Classic Christmas Story with a Country Twist!

I FREAKING LOVED IT! One of my cherished Christmas memories as a child was getting dressed up and going with my mom and sister to see “The Christmas Carol” live at the Grand Old Opera House. We took my mom to a show again one of our last Christmases with her. So, I spologize it I seem biased. 😉

Aside from my love of this story….I love me some country music! Not to drop names….but Sara Evans….Raelynn…..Wynonna Judd….Kicks Brooks….Kimberly Williams-Paisley…..Hallmark was NOT playing with their country music movie this year!

but….say for some reason you aren’t a Christmas Carol fan……or a Country Music fan…..there’s always the gift of:

Wes.Brown. drool.

It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year, y’all! Let’s chat about it!

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Wes Brown could play opposite a snowman, and it’d still be hot. Watching Vivian & Gavin’s story throughout time was just so freaking adorable—even the kids were cute! I loved how Wes & Jessy played younger versions of themselves so young & carefree. It really worked. My only complaint is the way they make Vivian’s character so “out of the loop” with the fact that Gavin was in love with her their whole dang lived. I hate when they do that. Why do you think it hurt so much, Viv???? ugh…..and also…..swoon!
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ PERFECTION! As I said, I LOVE The Christmas Carol & Country Music….and they all showed up and NAILED IT. I heart laughed…and ached….and swooned….the camera work and scene transitions from the time travel were so so good too! I normally don’t comment on them, but they really stood out to me, so I have to mention it.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ There must have been a pandemic or something…..all these speical guest musicians have nothing else to do? Whatever! If it makes us A Nashville Christmas Carol, 2020 at least has some perks, right? Was the cameo acting Oscar worthy? No. Do I care even a little bit? Nope. I’m only sad they didn’t have a Spirit of Christmas Future because I was here for it. I wish this movie never ended!

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Gavin & Vivian made me root for them every second. These two were meant for each other. I loved how they explored Vivian & Georgia’s childhood too…pulled on the heart strings just enough to make you feel, but not too much that it was too painful to watch.

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ They really did make all the conflict super believable! Visiting moment in time from different perspectives was such a cool concept. Wish that could happen in real life sometime! Also, everytime I thought there would be a misunderstanding…..someone would surprise us by just telling the truth right away! Well done, on this one Hallmark!

25/25 One of the BEST this year in my book! Can’t wait to watch this one again and again!

FUN FACT: If you know me….you might know that our 3rd child is a girl named Georgia….and our 4th is a boy named Colton, but if he would have been born a girl: He would have been named Vivian!!!! Mind. Blown.

Time to talk about a timeless Hallmark Movie!

Hey, if they are going to use all the timely comments…it’s time I join them!

okay, sorry, it’s time to stop. 🙂

All joking aside….and as much as I couldn’t stifle my eye rolls at the multitude of “time” dialouge….I actually really loved this movie!

Unlike MANY of the Hallmarkies out there, I am not a member of the Ryan Paevey fan cult. However, this was a role absolutely perfect for him! There is maaaybe one (or a possibly two) other Hallmark flicks that I connect with his character in…..Mr. Charles Whitley might just have been written for him though. His stoic, proper speech and demeanor makes him the perfect leading man for this role!

Not to mention, I am a SUCKER for period pieces!

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Mr. Whitley was just proper enough….and Megan, oh, sweet Megan with her adorable freckles….I could watch these two all day! Megan’s mama has got the right idea though, can we bottle this man up with his manners and his charm and his fancy outfits?!?! LOVE LOVE LOVE this romance! She was so amazing calling him on his crap! And that final dance scene where they just kiss a little….but poke fun of the Hallmark trope. TIMELESS! 😉
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ YES TO IT ALL! My only issue with this story was a lot of it felt very rushed. If I was thrust 100 years into the future….it would have taken a little more time to wrap my head around it all. Other than that, I loved watching him discover all the new things. I loved her take on traditions and how much she really knew about him already because of her job. The reason he stayed…..The reason she gave him to stay…..It all worked for me!
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️ The B characters really didn’t play a huge role in the main characters story…but Amber and Dan were adorable. They really got their moment to shine at the end which was so sweet. Megan’s family reminded me so much of my big family. (which BTW….I might need to initiate this photos of Christmas past movie idea) But, what’s with the Christmas Tree topper game??? Has anyone ever done that…..ever? I swear they just think of the craziest Christmas games/traditions to pull out for each movie. Nelson Wong’s character is always good for a laugh or two, so I was happy to see him in this as well.

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Charles and Megan gave my heart all the romance it wanted from this one…..but the biggest “feel” for me came in the way of Charles journey to discovering his rival might just not be who he thought he was. (or maybe he was…..but ended up changing….) There were many questions left unanswered, but I think it works here. We all could use a lesson in forgiveness….not dwelling on the past…..opening your heart to change…..being reminded that people aren’t always what we think they are…….

