Reunited at Christmas

Reunited At Christmas (2018) -

This was definitely one of those Christmas films that decided to make sure a whole list of festive activities were checked off, but also one of those where there was an ACTUAL checklist to do, left by some dead relative. It was a good example of the style however, if a tad treacly at times.

I did feel that it was just lacking that X-factor though, that certain something that others have had without even trying and perhaps that was because it was a tad forced in some moments. And I thought that perhaps there was too much going on as well.

As much as I enjoyed his previous performance in 'Love Always, Santa' (2016) Mike Faiola, as Simon, felt a bit fake and even his voice sounded very different. There was still something about him that I liked though.

His relationship with Samantha didn't seem to be as long term as they made out though and frankly I couldn't understand why he would bother to stay with her at all, because Nikki Deloach in that role, was sending such mixed messages throughout the story and he was obviously far too good for her. I personally would have been thrilled to marry him, because he was not only handsome with a good job but also obviously devoted to the one he loved, but she just couldn't see it.

I didn't feel that Samantha's separated parents were ever going to survive together in any way either. There were a lot of arguments between the pair and again I felt that Andrew Airlie as Bill was too good for Eileen Peddle's, Claire character.

It wasn't the worst of these films that are out there and I liked the fact that it wasn't the usual boy meets girl, but I have a list of better ones to watch.

6.3/10.

This is not the typical Hallmark Christmas movie...and it was good! No lost love found. No okd boyfriend. No one running away from a deadend job to find love. No fake royalty. No dad with a child who lost his/her mother. It's a wonderful movie about family. It's a movie about dealing with self-doubt. It's a movie about love - family, fiance, mother, father, sister, and grandmother. Yes-it has the typical Hallmark happy ending. I wish Hallmark would do more "family" movies and not concentrate so mych on finding long lost love by going to a small town...

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

As a child, Samantha spent every Christmas at her beloved Nana's house building the traditions of fun and joy with her family. Sam is facing the first Christmas without Nana and still struggling to find the Christmas spirit when she gets a surprise.

The film is cute but not one you will ever want to see again. The cast is good and the locations are attractive.

Hallmark's Christmas output is very variable and 2018 was a mixed and generally not very impressive year for them. Some of their Christmas films that year were decent and more, three of the best being 'Road to Christmas', 'Christmas Made to Order' and 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas'. Other films in the batch are less than average, with 'A Gingerbread Romance' and 'Christmas at Graceland' being particularly weak. The others are in between.

'Reunited at Christmas' is one of the best Hallmark Christmas films from that year in my view. It is not quite my definition of a great film and there are definitely shortcomings with some of the story execution. Credit is due for 'Reunited at Christmas' doing something different from the usual Hallmark Christmas film formula and tackling heavier than usual subject matter, which it handles with more depth than expected and it is far from wasted, half-hearted or half-baked.

There are plenty of good things with 'Reunited at Christmas'. It pleases visually, with beautiful locations and the filming looks professional. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow the more settled it gets. Also really liked the writing's maturity and sincerity, nothing corny or childish here. As said, the story here is a departure from the usual type of story seen with Hallmark, so it is not as light-hearted and is more serious.

Luckily, the story's heavy theme is handled in a way that's well-intended, mature and poignant. The characters don't irritate while not being too perfect, they are not meaty but they have personality at least and not too stock. Nikki DeLoach and Mike Faiola are charming and affecting leads, neither overwrought and dull and it is easy to see what they see in each other. Their chemistry is genuine and easy to relate to, it grows at a realistic rate. Lisa Durupt and Andrew Airlie are sympathetic support.

Although most of the story appealed to me, it is admittedly very slight and has a few uneventful stretches in the middle. Which makes some of the film drag and the film could have had points where it was light-hearted, as it did feel a little too heavy going later.

Did feel too that the music could have been used less and been more subtle, spelling out the emotions a little too much at times.

In conclusion, admirable and well above average if not a masterpiece. 7/10.

If you don't want to think about the pain that relationships can cause at Christmas, skip this one. It's a good story, about the daughter's relationship and that of her divorced parents. Of course there are happy endings for all, and I loved how they used Nana's posthumous instructions to have a wonderful Christmas.