A Merry Christmas Match

I usually love Hallmark movies but this one was a snoozer. The two female leads (Ashley and Lindsey) are pretty competent. Unfortunately almost every male character has been cast with subpar actors including the male lead (Kyle). There's absolutely no chemistry between the romantic leads and the film just suffers and drags.

First impression: this is a HM&M movie, it's supposed to be complex, to have a background story, a purpose for the plot, which was not there, while it was different than the Hallmark movies, sadly, it wasn't amazing.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. I liked the plot, I liked the female lead, however there were times her counterpart's acting was not convicing, he was charming at times though. What I did like was the "attraction at first sight", and the fact the he wanted more of her and he told her so, instead of just ignoring it, but her stubbornness drove me crazy.

Around the 25th minute there was a background conversation (might just have been my video) and it was very confusing having two at the same time.

The ending lacked something. It didn't have the sparks these movies have, and it was a scene of a minute or less, which was disappointing. To sum up, I liked it, but it wasn't strong enough to be the first Christmas movie of the year.

The movie failed to hit the mark, weak story line and the lead characters were not in sync. It was difficult to watch from start to finish. Since Hallmark cycles these movies thru-out the holiday season, was thinking another viewing might make this better -- no such luck

I try to rate based on acting, plot, etc. This movie was simply average. Not that memorable, actually. A woman manages her deceased father's antique store and a man walks in and breaks a chair within and then wants to buy an antique clock. The usual misunderstandings occur. Not seeing any shred of chemistry between the main actors. Ashley Newbrough in the female role is, sadly, flat. As is the male protagonist. If you meet someone and feel an attraction to them and want to see more of them, perhaps a bit more flirting, long gazes, some emotion?

There were some "original songs" in the movie, but I have yet to find out what they were called and who sings them. Unfortunately, many of the Hallmark Brand Christmas movies are so formulaic that they have no actual novelty and the performances are uninspiring. Exceptions: Journey Back to Christmas. That was exceptional!

The plot here is nothing special, but the writers did make an effort to create the classic antithetical courtship. It started out well, but didn't carry much force through the course of the film.

Massey, however, made the film interesting enough to watch all the way through. He portrayed a character who was sensible and in control of his space, which was a refreshing change from characters who get pushed around by their circumstances.

It was worth the watch, but it isn't one we'll put on our list to watch again in coming years.