Mon père Noël bien-aimé

There were quite a few reasons for wanting to see 'Matchmaker Santa'. The title was a little corny but also somewhat appetising. The idea for the story was hardly innovative but sounded cute enough. Lacey Chabert is always a likeable watch, like her voice work too, and generally one of the better prolific Hallmark leads, whether their festive efforts or in general. Have been on another one of my completest quests since November 2019, and this was part of it.

If there was one word to sum up 'Matchmaker Santa' it would be watchable. It is not a bad film, it is at least palatable, and there are things that come off well. At the same time it is not one of Hallmark's better Christmas efforts and a bit of a missed opportunity, too many of its components being average at best. Will say though that 'Matchmaker Santa' is not one of the worst either, there are worse written, acted and looking and ones that bored, annoyed and insulted the intelligence more.

Visually, 'Matchmaker Santa' looks good with it being shot and lit well and while standard the settings are lovely looking and festive at least. The film started off very nicely, with a lot of charm and warmth.

Chabert is her usual likeable and charming self, as a character with no exaggerated negative qualities without being too perfect, and carries the film with ease. She has natural chemistry with both male leads, Thad Luckinbill and Adam Mayfield match Chabert's charm and one can see their appeal. Florence Henderson's performance is not subtle but she is a lot of fun. John Ratzenberger makes the most of what he's given to work with, and he's underused.

However, the story doesn't have enough to it. Actually don't mind awfully that it was very formulaic, what bothered me was that there was very unimaginatively executed, was really not much of one at all, had some fairly contrived situations and the film gets so sweet (too much so) in places it was almost sickly. The script is similarly thin and quite routine, especially in the more eventful parts, with too much cheese and sentimentality. The chemistry between Chabert and her male leads varies, it's nice with Mayfield which has more growth but a little under-explored with Luckinbill (despite them being sweet together).

Did find that Lin Shaye overplayed to an embarrassing degree. Pacing can be a problem, with the story being too little a lot of the film crawls along and feels over-stretched. The direction is only functional at best and can be on the leaden side of things. Would have liked more development between the characters, a far less over-neat and rushed ending and especially far more subtle music. Do agree with those that found the music over-bearing and ill fitting.

Overall, watchable but pretty average. 5/10.

I love this movie but it's so hard to find. Wish I could find this movie in other places so I can watch it.

There are no huge surprises in this film. Santa performs actual magic. Many of the situations are silly.

Yet this movie is surprisingly entertaining. The humor is light and sprinkled around while the romance is sweet. The story flows together well.

Lacey Chabert and Adam Mayfield fit well together as the leads. Meanwhile so do Thad Luckinbil and Elizabeth Ann Bennett as Melanie's original boyfriend and his high school sweetheart. Florence Henderson is a crazy hotel owner. John Ratzenberger has the same characteristics as the part he played on Cheers.

Reliable Lacey just didn't do it for me in this one. This movie was made 8 years ago and Lacey Chabert hasn't changed a bit. And I'm not sure that's a good thing. Same hairdo, same lipstick, same signature eyeliner. Honestly, couldn't she even wash her face before going to bed? If she ever wiped that eyeliner off, I don't think I'd recognize her. Same affected giggle: It would make a good drinking game. I didn't think she much chemistry with her co-star, and the plot was tired and dull. Maybe I just need a break from Lacey, because she can be a good actress, with good comedy chops. Unfortunately that's a little difficult, since watching Hallmarks is kind of a silly hobby of mine. I did like her love interest on his own though. I'd like to see him pared up with someone else.

The Hallmark Channel produced a dozen new made-for-TV Christmas movies for the 2012 holiday season. I've seen a few. They're alright.

However, when it comes to this one, "Matchmaker Santa," I am not the least bit shy about confessing that I loved it! Yes, it's not deep & it really has no antagonists nor any real conflict that's essential to most plots - but so what!

And yes, we all know very well who Lacey Chabert is going to end up with, but with all the rotten things facing us out there in real life, this is exactly what the doctor ordered!

This Christmas romance fits like a glove! It is quite wonderful! The Christmas atmosphere of the fictitious small town of Buford Falls (a possible nod to "It's a Wonderful Life's" Bedford Falls), courtesy of Art Director Vahn Armstrong & Set Decorator Linda Louise Sheets is so rich, so warm - so charming & wonderful.

And the supporting cast of veterans Florence Henderson & Lin Shaye as active local businesswomen; and John Ratzenberger as Budford Height's easy-going mechanic & town mayor; and Donovan Scott, who has made a fine career out of playing Santa, are all so friendly that before long it hits you that you'd love to have these folks for neighbors. In fact, you'd love to live in Bedford!

"Matchmaker Santa" is a marvelous, indeed, magical new Christmas movie, and this comes from a guy who loves the old classic holiday films and TV specials, but who has never been overly impressed with the new ones.

I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I always do whenever I see it.