Sweet Mountain Christmas

It's nice to finally see one of these films and find that they've actually got someone who can sing to play a singer for a change. Megan Hilty has a great voice and some of the harmonies she has with others in this film are lovely.

Marcus Rosner doesn't need to be able to sing, he just has to look gorgeous and he does it very perfectly. He's also very good in the role too.

One of the unsung heroes and veterans of these Made For TV Christmas Films is Teryl Rothery. I have seen her in so many and she is always great.

As for the story, we have seen it all before, but it doesn't matter, because it's done well here. It's a bit more real than some of the others, in a good way.

The lighting seems a bit dark for some reason, but otherwise it's all put together well.

Another one to add to my regular Christmas viewing.

Big city girl comes home and runs into old flame that she once abandoned (but maybe not totally one-sided). Like so many Lifetime movies this year, storm Meghan strands her and she can't get where she needs to be for her fading career. Meanwhile she remembers what she loved about home. Almost all of this has been done dozens of times, if not over a hundred times.

So what makes this different. Not much beyond a few songs by Hilty. I can't say the personalities were that appealing. Laney starts out totally self-centered, a little rude, and almost mean at times. Her relationship with Robby has no spark and is frankly boring. I didn't really care about that, or about her career developments either.

Teryl Rothery put in her usual great supporting role.

I'm glad that this movie takes advantage of the people with good voices and gives us some Christmas music. I wish more Christmas movies would do it and that the ones that do a little would do more.

The movie ends with several minutes of professional quality singing performances including a Christmas song that I was not previously familiar with.

Lifetime Christmas films are a mixed bag, some are good, some are bad, some are somewhere in between. Few from what has been seen are unwatchable though. 'Sweet Mountain Christmas' premise is far from being original but it did have potential and sounded agreeable. Megan Hilty is a very talented singer and Teryl Rothery has a knack for stealing scenes, though how good Marcus Rosner is in his films is dependent on how his characters are written.

2019's 'Sweet Mountain Christmas' is nothing extraordinary or a classic, but it was likeable and engaging enough fluff with a warm sweet centre and many good things. 2019 was a very hit and miss year for Lifetime, but while not one of their very best overall 'Sweet Mountain Christmas' is towards being one of their better 2019 festive efforts. And this is by quite some way, as 2019 was a particularly variable year for Lifetime (leaning towards unexceptional).

'Sweet Mountain Christmas' has more good things than bad. Am going to briefly get the bad out of the way. The characters could have done with more development, they are not dull or annoying but they don't start from somewhere and grow, will agree that Laney is too perfect from the start. Character motivations could have been delved into more, as it was somewhat distracting to think why a certain character is acting like this.

Parts of the script are a bit too awkward and the cheese factor is a bit much. The story does compel, but takes somewhat too long to get going and can be too slight and at times silly.

There are so many good things despite all that. It is not lavish, but it doesn't try to do too much stylistically while not being static. The scenery is very pretty to look at. The music doesn't drown out anything, nor does it feel like it's too low key. Absolutely agree with those that have praised the wonderful "Lets Kiss This Christmas". The direction is sympathetic without lagging too much. While the script is far from perfect, it does get better as 'Sweet Mountain Christmas' progresses.

Again, while the story is imperfect, it also has a good deal to like about it, despite it being very typical Lifetime in terms of what goes on. It is charming and light-hearted, complete with a warm heart, a pleasingly and not too sugary centre and a good deal of smile-worthy moments. While there could have been more conflict and the central relationship could have done with more growth, it's not a bland film, it doesn't feel too contrived and there is definite chemistry that looks at ease. Hilty is a vibrant presence and wows with her voice, and Rosner's charming performance here is among his better ones in my view. Rothery steals every scene she's in.

Concluding, not great but nice. 6.5/10

Megan Hilty never disappoints & has a wonderful voice. Even thou you know the leads have a past that didn't end well, it was great that for a change they weren't hateful to each other. Of course that wasn't the case for some others in town, you know there is always someone who's jealous or trying to get in between the two "love birds". It's definitely a favorite for me so far this season.

Megan and Marcus look quite good together. It's nice to see real size women take the lead roles in Hallmark movies for a change. Megan is a natural as music superstar back and snowed in in her home town. She does the usual reconnecting with friends and and old flame.