I've had this Hallmark Christmas movie on my DVR for ages. I finally got around to watching it. I always enjoy Susie Abromeit in her various roles, and her acting was great in this film. In fact, the cast of this film did a fine job. Erin Gray played a great foil for the daughter-in-laws.
Unfortunately, this film is one of those mediocre stories, where the film company seems to find any way to save money. Usually, that is a lack of background activity, meaning less set design and fewer extras. It makes for a "quiet" movie. And quiet Hallmark movies are often filled with mediocre music backgrounds, often during dialogue. It seems like a cheap way to add to the quietness of leaving out all the other extras. Heaven forbid the bell ringer gets a line when Susie puts money in his kettle.
This movie is pleasant, but plain. Compare this to "Snow Bride" or "A Very Merry Mix Up" and you can see where the money is saved on a film such as this. I keep a lot of Hallmark holiday movies on our DVR, but I'm afraid this one will go by the wayside to make room for something with more ummph...
Unfortunately, this film is one of those mediocre stories, where the film company seems to find any way to save money. Usually, that is a lack of background activity, meaning less set design and fewer extras. It makes for a "quiet" movie. And quiet Hallmark movies are often filled with mediocre music backgrounds, often during dialogue. It seems like a cheap way to add to the quietness of leaving out all the other extras. Heaven forbid the bell ringer gets a line when Susie puts money in his kettle.
This movie is pleasant, but plain. Compare this to "Snow Bride" or "A Very Merry Mix Up" and you can see where the money is saved on a film such as this. I keep a lot of Hallmark holiday movies on our DVR, but I'm afraid this one will go by the wayside to make room for something with more ummph...