So, be honest, Hallmark…..did you really think that if you make a movie in the exact same “town” with the same lead actor….SAME premise/plot….as a CCB Christmas movie….WITH her TV sister, that people would not have questions?

This is obviously a sequel to “Christmas Under Wraps”. Everyone knows it. Why not just say it? It’s very un-Hallmarky of you. That’s all I will say about that.

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️ Ericka & Andy we learned were together BCCB (Before CCB) but split up when Andy moved back home to Garland. They obviously both still hold a candle for each other. Here’s where I found it difficult to get into their relationship. It all was very friend zone. I mean, the poster art is odd, right? Even the big finale closing scene felt forced to me. I LOVE Jodie…..and Jodie Sweetin & David O’Donnell were both good in this one…but I just didn’t feel the heat of them together…..EXCEPT in the observatory. That moment earned them some chemistry hearts.

STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️ Well, if this isn’t a Classic Hallmark Plot, I’m not sure what is! If it wasn’t for all the characters pulling us along, this movie would have been a snoozefest for me. I get that it’s probably just Garland for ya, but the cheese level was through the roof….and normally, it wouldn’t bother me too much, but since the romance wasn’t firing on all cylinders, it needed more. YOU HAVE SANTA! They should have leaned more into it….but I guess Andy’s dream was to run an inn, and not be the most magical man of the season!?!?!

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Claire, Hattie, & Martin in that order: trifecta of supporting cast comedic gold. Almost every scene they were in made me giggle. But, I guess “That’s Garland for ya” Also, love me a Boss Babe, Vivica A Fox as Sharon……of course, Frank Holiday as the Big SC was adorable too. Claire’s character sold this whole town to me. (hint: it shouldn’t be that way)

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️ Observatory Moment: hands down the highlight of this one for me. I also may have grasped my chest when Andy pulled an entire Coffee shop out of thin air as a surprise. (kinda made those Christmas gifts pale in comparison)

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(what made this different from typical Hallmark movies)} ❤️❤️ Do you think this movie was originally made for CCB and Jodie Sweetin’s character made written into it after Candance left Hallmark???? Things that make you go….HHMMMMM….. The biggest shock for me was that Frank’s reveal to Ericka wasn’t very shocking at all. Sort of medicore at best….which, when you think about it, sums up the whole movie pretty well.

15/25 It was cute. A fun flick that I am sure my kiddos will love because, well, Stephanie. 🙂 I wouldn’t turn it off if it was on again, but I probably wouldn’t seek it out. I enjoyed it.

P.S. Did anyone pay enough attention to count HOW MANY times someone said ” That’s Garland for ya!” I’m honestly curious.

Here’s the Fun Loving-Magical-Happy Christmas movie I have been waiting for this premiere weekend!

Let’s dig into it, shall we?

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ OOH! Change up in the love-angst equation with Sarah & Travis right off the bat…we see the angst FIRST! I loved that! It was fun to “grow up” with them. Although, I’m a bit confused was to why they weren’t together in their younger years….I loved seeing them reconnect! Sarah Ramos & Carlo Marks were adorable throughout. I didn’t give them that fifth heart only because it was a cute, sweet romance and not so much heart clenching, feel me?

STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ MAGICAL COOKIES that make you dream about your true love?!?!? Yes, PLEASE! This was classic cheesy Hallmark and I was there for it! Plot holes that had me holding back all the love? What can’t you bake more? What type of cookie batch only makes 12 cookies? Grandma Mia really set Sarah up for big heart break which seemed very odd….but as in all good endings…it all worked out!

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️JAZZY! What an adorable little nugget! She was so great! I love it when the child actor just nails their role. It really elevates the whole movie! Grandma Mia and friends were super fun to watch too.

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️I don’t know if there were a ton of moments that made my heart aflutter. Travis was a pretty smooth operator throughout . His idea to whisk Sarah away so she could finish her book was so responsible ….real-life love move there. Also, real snow? and a REAL TREE!!! Reminded my husband and I of the trees my dad cuts down because he thinks all trees are perfect!

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(what made this different from typical Hallmark movies)} ❤️❤️❤️ Time warp using the original actors! So fun! Being able to see the the reason they had a gone their separate ways…..plus, there wasn’t really any conflict at the end that couldn’t be fixed easily….that was nice. No, NO ONE was surprised Grandma Mia didn’t tape up that recipe and save it. Why in the world wouldn’t she?

18/25 I might watch this one again. It was fun and carefree….and it will be a good one to watch with the kids!

There isn’t much I don’t love of about a Kristoffer Polaha Hallmark movie…..until this one.

