L'Île merveilleuse de Noël

Truly a heart-warming story well worth an attentive watch. The message here from the citizens of Christmas Island is how gratifying it is to share of one's self with others - what most of us who celebrate the spirit of Christmas wish to experience. There's no cliches, "wow" moments, or fluff in this story. My only knock was the story was a little slow to unfold. Once it did, you witness the Sharpe couple realize their financial success has come at a price of sacrificing their other talents, and their teenage daughter learns that she could accomplish wonders "offline", and become more empathetic to her little brother by reading a letter to Santa. Andrew Walker, one of Hallmark's finest, enhances this cast, and he, along with his fellow citizens, lead the visitors, Kate (the pilot) and the Sharpe's to rediscover joy and romance.

I'm always on board for an Andrew Walker holiday romcom (My Christmas Family Tree) and this one doesn't disappoint. Kate (Rachel Skarsten) is a pilot who's just been given a shot at her dream job, piloting a wealthy family to Switzerland. Poor weather requires them to make an unexpected stop at a Nova Scotia town called Christmas Island, where air traffic controller Oliver (Walker) and his father, sister and nephew reside. It is here that we find out more about what everyone's deal is.

What I enjoyed most was that it wasn't strictly the usual plot line of will they or won't they. Sure, there was that, but the secondary storylines of the wealthy couple (Jefferson Brown and Kate Drummond), their two children and Oliver's family were just as interesting, to me. It was great seeing Good Witch's Peter MacNeil and Virgin River's Lauren Hammersley in supporting roles. This movie was a really good ensemble effort, which I think Hallmark does well and should do more often. The storylines were interesting and the cast was very good. Highly recommended.

Memorable little Christmas romantic movie. Good chemistry between the couple. You could feel a twinge in the heart strings when Oliver was breaking the news to Kate about the weather.

Only gripe is that the production could have paid more attention to the setting. They went all out with the decorations, but forgot about the weather. Christmas Eve in Nova Scotia and you have folks in autumnwear? I know filming was done in August, but it wouldn't have hurt to dress the actors in timeline-appropriate gear. It gets to me when filmmakers don't put in the details that aid the believability of the story.

And it sure doesn't look like the weather is terrible enough to ground all flights for 3 days. I had to suspend my disbelief throughout all the outdoor scenes.

6 stars

This has the elements to make a good movie, including top actors and excellent scenery.

Yet, it was ultimately rather dull.

It was not a clunker, hence 6 stars, but it did not hold my interest.

The characters lacked chemistry and the "poor rich" family did not set up the audience for a breakthrough of joy at Christmas. It's not relatable for the audience to see a family on a private jet; something most viewers will never experience.

The scenery was beautiful but without witty or emotional banter, it came across as sterile, dry and without flavor. Fine actors did not save the dull story line.

I liked this movie. The backdrop of Nova Scotia was beautiful. The story line was not the usual, but a little far fetched.

But, I kept thinking of the co-pilot. The family and pilot got to stay in the mayor's house for days because there was no room at the inn while the co-pilot bunkered down in the plane at the airport? What about heat and food?

They did a good job of showing the sites of the area. And the food. Mmmn lobster. Travel Nova Scotia will probably get an uptick. I hate these foul up in Hallmark movies. Like the ones where someone travels with one little suitcase, but manages to have dozens of change of wardrobe.