Une nouvelle vie pour Noël

We have two love stories in this Christmas romance. The story is unusual in that sense, especially since the two are related but take place several states apart.

The first gem is Tricia Helfer. I've seen her as a solid actress in a lot of things, but in this one she really drew me into the story. I thought especially that if you contrast Helfer's sincerity with either of the rival girls, you could see Ryan's love. Meanwhile you could clearly see in contrast that, even Kimber, played well by Brittany Gray, wasn't sincere as she professed her love for Owen. It was good acting by both Helfer and Gray. Jessica Phillips, as Halo, was a little more obvious what she wanted.

I wish I thought that Mark Lutz, the beau opposite Helfer, was as good as her. Not bad, just not as good.

The other gem is the singing of J.T. Hodges. I love these Christmas movies when a talented star sings. His character, Owen, was in the other love story with Mia. Hodges was good in his acting, again not as good as Helfer. As for the last main player, I thought that Cristina Rosato delivered a lot of her lines stiffly.

This is one Hallmark movie where the kid didn't steal the show, nor was he intended to. He was cute, but really not central to the story.

The story was mostly straight forward. We expect some roadblock on the way to happiness, and both romances got one.

"You woke me up, Ryan. You made me realize that if I'm always planning for the future, I won't be present for it when it comes. You showed me how to be present." I think that's the quote gsuddy914 was looking for.

Though it's a story line that has been done before, it wasn't a bad production. I've seen other Hallmark Christmas productions that I enjoyed much more, but it was still a nice movie. The only thing that started to bug me was J.T. Hodges, who played Owen, side burns. There are some shots in the movie when he is in profile and his sideburns look as if they are colored in with a brown marker. It doesn't even come close to his hair color and looks as if there are two streaks on each side, not that close together. It kind of threw me out of the movie a bit after I noticed it.

All in all, not the best but still a nice movie for the holiday.

The singing by TJ Hodges makes the movie. It has an interesting plot line and I enjoyed it.

It is one of the few Christmas love story movies that isn't too sappy. It does help it to be the holiday season to watch it. The cast is composed of familiar faces and it is interesting to see the beautiful Ms. Helfer in a different setting. The male leads are well acted as well. Another Hallmark Channel production to go along with their Christmas themed movies that is filmed in Canada with a large Canadian supporting cast. If you like country music this has a few Christmas songs with a country accent. It is slow to start but by ten minutes into the movie it picks up speed and is good enough that you won't be checking your watch. All in all an enjoyable Christmas movie.

Very entertaining. Plot is not the usual. Characters and actors are all great. If you want a relaxing feel good movie, this is it.