I must say, I really enjoyed this Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Christmas movie. Hands down, the best one thus far this 2021 season (though we are only 7 movies in). The movie had a warm and gentle feel to it while dealing with the issues of loss and grief. Yet, at the same time, it had a fun and cute side as well. These together made for an engaging and entertaining viewing experience. The storyline centers on Nicole (played by Torrey DeVitto), a toyshop worker/owner with a passion for knitting sweaters, whose fiancé (Henry) is killed a year earlier during the Christmas holiday season. Struggling with her lose this Christmas, she hires Joe (played by Dylan Bruce), a carpenter, to finally finish Henry's renovations, who she soon befriends (and the romance begins). Meanwhile, she receives a text sent from Henry's old number, which develops into a therapeutic and meaningful exchange, relationship. The writers draw their inspiration from a number of classic films such as You've Got Mail. That said, the script is well-written. The writers do a good job of mixing the heartfelt with the cute and fun. I found myself on a couple occasions teary eyed as she read the text messages about grief and loss. I also found myself chuckling here and there in a number of cute scenes between Nicole and Joe (e.g., the Jeannie Jonnie scene) and between Nicole and her friends. The acting was very strong overall, I felt. DeVitto's performance was very convincing. I was able to connect with her performance; i.e., she pulled me in. Dylan too was very good, especially in the cute and fun scenes. The chemistry between the two was pretty good, just enough to make it convincing while keeping in line with the loss and grief element of the story. The supporting cast in this one stands out for me, namely, the performance of Karen Holness as Susan. She was brilliant, quite funny, I thought. The movie had a nice and cheerful Christmas vibe to it. Who doesn't enjoy a Christmas sweater scene? How about Fluffy Jack Frost the cat? And dogs in Christmas sweaters? All in all, this was a very good movie, a wonderful new edition to Hallmark's 2021 Christmas lineup. Well done.
22 Reviews
Enjoyed this one
ELashes2 November 2021
I like that the story was about getting through grief rather than the usual "I don't like Christmas and also my big corporation wants to buy your small business" story. A lot of people are sad at Christmas and it's good to see that addressed. It's always good to see Patrick Duffy on my screen, and I also liked that one of the main character's friends was obnoxious, rather than all the friends being super nice robots. There's always one!
Lacks smooth transistions
Jackbv1234 November 2021
Good basic story even if it borrows themes rather blatantly from other movies, but at least not all the same movie. Good acting. Good dialogue. Some good scenes that pop like the one with the three women with facial crème masks. And awesome chemistry between Torrey DeVito and Dylan Bruce.
DeVito's, Nicole is very appealing. Her grief makes her sympathetic and scenes before and later show her to be generous, loving and amiable.
This could have been an excellent movie, but more than once, I went "huh"? I missed where the Christmas tree in the field came from. Maybe it was mentioned, but it hit me out of nowhere. Nicole goes from so deep in grief that she barely leaves her house except for work then to being flirty with Joe way too quickly. There's another change of mood that is way too quick near the end. There are others.
Some of the movie's attempts to pull heartstrings over Nicole's grief were too obvious. They still managed to work, but they should have been less blatant.
It's still a good movie, but it could have been very good. It felt like scenes were left out for time. You don't waste a name like Patrick Duffy, but I think the story would have flowed better by removing his dating life completely (even it felt truncated) and filling in some gaps with Nicole and Joe.
DeVito's, Nicole is very appealing. Her grief makes her sympathetic and scenes before and later show her to be generous, loving and amiable.
This could have been an excellent movie, but more than once, I went "huh"? I missed where the Christmas tree in the field came from. Maybe it was mentioned, but it hit me out of nowhere. Nicole goes from so deep in grief that she barely leaves her house except for work then to being flirty with Joe way too quickly. There's another change of mood that is way too quick near the end. There are others.
Some of the movie's attempts to pull heartstrings over Nicole's grief were too obvious. They still managed to work, but they should have been less blatant.
It's still a good movie, but it could have been very good. It felt like scenes were left out for time. You don't waste a name like Patrick Duffy, but I think the story would have flowed better by removing his dating life completely (even it felt truncated) and filling in some gaps with Nicole and Joe.
A genuine journey for the lead.
MIssM195 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Nicole (DeVito) lost her husband a year ago, in an accident (kind of ironic if you ask me the circumstances of it) and she has been having a tough time with grief. She wants to sell their house, and their store. So she hires Joe (Bruce) to finish with the renovations so that she can put it on the market.
