Christmas in Vienna

I suggest that when Hallmark produces these holiday romance movies, the first order of business should be to cast two leads with demonstrable chemistry on film. Unfortunately, this film lacks adequate chemistry to make it memorable.

On the other hand, the performances of the two stars are adequate, If you overlook a poor imitation of violin finger work. And the child actors are actually great in their roles.

But the architectural wonders of Vienna cannot fix this story about two people who meet while at career crossroads. In the end, this is a romance and its most important element is the magical feeling of true love found.

I will never understand why Hallmark insists on casting Brennan Elliott as a leading man. He never connects with his leading ladies. He just always seems aloof. His best performance was as the villain in Kiss at Pine Lake, where his insincerity fits his character. Sarah Drew was wonderful carrying the movie. The rest of the cast was also very enjoyable. And the film captured the beauty of Vienna at Christmas time. Christmas in Europe is so much better than here in the States.

This is another of what I call a 'classic Hallmark movie': beautiful scenery, dress, props and sets; a warm story and a solid script; good acting; and plenty of Christmas spirit and festive cheer. I enjoyed this film. The setting in Vienna was beautiful. I first fell in love with Vienna while watching Before Sunrise (starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy), an excellent romance film by the way, and have been there several times since. It is a beautiful city. However, I am not sure I agree with Jess (played by Sarah Drew) when she says in the film, 'Philadelphia is the Vienna of the US'. It is a bit of a stretch with the comparison here. The story, overall, was pleasant to watch. I found myself engaged thru-out, which is a good sign (I did not, e.g., grab for my iPad during the movie). The dialogue on occasions was fun and cute. For example, Jess had lines such as 'tinsellitis', 'American Mary Poppins', 'how do you take your coffee? A tad too seriously', all of which made me laugh a little. The acting was very good. Sarah Drew had a strong performance. Brennan Elliott was pretty good too. My only critique here was regarding the chemistry between the two. I thought Sarah did well, but she could have been helped a bit more by Brennan. At times, he lacked that chemistry; it felt more like he was becoming friends than falling in love. The supporting cast performed well; Hallmark usually does a good job casting such roles. Overall, it is an enjoyable Christmas movie that provides some holiday warmth, spirit, and festive cheer. Fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy.

Jess Waters (Sarah Drew) is a concert violinist looking for her music inspiration. It's nothing more than a job now and a rather tiresome one for her. Her friend Tori Voight gets her a performing gig in Vienna and introduces her to cousin Mark Olsen (Brennan Elliott).

This is a Hallmark Christmas romance. I love Sarah Drew ever since Everwood. She's still great. There isn't much in terms of drama. There is barely a plot. It does have Vienna and that's the main attraction in this. It looks pretty. As a movie, it's rather bland. As a travel show, there is a good fifteen minutes.

Sarah Drew is so lovely and her chemistry with the cast was wonderful but the romance between her and Brennan Elliot just isn't believable. Elliot's character is too stiff and disinterested to be deserving of love from Drew's perfectly played, sweet and lovable character. This dynamic has worked in the past for Hallmark with Lacey Chabert in Crossword Mysteries and All of my heart, but misses the mark here. The acting is good between the leads, but you're left wanting better for Drew's character. The backdrop of Vienna is beautiful, it's a shame they didn't do a better job with casting the male lead, but it's still worth watching