I know that I’m going to get a lot of push back from a hoard of Hallmarkies….but the highlight of this whole movie for me was Azriel Dalman as Noah Bailey.

The child actor.

oh, and the Marmot.

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

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️❤️ Meh. Ryan, Ryan, Ryan….I feel like I am always here explaining myself to the masses. I’m not sure what I am missing. Janel Parrish was adorable per usual, but the brand of leading man that Paevey brings to the screen just does not work for me. He’s just so rigid. So, although Dillion and Paige did have chemistry…..it just wasn’t enough for me to even feel invested. I guess I live for the drama that Hallmark couples usually give me, and there just wasn’t enough here. The conflicts seemed easily fixable. It was just a “Meh” for me….except for the Library scene…that was pretty cute.

STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ The idea of a party celebrating Christmas traditions with food and drinks around the world sounds EPCOT EPIC! (see what I did there?) I absolutely want to go to that! I loved that Dillion & Noah’s relationship was so genuine and sweet…refreshing to see an actively engaged dad on our screens! However, the whole plot of the Paige’s parents selling the family inn without telling her just didn’t jive….and why wouldn’t she be more mad at them then this man she met 3 days ago? I know it’s a typical Hallmark conflict, but they’ve been spoiling us lately with better, more heartfelt storylines, and this didn’t feel right with how close they portrayed this family’s bond. (IMHO, of course)

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ NOAH! This kid made the ENTIRE movie for me. He didn’t just kill the “word of the day”…he KILLED this whole acting gig. His expressions and delivery were on par with Jannel Parrish! And I’m so glad he was here because he saved this one for me!

FEELS ❤️❤️ I hurt for Paige….but from a daughter’s perspective as far as feeling left out of a huge decision by her parents, and Noah was making my mama heart swell….but aside from that, my feels really only perked up at the thought of Egg Nog taste testing and eating and drinking around the world.

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️I was surprised by how easy Dillion gave up and left with an excuse about Noah and then immediately turned around with a complete business revamp/lame apology/tiny little 4 second kiss cuz that ‘s all they had time for before the fireworks started ending. Yikes! I’m sorry. This is harsh, but I did not get this conflict and resolution at all. 😦

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. CHRISTMAS MARMOT! One of the BEST parts of this flick! I thought what in the crap is this crazy??? But when they explained the legend behind this tradition, I found myself wondering how I can start this in my city? I love it so much, I already have my wheels spinning 🙂 Friends, watch your doorsteps!
2. Winter Glamping???? As long as there is heat….that won’t endanger me from starting my tent on fire….I might be willing to try…..just going to need some real facilities, cuz below zero potty breaks do not sound very magical to me.
3. Christmas-Card-A-Thon: while I was envisioning Jerry Lee Lewis and some amazing entertainment acts in front of rows of red and green bedazzled telephones….the idea of writing and sending Christmas cards to service men & women is pretty spectacular too!

14/25 Not going to be on my watch again list…but walked away with some really adorable ways to celebrate Christmas, so I dug that much!

Gospel choirs….at Christmas time…

My heart is SO FULL! I just finished watching this and I am a PERMA-GRIN plastered across my face.

I was so excited that Michelle Williams was going to grace our screens…but I wasn’t prepared to be more enthralled with the leads Luke James & Ashleigh Murray! Their chemistry! Their voices!!!

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

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Harmony & Kyle were obviously holding on to all sorts of history from the moment they destroyed those pies. I was having an extremely hard time comprehending what could have kept Kyle away all those years ago since he was still so overwhelming smitten with H. He was a persistent fellow though….convinced me as soon as he asked her to dance…and when he started singing in her ear….i was officially Team Kyle. It just was such a long time until the big reveal at the end to find out what was holding him back! It was hard to wait!

STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ This story felt new and fresh and different! Harmony snatched up my heart right from the start….but actually had me yelling at her 3/4 of the way through. I loved watching her find her true passion again. I loved how all the family/town stories really endured you to the fundraiser. I loved the ending most of all……but don’t even get me started on that snow globe! (Yet) oh, and I LOVED all the references to II Corinthians 13….did you catch them throughout the entire movie? “Love is Patient….Love is Kind….”

