolve is said to be strong, but when challenged it dissipates quickly into the ether. The same character has beliefs that are quashed almost instantaneously. Even though it's a minor character, had these points been resolved more realistically it not only would have strengthened them, but also the film.

On the upside, the actors do their characters proud and portray them well. The direction is nice and keeps the film moving along at a steady pace, which works well for a love story.

If you've not watched this before, and there's nothing else on the telly, and it raining or snowing outside, the ironing's been done, and the floors hoovered, then I say grab a drink (preferably alcohol) and watch this film in front of the fire.

We have another story where a contest decides the fate of one of the main characters. I thought there were some original elements in the film. Some interesting things took place on the way to the ending. The ending surprised me a little.

Gabriel Hogan has done several of these Christmas movies and he comes through again. I wish I thought there was chemistry between him and Natasha Henstridge, but I thought the relationship was forced and I didn't care enough about the outcome. The teen actors were good and had nice voices.

Unfortunately there was a bit too much boring rehearsing shown in the movie, but their final performances were a pleasure. With the two romantic characters, and the four performers, there were a lot of sub-stories going on, perhaps too many.

Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late last year through to early this year, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all.

'Christmas Song' is neither one of the best or worst Hallmark Christmas films. It's another one that is firmly in the middle, with not a lot that is done wrong other than some major story issues but with little that is wow-worthy or extraordinary. 'Christmas Song' is one of those type of films where everything is present and correct and with a lot done right, but also one of those type of films that could have done with more spark. If asked whether it's recommended, my personal answer would be yes with a small y.

Will get the not so good out of the way. The story is pleasant enough, but there are times where it does try to include too much and some of it is underdeveloped and on the bland side. Some things happen too quickly and too conveniently, in a credibility straining way which does make for some convoluted parts. Especially with how one character is resolved, a character whose development goes backwards rather than forwards from their goals being dulled down.

Not much here also that is unique, with the film being very predictable and playing it too safe so by the end of the day it's all pleasant and all competently done if forgettable after a few days. Some of the dialogue is on the awkward and corny side.

However, both Natasha Henstridge and Gabriel Hogan give winning performances that are full of charm and enthusiasm individually. Chemistry-wise, it is pretty much harmonious with a warmth and genuine good nature. The supporting performances are fine too. The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it.

Enough of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments and is like a character of its own, appropriate for a film centered around music. Dialogue isn't stilted most of the time and doesn't go too heavy on the cheese or schmaltz. While the story was problematic, it was not a disaster by any stretch. It is light-hearted and really warms the heart without going into over-saccharine territory.

In conclusion, not exceptional but pretty decent. 6/10.

The Hallmark Channel's annual festival of Christmas movies begins with this effort. Gabriel Hogan and Natasha Henstridge are music teachers in two private schools that merge. Only one will have a job long term and it comes down to a competition over who has directed the best Christmas carol performance. Soon enough, all sorts of student and parents' neuroses complicate the plot.

As is usual with Hallmark TV movies, Ms. Henstridge is the more buttoned-down of the two, preferring classical music and technique, while Mr. Hogan holds for creativity and feeling the music. However, both are presented as likable, competent teachers and closer to the middle of that range than most Hallmark movies. There are also several amusing bits, particularly one in which they keep getting matched by an online dating service. Both are likable and relaxed with their characters and the net effect, while no world-beater, is very pleasant.

Natasha Henstridge plays Miss Thiessen and Gabriel Hogan plays Mr Stoddard, two High School Music teachers who are in competition for one job following a merger of a girls' and a boys' school. The competition boils down to a competition over who has directed the best Christmas carol performance.

Filmed in Ontario, and directed by Timothy Bond, production values are good. To remind us it's Christmas, every scene features garlands and Christmas lights in the background with plenty of fake snow everywhere, and snow-covered fake bushes.

Look, it's inoffensive, light and fun. Henstridge is very easy on the eye and Hogan has clearly done lots of this stuff before. Of course the plot is predictable and the dialogue bland. But for a Sunday afternoon pre-Christmas with kids and grandparents this is well pitched