At the same time, she messages Henry's old number and someone texts her back. This stranger helps Nicole dealing with grief. And we all know how it's going to end.
I thought this story felt genuine. This can happen in the real world. I loved Nicole's journey of being reluctant to go out to be willing to chase her own dreams and even finding love again.
Torrey and Dylan had great chemistry. Her character was so sweet and pure and Joe was hilarious, actually making me laugh out loud.
We all saw the "pre-ending" problem coming miles away, but it's okay because you can actually understand Nicole and where is coming from. And I agree with that other reviewer that something about how it ended it weird. I actually lowered my rating because of the final scene. (assuming we are talking about the same thing).
At the same time, she messages Henry's old number and someone texts her back. This stranger helps Nicole dealing with grief. And we all know how it's going to end.
I thought this story felt genuine. This can happen in the real world. I loved Nicole's journey of being reluctant to go out to be willing to chase her own dreams and even finding love again.
Torrey and Dylan had great chemistry. Her character was so sweet and pure and Joe was hilarious, actually making me laugh out loud.
We all saw the "pre-ending" problem coming miles away, but it's okay because you can actually understand Nicole and where is coming from. And I agree with that other reviewer that something about how it ended it weird. I actually lowered my rating because of the final scene. (assuming we are talking about the same thing).
Handsome guy helps grieving woman cope and maybe find a second chance at love.
cgvsluis9 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Hallmark Christmas Romance about a young grieving woman who lost her fiancé a year ago Christmas time. She is intending to sell the house and the toy store that they owned together, problem...she needs to finish the renovations on the gorgeous Victorian. In comes Joe, who is the friend of a friend, to complete the renovations. Meanwhile thanks to a suggestion from her grandfather (played by a feisty Patrick Duffy), she starts texting her dead fiancé...only someone else answers, someone who understands her grief as they are going through the loss of their brother.
Joe is handsome, patient and kind...he seems to be just what she needs.
Holiday romance involving healing after a loss. One of the better hallmark holiday romantic films.
Joe is handsome, patient and kind...he seems to be just what she needs.
Holiday romance involving healing after a loss. One of the better hallmark holiday romantic films.
What??? No writer or chef?
carolsperry16 November 2021
How refreshing to see a Hallmark movie that does not have a writer, chef, event planner, or lawyer. Perhaps the screenwriters should consider several other professions such as in this movie instead of recycling the same scripts over and over in most of their movies. I enjoyed this one, because it was different.
The Christmas Promise
JoBloTheMovieCritic27 November 2021
6/10 - I usually enjoy all of these actors so my usually low expectations were heightened, but unfortunately the story doesn't really come together to make anything worthy of a rewatch (except for maybe a scene or two)
nice crafted
Kirpianuscus14 November 2022
It has the gift to remind few classic romance films. And a reasonable job of Patrick Duffy. And not bad acting. And friendship fair portrait. And a kind baker and few good drops of seductive humor.
But, maybe, the accent on grief and its cure remains the basic virtue of film.
Sure, unrealistic in some scenes, regreting the meteoric presence of Henry - and the impression to be a sort of too easy pretext - , it is a nice story about the help from the other after a profound difficult event. And this makes it some different by the Hallmark Christmas universe.
But, working more than well, it is a decent pledge for trust and joy the second chance.
But, maybe, the accent on grief and its cure remains the basic virtue of film.
Sure, unrealistic in some scenes, regreting the meteoric presence of Henry - and the impression to be a sort of too easy pretext - , it is a nice story about the help from the other after a profound difficult event. And this makes it some different by the Hallmark Christmas universe.
But, working more than well, it is a decent pledge for trust and joy the second chance.
I was sincerely touched
MickyG3336 December 2022
7.6 stars.
This one is high on the cry-o-meter. This was totally heartfelt, sad and a little depressing for those of us who have lost a loved one recently (which is the case for me this year). Interestingly this is the first movie of Hallmark so far in the 60 or so that I've seen the past 3 weeks that has someone actually dying in the movie. An actual living breathing person who is an active member of this movie dies in the first 10-15 minutes.
I enjoyed the whole movie start to finish. The lead male was quirky and kind, and had just the right amount of chivalry, and macho mixed in. The lead female is one of my favorites (top 5) and she was taken by his weird humor, but it was just what she needed to help her move past the grief of losing her fiancé in a car accident the year prior (they one who died at the start).