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Mama Matthews. Loretta Devine makes me so happy. She’s just the best Mama…but she deserves love again too! Her and the Deacon were so dang cute! and Harmony’s sister had some GREAT one liners too: “Sisters before Sutures” 🤣 Unpopular opinion: Destiny’s Child > Beyoncé [I stand by it] so Michelle Williams brought me so much joy. My only complaint is that she didn’t get to sing more 🥰 but I was so impressed with her acting!

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️ oh my goodness. So many things to feel. The Matthews sleepover had me in an emotional pinball machine….but that’s what life is like, right? I was loving the ladies night with wine and laughter, but the home video that brought them all back down with grief over missing Daddy. Ugh. There were tears from me. I already mentioned it, but Kyle and Harmony singing in each other’s ears while dancing made me melt. In fact, Kyle this whole darn movie was amazing. It was so hard to watch Harmony stiff arm him constantly. THE MUSIC! Love love LOVE a good gospel choir! They got me right into the Christmas Mood, I almost started listening to Christmas Music myself!

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. now, I thought the big SURPRISE was going to be that when Harmony was on that ladder putting the star on the tree she didn’t fall into Kyle’s arms…but rather he LIFTED HER down (SURPRISE!) 😉 BUT. I waited all freaking movie to find out why that boy did NOT meet the love of his life at the airport and join her in New York….WOAH! That reveal did NOT disappoint….and even more than that, it completely made sense and endeared me to Kyle even more! AND ON TOP OF THAT: THE FLIPPIN’ SNOWGLOBE WAS FROM HIM!!!!!! They got me. They got me good.

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. GIGANTIC Christmas Ball ornaments as yard decor! Now, my eye doctor actually does this. They are BLUE and we call them the BIG BLUE BALLS….and I love them so much! I want to have these so badly, but I would need a storage unit just to store them in the off season, so I have yet to figure out how to make this dream happen….
2. Can we get a “Holiday Hallelujah Choir”? I’d love to sing in it….or even just go to the concert!

22/25 Loved this one! I’d most definitely watch again. Even if it were just for the music. Can we download the music? Any Hallmark big wigs reading this, let me know 😉

This was such a cute little Christmas caper!

If you are an avid Hallmark fan (like me) you may have had to double check the channel you were watching….this Christmas flick was very reminiscent of the mysteries found on Hallmark’s Movies & Mysteries channel year round—a lighthearted, who-dun-it with a romance thrown in….the only difference in The Santa Stakeout is we didn’t have to wait for 4 episodes into a series before the detectives declare their true feelings. And, since I’m the girl who is watching for the romance….I’ll take it!

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

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️❤️Detectives Tanya & Ryan. Hmmmm….I like these two together. It was a very nice, sweet, budding attraction. However, I felt like the romance took a back seat to the mystery (very much like the usual Hallmark mysteries)….and while I enjoyed the two getting to know each other better throughout the movie, I just didn’t FEEL it until the dance scene…..and then BAM , in yo’ face right at the end. That, my friends, just wasn’t enough for this girl. (not sure how they acted so surprised with that tiny little peck under the mistletoe mid-movie….unless one of them had a static shock?) Guess what I’m saying….comedic chemistry= spot on. Romantic chemistry = spotty.

STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️Loved a Christmas Mystery! I loved the theme throughout repeating that people aren’t always what they seem….and you shouldn’t judge others so quickly, because they may surprise you. How true is that?!?! Was the fact that a police stakeout budget would include a fully decorated, cozy Christmas home complete with tree/ornaments/baking supplies/Christmas mugs/pillows/garland a little far fetched? Maaaaaaybeeeee…..Did I care? not one bit. I mean, how are they going to nab a fine art thief without first getting into the Holiday Spirit?????

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️Mr. Christmas & the Neighborhood Crew. Francis Miller is a treasure. I melted every time he talked about his wife. He was so sweet. Even when they were suspicious of him, it was hard to buy into it because he was so sincere in his love and devotion to her….and his love and devotion to Christmas. I’m not sure if this falls under here or Storyline, but who gets to do all this neighborhood FUN STUFF on MULTIPLE NIGHTS leading right up to Christmas. (I guess people without children….from the looks of it)

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️One heart for Mr. Christmas. 1/2 heart for the dancing scene. 1/2 heart for “I like our little neighborhood….Partner for Keeps” ending scene. I did laugh out loud many times though….so Paul & Tamara totally got me in my funny bone. Not sure if it was becasue I watched this with our 4 kids….either way, they made me laugh or, at the very least, SMILE a lot. What it lacked in romantic feels…it made up for in good ol’ fashioned Hallmark Christmas Fun.

