Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas

Hallmark have varied massively when it comes to their Christmas films, but have been pleasantly surprised by some of those from 2020, considering that any films were even made during these circumstances that year by them was something of a miracle. Other than Hallmark completest sake and that they have done some good and more Christmas films and films in general, my main reason for watching this was the always worth watching Lacey Chabert (one of the most popular Hallmark actresses for good reason).

'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' impressed me on the whole. It is not quite one of the very best 2020 Hallmark films, Christmas and overall, it is in the better end. 'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' is flawed in terms of story (then again that is not uncommon for Hallmark, but this time it's relatively different reasons than most), but the performances and atmosphere in particular more than made up for any misgivings. It is certainly in my mind a good representation of what Chabert's appeal is.

It isn't perfect by all means. The ending agreed is much too rushed and reliant on too neat coincidence and while being usually a non-fan of open-ended endings, this is agreed a case of it being a better way to end if included.

Did think too that it is a bit of a slow starter and some of the dialogue has degrees of awkwardness.

However, a lot works very well. Chabert is her usual perky, charming self and Stephen Huszar is a subtly easy going leading man. Their chemistry is understated but natural and genuine, which is more than good enough for me when watching a Hallmark film (as long as there is some form of chemistry that makes me happy). Lini Evans is solid support and it was interesting seeing Peter Kelamis in a non-voice acting role.

Furthermore, the film pleases visually, lovely festive locations attractively and never drably or garishly shot. The music isn't as intrusive as it tends to be with Hallmark while the direction gets the job done well. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow when it becomes more settled. The story is not too heavy while taking itself seriously and is both warm-hearted and has a light touch when necessary, the gentle charm and sincere sweetness more than ideal. The mystery element while not innovative is intriguing and investable, the twist did surprise.

Overall, solidly executed effort. 7/10.

A mystery that isn't so easily discovered or explained until the happy ending that takes place at the Snowfall Inn. Five (5) guests all get a free Christmas vacation under somewhat false pretenses at a cozy place called the Snowfall Inn, A young lawyer named Sarah Thomas (Lacey Chabert) who takes it upon herself to wrap up some still opened cases that were the responsibility of her late mom, is one of the five (5) invited guests and she just can't help herself to try and figure out who is their mysterious benefactor who paid for their rooms.

A special treat for Mrs. Shullivan and I was one of the five (5) invited guests is the fantastic R&B singer and actor Leon. He has such a distinct and memorable voice that the movie is well worth watching just to hear him sing even one Christmas song.

It wouldn't be a Hallmark Christmas film if there was not a romance blossoming and so the producers wanted a guarantee so of course they signed the Queen of hallmark Christmas movies and that would be Lacey Chabert who has appeared in dozens of these similar movies over the past decade or so. Her love interest in this latest romance is the smooth talking and handsome actor Stephen Huszar who plays the Snowfall Inn's owner named Ben.

The five (5) guests backgrounds are gradually explained as to how they each received their free invitation to the Snowfall Inn and Ben agrees to assist the pretty young lawyer Sarah in deciphering who their Secret Santa is/was.

It's a nice little story with some heartwarming scenes and the mellow voice of R&B singer Leon is a huge bonus. I give it a 7 out of 10 IMDB rating.

Although this movie is very slow paced, Lacey Chabert helps keep it interesting and worth watching. She plays Sarah, a lawyer who lost her mother a few months prior. She takes time off from her job in order to take care of her mom's affairs, including her open litigation cases. Sarah receives a gift reservation at an inn and assumes it was sent by her law firm. Once she arrives, she later finds out that no one knows who sent the invitation. And there end up being several other guests who received the exact same invite. With the help of the inn's owner, Ben, Sarah tries to figure out the mystery of who brought them all together. The connection they end up having is heartwarming. I enjoyed watching this one. It brought a smile to my face and warm fuzzies to my heart.

I absolutely love this tear-jerker holiday movie. It's a celebration of love, family, friends, and the spirit of the holidays. The acting is phenomenal - Leon and Lacey Chabert give stellar performances. There is a real tangible emotion to their characters. Vienna Leacock plays a teen going through the difficulties of parent's divorcing and her growth as a character is heartwarming. Lini Evans plays the sweet and lovable Karen. The mystery reveal is so touching. Overall, this movie was fantastic and I continue to watch it over and over.

Lacey Chabert is great. She does so great in these movies and I love watching them during the holidays. The lead actor was great too. I really enjoyed the story, but the ending didn't quite hit like it should've. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads which saved this movie. I was rooting for all the characters. The supporting cast was enjoyable as well.