I give this a good rating because I liked all the actors, they were fun, and cool, and the sort of friends I would love to hang out with all year. When she tells him she wants to always be friends was a very moving moment for me. I felt like that's the way life should be, through adversity and loss we should always keep our friends close.
Great ending too, with a touch of the humor element still tagging along. I'd love to see more of these actors in Hallmark movies. As I continue my binge (I still have 70+ to go) I expect to see them both a few times each.
This one is high on the cry-o-meter. This was totally heartfelt, sad and a little depressing for those of us who have lost a loved one recently (which is the case for me this year). Interestingly this is the first movie of Hallmark so far in the 60 or so that I've seen the past 3 weeks that has someone actually dying in the movie. An actual living breathing person who is an active member of this movie dies in the first 10-15 minutes.
I enjoyed the whole movie start to finish. The lead male was quirky and kind, and had just the right amount of chivalry, and macho mixed in. The lead female is one of my favorites (top 5) and she was taken by his weird humor, but it was just what she needed to help her move past the grief of losing her fiancé in a car accident the year prior (they one who died at the start).
I give this a good rating because I liked all the actors, they were fun, and cool, and the sort of friends I would love to hang out with all year. When she tells him she wants to always be friends was a very moving moment for me. I felt like that's the way life should be, through adversity and loss we should always keep our friends close.
Great ending too, with a touch of the humor element still tagging along. I'd love to see more of these actors in Hallmark movies. As I continue my binge (I still have 70+ to go) I expect to see them both a few times each.
Well meaning promise
TheLittleSongbird6 December 2021
'The Christmas Promise' is another 2021 Hallmark Christmas film to have a more serious theme for its story, after 'Christmas in My Heart'. The themes of grief and loss is familiar territory for Hallmark, but they are such relevant, universal and relatable themes/emotions due to everybody encountering them at least once in their lives that it doesn't matter how many times they're seen in film and television. Did like the idea and was already prepared to appreciate its good intentions regardless of the overall execution.
On the whole, the themes and the idea in 'The Christmas Promise' are executed quite well. Not flawlessly, with some story progression/pacing issues and aspects could have been fleshed out more. There was a lot to like about 'The Christmas Promise' though, it did move me, it's well performed and its good intentions and well meaning were very much obvious and appreciated hugely. As far as the 2021 Christmas films from Hallmark go, it's overall neither one of the best or worst (though out of the ones that had been aired already and this it is one of the better faring ones).
Am going to start with the good. It is a good looking film, with the scenery being beautiful. The music has presence and isn't drab, but it also doesn't feel intrusive or overwrought (which would have been very easy to do with such a serious story). The script has sincerity and doesn't get too melodramatic, though it is not always perfect.
While the story isn't perfect either, it deals with the themes of grief and loss thoughtfully and poignantly and manages to be moving without being maudlin. While also managing to be cheerful and upbeat, the gentle tone working very well. The cast are near uniformly great, with a poignant turn from Torrey DeVitto, a sympathetic one from Dylan Bruce and the always worth watching Patrick Duffy bringing understated feistiness to his role.
Did however find some of the story rushed in how it progresses, with things happening too quickly and sometimes introduced abruptly in the final third particularly. While DeVitto and Bruce have really lovely chemistry together, the relationship itself develops too fast and almost too whirlwind like.
While really liking Duffy in the role, his story could have been fleshed out a lot more or been cut because it did feel like padding. Personally did find Karen Holness too hammy and her character obnoxious, they do not gel within a film with such a gentle tone.
In summary, pretty good film with good intentions and heart but also a few bumps. 6.5/10.
On the whole, the themes and the idea in 'The Christmas Promise' are executed quite well. Not flawlessly, with some story progression/pacing issues and aspects could have been fleshed out more. There was a lot to like about 'The Christmas Promise' though, it did move me, it's well performed and its good intentions and well meaning were very much obvious and appreciated hugely. As far as the 2021 Christmas films from Hallmark go, it's overall neither one of the best or worst (though out of the ones that had been aired already and this it is one of the better faring ones).
Am going to start with the good. It is a good looking film, with the scenery being beautiful. The music has presence and isn't drab, but it also doesn't feel intrusive or overwrought (which would have been very easy to do with such a serious story). The script has sincerity and doesn't get too melodramatic, though it is not always perfect.
