maggygrasso-56686
Joined Jan 2022
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maggygrasso-56686's rating
I know the 'GAC' chanel is still carving out their spot in the Made-for-TV Holiday-Movie landscape, but this is scraping the bottom of the barrel. This movie lacks originality in every aspect from plot to scenery, is completely void of chemistry between the male and female lead, and just too idyllic and removed from reality. While all of those features were commonplace for strictly televised movies a decade ago, Hallmark has changed the game and if GAC is going to compete, they need to ditch scripts like this and spend the extra money on seasoned pros until they've earned the credit to slack a bit.
My main issue really was with the leads, the way they were written AND the way they interacted. The female lead was written in the same fashion main characters of teen shows in the early aughts. She was just too good to be true: a beautiful model who was also ridiculously altruistic , humble, talented, and laid back. There is absolutely no relatable qualities to her as she's just too perfect. The male lead is just bland, his literal only personality trait they bothered to flesh out was 'heartbroken'. The actor was decent, but literally had more chemistry with his on-screen sister than his love interest. It was awkward and unpleasant. The sister was by FAR the most talented of the cast, but was written to be some sort of old-maid who was obsessed with her brother's love life- I give the actress a lot of credit for being able to bring a little life to the role .
There were a lot of small oddities to the script that detracted even more from the film's believability and enjoyability- mostly having to do with the way a model's career was handled. It very much made it seem like they have complete control over their schedules and the designers they work for. I'm not a model by any means, but I would be upset with the representation were I one.
As for the plot- I mean it when I say not one original idea or concept. There was nothing special about any of it, and I'm surprised it was made. If you were trying to describe this movie to a friend to see if they had seen it, there is not one notable and unique concept you could mention that would give it away. It is just scene-by-scene a ripoff of the Hallmark Christmas movies of Yesteryear.
The 9 and 10-star reviews really threw me, and I have to agree with another review, either the contributers are directly involved with the film, or they have not seen any other movies. There is nothing at all in this film that deserves a perfect rating. I think I was generous with the three stars I offered.
GAC- please don't ruin the careers of the actors and actresses that left Hallmark and had faith in your network. I hope more heart and more work are put into the 2024 Holiday releases.
My main issue really was with the leads, the way they were written AND the way they interacted. The female lead was written in the same fashion main characters of teen shows in the early aughts. She was just too good to be true: a beautiful model who was also ridiculously altruistic , humble, talented, and laid back. There is absolutely no relatable qualities to her as she's just too perfect. The male lead is just bland, his literal only personality trait they bothered to flesh out was 'heartbroken'. The actor was decent, but literally had more chemistry with his on-screen sister than his love interest. It was awkward and unpleasant. The sister was by FAR the most talented of the cast, but was written to be some sort of old-maid who was obsessed with her brother's love life- I give the actress a lot of credit for being able to bring a little life to the role .
There were a lot of small oddities to the script that detracted even more from the film's believability and enjoyability- mostly having to do with the way a model's career was handled. It very much made it seem like they have complete control over their schedules and the designers they work for. I'm not a model by any means, but I would be upset with the representation were I one.
As for the plot- I mean it when I say not one original idea or concept. There was nothing special about any of it, and I'm surprised it was made. If you were trying to describe this movie to a friend to see if they had seen it, there is not one notable and unique concept you could mention that would give it away. It is just scene-by-scene a ripoff of the Hallmark Christmas movies of Yesteryear.
The 9 and 10-star reviews really threw me, and I have to agree with another review, either the contributers are directly involved with the film, or they have not seen any other movies. There is nothing at all in this film that deserves a perfect rating. I think I was generous with the three stars I offered.
GAC- please don't ruin the careers of the actors and actresses that left Hallmark and had faith in your network. I hope more heart and more work are put into the 2024 Holiday releases.
I am not, nor would I ever, knock today's Hallmark releases- but nothing compares to the early years.
I don't know how I had never seen this one before- but it's easily my favorite.
It's got the essential elements of falling in love during the holidays on the small screen: a conflict ridden meet-cute, a seemingly perfect boyfriend, the most adorable and wholesome woman in the world, a couple fun female extras, an unrealistically single man who's attractive, wealthy, and a gentleman- but a bit jaded.
But this Thanksgiving flick of Hallmark past(and WHY did they stop making Thanksgiving films?) Is far less sugar-coated than than today's, while still remaining wholesome enough. They openly drink and get drunk, the boyfriend isn't 'the right guy-just for someone else' he's actually quite the prick. The humor is just a shade darker and a notch sexier - and it creates a depth that's been lacking the last couple years.
The actual production is really good, too- at least to someone who knows very little about movie production. They really made Chicago in November really beautiful. I even really loved the music- which is often the one element I kind of hate.
As for the story, a vintage-clad young woman prepared for her beloved annual Thanksgiving parade while waiting for her marine-biologist boyfriend to come home and propose to her. Meanwhile she bumps into the man who wants to commoditize the parade she's devoted her career to - and while they have opposite views on just about everything, including love- their chemistry is undeniable. Naturally they're forced to work together, and end up exposing every private thought that occurs to them- and eat peanut butter in their undies (separately, mind you- this IS still a Hallmark movie)
The leads- Hallmark favorite Autumn Reeser, and the very very handsome Antonio Cupo -just absolutely killed it. It was hard not to root for them.
