Christmas on My Mind

I really like the actors especially Andrew Walker and the plot was a little better than most Hallmark movies. However, I've had it with the PHONY winters! Actors wear thin jackets that are usually open? They rarely wear hats and gloves and even in the snowman contest, they had bare hands. It's torture to manipulate snow this way. Also, if we look in the background, there are green forests of deciduous trees. Now I lived most of my life in the northeast and winters were COLD and BARE and WET! People who liked winter activities would smother themselves in puffy winter coats, wear warm hats, scarves, gloves and boots AND would rush indoors as soon as their activities ended.I

Now I live in Arizona and even though we have mild weather, people still celebrate the holidays. So, if Hallmark can't film in winter then why not allow their Christmas stories to take place in a warm climate. It could be Arizona or Southern California or Hawaii or even a vacation type place like the Bahamas.

I find it a pity that the beginning is far too rushing. The whole of the first scenes is not really credible....... Of course this is a romanticized film or everything is beautiful. But at what point in the most beautiful life, you become amnesiac with a little shock to the head, and you make it awaken by Santa Claus two seconds later. Then stumble upon are ex boyfriends. You see the first five minutes, you get an hour and a half. ......... Beyond this, the realization is average, make snowman without gloves, light outfits for the season. Lucy's house is quite exaggerated in the immensity, besides the entrance looks like a town hall or a party room. Adrew Walker has the merit of playing his role perfectly. When Ashley greene, she's unconvincing.

Compared to all movies: 6.0. Compared to Hallmark Movies: 7.7.

By experimental I mean as far as intrigue and out of the ordinary a plot, this movie is a bit that.

I enjoyed the little breadcrumbs the writer(s) gave us along the way to indicate the mystery behind past events. These were interwoven precisely leading to the reveal. I felt it was almost masterful in that respect (for a Hallmark film), but the ending was a bit predictable. On the other hand, although predictable, the last 15 minutes were really good, as were the first 30 minutes. The rest is ordinary.

"It took me forgetting who I was to remember who I am".

The amnesia was original in it's own respect, however, it was presented a bit oddly. Why was everyone so calm and blasé about it? Acute memory loss is usually indicative of a traumatic brain injury (even in light of the negative brain scans). Also, it's strange how a person's very essence could shift 180 degrees to the point they have been lying to themselves, and all of their friends so profoundly. The amnesia seems a cry for help. But it's all part of the mystery.

It was entertaining enough, although missing the x-factor. The acting, sets, lighting, and music were satisfactory. Also, it's not difficult to sit through a film when everyone is so easy to look at. I get this feeling that these Hallmark actors are of a higher pedigree. Why aren't they performing in more mainstream stuff? I hesitate to explore this, I might not like what I find.

I must mention that I am seeing a Hallmark movie trend: the main characters are usually wealthy artists, musicians, and philanthropists. I am waiting for a film where they are blue collar, not wealthy, or gifted. Fingers crossed.

Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace like this film. Some are above average and more, others are average and less

2019 was a very hit and miss and generally unimpressive year for Hallmark and their Christmas output, despite some surprisingly good efforts. 'Christmas on My Mind' to me and am not sure how this opinion is going to go down managed to be one of the best from that year and actually among their best Christmas films in general. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch, then again is that expected from Hallmark, or flawless. But 'Christmas on My Mind' does show that Hallmark do have a good film in them if given a chance and that they can do something different to usual.

'Christmas on My Mind' isn't perfect. It did get a bit too weird and silly towards the end, which also felt too pat.

There are times where the dialogue could have been better. Parts are for my tastes on the cheesy and forced side. A few slow moments here and there.

However, credit is due though for breaking away from the usual basic formula that most Hallmark Christmas films follow, and not only not wasting it but not doing it half-heartedly. It is done intriguingly and charmingly. In my view, the characters weren't bland, too perfect or annoying and were better developed than most characters in Hallmark's Christmas films. Ashley Greene is endearing to watch and her conflict to me was investable. Andrew W. Walker is completely at ease with his role and brings a lot of charm and empathy to a potentially over-stiff character. Their chemistry is sweet and genuine, not cloying at all.

Furthermore, 'Christmas on My Mind' pleases visually, lovely festive locations attractively and never drably or garishly shot. The music isn't as intrusive as it tends to be with Hallmark while the direction gets the job done well. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow when it becomes more settled. The story is not too heavy while taking itself seriously and is both warm-hearted and has a light touch when necessary.

In summary, good but not great. 7/10

Love the acting. Can't wait to see Ashley in more movies!! Love the leading man in all the movies he's in. Cute friends and great imagery.