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️I have to admit, I had no idea who the thief was until the very end….so that was a surprise. I also didn’t see the true nature of Mr. Christmas’ secrets….so 2 surprises on me!

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. Giant PVC Candy canes!
2. Santa COFFEE….although, I have totally made coffee with cocoa & cinnamon before….I didn’t have a name for it.
3. TWO WORDS: CHRISTMAS COMMITTEE: you know, for caroling, party planning, and potlucks! This would be such a game changer for any neighborhood!
4. 3 layer North Pole Bundt Cake. I must try this!
5. Hot Cocoa Flight. Had this before in Hershey, PA. Recording it, because I must do this again!

16/25 This is a fun watch! If I’m feeling in the mood to giggle a bit, I would totally watch it again. Plus, my kiddos thought it was the best Hallmark movie they have ever seen. Detective Ryan had them rolling! I might just watch it again to watch their joy.

Edited because I Gotta add…(and thanks to my amazing Hallmark Christmas Showdown Bracketeers for the reminder). If you’re going to say you’re from WAAAAA-ScAAAAN-Sin….you gotta pronounce it right. 😉 if you start with a “WES” we know you aren’t from these parts, ya know?

The first “Miracles of Christmas” of the 2021 season….and for me, I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised with just how much I enjoyed it!

There is just always something about music in movies that speaks to my soul. Well, I guess I need to qualify that statement….there’s something about GOOD music in movies that speaks to my soul. In addition to that, Christmas in My Heart tackled some pretty heavy and important topics with honesty and ease. I really liked this one!

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

 

CHEMISTRY (between the leads)❤️❤️❤️I love that Beth’s attraction was evident from the first meeting, and Sean really played the widower father so well that he was oblivious to all the attention given to him. This relationship really felt authentic as it matured. The reason I’m stuck on 3 hearts: this movie wasn’t really about Sean & Beth…at least it wasn’t the MAIN focus. And unfortunately, there is only so much you can convey in a couple hours….so the turnaround did seem a little rushed for me. Movies about grief are so hard to watch…I can’t imagine acting them out in scenes multiple times. Anyhow, I liked these 2 together. Seemed a bit forced in the middle….but I loved that the end was sweet and simple.

STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ These Miracles of Christmas movies are always a challenge for me. (and truly, anyone who has experienced real, gutting grief in their lives) Sometimes I’m in the mood for a good cry, and sometimes I’m just not. I LOVED so many things about this storyline though. Even when the tough/relevant topics of grief and race were on the table…it was so honest and real. I loved the relationships explored between Grandma Ruthie & both Katie and Sean……how the story showed traumatic loss of people that are dearly loved can effect so many lives in a community….how music can be so interwoven in our lives that it is sometimes lost in grief but then can be so healing as well. My one critique was that the Hanukkah celebrations/gifts seemed to not fit….they didn’t even explain who Hersh was until almost the very end (I mean, I figured he was Sean’s agent…but was he family too? Was part of Katie’s family Jewish? Just saying it seemed like a big deal, but it was never explained).

SUPPORTING CAST❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I hate to even put “Katie Kat”…how cute is that nickname?!?!? (Maria Nash) in this category—that dear child was every bit a LEAD in this story, and she NAILED it! I loved how she portrayed the innocence of a child in all these hard places….how kind, loving, forgiving, and amazing kids can be. I can’t tell you how many times I thought of one of my girls when Katie spoke. What a sweetheart! And all of this was acting! Keep an eye on her. We’ll be seeing lots more of her soon, I’m sure. Grandma Ruthie!!!! Sheryl Lee Ralph is a GEM! I could listen to that woman talk, sing, and give advice all day! “You can’t just be here….You’ve got to live here.” And just when you think this movie was getting too serious….Sheila would pop in with a one liner and make you smile!

FEELS❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Ugh. Well, what feels didn’t I get from this one? My heart ached, it swelled, it wept….and when Heather Hemmens picked up her violin….the goosebumps were out in full force. Sean’s face at that concert was ALL of US. I thought her two very emotional performances were the best of the best…but then that last stage performance DID.ME.IN! I was holding it back until Grandma Ruthie joined the trio, and that was it. Flood gates opened. And the Heart-to-Hearts! Father/Daughter, Teacher/Student, MIL/SIL, Grandma/Granddaughter….so much emotion. ALL THE FEELS!

