There has never been any bias for or against Hallmark Christmas films. Actually think there are a mix of good, bad (and worse in some cases) and somewhere between mediocre and decent, so it's a variable output really. One just needs to know what to expect and not to expect too much. Have also had any bias for this genre and the two leads are no strangers to good performances even in hit and miss film choices. Did like the idea for the story, although the structure is samey the setting is a departure to the usual ones seen.
'Finding Christmas' is a very pleasant watch and when taken for what it is and meant to be it succeeds at what it set out to do. Expectations were mixed, they were met and exceeded. Hallmark titles can be corny and sugary, but the title for this film is quite profound-sounding one. As far as Hallmark Christmas films go, 'Finding Christmas' is somewhere in the high middle and certainly one of the better efforts from that year. This opinion is from judging the film on its own terms without comparing it to anything else, so am not saying (never have, never will do) that it is on par with something else that has gotten the same rating that will make some scoff.
Is it flawless? No. The structure of the film and what happens is very familiar territory for Hallmark so there is a seen it all before vibe throughout. The ending is heart-warming, but also a bit too tidy.
Hallmark films do tend to be over-scored and that was the case here with 'Finding Christmas' at times. Christina Rosato is a little stiff at times and some of the dialogue is on the sugary side.
On the other hand, so much is good here. It at least looks nice and professional. Although the authenticity of the locations can be questioned, the scenery still looks lovely and appropriately festive, complemented very nicely by the photography. Enough of the soundtrack is nostalgic and JT Hodges sings beautifully. The direction is sympathetic without going through the motions.
Moreover, the dialogue does improve quite a bit later on, it is tighter and less stilted and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. One of 'Finding Christmas' biggest pleasures is Tricia Helfer, who gives a very sincere and charming performance. The rest of the cast are good and the chemistry natural, only Rosato isn't quite there.
Concluding, pleasant film. 6/10.
