Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace. There are a fair share of them though that are surprisingly above average and even good amidst the many average and less ones.
'Christmas Comes Twice' is one of the average ones, neither terrible or particularly good. It is not one of the worst Hallmark Christmas films of 2020, or of their 2020 output overall. It is also a long way from being one of the best on all counts. While not hating 'Christmas Comes Twice' and finding some good things about it, there for me wasn't that much to write home about and there are some significant issues here (even when trying to not expect too much, certainly not high art).
There are good things here. Michael Xavier plays his role with understated confidence and honesty and comes over as very likeable. Sheryl Lee Ralph brings a lot of spark whenever she appears and her presence was refreshing. The supporting cast in general were well above average despite the material not being great.
Production values are pleasing, with the scenery being especially beautiful. There are some pleasant moments in the soundtrack.
However, 'Christmas Comes Twice' could have been better and has quite a lot of problems. The idea here was good and interesting, it is just too safely and conventionally executed with little imagination. The story never really comes to life either, too much of it is slight and drags and motivations and everything with the science are not very well fleshed out at all. The ending is very rushed and leaves more questions than answers. Too much of the script is awkward sounding and lacks spark.
Furthermore, Tamera Mowry-Housley tries her best with what she's given but she never looks completely comfortable and instead flat and neurotic. Really disliked her character too, very arrogant and snobbish and she never really grows as a character. Neither does the chemistry between her and Xavier, which is very muted and that is being generous. The direction is routine.
All in all, worth one time watch but pretty average. 5/10.