If you're in the mood for predictable yet enjoyable couple hours, and don't want to feel like you're watching a disney-movie for adults, this is a good start. I always dvr the 2015 and earlier Hallmark movies- there really is something a touch more special about them (might be the fact they didn't churn out 200 a year) and this might have been the absolute best of them.
Also- I now REALLY want a best friend with a small vintage clothing shop. Might be my favorite set of any movie ever made. So- anybody with a vintage shop is obviously free to seek me out and befriend me, I expect tea-for two in a mid-century settee. And, yes- that's how adorable this movie is.
I don't know how I had never seen this one before- but it's easily my favorite.
It's got the essential elements of falling in love during the holidays on the small screen: a conflict ridden meet-cute, a seemingly perfect boyfriend, the most adorable and wholesome woman in the world, a couple fun female extras, an unrealistically single man who's attractive, wealthy, and a gentleman- but a bit jaded.
But this Thanksgiving flick of Hallmark past(and WHY did they stop making Thanksgiving films?) Is far less sugar-coated than than today's, while still remaining wholesome enough. They openly drink and get drunk, the boyfriend isn't 'the right guy-just for someone else' he's actually quite the prick. The humor is just a shade darker and a notch sexier - and it creates a depth that's been lacking the last couple years.
The actual production is really good, too- at least to someone who knows very little about movie production. They really made Chicago in November really beautiful. I even really loved the music- which is often the one element I kind of hate.
As for the story, a vintage-clad young woman prepared for her beloved annual Thanksgiving parade while waiting for her marine-biologist boyfriend to come home and propose to her. Meanwhile she bumps into the man who wants to commoditize the parade she's devoted her career to - and while they have opposite views on just about everything, including love- their chemistry is undeniable. Naturally they're forced to work together, and end up exposing every private thought that occurs to them- and eat peanut butter in their undies (separately, mind you- this IS still a Hallmark movie)
The leads- Hallmark favorite Autumn Reeser, and the very very handsome Antonio Cupo -just absolutely killed it. It was hard not to root for them.
If you're in the mood for predictable yet enjoyable couple hours, and don't want to feel like you're watching a disney-movie for adults, this is a good start. I always dvr the 2015 and earlier Hallmark movies- there really is something a touch more special about them (might be the fact they didn't churn out 200 a year) and this might have been the absolute best of them.
Also- I now REALLY want a best friend with a small vintage clothing shop. Might be my favorite set of any movie ever made. So- anybody with a vintage shop is obviously free to seek me out and befriend me, I expect tea-for two in a mid-century settee. And, yes- that's how adorable this movie is.
Like many other reviewers I'm quite the Made-for-TV movie enthusiast, and I LOVE the older ones. Unfortunately this one was a huge miss, and I'm genuinely surprised by the following it has.
Now, the screenplay was good. This was a well written movie- and the production was mostly strong for a TV movie from 2006. I also liked that it didn't scream Christmas- no hate for the misseltoe covered Hallmark movies of Christmas Present, but it's a nice break. The acting leaves an entirely different movie to be desired, though.
'Faith' the female lead was awkward down to her movment. Her chemistry with the male lead might be the most cringe-worthy part of this movie. But her interactions with the entire cast felt strange and forced- except with the wine-bussiness boyfriend (Skipper from Sex and the City!) . Also- her sound production was a disaster, it seemed like all of her lines were added post-production, and added poorly. The issue doesn't extend to the rest of the cast. And those 5" wide headbands were so distracting.
Male lead wasn't a show stopper, either. Robotic is the word that comes to mind, and while I think they were going for a stoic army veteran, I doubt they meant for him to seem so very bored.
The supporting cast was mostly great (Ed Asner!!) I wish they would remake the film and do the story justice, I think it could be beautiful.
They did an awesome job of the snow effect! There's a scene where the guys are working in the yard, and it feels so pleasant and real. Honestly, a highlight of the movie- even if it was only a few seconds.
Now, the screenplay was good. This was a well written movie- and the production was mostly strong for a TV movie from 2006. I also liked that it didn't scream Christmas- no hate for the misseltoe covered Hallmark movies of Christmas Present, but it's a nice break. The acting leaves an entirely different movie to be desired, though.
'Faith' the female lead was awkward down to her movment. Her chemistry with the male lead might be the most cringe-worthy part of this movie. But her interactions with the entire cast felt strange and forced- except with the wine-bussiness boyfriend (Skipper from Sex and the City!) . Also- her sound production was a disaster, it seemed like all of her lines were added post-production, and added poorly. The issue doesn't extend to the rest of the cast. And those 5" wide headbands were so distracting.
Male lead wasn't a show stopper, either. Robotic is the word that comes to mind, and while I think they were going for a stoic army veteran, I doubt they meant for him to seem so very bored.
The supporting cast was mostly great (Ed Asner!!) I wish they would remake the film and do the story justice, I think it could be beautiful.
They did an awesome job of the snow effect! There's a scene where the guys are working in the yard, and it feels so pleasant and real. Honestly, a highlight of the movie- even if it was only a few seconds.