Une nouvelle vie pour Noël

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.

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.

I loved this movie, like most Hallmark movies. This one especially made me think a little more about certain issues in my own life and relationship. There was a quote towards the end of the movie and I can't remember the entire verbatim quote. Hope someone can reply. It started with something to the nature of "Preparing for the future and not focusing on the present"--I know these are not the exact words, but it sure hit home with me. It made me realize that preparing and focusing so much on the future can sure make you not see what's in front of you at the present time, and I believe that is what the message of the quote was. If anyone can please post the entire quote on here, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Happy New Year

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

It's the Hallmark's version of The Holiday. Perfect for a relaxing weekend. Ok acting. Nice views.