While the story isn't perfect either, it deals with the themes of grief and loss thoughtfully and poignantly and manages to be moving without being maudlin. While also managing to be cheerful and upbeat, the gentle tone working very well. The cast are near uniformly great, with a poignant turn from Torrey DeVitto, a sympathetic one from Dylan Bruce and the always worth watching Patrick Duffy bringing understated feistiness to his role.
Did however find some of the story rushed in how it progresses, with things happening too quickly and sometimes introduced abruptly in the final third particularly. While DeVitto and Bruce have really lovely chemistry together, the relationship itself develops too fast and almost too whirlwind like.
While really liking Duffy in the role, his story could have been fleshed out a lot more or been cut because it did feel like padding. Personally did find Karen Holness too hammy and her character obnoxious, they do not gel within a film with such a gentle tone.
In summary, pretty good film with good intentions and heart but also a few bumps. 6.5/10.
Good premise but could of been done way better
jakethesnake-4200726 November 2021
Why does hallmark films have to rush the good plots but then drag the Raman de plots for 2 hours. I enjoyed the you've got mail storyline and I wish that was more a focus and it's funny how she gets a response a second after she texts and the response is lengthy like come on hallmark. The whole time I thought this could actually be a good movie if it wasn't for hallmark ruining it with the whole let's drag the romance parts. I also could not stand her main girlfriend rip the microphone out of her hand. It had a good idea but it falls flat. Also again hallmark just ends the movie after they get together like why not them get together and then the last 5 min show them the next Xmas or something.
Hotties Everywhere!
adamjohns-4257531 December 2021
The Christmas Promise (2021) -
Awesome Cat!
It would probably take me a while to get over Henry (Giles Panton) too, because he did seem like the most loving fiancé and gorgeous to boot, but Joe (Dylan Bruce) would definitely be the right way for me to go about moving on. Sadly he didn't get even topless, but he was very charming, rugged, handsome, witty and lovely, but then Nicole (Torrey DeVitto) was nice too and deserved someone who would be there for her.
It was a good story too and although it was incredibly obvious right from the start what was going to happen, as it always is, the journey was different which I liked. It was similar to 'Christmas At The Chateau' (2019), but it was far easier to see the connection between the two leads in 'The Christmas Promise' and it was just so much better in general, because I liked the leads, the romance that blossomed and how easy it was. It was believable, which has been hard to find in some of these films of late.
There was a spark between Nicole and her friend Alan (Matthew James Dowden) too and I wouldn't have even minded if they had twisted it that way in the end.
There were lots of nice characters like him, which made it pleasant to watch.
However, Susan (Karen Holness) was not charming or fun in any way, she was just a rude and obnoxious selfish b!tch! I hated her character and couldn't understand why a part of the story was calling her out on her crap. Her behaviour didn't add anything to the film and actually Alan could have easily been Nicole's wingman instead, without Susan at all. It was a real stretch to believe that someone had married her. She really was an irritation in what was otherwise a great little film.
Even Patrick Duffy was a cute old pops in this one. He hadn't always delivered for me, but he was charming as Nicole's Grandad, not playing a large part, but enough to show her how life can work out sometimes.
The fallout that they had was a bit daft. That type of thing in these films has really been getting on my nerves. Why not have no emotional issues, but put them in physical danger instead to cause the drama. Like Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in 'An Affair To Remember' (1957) or have them trapped in the house under a beam and that's how they realise that life is too short not to try, instead of confused feelings or misreading a hug to a friend. Come on writers think outside the box please?
But honestly I'm just being picky and overall the film was sweet and well made, strongly delivered and gave me warm and fuzzy feelings.
8/10.
Awesome Cat!
It would probably take me a while to get over Henry (Giles Panton) too, because he did seem like the most loving fiancé and gorgeous to boot, but Joe (Dylan Bruce) would definitely be the right way for me to go about moving on. Sadly he didn't get even topless, but he was very charming, rugged, handsome, witty and lovely, but then Nicole (Torrey DeVitto) was nice too and deserved someone who would be there for her.
It was a good story too and although it was incredibly obvious right from the start what was going to happen, as it always is, the journey was different which I liked. It was similar to 'Christmas At The Chateau' (2019), but it was far easier to see the connection between the two leads in 'The Christmas Promise' and it was just so much better in general, because I liked the leads, the romance that blossomed and how easy it was. It was believable, which has been hard to find in some of these films of late.
