First off, there was Ben Savage as the leading guy, David. My folks have been big fans of his acting ever since BOY MEETS WORLD. Just the way they loved his brother's acting on THE WONDER YEARS! So, that was the main reason they wanted to tune in and watch this movie.
Secondly, there was Marilu Henner as Kristina's biological mom. I had a school boy crush on her, as Elaine Nardo, on TAXI. And I've found her almost too convincing, as Candace Cameron's mother (pompous realtor Aida Teagarden) in the "Real Murders" series of films. So, her acting made her equally believable in this role.
But, the main reason I tuned in to watch this movie was Mia Kirshner, as Kristina, herself. The last time I saw her in a leading role was--literally--twenty years ago, when she played Ruby Cates on the CBS one-season wonder called WOLF LAKE! And the plausibility she brought to bear, there, has only been amplified during those two decades to make her twice as plausible here!
Her acting had me doing just what the writers hoped viewers like me would do. Crying when she cried, laughing when she laughed, and smiling when she flashed her own lovely smile.
In short? This ties for first place, with "Deliver By Christmas," as one of my Top Five Favorite Hallmark telecast debuts of the 2020 Christmas season.
Secondly, there was Marilu Henner as Kristina's biological mom. I had a school boy crush on her, as Elaine Nardo, on TAXI. And I've found her almost too convincing, as Candace Cameron's mother (pompous realtor Aida Teagarden) in the "Real Murders" series of films. So, her acting made her equally believable in this role.
But, the main reason I tuned in to watch this movie was Mia Kirshner, as Kristina, herself. The last time I saw her in a leading role was--literally--twenty years ago, when she played Ruby Cates on the CBS one-season wonder called WOLF LAKE! And the plausibility she brought to bear, there, has only been amplified during those two decades to make her twice as plausible here!
Her acting had me doing just what the writers hoped viewers like me would do. Crying when she cried, laughing when she laughed, and smiling when she flashed her own lovely smile.
In short? This ties for first place, with "Deliver By Christmas," as one of my Top Five Favorite Hallmark telecast debuts of the 2020 Christmas season.