Das Weihnachtsschloss

Such a lovely movie, "so simple yet charming" is the best way to describe it.

The story is somewhat different but still very familiar to most Hallmark movies, but that's not a bad thing. The musical aspects of the movie gave it an original direction, something more than the standard event planner or bakery angle.

But the best thing about this movie is without a doubt the actors, Margot (Merritt Patterson) is just unbelievable as always, every one of her lines radiates charm effortlessly, as for her co-star Jackson (Luke Macfarlane) he compliments her perfectly, this is definitely one of his better performances.

Another strong aspect of this movie is the supporting cast, without a doubt one of the better ones i have seen in a while, nothing extraordinary, just plain good acting all around with no exception.

I would strongly recommend seeing this delightful movie.

6.9 out of 10 stars.

I enjoy watching Hallmark Christmas movies, for the most part. I come to them knowing what they are: they are made for TV romance movies with a predictable plot. That said, I usually enjoy their uplifting, cozy feel and their festive spirit. I also learn a lot about 'so-called' Christmas traditions; I expect some genuine and other not so genuine. I was, however, a bit disappointed with this movie. The acting by both Luke Macfarlane and Merritt Patterson was good; I typically like their Hallmark films (e.g., The Mistletoe Promise was good). The acting by the supporting cast, however, was rather weak, especially the mother and sister. Something seemed to be missing as well; it lacked the cozy Christmas atmosphere, which I love about Hallmark movies.

This was an okay movie. This wasn't the best and this wasn't the worst for me. It was a little bland for me. I can appreciate the meaning behind the whole movie. I liked that the plot was second chances. Sometimes we can get a second chance but we can't always. I think everyone can relate to the plot on this movie when it comes to regret. I doubt you will find anyone that says there wasn't something they wish they could have done differently.

Truthfully I watched this movie for Luke, I'm a fan of his work. I also found myself enjoying the mother more than I enjoyed the lead actress. Again I enjoyed the plot and I think the whole cast worked seamlessly together but I won't be watching this again.

I grade Hallmark movies on a curve because I love them. And I really enjoy watching talented beautiful actresses like Merritt Patterson (especially in The Christmas Cottage and Forever in My Heart). But I just didn't feel a lot of chemistry between her and her old boyfriend (played by Luke Macfarlane). I did, however, like the relationship between the estranged couple that was part of the Lafayette Quartet.

The reason I went to the trouble of writing this review is because I really really hated the movie's emphasis on the very BIG and IMPORTANT concert that ended up taking place in what seemed like a small banquet room with maybe 30-40 people in attendance (including family). And then, when the BIG night arrived, Merritt's Patterson's character came out and played just one song. She's the "famous" headliner of a BIG concert that needed her old boyfriend to be the concert director- and she plays one song for 30-40 people???? And it's somehow a great success? With the boyfriend praised for his "leadership" as the director? What??

I realize that Hallmark movies are made on a tight budget but somebody should've invested in a CGI team to make it look like there were more people there. That same team could be used to fill out the crowds at every festival or a big event that's featured in virtually every Hallmark movie (most of which also seem sparsely attended).

And the Director and Editor should have made it seem like the headliner played more than just one song.

Most of us Hallmark fans are happy to buy into the fantasy of a love story full of familiar tropes and a guaranteed happy ending. But they need to try and make the rest of a movie like this seem plausibly realistic. They failed in this movie and it ruined the rest of it for me.

Like most Hallmark movies it is filmed in Canada but set somewhere else, in this case Boulder Colorado and surrounding areas. It is nearing Christmas and many families are vacationing at the Chateau.

It revolves around two 30-something musicians who were once in a serious relationship but parted when she became a world-renowned pianist and began touring the world to perform. He stayed in Colorado and eventually got his PhD in music and became a music professor. Now they surprise each other by being at the Chateau at the same time. Further their old college friend talks them into helping the Chateau put on a big Christmas concert.

Being a Hallmark movie we know what will happen and it is fun watching it get there. Just a nice, clean story and pleasant entertainment. I was feeling I was in Pleasantville.

At home, my wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library.