I’m so sad I have to type that!

I knew this would be different as we start with a married couple going to a counseling sesh….but I was truly hoping it would take my heart on a journey, and I guess it did. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the warm and cozy kind.

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️ Is it just me, or could Polaha have chemistry with an alpaca? When he delivers the sweet, romantic lines, they just land. I’m not sure if it was the storyline or his partner that made it hard to get into…..but the spell was broken every time Becca spoke to Robby. I never believed she wanted the relationship repaired…..and yet, poor, lovesick Robby tried his darnedest time and time again.

STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️Ugh. When you come to Hallmark Christmas movie universe….you want love and magic and romance…..not real-life marriage struggles and full-town immersion therapy. I get that it’s nice to mix it up a bit, but we don’t even get a glimpse of happiness hope until the very end….it all felt very depressing 😦

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️ ❤️ Hey Pascale! Cute little Therapist Cameo from another Hallmark leading lady! I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the real star of this entire flick: JERRY the dog. Also, I did giggle at the inn owners, Cindy, and the Cheese Guy. Where do I get a shirt that says “Sweet Dreams are made of Cheese. Who am I to Dis-a-Brie?” Sign. Me. Up.

FEELS ❤️❤️ ❤️ So much of this movie made me feel icky….or sad….but the parts when Robby is trying to melt Becca’s heart: Those were sweet moments. That, and when they watch Jerry in the parade like proud parents…my heart warmed. Also the town decor was amazingly-over-the-top Hallmark magical, and I loved that!

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(what made this different from typical Hallmark movies)} ❤️❤️❤️ Starting off with a married couple is obviously different…but I was actually expecting the alpacas to have a larger role in this film with all the advertising and the movie poster focus. LOL! Again with the excessive drinking and hangover at the Sip and Shop? Hmm, Hallmark…. this is the wholesome, “family friendly” content you’re pushing? Not a fan of that.

14/25 I do not care to watch this again. It made me sad. I would, however, love an Alpaca-gram. That would be cool.

WELCOME BACK to the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!

I honestly wasn’t going to do reviews this year……I gave it up mid-2021 season after getting a little burnt out. Since watching the first movie of Christmas 2022 though….I feel like I need to sit on my hands cuz I’m too darn excited to contain the urge to start writing these things up!

So, here goes nothing! I’m watching all Hallmark AND GAC Family movies this year, so we will see how this plays out (or, more to the point….how long I can keep up) That’s 58 movies, my friends. Pray for me.

Straight out of the gate, Hallmark packed some BIG punches with “Noel Next Door”. Is this Hallmark’s new direction? Or were they just trying to turn all the heads right away?

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Holy smokes! Natalie Hall & Cory Sevier made the best of every scene they were in together! The flirting was cute and sincere….the quiet moments were very heated. It all worked between these two!

STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I was nervous that the storyline would be similar to “Christmas Next Door” circa 2017, but was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t resemble it at all. It was nice to see Jeremy’s character have two very different sides….I think that’s super important for people to see/realize….not everyone is all bad/all good. The conflict and resolution had me on my toes too…unexpected in a good way.

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Did we have some characters! Dearest Henry: I feel for this kid, but dude’s a little liar….happy he fessed up in the end. Noel’s blind date: every internet troll rolled into one? Jeremy’s blind date: most uncompassionate person ever? Horrible customer man? Ex-husband that cheated on his wife with dental hygienist/living in family home/trying to take Christmas day away from mom? Noel & Jeremy’s friends and family were alright…..but really, the only person that I liked was Luis, the poor HOA guy, and obviously he is getting great therapy wherever he is going because he deals with some real crap and still manages positivity!

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️ Noel and Jeremy’s chemistry really carried this movie for me. Every diner scene made my heart swell! The leaning in over the apple pie….the smooth talking Jeremy forgetting his food….so much good dialogue between these two!

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(what made this different from typical Hallmark movies)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ This entire movie was pushing the boundaries for Hallmark Channel. I thought it was a Lifetime movie, but and the very least it deserved to be on “Hallmark Movies & Mysteries”: Multiple mentions of Ex-husband’s mistress, heavy drinking, custody battles….sure, it’s “real life” but is that why we come to watch Hallmark? I mean, unless we’re just waiting for the “plug” for Tampax 😉 See what I did there?

Oh, and real quick….can a person who walks with a cane really ice skate that well? or kick a soccer ball like that? Honestly asking here…….

21/25 I feel like I almost need to watch it again to truly feel the warm & fuzzies that Natalie & Cory brought to the plate while being prepared for all the hot buttons Hallmark was trying to push.