Mistelzweige küsst man nicht

Not perhaps the best Hallmark film that Lacey Chabert (easily one of their best stars) has been in, but this remains enjoyable enough viewing.

I saw this last Christmas time, and it's grown on me with second viewing. I liked the chemistry between the leads and the fact the story was more realistic than some I've seen.

Not sure about the whole 'Pride and Prejudice' angle - I think that was rather shoehorned in (but more convincingly than 'Marrying Mr Darcy'), but on the whole I enjoyed this.

This one was a pretty solid effort which kept my interest. it was somewhat multifaceted with some interesting corporate politics along with the usual city girl v. small town Christmas. I liked the pairing of Lacey Chabert with Brendan Penny. Lacey is a solid actress, and with this one, she seems to have tamed, a bit, her nervous giggle tick that she seems to have developed in later years. I liked her family, especially Sherry, who was one of the stars in one of my favorite Hallmark-like romances, This Matter of Marriage, which was actually produced by Harlequin. It was great to see her again. This one did feature the usual boring boyfriend, but it was refreshing that she really just let him go and didn't hem and haw about it.

Like another Hallmark movie this year, I think it is pretty shameless to try to reel in Jane Austen fans, with the title of the movie, while not incorporating any of the themes in the actual plot or character. It's too bad, because the role reversal of the heroine taking the Darcy role, and the hero taking the Elizabeth Bennett role could have been great. i don't recall that that gimmick has ever been done before. Would have been pretty interesting.

More and more I just don't think these girls are good enough for these guys, that are so perfect it's untrue. Brendan Penny is hot and you just couldn't be so mean to a guy as charming and funny as him, especially with those smiley eyes. This modern 'Independent Woman' thing is getting a bit tired now. I'm all for girl power, but there's strength and there's just being unfriendly. Why can't everyone just be nice regardless of gender and relinquish their issues. It would be nice to see a Christmas romance where both of them are sorted and have no problems with control or past relationships. Just let the love flow man!

I sidetracked a tad there. This film has all of the usual seasonal fun as well as the romantic element. Her brother's cute and even the ex isn't too shabby. There's a loving family too.

I assume that there are comparisons to be made to Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' (No Mistletoe), but I have neither read nor viewed it, so I can't tell. I know there's a Darcy in it, which is the lead's name, but it could be a version of a Barbara Cartland or a Mills & Boon novel for all I know?

Not a terrible story at all and Brendan will just win you over with that lovely choochy face.

Despite its title, don't expect much of this Hallmark holiday rom-com to relate to the Jane Austen novel except for a few names.

The star of the film is Lacey Chabert, who practically lives in Hallmarkland, especially when a wedding veil is involved. As usual, her pleasant energy infuses her performance. She plays Darcy Fitzwilliam, a New York City investment counselor who returns home to Ohio for Christmas, where her mother has her helping with a charity auction.

There she runs into an old high school rival---Luke (Brendan Penny)---who used to be on the same debate team. Of course, there is a lurking ex-boyfriend, who is ready to reignite their relationship, if Darcy would only say the word. But Luke is now the owner of a local restaurant, where he seems quite competent. In fact, Darcy's mother hires him to cater the auction event.

Luke is a very smiley guy. Though Darcy has some negative feelings about their interactions in high school, she is easily swayed by his positive personality. In fact, she grows to admire him. Meanwhile, Darcy's sister is dating Luke's brother.

Darcy is a successful businesswoman who seems unfulfilled by her job, so the ending of film should not surprise anyone. But the chemistry between the two leads makes this film a pleasant watch.

I love Lacey as an actress in these movies. She brings spirit, animation, heart and relatability to these movies. I love Jane Austen as well and had such high hopes for this movie. There was just so little use of the Jane Austen story line used. I realize that this is based on a book that I have not read, but with so much opportunity from the original novel, how could it be ignored. "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" did a great job in using the material with a modern twist. I wanted to see real conflict between the leads. I like the idea of the reversal of the roles, but where was the pride and the prejudice. Darcy's refusal to accept help just did not really get the pride concept across. The Fitzwilliam family could have been more snobby and Darcy could have been more superior in her attitude with Luke. Luke could have had an embarrassing family and could have stood up to Darcy in a way that woke her up. Where were the misunderstandings about each other and then realizing that they were both wrong as they got to know each other. It was all there for the picking. It was an easy, enjoyable movie that had the potential to be great. I know those scripts can happen again and will be excited to see them.