There is a lot more to see of the relatively new GAC Family's work, but what has been seen so far has been a mixed bag. 'Much Ado About Christmas' was very well done and nearly great. 'The Great Christmas Switch' on the other hand was the complete anti-thesis of great, and was a big misfire despite its interesting premise. A big main reason for seeing 'Kindhearted Christmas' was the always worth watching Cameron Mathison, he has a very up and down filmography but his performances have generally been consistent.
'Kindhearted Christmas' sees him on good form, regardless of my feelings on his character, and it is an even better representation of Jamie Garth. Comparing it to GAC Family's other work seen, 'Kindhearted Christmas' is not as good as 'Much Ado About Christmas' but is miles better than 'The Great Christmas Switch'. It does have flaws, which is not unexpected (haven't seen any Christmas film from Hallmark, Lifetime, UPTV, ION or GAC Family that has been perfect), but it is well intentioned, charming and well done in a lot of areas.
Am going to mention the issues first. Actually had no problems with Mathison's performance, but his character was inconsistently written for my tastes. He was amiable to begin with, but do agree that his character is too naive and that his sudden and overly aggressive jerk-like personality change during the conflict makes the character go really down in one's estimations.
Did think too that the ending, while sweet, was a little too on the neat side, and that the chemistry isn't quite there or as strong in the conflict, which could have had more tension and felt a little less abrupt.
However, 'Kindhearted Christmas' has a lot that is recommendable. Garth gives a very honest performance that is restrained but never phoned in or affected. Mathison is easy going and amiable and he is not to blame for the inconsistent writing for his character, other than overdoing the aggression a little. On the whole, their chemistry is very natural and genuine, with some nice development and is not rushed or aimless. The supporting cast are solid.
Furthermore, it is nicely filmed, fittingly scored and solidly directed. The writing flows and is not too sentimental in the more dramatic moments and has snap and wit in the comedic ones (that are not contrived or forced). The story is formulaic, but is also touching and heart-warming, and on the whole the characters were worth engaging with, misfiring only with Mathison's character's personality change.
In conclusion, very nicely done if not wow worthy. 7/10.
