La parade de Noël

What a fun movie! There is a lot of chemistry between the two lead actors. This heartwarming love story set around the Thanksgiving parade in Chicago centers around Emily, the Thanksgiving Parade Coordinator and Henry the handsome consultant hired to cut costs. These two likable characters at opposite ends, argue and banter beautifully as sparks and tension fly between them. The music and the occasional split screen, highlights Emily and Henry's angst and turmoil for each other. This gem of a film is reminiscent of successful romantic films of the 60's. When Emily's fiancée of five years returns, it thickens the plot resulting in twists and surprises. The vintage attire worn by Emily throughout the film is charming and exemplifies the character's love for the past, propelling her to protect the city's history and annual Thanksgiving parade. Autumn Reeser as outspoken Emily gives a performance that is funny, vulnerable and adorable! "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade" is sheer delight and acted with great comedic pacing. The Karaoke scene is not to be missed. I love this movie!

Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of my favorite Hallmark movies of all times! The writing, the chemistry between the two leads, the touching moments interlaced with quirky humor make this a can't miss movie. I keep it on my DVR, but it's also available at Prime, but they still show it in a tiny, early window of Christmas films as of 2019. I adore Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo in this movie and hope that Hallmark can learn from the older movies that this movie is a model for how to make a good movie no matter what time of year. Enjoy!

Emily (Autumn Reeser) is in charge of Chicago's traditional Thanksgiving parade—think Macy's but on State Street in downtown Chicago. This year, she's worried when Henry, a rather aloof consultant (Antonio Cupo), arrives to potentially overhaul the parade and, in her eyes, ruin it or even halt it completely. Both are having relationship troubles: Emily has been with Brian, a slightly nerdy marine biologist (Ben Cotton; think Richard Dreyfuss in JAWS but less cute and funny) for years and assumes that when he returns from his latest trip that he will propose to her; Henry has drifted apart from his girlfriend Gretchen, accused of not understanding how to work at keeping a relationship alive. Of course, after a rough few days, Emily and Henry hit it off and smooth out each other's rough spots—but what about Brian and Gretchen?

The movie looks colorful and shiny, and it helps that there is a fair amount of footage shot on location on the streets of Chicago. The two leads are attractive, and after all, that's what really counts in these cable TV romances, and I was pleased that Cupo's "bad guy" personality was a bit more rounded than usual. Cotton was fine as the clueless biologist; poor Gretchen gets almost no characterization at all, only present near the end to provide one more speed bump on the way to the happy ending, and Ali Liebert is quite likable as Reeser's best friend— more of her would have been welcome. The script could have used another draft; once it gets to the last 15 minutes, things are rushed and plot holes are exposed—I'm still not sure how on earth Cupo wind up in a Santa suit??—but given the genre, it's fairly satisfying.

And to "conleytgwinn," another reviewer, the song Reeser sings is Blondie's "Heart of Glass."

Yes, it's "typical" Hallmark feel-good romance, but the actors have great chemistry that makes the characters more believable as a couple than some other Hallmark movies. It's cute and quirky and refreshing compared to the many Santa-is-real movies that abound this time of year. Loved the reason behind her passion for vintage clothes -- that explanation had never occurred to me. Some of spliced scenes when they were in their respective beds thinking about each other reminded me of old classic movies which actually lended another layer of believability to her vintage clothes and determination to keep traditions alive. I like that Hallmark makes so many different kinds of Christmas movies that range from comedy to drama and different levels in between. I give this one a 10.

Emily (Autumn Reeser) is a Chicago native who has worked her way up to a job that fits her well. This beautiful young woman is in charge of the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chi-town, among other things. Also pleasing, Emily believes, is her long distance, marine biologist boyfriend Brian. They conduct a romance in most modern fashion, on Skype. Then, Emily's perfect world comes crashing down a bit. A handsome number cruncher, Henry (Antonio Cupo) has been invited, at the mayor's request, to see if there is any ways to save money on the parade. Naturally, his initial meeting with Emily goes badly, as he seems all brash and no heart to her. She learns that his consultant's job has him traveling around the country, living in hotels, and making few attachments. He even makes a fiver wager with her, as he doesn't believe Brian is going to propose on his coming-soon visit. There are other mishaps and misunderstandings that arrive for this dueling twosome. Could it be that, between sarcastic barbs, Em and Hen really like each other? You KNOW IT, romance fans! This adorable romcom, which originated on the best network in the universe, Hallmark, has all the winning elements of the best romantic comedies out there. First, it sports attractive and charming performers in Reeser and Cupo. Then, a fine supporting cast, a lovely setting in Chicago's best venues, wonderful costumes, a clever script, and a made-to-entertain direction. So, parade out to grab the DVD somewhere or hit the download button soon.