A Kiss Before Christmas

I really hate the premise where the lead is dropped into an alternate universe with no memory of how he got there or even how to operate. As a result he looks like a fool for a long time after that. Really, the character should be committed or suffer other permanent consequences. This movie takes this whole premise about as far as any I can remember. The characters even acknowledge that he's certifiable. I guess it's supposed to be funny. I just wanted to get past it. And I had looked forward to this pairing of lead stars.

Once you get past the initial pain, things smooth out. Ethan goes from being timid and disheartened with life, to a competent man who is more than just a noble nobody. The story becomes a mutual project to ,,,,, you guessed it, to raise money to save a youth center, which is also part of Ethan getting his old life back. The story uses many of the usual devices, but Teri Hatcher and James Denton carry it off with excellent chemistry.

There is a very sweet twist near the end. It transforms the story into something different. Some will say too sappy, but I love sappy.

Destined to become a Christmas classic. Well done. Acting very good. Script good and sentiment not too sweet. Kept my attention straight through. Congratulations to Hallmark.

Reminiscent of classic 1940s Christmas films such as 'It's a Wonderful Life', 'A Kiss Before Christmas' is an engaging movie with a timeless message, fun and heartfelt script, and, of course, some brilliant acting performances by two leads with great chemistry. The story follows Ethan (played by James Denton), a mid-level real estate development executive who has been passed over for promotion for the last 20 years. Although he has a loving wife (Joyce, played by Teri Hatcher) and two amazing teenage kids, Ethan can't help wondering what his life, especially his finances, would be like if he wasn't always such a 'nice guy' in business. One morning while waiting at a newsstand, he tells a man dressed as Santa that he wishes he had a second chance at his career. And so our journey begins as Ethan awakes to discover that his wish has come true, or has it? He is now the CEO, but he isn't married and doesn't have his kids. And so, we follow Ethan on his quest in discovering what truly matters in life this Christmas. It is a well-written and engaging story. The writers do a great job of capturing the Christmas spirit, delivering a timeless message of what truly matters in a fairly straightforward manner. True, the storyline has been done many times before, but the simplicity of the story and message, along with a slight twist, kept me engaged from the start. What makes this work on-screen, of course, is the acting. Denton was impressive, I thought. He had me smiling, chuckling even, in some scenes (e.g., talking to his coffee machine), while in others, I might have even shed a tear or two. Hatcher too had a very strong performance. Their chemistry was brilliant. They have a wonderful back and forth that pulls you in. Quality stuff. The movie also has a nice Christmas vibe to it that no doubt will get you into the Christmas spirit. All in all, 'A Kiss Before Christmas' is an entertaining movie, delivering some Christmas magic, a dynamic duo performance, a bit of fun and humor, and a timeless Christmas message. I highly recommend it.

Santa grants you to review the implications of your life choices and try to mend your soul. It's a story line that has been so over used to become a cliche'. Other aspects or situations in this movie are cliche', as well. By the way, why are developers always portrayed as heartless, greedy villains? I am not one, yet my heart feels for them! On the good side, this show provides some new twists to the old yarn and is, definitely, a Christmas tale. Teri Hatcher and James Denton are a good match and live up to the expectations. The result is a likeable movie that delivers kind feelings and emotions, worthy of the season.

In recent years, Hallmark has curtailed the frequency of their Hall of Fame movies. 'A Kiss Before Christmas', although not billed as such, is in the same vein: digging a little deeper into the subject matter, taking a more serious, mature, thoughtful approach. In 'Christmas Carol' fashion, it's James Denton's turn to see what his life might be like in an alternate timeline. He and Teri Hatcher play their roles in a way that one might expect, since they've known each other professionally for years. Although I wish the story had been shortened about 30 minutes, if a successful Hallmark movie is one that makes one feel better for having watched, then I see this as a success - perhaps you will, too.