Les Lumières de Noël

I loved the movie.

Having dealt with loss in my life also it was a nice story with a good ending. I did not realize it was based on a true story until the end. The family was from Michigan also.

I love Lacy Chabert she does a great job no disappointment. This was the first movie I have seen Warren Christie in I thought he did a great job also. The ones who played the children did great too.

This was a real emotional roller coaster, filled with so many hard life lessons...like why do other people always think they know what's best for you? And why do others have trouble watching people be happy.

This was based on a true life Brady bunch like story.

It was beautiful to watch these two grieving families come together and support one another. I appreciated without any outside influences, that the family together was happy.

7.9 stars.

It's a fairy tale. A family of five loses a mother. A family of four loses a father. The two families meet while in the throes of grief and loss. And like a fairytale Brady Bunch story formed in the midst of a church setting, where she works at the Christian school and his profession is... not sure what he does actually...it provides reassurance that luck (miracles) can penetrate a gloomy existence.

As their families grow closer, all the people around them start to fear the worst. Those dumb people -"friends" and family begin to interfere with what appears to be a wondrous and beautiful miracle of a relationship, where two grieving families begin to mend.

In so many ways, this could happen, in many more ways it is unlikely. Much about this beautiful story just doesn't match reality. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this film. Like I said, it's a real life fairytale. Enjoy it for what it represents, and the potential happy ending it offers those in a similar situation: two charismatic and gorgeous widows with no flaws and five perfectly adjusted children...

I've seen this movie twice and I loved it both times. It's Lacey Chabert who I adore on the Hallmark Channels for sure. She's very cute and charming. This reminded me of a movie similar to a TV Series I grew up watching, called 'The Brady Bunch', minus one child. I even said that the first time I watched this movie and prior to hearing Lacey say it on this movie. It was like Deja Vu. I love the kid dynamic in this movie though because all the kids seem to adjust and adapt very well to a coming together. There is even a very cool song that plays while they are either getting ready to eat dinner or cleaning up after the dinner. I'll have to look up the song that played. It was great teamwork and that's what we should all strive for in our lives, working together on a common goal. But seriously, watch this movie and remember The Brady Bunch.

'The Color of Rain' (2014)

Opening thoughts: 2014's 'The Color of Rain' did sound very charming even if the plot synopsis was nothing earth shattering. My Hallmark film completest quest (which has gradually overtime included Lifetime and UPTV), that is still ongoing with no intent to stop just yet, has been a very uneven endeavour but an interesting one with some real winners. Lacey Chabert is one of Hallmark's most frequent stars and to me she is one of the best and most consistent regardless of the film. Am less familiar with Warren Christie, but have liked him enough in other things.

This was really not one of Hallmark's best years, while having some good films there were a fair share of misfires and the worst missing big time. Of a hit and miss batch, where only 'A Ring by Spring' was above good of the previous films in the batch, 'The Color of Rain' is easily one of the best 2014 Hallmark films and a much needed refreshment after struggling through two 2014 Hallmark films in a row ('Looking for Mr Right' and 'When Sparks Fly'). Hallmark has done mature themes and family dilemmas very well a good deal and 'The Color of Rain' is no exception.

Bad things: It is a little bit of a slow starter with the first half an hour or so taking time to find its feet in momentum, while also being very over-familiar and too on the slight side.

Did think also that the dialogue was not always great and that it did get a little corny.

Good things: Chabert and Christie however are very sincere and charming leads, especially Chabert. They have a natural and genuine chemistry together that doesn't feel too subdued and develops at a realistic pace and it was easy to connect with their characters and very early on. The supporting cast charm and move too in nicely fleshed out and relatable roles that have strengths and flaws. Had no issue with the character interaction, the family dynamic when in the grieving process being true to life and honestly done.

Script sounds natural and has real sincerity throughout, it doesn't sugar coat the serious theme (far from it) but it didn't to me come over as over serious or soapy. Apart from some pacing problems early on, the story is very heart warming and moving with a very true to life and sincere depiction of grief and loss. The ending touches and isn't too neat. The drama is not too soapy or over sentimental and it doesn't feel forced. Visually it looks pleasing, with the photography and scenery being equally attractive. The music isn't constant or overscored.

Concluding thoughts: Bottom line, very well done and one of the best 2014 Hallmark films.

8/10.