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️ No “one” thing really surprised me. Maybe except for the fact that I like it as much as I did? LOL!

20/25 I’d definitely take the time to watch this one again!

I had no idea what I was getting into when I started watching this movie. I hadn’t seen a trailer…I didn’t remember reading the synopsis that Hallmark put out…..so I was flying blind.

First impression: How refreshing! It’s nice to see a romantic lead couple with a little life experience!

Beau has got mad game too! Wow. This guy melts hearts at every corner…which, if I was Joan…he would probably make me quite suspicious. Sometimes a man can just say the right thing TOO often, ya know?

This whole movie took me on a wild rollercoaster of emotions. I started out just loving Beau’s romantic persistence…..BUT could completely understand Joan guarding her heart. I was guarding mine right along side her. The premise of a widowed mother at her son’s wedding hit so very close to home for me. I was doing a real good job at compartmentalizing it too…..up until those flashbacks showed her late husband with Liam as a young boy. Honestly, I turned the movie off. I had to take a break on this one. I wasn’t sure how far they were going to go with the flashbacks….and I just needed some space.

_{If you don’t know me personally: My oldest brother passed away 4 short years ago at the young age of 43. My amazing sister-in-law has been wonderful and strong and resilient raising their daughter and son. Milestones are hard. Many things are hard. Just watching this storyline and writing about it….feels like a vice grip clenched tight around my heart.}

I did turn it back on though. Happy thoughts and feelings resumed. No more flashbacks….and I was able to get back into the Hallmark bubble.

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Come on, #4….let’s be #1. 😉 Beau was one smooth operator! It took me awhile to get on board with these two. Catherine Bell (Joan) has such a soft, soothing tone and demeaner, she always kind of makes we want to fall asleep. (She is the GOOD Witch, afterall) Every little piece of their backstory that you learned just worked more and more in their favor though. I was really rooting for #4 & #5!
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Although there were elements that were personally hard to watch…once the full story was played out, I thought it was super clever! Remember being young and meeting someone you just clicked with? Even if it didn’t work out, you often thought about them and the “what if”? No? Just Me? Anyway, I could relate to that. On the other hand, the conflict of protecting a grown Liam was a little too hard for to buy, so I’m really glad he took it all like an adult in the end. I wasn’t buying what Joan was selling there. Also, I could have done without it being so heavy on the “FATE” talk. It’s “fate..fate…fate” but then cut to the song “O Holy Night”….just ain’t right.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️ Liam & Katie were super adorable! I loved that they were portrayed as level-headed and responsible young people….that wrote the sweetest vows to each other. And MAJOR shoutout to Charlie…I know his part wasn’t very big, but I feel like it was a huge nod to service industry folks everywhere! They will go above and beyond if only you showed them a little gratitude! Such a simple thing to do for the underappreciated service industry 😉 YAY for Real Wreath Making too!

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️ The Flashbacks 😦 …we’ve talked about the them enough. I also had real anger at the layers of conflict towards the end. They really piled it on…and the misunderstanding was (in my opinion) not needed. JEEZ! Give these sweet people a break, Hallmark! Beau & Joan really were so good together. The perfectly timed Christmas Tree Lighting KISS lit up my heart, y’all! _{(too much?)}

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️ That wedding speech reveal? I didn’t think that info would come out there. I didn’t think it was going to be that dramatic….I was NOT expecting any of that! Well, played, Hallmark!

18/25 For the most part, I really liked a lot of this one. I probably wouldn’t watch it again, though, simply due to the fact that it triggers the emotions I don’t need help igniting.

I’m sorry to say nothing about this movie surprised me.

Was it shot in a gorgeous location with a feast for the eyes as far as the they could see?

Yes!

Did I learn about the food, culture, and Christmas traditions of the people of Vienna?

Yes!

So it basically was it like every other “big on location” movie Hallmark ever made?

Yes.

I will say, I LOVED seeing the Advent Candles & Wreath….I wish it would have actually been explained more in depth and in relation to the birth of Jesus. The Christmas Stockings also touched my heart as that too is a part of the Germanic family traditions that were passed down to me.

And those were my highlights, folks! 😉

Let’s dig in!

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️ OOFDAH! This one was rough to watch for me. Jess: this girl was adorable & funny. She was already struggling with her musical passion, the direction her life was going….AND she put herself out there for a handsome stranger! Mark! You’re killing me, man! I get that you may not be ready….but, you certainly acted interested….and then, BAM. Cold shoulder. Many times over. Ouch. I did give you two hearts….because some scenes were very cute: ice skating, mistletoe, and Silent Night….but if you talk about kissing, the moment is ruined. If you talk about kissing, and then never actually kiss. Then it’s just weird. It really pains me because I like Brendan Elliot, but perhaps he only has eyes for Lacey?….and Sarah Drew…she tried…it just wasn’t there between these two for me.
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️ This plot line was lost on me. For one, it’s yet another musical story…which I wouldn’t mind if it made more sense. It was as if they used the music story just to include another beautiful Viennese location. Also, we’re they trying to channel Capt, VonTrap vibes with Mark? If that’s the case, he should have been much more stern throughout….you gotta sell that closed off aura better if you’re going that route. ……one more, sorry, why would a professional violinist on vacation substitute nanny for someone who she barely knew?

