My expectations were mixed before seeing 'A Dream of Christmas'. Andrew Walker and Nikki Deloach have been good in other things, even in projects beneath them. Hallmark films can be very charming and engaging and they have been capable of quite a number of above average and more films. My reservations come from the premise, which sounds nothing new and quite lukewarm, and because my recent Hallmark viewings have been very mixed.
'A Dream of Christmas' was to me one of their above average efforts. It isn't a great or flawless film and one plot point isn't as good as the rest. But DeLoach, Walker and their chemistry are served very well indeed, and there is a lot of charm and heart to be found. As far as the Hallmark films go from 2016, 'A Dream of Christmas' is among the better ones and one of the better ones from my relatively recent Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film viewings.
There are things that could have been done better. Did too find Cindy Williams' character rather unpleasant and thought that Williams, despite it being nice to see her again, overplayed her. As a result, the film did lose its warmth somewhat.
Did think that 'A Dream of Christmas' could have done more with its premise. It isn't wasted strictly speaking, but Penny's frustration and dilemma did to me seem too mild. It could have been tighter in the pace and one does know how the film is going to end which it does typically too tidily.
However, 'A Dream of Christmas' does have a huge amount to like. Visually, 'A Dream of Christmas' is slick and attractive. Hallmark often did deliver on the scenery, the locations were seldom authentic to the real thing but they still looked great and lovingly shot, and this film is no exception. There is a tendency in Hallmark to have the music too prominent and intrusive, found neither to be the case (not distractingly so anyhow) here. The script flows well and is easy to take seriously without being overly so. Really appreciated its sincerity, something that's evident in the story.
While the story is not innovative, it is warm hearted and has a lot of charm. The festive feel is beautifully done too. Really liked both Deloach and Walker's characters, Penny is not a female lead character that has negative attributes exaggerated and her feelings are relatable without being too perfect. Stuart is suitably sympathetic. Both Deloach and Walker play their parts beautifully, especially Deloach, and their chemistry is one of the few Hallmark pairings to actually work and feel genuine and worth relating to. Mostly the supporting cast do well, with only reservations with Williams.
Overall, nice film. 7/10.
