kirbyditko

I see Bethany Joy Lenz, I watch. She has such an endearing, quirky charm with a hint of vulnerability to her that seeps into, then permeates, each comedy-romance TV movie she makes. And even if it's not exactly a comedy, like 2014's "A Christmas Secret", she still managed to portray all the love, warmth, decency, anxiety, frustration, and hope, and resolve, a down-on-her-luck but good mother of two in a strange town would have. She has the highest consistent viewer's responses to Hallmark-style TV movies among her One Tree Hill co-alumnae. Heck, she may even have the highest average viewer rating among top-billed actresses in TV movie-land in this genre. And in this, her latest, she may have the highest ever. The reason becomes obvious after you watch it.

Her co-star and romantic interest (in Hallmark-style TV movies the male lead is always the romantic interest) Kristoffer Polaha is an ideal pairing for her. His easygoing manner and way of talking that always come across as sincere contrasts with Bethany's energy, and this contrast elevates every scene they're in. Their banter, their tension, their attraction.

The production values are so much better than average. The supporting cast, on point. The tone, not sappy. The plot and script taken together is not that original, but among Hallmark's seasonal and holiday offerings, it is.

I heartily Recommend this-do watch. 👍🏻

I watched the movie and didn't catch much of it because I was so engrossed with Camilla Belle. I could not get enough of her. I could name other actresses who are just as gorgeous, but she is singularly adorable. From all angles. Sometimes from the side with her head canted slightly downwards she could be Anne Hathaway's prettier little sister. At certain moments, a more beautiful mature sibling. At all times, she's a fairy tale princess, living up to her name.

As romance movies go, I'm sure it's formulaic, derivative, and loaded with much of the usual tropes. But I don't care. Because Camilla Belle's in it, it's a perfect 10.

3 Thumbs Up!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Vanessa Lengies has come a long way from the beauteous but spoiled airhead Joanne Charis character she inconsistently played in 2006's Stick It (with an intimidating Jeff Bridges as co-star). She has matured gracefully both physically and professionally in her acting skills. This is highlighted in this most recent starring turn in a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie. It is shown in the onscreen chemistry she has with her romantic co-star and director, Corey Sevier. It is most apparent in her surprisingly sensitive and earnestly sympathetic portrayal of a character that might have been given an over-the-top simpering touch by other actresses in Hallmark's roster.

The movie itself is derivative with the usual tropes and cliches but Sevier kept the pace and balance evenly to focus on the movie's characters (thankfully no caricatures) and themes. Every year Hallmark has at least 1 home run of a movie. I haven't seen all of Hallmark Channel's 2022's Christmas offerings and this one's for 2023 but I think it may be a top contender. I'm giving it a solid 8.

PS.

I think Vanessa Lengies might be Alan Rickman's daughter.