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️ okay, we have to talk about the accents. I am not a world traveler….like, at all. So, I need someone to tell me if these were right? Also, why did the older two children not have one…and the youngest’s was so pronounced that it was hard to understand? Haven’t they only lived there a year? Confused. Let’s talk about this friend Jess has….she’s immediately trying to hook her up with her cousin, gets her to do her job for her while on vacation…AND keeps telling her to pursue this man that literally turns her down at every attempt she makes. Jess, I will be a better friend than that to you. Come back to the States. Hop over the border to Wisconsin from Minnesota, and we’ll hang!

FEELS ❤️❤️ I had mostly Christmas feels from this one. The scenery was gorgeous! I would absolutely love to visit Vienna at Christmas time! As I mentioned above though, every almost moment between the leads just didn’t get there for me.

SURPRISE (anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation) ❤️ Talking about when you should kiss… But then never actually kissing… And then attacking it at the end… That’s a no for me

9/25 Imma pass on this one when it’s on again.

Yikes! I was harsh. I re-read what I wrote…and while I stand by it, I do want to add: I like Brennan Elliott and really like him in other movies. Sarah Drew was very cute in this too (I know she’s a Grey’s alum)….this storyline just didn’t sit well with me, I guess.

I wasn’t even planning on watching this movie…but let me tell you, I am SO GLAD I DID!

I’m not sure if the Hallmark Execs are Celebrating Classical Music this 2020 season, or what is going on. Maybe it’s just how these movies fell….but this is the 3rd movie that heavily features music. (and there are more coming) I will be honest and say I’m not a classic movie buff….I’m hardly even a fan. That is why, I just wasn’t excited about this film.

Well, string-me-up-a-violin-and-call-me-crazy (that’s a saying, right?) THIS WAS AMAZING! I would hope anyone watching Lucia Micarelli can appreciate her ridiculous talent. She’s mesmerizing to watch slay the violin. If you’re curious (like I was) look up her filmography on imdb. You’ve most DEFINITELY heard her play before! What I wasn’t expecting was her natural acting ability and chemistry with Michael Rady.

Now, I need to come clean with myself here. Michael Rady is my Hallmark “sleeper” Hunk. Meaning, I always forget how much I love him in these movies until I’m watching another movie with him in it that I LOVE. Why do I keep forgetting this??? Trust Rady. Trust Rady. Trust Rady. There. Maybe that will help.

There is so much happening in The Christmas Bow….and normally, that’s really hard for Hallmark to pull off. They hit every mark on this one!

As Kate so eloquently said, “More is More.”

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Patrick & Kate. I could not love you two more! Patrick is so smitten…and he plays this so so well. Can we take a moment of silence…and close our eyes…..and remember when the “close my eyes” scene played out? Yes, I re-played that scene more than once. No, I am not ashamed. WOW! Everything about that dialogue and kiss had me.on.the.floor. And, also, can I just say how you CAN have a “conflict” without a huge misunderstanding? THANK YOU FOR THIS! Honest and open the whole time. LOOOOOVE!!!!!
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Oh my goodness. There were multiple stories intertwined in this…and they ALL CRUSHED IT! Kate’s hand rehab…..Patrick’s dream job?….Patrick’s mom, Tess, and her health struggles & successes…Grandpa Joe & his late wife….little wingman Gavin…..ok, MAIN PLOT: nailed it. Lucia obviously knew how to convey her passion for music across the screen….and what would it be like if that was threatened. Kate and Patrick’s love story was so natural and beautiful. I would give it 8 hearts if I could.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Was there a bad actor in this whole bunch? Nope. Not a One. First of all, little wingman, Gavin, and Patrick were SUPER ADORABLE. That “joke” never got old. I looked into Patrick’s mother, Tess…and you can read more of Joy Perry’s casting call news here. She really does have CMT. How amazing to be able to bring awareness and represent others! Grandpa Joe was so sweet and I just wanted to jump through the screen and hug him! (and that was before the heart-wrenching flashback) Again. I need MORE hearts!!!!!
HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ This whole movie was a surprise! Kate & Patrick being honest about their feelings, but you still knew their internal conflict was probably the biggest surprise. The early kiss is always my favorite surprise, though….and that one. Was. Epic.

25/25 ❤️ I’ve already watched this more than once. LOL! Would certainly give it 30/25 if I could.

I’m KICKING MYSELF I did not included this in my Hallmark Christmas Movie Showdown Bracket. Trust Rady. Trust Rady. Trust Rady.