Picture a Perfect Christmas

8.3 stars.

It's gonna be difficult to surpass this. Out of 46 reviews, 'Picture a Perfect Christmas' moves into first place. Will it remain #1 to the end of my Hallmark Christmas journey? It's unlikely, considering this is now the 5th time my #1 has been dethroned.

This movie is astounding, due to several factors. The most prominent is the dialogue.

The first time our leads meet, the banter is priceless and the humorous misunderstanding is hilarious. As our leads continue to converse throughout the film, it does not disappoint for a moment. Sophie (Merritt Patterson) and David (Jon Cor) share witty conversation unlike other similar films, but the good conversation isn't limited to them.

This one is pleasant from start to finish. Jon Cor is a refined actor, and even sporting a somewhat sparse looking beard, somehow his sophistication shines. And how can you not fall in love with Merritt Patterson, she's one of a kind, the sort of woman you write home to momma about hoping she's the one.

The storyline is clever, and intriguing, and there's never a dull moment. The dialogue and screen presence of the four main actors carries this film to the pinnacle of my personal tastes like no other. Although the plot is fairly mundane, their on-screen interactions and chemistry breathe life into this script. Troy's rendition of a lonely boy shines bright. I look forward to seeing more of him.

Troy's parents passed away a few years ago in a car accident, so he's being raised by his uncle David. Mrs. Griffith is his favorite nanny, and hasn't seen her granddaughter Sophie very often the past couple years because Sophie has been traveling round the world as a professional photographer. Sophie has a week to spend the holidays with Grandma and she meets David and Troy. From first introduction to final credits she delivers an over-abundance of joy and love - the glue that binds them all.

All the ingredients for a perfect Christmas movie come together with this Hallmark offering. Chemistry between leads Cor and Patterson is very believable and makes for a lovely movie. A cute kid being a kid and not a whining adult moves the story in the right direction. And an adorable dog is always a plus.

Yes, Hallmark got it right this time. Santa will not forget you.

I liked this story. The kid was cute and it was something different. The guy wearing 2 different shoes to work was not believable and at some points it was boring but overall it was good.

This movie exemplifies what the Christmas season is all about. It's very well-written with a plausible and interesting plot. The acting is so good by the four leads that they hold your interest throughout. Merritt Patterson and Jon Cor have real screen chemistry here, and are very good in developing characters with depth and feeling. Engaging performances whether their scenes are together or apart. Whoever cast Paula Shaw as Grandmother Louise deserves much credit. These films regularly have "older" supporting characters to provide wisdom and advice to the younger ones, but, in this case, Shaw delivers a sincere, spirited, and forthright performance that is really quite good. She is on par with Susan Hogan, who appears in many Hallmark movies as the "older" mother, grandmother, etc. And Luke Roessler, as the orphan Troy, really ACTS as opposed to just reciting his lines as so many child actors do in these movies. His performance is very nuanced and natural, making his part enjoyable to watch rather than annoying. The direction is very good and the settings are attractive - professional looking and detailed. No cut-the-cost cheapness here. This movie really generates a warm and satisfying feeling for the Christmas season, particularly because of the four leads and the interactions between their characters that are so genuinely and well played. Nicely done and worthy of repeat viewings to keep you in the Christmas spirit.

And right this very moment we have "A Picture Perfect Christmas " to enjoy. Nothing over done in the acting department- just a solid feel good holiday movie. Enjoy!