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️❤️❤️ This might not be a popular opinion, but I’m nothing if not honest: Sean’s Christmas song was not good. It was painful to listen to….(not to be confused with the torture of the jam “On Christmas Day in the Morning” that they had playing on the radio earlier in the movie) I’m referring to the song that he wrote and performed for Beth. No good. But she actually kind of told him so…and I COULDN’T believe it! Facing down some real Hallmark tropes in this one!

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. Making your own Christmas Angel Tree topper to look like you/someone you love. That was just the sweetest.
2. Celebrating all the holidays= more presents? This might be a stretch, but this movie didn’t get too “out of the box” as far Christmas traditions or activities.

21/25 Very sweet, very emotional Hallmark Movie. Light on the romance….but HEAVY on real discussions that families face dealing with grief, social differences, love and healing. Strong like for me!

Welcome to the Hallmark Channel Raymond & Catherine!

I was not expecting the cheesiness of a “ghosts of Christmas Past” be so very NOT cheesy!

I almost want to skip right to the rating system because I feel like this hit so many hearts in all the categories, but I will take a minute to touch on a few things. The total and complete FRIEND ZONE that was so clearly being thrown at our man, Nate, had me squirming so much that I wasn’t quite sure how Lauren was going to be redeemed in the eyes of the viewer. Nate wasn’t just in the Friend ZONE…it was more like a PRISON! Poor guy. We all want someone to look at us the way Nate dreamly pined for Lauren….FOR LITERAL YEARS! AMIRIGHT!?!?!?

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

CHEMISTRY (between the leads)❤️❤️❤️❤️As I said up top….if I was strictly voting off our our boy, Nate….this would be 5 hearts, for sure. From the opening scenes to the final kiss, he played the love struck fool to perfection! I’m just so hung up on Lauren and her avoidance. At first, I was thinking there was NO WAY she doesn’t see how Nate feels about her…so if they would have played it like that, I think the whole movie would have lost me. I’m so glad she acknowledged that she knew. That being said….the fact that it took the whole darn movie for her to have this epiphany….they get docked a heart. I said what I said.

STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ This plot actually worked for me! It was so much better than I expected. Each visit from a boyfriend of the past showed Lauren just how abruptly she ended their relationship. The tie-in to the time of year her mother left actually didn’t even dawn on me until the end though. I mean, childhood trauma effecting the way you approach your adult relationships? RELATABLE, for $200, Alex! It still was hard to watch Nate waiting in the wings the whole movie. Man, that dude tugged on my heart strings!
SUPPORTING CAST❤️❤️❤️❤️ Appa=GOLD! I loved his relationship with his daughter…both silly and so heartfelt. Even her stepmother was the sweetest. ALL the boyfriends did a FAB job! My one beef was Lauren’s girlfriend not giving her the “what for” regarding Nate sooner. If this group of friends have been friends since college, they ALL should have seen this sitch, right?

FEELS❤️❤️❤️ Have a mentioned yet that Raymond Ablack KILLED Nate’s character?!?! This man had my heart wrenched the entire movie. Hence, why I thought I wasn’t getting out of here even liking Lauren. Welp, my girl did turn it around, and the few minutes from the conference room to the community center at the end saved her entirely for me. That kiss was worth it….and even the ending scene had me melt a little bit….but only because it was simple and more real than all wordy-like Hallmark normally does.

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️❤️ The most surprising part of this one for me was we never had to see Lauren’s mother. I’m so glad they didn’t bring her into this. She wasn’t needed. Obviously so much of Lauren’s heartache was triggered by her leaving, and I’m glad the movie ended with Lauren & Nate getting their happy ending surrounded by her Appa & Yong. Of course, the all new Hallmark cast made me so happy to see…especially because we got to get a peek at new food, new customs, and amazing actors/actresses! I hope we see these two again soon!

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. Christmas Game Night complete with CHAMPIONSHIP HATS!
2. Tree Lighting…..but with FIREWORKS!

18/25 This was cute. Not sure I’d watch it again, but I will put any other movies starring Raymond Ablack and/or Catherine Haena Kim at the top of my watch list! That’s praise enough, right?