There was a spark between Nicole and her friend Alan (Matthew James Dowden) too and I wouldn't have even minded if they had twisted it that way in the end.
There were lots of nice characters like him, which made it pleasant to watch.
However, Susan (Karen Holness) was not charming or fun in any way, she was just a rude and obnoxious selfish b!tch! I hated her character and couldn't understand why a part of the story was calling her out on her crap. Her behaviour didn't add anything to the film and actually Alan could have easily been Nicole's wingman instead, without Susan at all. It was a real stretch to believe that someone had married her. She really was an irritation in what was otherwise a great little film.
Even Patrick Duffy was a cute old pops in this one. He hadn't always delivered for me, but he was charming as Nicole's Grandad, not playing a large part, but enough to show her how life can work out sometimes.
The fallout that they had was a bit daft. That type of thing in these films has really been getting on my nerves. Why not have no emotional issues, but put them in physical danger instead to cause the drama. Like Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr in 'An Affair To Remember' (1957) or have them trapped in the house under a beam and that's how they realise that life is too short not to try, instead of confused feelings or misreading a hug to a friend. Come on writers think outside the box please?
But honestly I'm just being picky and overall the film was sweet and well made, strongly delivered and gave me warm and fuzzy feelings.
8/10.
I have to say...
mbiv4 November 2021
...Torrey DeVitto is perfect for Hallmark Christmas movies. Sweet, fun and drop dead gorgeous.
This was probably not as good as her previous effort, Write Before Christmas, but she is not to blame: she is excellent in this too.
The chemistry between leads, while not terrible, is not that strong. The plot was totally predictable, but it's a Hallmark movie, so that's not unusual. Strong performances by supporting cast, and some genuinely fun moments.
If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, you'll probably like this one too.
This was probably not as good as her previous effort, Write Before Christmas, but she is not to blame: she is excellent in this too.
The chemistry between leads, while not terrible, is not that strong. The plot was totally predictable, but it's a Hallmark movie, so that's not unusual. Strong performances by supporting cast, and some genuinely fun moments.
If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, you'll probably like this one too.
Like you've got mail, only not as good
ssc75 November 2021
I like it's not the same-o Hallmark Christmas movie set up. Trying for a little more drama, less fluff. But felt so lack luster, no real feelings. The actors were ok, just zero connection to them. Sorry doesn't make my yearly watch list.
What about the Left-Overs?
rebekahrox3 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was a straight forward story of a young woman struggling to recover from the shock and grief of her fiancé getting killed during Christmas a year ago. She is provided tons of support and counsel by her "squad" of good friends and her father, ably played by Patrick Duffy. But it's not until she becomes friends with the carpenter whom she hired to finish up her and her fiancé's remodel of their old house that she begins to move forward. Also, in a nod to You've Got Mail and it's predecessors, she pours out her heart one night via text message to her fiancé's old cell phone # and she gets an answer. No, it's not his ghost. This is not "Tales from the Crypt."
There were some definite redeeming features in this show as well as some lazy writing that detracted from my enjoyment. First the positive. In a break with their usual policy of not showing dead former true loves (wouldn't want anyone to get depressed during a Christmas movie) the doomed fiancé had a considerable role in this show. I liked this mature decision on the part of Hallmark, and they got a Hallmark familiar face(Giles Patton) to play him. I liked that Torrey DeVito did not play the brave but po-faced grieving girlfriend. She was pretty cheerful and upbeat throughout. Although this might have been because of her lack of range, rather than a conscious choice. The carpenter love interest was sexy and nice, when he stopped coming across like a stalker. That awkward scene when he was in the Toy Store goofing around with the costumes trying to make Torrey laugh was just jaw-dropping. But he recovered. There is an adorable kissing scene towards the end which is one of the cutest and most surprising kisses I've ever seen on a Hallmark. Her friends and sister were loving but sometimes obnoxious, insensitive and awkward in the face of the tragedy. I liked that. Just like real friends.
