Les Lumières de Noël

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.