Les Lumières de Noël

To the naysayers here who complain about "all that's going on" is two families falling in love, and others who complain about predictability -- have you never watched Hallmark movie????? Seriously????????????

Falling in love, trials & tribulations, and some predictability is VERY much "Hallmark movie" ... hallmarks. :-) The best of the Hallmark movies add more. I feel this one did.

As my title says, I think this was/is a very sweet story that actually felt very "real" in its events, acting, settings, and character interactions. There were some bittersweet moments brought on by well-intentioned friends and a mother-in-law, but that, too, is very realistic. I've seen Lacey Chabert in more than a few Hallmark movies, and I won't say all of them were great ... but this one is. This one gives me hope, though my wife and I are long-past the ages of the two main characters, but this movie still gives me hope that my wife could find love again after my death, and that I might, in the event of her passing -- no, this movie didn't leave me feeling morbid, and neither my wife or I are ill ... but still. The movie gives me hope.

The songs that make up the soundtrack are a bit loud at times, but I never noticed a problem with "background" noice, and didn't mind the music when I noticed it. I want to track down several songs to add them to a play list, particularly the song at the end.

This movie's story was made even better by being based on a real family's experiences, who did go through these events, made it through to the other side, and stayed together. (FYI, at the start of the movie, a statement is shown about this being based on a true story.)

Soooooooo ... watch it, if you like Hallmark movies. I do, and I liked this one.

Lacey Chabert is obviously a star and talented actress. She is able to capture the screen without sucking the attention from the other actors - instead she makes them better. She comes across very real. She shines. She is good.

'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.

I was intrigued once I realized this movie was based on a true story. You cannot go wrong with Lacey Chabert and Warren Christie's acting. Not only does the story being tears, it's their superb acting that makes it believable and draws you in. Worth watching.

Some may think they moved too fast to become a couple. But finding your way out of grief is very difficult. If you find someone that helps you out of the fog of grief grab your n to them and don't let go.

The people who think it's too fast must be expecting the deceased to return. As sad as it is, they are not returning. We will be with them again after we've lived our time here. But I am the kind of person that feels falling in love again, after losing a spouse, is a blessing. This couple months ved through a sad situation with grace and ease. Hold on to the ones that understand and help you through grieving. If you are able to build a new life with them all the better.