A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas

A Hallmark movie is a hallmark movie. They are just pretty much all the same. Couple meets, an almost kiss, a misunderstanding and then the final kiss, roll credits. And quite frankly that's what I love about them. This one didn't follow the formula which could be good but unfortunately, in this case, it didn't work as well. Love love Benjamin and Rachel but for some reason they just did not click in this movie. There was no spark. I really think that Hallmark is cranking these out too fast and too many. They are forsaking quality for quantity.

The inn and Christmas decorations were beautiful and if you're interested in planning a Christmas wedding, there are lots of ideas! I like the romance elements in these movies and it was here that the movie was found lacking. It has the requisite happy ending (not a spoiler bc we all know it will happen!) but not much in the way of a lead up to it!! Just not one of my favorites.

The movie is actually ok, but just ok due the the lack of chemistry between Benjamin Ayres and Rachael Leigh Cook. Individually I like them both, but together, it just didn't work. I think it was because both actors have sort of a terse way of speaking, very serious, very matter of fact, unless Cook is playing a more comedic role (i.e. Frozen In Love). The acting is good here so I feel it's still worth watching

The actors are Canadian, I understand. But they could at least get the local flavor. We're not all hillbillies, but the male lead is far too "urban" for the setting. The blue ridge mountains have an Appalachian Accent in the residents .Also, even the mountains of Virginia do not see much snow until well after Christmas. I wish they would try to get the regional flavor. Even the "inn " looks out of place. The acting was okay , though

Although the scenery was beautiful with all the Christmas decor, I found Willow played by Rachel Leigh Cook, extremely aggravating! After reassuring the owner of the inn that he would not have to do a thing to help prepare for her sister's wedding because she would handle everything, Willow was constantly interfering in his job, where he was going for partnership of his law firm, and texting him or in his face almost nonstop! Honestly, I found myself telling her to shut up and leave the poor guy alone!