Now for the bad. Mostly, Torrey DeVitto had little to do in this acting-wise. But at the beginning, her reaction to the tragic and shocking news of her fiancé's death was more like how someone would react to stepping on something disgusting. They mercifully cut the scene short and went right in to "One Year Later." Perhaps with another actress, they would have made a different choice. As part of her healing process, she goes to a field to decorate a lone Christmas Tree which is at least 50 ft. Tall. (Not like on the poster.) She puts a few ornaments on at a time. By the end, we have a scene showing the huge tree fully decorated with huge ornaments. How did she do that? Did she hire a crew and a cherry picker? Also, her sister has been cooking casseroles all year for her and Torrey has dozens of casseroles in the freezer over the refrigerator which must have Hermione's Undetectable Extension Charm. It's kind of a running joke. One night, carpenter guy comes over, and she cooks them all at once! They're sitting at the table with about 10 casseroles on it, and dipping into all of them! First, It must have taken her hours to cook all those. "Oh you must try the Broccoli and Cheese-It's delicious!" It made no sense. I was so concerned with what they were going to do with all those left-overs, it just took me right out of the movie.
Now these were scenes that were not necessary to the plot or character development. You can just laugh and shake your head. But they show just slap-dash bad writing, directing, or editing and a lack of respect for your audience. So, a mix of the pretty good with the pretty stupid, but not enough good to entirely ignore the silly stuff.
There were some definite redeeming features in this show as well as some lazy writing that detracted from my enjoyment. First the positive. In a break with their usual policy of not showing dead former true loves (wouldn't want anyone to get depressed during a Christmas movie) the doomed fiancé had a considerable role in this show. I liked this mature decision on the part of Hallmark, and they got a Hallmark familiar face(Giles Patton) to play him. I liked that Torrey DeVito did not play the brave but po-faced grieving girlfriend. She was pretty cheerful and upbeat throughout. Although this might have been because of her lack of range, rather than a conscious choice. The carpenter love interest was sexy and nice, when he stopped coming across like a stalker. That awkward scene when he was in the Toy Store goofing around with the costumes trying to make Torrey laugh was just jaw-dropping. But he recovered. There is an adorable kissing scene towards the end which is one of the cutest and most surprising kisses I've ever seen on a Hallmark. Her friends and sister were loving but sometimes obnoxious, insensitive and awkward in the face of the tragedy. I liked that. Just like real friends.
Now for the bad. Mostly, Torrey DeVitto had little to do in this acting-wise. But at the beginning, her reaction to the tragic and shocking news of her fiancé's death was more like how someone would react to stepping on something disgusting. They mercifully cut the scene short and went right in to "One Year Later." Perhaps with another actress, they would have made a different choice. As part of her healing process, she goes to a field to decorate a lone Christmas Tree which is at least 50 ft. Tall. (Not like on the poster.) She puts a few ornaments on at a time. By the end, we have a scene showing the huge tree fully decorated with huge ornaments. How did she do that? Did she hire a crew and a cherry picker? Also, her sister has been cooking casseroles all year for her and Torrey has dozens of casseroles in the freezer over the refrigerator which must have Hermione's Undetectable Extension Charm. It's kind of a running joke. One night, carpenter guy comes over, and she cooks them all at once! They're sitting at the table with about 10 casseroles on it, and dipping into all of them! First, It must have taken her hours to cook all those. "Oh you must try the Broccoli and Cheese-It's delicious!" It made no sense. I was so concerned with what they were going to do with all those left-overs, it just took me right out of the movie.
Now these were scenes that were not necessary to the plot or character development. You can just laugh and shake your head. But they show just slap-dash bad writing, directing, or editing and a lack of respect for your audience. So, a mix of the pretty good with the pretty stupid, but not enough good to entirely ignore the silly stuff.
The Christmas Promise
JoBloTheMovieCritic27 November 2021
One of my new favorites!
jennyelaine-0368522 December 2021
Reoccurring Choice and Typecasting of Lead Characters Troubling
blaureiterhorse4 November 2021
Keep hoping for new approaches to Holiday Themes with new storylines and this does accomplish that. Sometimes some Hallmark stories copy films or works that have been out there before. Many times I do not expect great writing but more of escapism.
I have found though.something that is causing channel changes on my part, less interest in paying attention to the stories. It might seem trivial but is repeated so many times it is now almost repulsive. Do tell...why do so many leading men look as though they don't take care of themselves? The almost constant few days' old beards that usually lack professional touches is like..."why would I go out with this person". No...it is not manly. If Hallmark thinks it is and is sexy then they are off the mark. Either grow the beard, get a professional groomer or nix it altogether. The women usually could do with more emotion and less suburban hair.
I know looks are not everything but this is now trope for Hallmark and is old, stereotyping and boring.
