The reviews here for 'Christmas at Grand Valley' are mixed to negative, so admittedly expectations were not sky high. As usual when watching Hallmark Christmas films, there was a real effort to take 'Christmas at Grand Valley' for what it was trying to be, appreciate its good intentions and not expect any more than necessary. Hallmark Christmas films are very hit and miss in quality and their 2018 output agreed is one of the years to show this the most, none of them are masterpieces but not many actually are not abominations.
'Christmas at Grand Valley' is neither a masterpiece, too many major flaws to consider it that remotely, or an abomination, as it did have its moments and good things. It is not one of Hallmark's worst, from that year or overall. It is also not one of their best on both of those counts either, as it did lack spark and chemistry and never did anything fresh ideas-wise or in their execution. So not so grand as a film even when trying to not expect anything more than necessary.
Shall start with the good. It looks pleasant and professional enough visually. The scenery is particularly lovely. Did like some of the more ironic moments later on and there are some pleasant moments in the soundtrack.
Brennan Elliott is an amiable male lead and most of the supporting cast are better than average and make the most of the beneath them material they're given.
Not all the cast are great though. The worst performance coming from Angela Asher, instead of being warm or inviting her unintentionally creepy voice that she has here really distracts from her character and puts one right off. Danica McKellar does try hard and has some likeability, but it is a typecast role for her and the performance felt on the predictable and one-dimensional side. She ad Elliott don't have anywhere near enough chemistry together, or certainly one with any kind of warmth or charm. They aren't disconnected as such but the relationship felt very underdeveloped, doesn't really progress believably or grow and never feels genuine. All the characters are rather sketchy, and too many are either grating, are bland or too perfect.
Do agree with those that say that the script is very forced and too saccharine throughout, not to mention heavy in cheese. Not unusual for Hallmark but still. And with those that find the story being very derivative and pretty bland, with a rather slow and uneventful first half. More happens in the second half, but with not an awful lot of spark and can feel very contrived. Most of the soundtrack is intrusive and in need of more subtlety.
In conclusion, pretty lacklustre. 4/10
