There is a reason that Jill Wagner is a Hallmark FAVE…..

In a movie that really didn’t have a very original storyline….she kept me completely entertained and engaged! But it wasn’t just her…Lucas Bryant and Cassidy Nugent were just as fun! The movie poster pic for this one is so very fitting!

I’m not a “PUN” lover….but the running joke was actually really fun. Sometimes Hallmark uses the predictability and cheesy-ness to it’s advantage, this is one of those times. I loved that they gave this a real “Movies & Mysteries” flair with the mystery of who Angel was too!

Let’s dig into it!

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Matthew & Rebecca. ahhhh…..this is what Hallmark movies are made for! Remember when I said “Duke” needed his own movie…this was what I was hoping for! Lucas Bryant & Jill Wagner were just the sweetest! Their almost kiss really tricked me, I was sitting there just as stunned as Matthew was when it didn’t happen! All their one-liners and jabs at each other were just too adorable. I LOVED it a LATTE!
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️ Meh. After so many over-the-top, crazy, different storylines so far this year…this one seemed to lack a little orginality. I couldn’t believe the “great” ideas for the Angel Tree wish granting….a pretty easy way to incorporate a lot of Hallmark staples.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ The daughter, Cassie, has obviously got some acting notches in her belt. She was adorable, but also not the run of the mill Hallmark kid. Owen surprised me as well when he started talking. The Squad all around was pretty sweet too.

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️ As I said, Matthew & Rebecca’s love story really did get me in the feels….his loved declaration and the big reveal of what he kept all these years.. Melt my little heart! I wish I could have gotten more feels from the surprise Rebecca made happen too, but it just didn’t land for me.

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️ Alright. Nothing surprised me in this movie. There are some moments where I am certain I could have made a difference in the writer’s room. Picture this: End scene in front of the Angel Tree: EVERYTHING the same….EXCEPT: When Matthew pulls out that piece of paper….he says, “You don’t get it….my wish has Always been you….” and you cut to the paper….where we learn he never wished for his restaurant to be saved all those years ago….but for her to stay in Angel Falls too! ……………….swoon……. just sayin’

17/25 I might watch this one again. Just to see Jill & Lucas banter back and forth….

This movie has something for everyone…..

Really, they tried to fit a storyline for everyone they could possibly think of into this movie. There was so much going on….and it was hard to keep up.

Interestingly to me, I found myself really relating with a couple I wasn’t expecting to……and it’s proabbly not the one you may think it would be.

This whole movie, my heart just ached for this mother.

I know my children are still young, but I already have heartache for the day that they will not be filling our home with noise & joy and LAUNDRY (well, some things I will NOT miss) I cannot even imagine what it will be like to be doing all the things for all the people…and then one day, they all move out…..and one day I can retire…..and what will my hubby & I do then? Ugh. Seems like a lifetime away! This was so hard to watch. 😦

On the other hand, I do have to say, the horrible acting of the TV show and commercials did have me rolling!

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️ First of all….who were the leads? The Mom & Dad? (Bill & Phylis)….Mike & Andi? Brandon & Jake? I bet it depends on who you ask. Romantically, I was drawn to Mike & Andi…they were cute. I loved how she tried to keep him humble. Bill & Phylis, I related to as a parent….and Brandon & Jake? Well, I am sure this is what everyone else is going to talk about. If you were looking for that relationship to be featured….I think even you might have been disappointed in this one.
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️ This was a fun concept! Grown children being summoned to their family home to recreate an over-the-top Christmas display one last time…..so much potential! I didn’t even mind all the secrets happening…..busy lives, lots of people….sometimes it’s even hard to share the big stuff with our family members. There was just too much!
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️ With so MANY leads….I gotta reach to “Noah the Nimble” (seriously, that’s the best name that Marvelous Jim could come up with???) and speaking of Marvelous Jim, he might have been my favorite character in this whole film! LOL! Well, him and Andi’s mom, Elena!

FEELS ❤️❤️ Meh. Romantic feels all around was just okay for me. I am giving this one 2 hearts for the mom feels. I loved the whistle blowing and how excited her and dad got making their Christmas House. The grown boys still racing and betting made me smile too….however ridiculous the acting was.

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️ The surprise in this one has been blasted all over, so that kind of negated the whole surprise of it.

13/25 Pretty real portrayal of a grown family. I got enough drama in my own to need to watch this one again….

Did you stick around at the end for the commercial? LOL!

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.