Was really quite surprised by 'On the Twelfth Day of Christmas'. In a very pleasant way. While there are plenty of at least watchable Hallmark Christmas films, there are very few that are great and some of them struggle to even reach mediocre. So this could have gone either way. The title was not as corny as other Hallmark Christmas titles and the premise was sort of intriguing, even if fairly typical but in a different setting/basic scenario.
'On the Twelfth Day of Christmas' is no award winner or a masterpiece, but that was not expected. It is not realistic to expect that from a Hallmark film, Christmas or otherwise. It is a very charming and surprisingly very well executed film by Hallmark standards, and to me it is easily among their best festive efforts. Proof that Hallmark should be given a chance without prejudice or scorn, because there have been times where they show they have a good film in them and 'On the Twelfth Day of Christmas' is one of them, for reasons that have been summed up already.
Sure there are not an awful lot of surprises, but one comes to expect that from Hallmark. But whether that matters or not is dependent on the execution of everything else and this executes most of its everything else remarkably well. It's all very easy to figure out and it can get corny at times.
Did feel too that the central relationship took a little too long to develop, do agree that if it was clear that they felt the same way and in love earlier it would have made the reaction to the secret coming out more plausible. The reactions came too out of left field and extreme done in the way it was in the film.
However, 'On the Twelfth Day of Christmas' a lovely looking film, particularly the photography, and the music is fitting with the atmosphere and more subtle in placement and tone than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films, that are known for intrusive music. The dialogue has some corn but takes itself more seriously than most Hallmark films, with some welcome levity here and there, without being overly so and it has flow and heart. The acting is good, with engaging lead performances from Robin Dunne and especially the ray of sunshine that is Brooke Nevin. The Christmas theme is charmingly and sincerely handled.
The story is somewhat formulaic, but is very heart-warming and sincere. Also personally don't think it's that unrealistic, other Hallmark festive films are more guilty of that to much worse effect. Actually agree with another that Maggie's motivations regarding her job are understandable and even relatable, also topical in this day and age considering the nature and increasingly negative impact of media and journalism now. It is good to find a Hallmark festive film where it was easy to care for the characters, only losing it a little with Mitch at the point mentioned above, where there is actual growth with them (especially Mitch) and where there was actual chemistry between the two leads worth investing in.
Summing up, very well done. 8/10
