Sur la route du père Noël

As a connoisseur of Hallmark movies, I especially enjoy Christmas storylines that tug on my emotions, by illustrating the spirit of thoughtful giving. Some of their holiday movies empasize the romance, while others, it's the "journey". To me, "Everything Christmas" is nothing original - there's a redundant storyline, ie. Big-city protagonists leaving on a road-trip to a snowy, small-town, steeped in Holiday tradition. Nor, is it about the quality of the acting, or magnetism I sense between the love interest(s). At times, there are exciting Hallmark casts that will influence my desire to watch, more than the teaser storyline (Corey Sevier, here). Although, Cindy Busby doesn't usually draw my interest in romance themes, here she was a believably reminiscent (teary-eyed) woman. But, I found myself more entranced by an unfamiliar actor portraying Kris - his mystique (ie. An illusionist) and his aura as the true Santa. There was nothing surprising with the twists in his "illusions", but each one creatively tied-in as a true gift of the heart. The romances really weren't the core, or excitement, of this film, and I didn't feel the storyline built up any tension to warrant a "final kiss". Definitely, a feel-good watch, not for a kiss, but one I would recommend to lead-off in sparking your Christmas spirit, say after Thanksgiving dinner...

I watched this movie the other day, and I have to admit I was not impressed.

Part of the problem may be that we watch so many of them, there is a natural tendency to compare them to others. If they were just stand alone movies, we might like them fine.

Part of the problem may be that it was a Cindy Busby movie. She's never been one of my favorites.

But I think the biggest problem for me was reducing Cory Sevier, so brilliant as the grinchy stroke victim in Noel Next Door, into a guy who just grins and says "Me too!" about 40 times.

The story about a road trip where two girls keep running into the same two guys and maybe Santa Claus was a little flimsy to say the least. Supporting cast was so-so, although the Santa and the pastor were good.

Others may enjoy this, I'm sure I'll get thumbs down, but for me it's a pass.

This is the story of two friends, one a skeptic and one Christmas crazy. The Christmas crazy one, Lori-Jo 'LJ', who is played by Cindy Busby, lost her grandmother four years ago and is determined this year to keep a promise that she made to her by visiting the town of Yuletide Springs. The town celebrates Christmas all year round, but LJ plans to hang a Christmas tree ornament she made together with her grandmother on the public Christmas tree in the town square on Christmas Eve. This practice has a tradition of making wishes come true. LJ is so serious about completing this promise that she quits her job when her boss reneged on her time off and convinces her best friend...the doubting Thomas, Viktoria 'Tory', yo come with her on the road trip. Along the way they have car trouble and meet Zack, Jason and a man named Chris Kringle. A series of amazing miracles or illusions occur leading the two couples to question whether Chris Kringle is the real Santa...Turing the most hardened skeptic into a believer.

I loved the infectious love for Christmas shared by LJ and Zach and how perfect the two couples were for each other, but that is where my love ends. This was kind of a middle of the road Hallmark holiday romance, that I probably won't be recommending to any but the most hardcore hallmark fans.

Truly the best part of this Hallmark holiday romance is the Kris Kringle played by George Masswohl, he was fantastic! I even liked his hair.

The basic virtue - it is a fairy tale. The significant error - the try to define the identity of Santa.

A film with serious virtues , from portraits of small comunities to the miracles , accidents, gifts and their meaning, the purpose of travel of young woman and pills of lessons about life. All- more than seductive and it is just a good point the try of Hallmark to propose something different - in some measure than you expect.

Sure, unrealism and large spoons of magic. But each of them works more than well in this mix and, not ignoring the virtues of performances, the story suggest a nice air of nostalgia, like each fairy tale, and this is the best thing, in fact.

Everything Christmas was a real mixed bag for me. I thought it started out quite well with the over the top Christmas loving Busby and her level-headed friend played by Katherine Barrell on a buddy road trip to the town of Yuletide Springs. They break down and shortly after are helped by a man who resembles Santa in body and spirit. From there are a series of coincidences and almost magical experiences that lead them to believe that he might be the real thing. Oh, and of course there is romance for the both of them.

Unfortunately, after a good start with some legitimate laughs provided mostly by Barrell, it starts becoming more and more bland and predictable. I've pretty much liked Busby but here she comes across almost like a child going on and on about "believing," etc. Etc.

I thought Barrell pretty much stole the show, and George Masswohl provided solid support as the continually appearing Kris. The biggest disappointment was Corey Sevier who was the major love interest but didn't say or do much of anything. He was always just staring googly-eyed at Busby and was basically just a bubble-brain. The other male love interest wasn't a whole lot better.

Kind of a head scratcher and somewhat of a lost opportunity.