If I Only Had Christmas

From make-believe relationships (e.g., Holidate, Midnight at the Magnolia, Happiest Season), princess switches and royals incognito (e.g., The Princess Switch: Switched Again, A Royal Christmas Engagement), to fake five-star bed and breakfast staff (Five Star Christmas), deception and mistaken identity have been a very popular plot device in this year's Christmas movie lineup. Here again, in this film, we see this plot technique in use, though, arguably, having less of an impact than some of the movies listed above. Indeed, this movie fell flat a bit, I thought. Do not get me wrong, the story was pleasant, and the script/dialogue was decent (with some positive underlining messages). The acting was strong too. However, I felt this one lacked that 'something extra' as, for example, The Angel (which had great chemistry between the leads), A Timeless Christmas (which told a different story), Five Star Christmas and The Christmas House (which made me laugh), and The Christmas Waltz (which had some lovely dancing). Thus, I would describe this one as 'good enough'. That said, the acting overall was good. Candace Cameron Bure, a Hallmark regular, had a convincing performance. Her scene at the end, for example, when confronting Glenn about his deception was strong. Warren Christie's portrayal of Glenn was good, believable. The chemistry between the two was OK. Not the best I have seen this season, but certainly not the worst. The supporting cast had a strong performance. I enjoyed watching Brenda Crichlow (as Winona, the CFO) and Robert Markus (as Riley, the art instructor). The scenery, props, and sets were well-polished and festive, classic Hallmark. There was not as much focus on Christmas traditions in this one, which is not necessarily a bad thing (not another gingerbread house scene please). Simply put, this is an ordinary Christmas movie. Worth a watch if you have time to kill or if you are a fan of Candace Cameron Bure's Hallmark movies.

I never thought I would say this about a Hallmark Christmas movie, but...this one just wasn't Christmas-y enough!! It definitely felt like the movie was written and then the Hallmark execs went back and added in the Christmas elements at the last minute. The plot really could have worked any time of year.

In addition to that, I just didn't find the movie that interesting and had trouble following who each character was working for (the foundation? the charity? the PR firm?) and what his or her position there was. Also, I figured out the "twist" in the first 5 minutes. I'm usually a fan of Candace Cameron's Christmas movies, so this one was a disappointment for me.

This was another feel good Candace Christmas movie. I did notice a mistake in the script. When Darcy (Candace) is in the bar waiting to meet the CEO (who she's actually speaking to already), he asked her why she's visiting? She says oh I've always wanted to visit New England at Christmas time. However, they are in New York which is not part of New England.

I'll admit several of the CCB movies have grated my last nerve, I swear some years they churn them out like butter! But this one was different, I actually liked it. Once I realized there were continuous references to the Wizard of Oz, it was a game to ferret them out. I would actually watch it again, because I think I missed some of the nuggets in the beginning of the film! Cute, funny. A Christmas movie experience like Where's Waldo trying to find all the Ozian Threads!

The first virtue of film is the effort to nuance , using new reflections, the Hallmark recipe for Christmas films. The obvious references to Wizard of Oz is another good point. But, sure, the vibe of film is proposed by charming energy of Candace Cameron Bure. She has the huge skill to explore the humor, innocence and good energies of each role. The role of Darcy is another admirable example.