I have found though.something that is causing channel changes on my part, less interest in paying attention to the stories. It might seem trivial but is repeated so many times it is now almost repulsive. Do tell...why do so many leading men look as though they don't take care of themselves? The almost constant few days' old beards that usually lack professional touches is like..."why would I go out with this person". No...it is not manly. If Hallmark thinks it is and is sexy then they are off the mark. Either grow the beard, get a professional groomer or nix it altogether. The women usually could do with more emotion and less suburban hair.
I know looks are not everything but this is now trope for Hallmark and is old, stereotyping and boring.
Boring..... Routine
cujorocky16 November 2021
looking for something more serious
SnoopyStyle9 July 2022
Nicole Graham (Torrey DeVitto) is still struggling after her fiancé's death. She has to fix up their new house in order to sell it. She hires carpenter Joe Roberts (Dylan Bruce). She finds solace with her widower grandfather Pops (Patrick Duffy) and reads his old letters to her late grandmother.
The most compelling pairing is DeVitto and Duffy. It may be due to the two veteran actors. The rest is less compelling by comparison. Bruce doesn't have the same charisma and there is no heat there. He's not leading man material. This story is about her grief but this is still a Hallmark Christmas movie. She isn't really allowed to break all the way down. It's a light movie and they can't get that dark. I would prefer to go a bit Christian and have something a little more serious with this premise.
The most compelling pairing is DeVitto and Duffy. It may be due to the two veteran actors. The rest is less compelling by comparison. Bruce doesn't have the same charisma and there is no heat there. He's not leading man material. This story is about her grief but this is still a Hallmark Christmas movie. She isn't really allowed to break all the way down. It's a light movie and they can't get that dark. I would prefer to go a bit Christian and have something a little more serious with this premise.
Very good ,but
bl-6397422 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As Christmas movies go this is right up there with the best despite my low number. It involves a subject that is very I guess tricky is the right word because everyone deals with grief differently it hits everyone In a different way. Patrick Duffy is a welcome addition and key element in this movie. He gives the perspective of someone who's been there and done that and it's come out the other side. The Christmas twist if you will is well done And it keeps you guessing just long enough to peak your interest. The so called stand by characters on the sidelines are well done as well. A little more explanation on a couple would have been welcome. The ONLY Thing I have a problem with is the end of the movie. A trust is broken and and I'm sorry where I am concerned once broken it almost is never ,ever To get it back completely . The realistic part of the movie is 99% this 1% I'm sorry ruins it for me.
Ultimately, it was alright.
rdubz-2351816 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Miracles of Christmas usually tackles subjects that go beyond romance, at least plot wise; TCP is no exception. Nicole's husband to be dies prematurely, and most of the events in this film are the aftermath of her working through her grief. Torrey DeVitto is a pretty good actress, but for some reason, it felt like the writers didn't give her a chance to express that talent. For instance, the scene where she gets the call that her fiancé has died is almost laughable in terms of her reaction. Everyone grieves differently, sure, but I'm fairly positive that most people would have a way more emotional reaction to getting terrible news like that.
Dylan Bruce was a decent lead, although I wish they'd given him more to work with here. You figure out pretty early on that he's the mystery man Nicole has been texting to work through her grief, so I thought it odd that we only really got one mention of his brother outside of this context.
I didn't really love how rushed the romance felt. They made the leap from friends to crushes pretty quick, and I know it's Hallmark, but still. They could've stretched it out a bit more and made that transition much smoother. And that said, I kind of felt like chemistry wise, Nicole would've been better suited with either Alan or Teddy if I'm being honest.
Something that made me laugh was Nicole decorating the 50ft Christmas tree. I was pretty confused as to how she managed to do all that by herself, or why she did it (I'm sure I missed dialogue of why she wanted to, but still).
Overall, this movie was just okay to me.
Dylan Bruce was a decent lead, although I wish they'd given him more to work with here. You figure out pretty early on that he's the mystery man Nicole has been texting to work through her grief, so I thought it odd that we only really got one mention of his brother outside of this context.
I didn't really love how rushed the romance felt. They made the leap from friends to crushes pretty quick, and I know it's Hallmark, but still. They could've stretched it out a bit more and made that transition much smoother. And that said, I kind of felt like chemistry wise, Nicole would've been better suited with either Alan or Teddy if I'm being honest.
Something that made me laugh was Nicole decorating the 50ft Christmas tree. I was pretty confused as to how she managed to do all that by herself, or why she did it (I'm sure I missed dialogue of why she wanted to, but still).
Overall, this movie was just okay to me.
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