Navidad en the Chateau

I grade Hallmark movies on a curve because I love them. And I really enjoy watching talented beautiful actresses like Merritt Patterson (especially in The Christmas Cottage and Forever in My Heart). But I just didn't feel a lot of chemistry between her and her old boyfriend (played by Luke Macfarlane). I did, however, like the relationship between the estranged couple that was part of the Lafayette Quartet.

The reason I went to the trouble of writing this review is because I really really hated the movie's emphasis on the very BIG and IMPORTANT concert that ended up taking place in what seemed like a small banquet room with maybe 30-40 people in attendance (including family). And then, when the BIG night arrived, Merritt's Patterson's character came out and played just one song. She's the "famous" headliner of a BIG concert that needed her old boyfriend to be the concert director- and she plays one song for 30-40 people???? And it's somehow a great success? With the boyfriend praised for his "leadership" as the director? What??

I realize that Hallmark movies are made on a tight budget but somebody should've invested in a CGI team to make it look like there were more people there. That same team could be used to fill out the crowds at every festival or a big event that's featured in virtually every Hallmark movie (most of which also seem sparsely attended).

And the Director and Editor should have made it seem like the headliner played more than just one song.

Most of us Hallmark fans are happy to buy into the fantasy of a love story full of familiar tropes and a guaranteed happy ending. But they need to try and make the rest of a movie like this seem plausibly realistic. They failed in this movie and it ruined the rest of it for me.

Margot is a well known pianist who is going through a rough patch, musically. She reunites with her family for the holidays. Jackson plays the cello, and they used to date. He is offered the position to direct the Christmas concert at the place where they are staying, the "Chateau", so they both come together to create something beautiful.

I like Merritt as a lead although she is not a favorite of mine. Luke, on the other hand, is becoming one of my favorites. I think they had good chemistry but not necessarily a romantic one, in my opinion. (I felt that she wasn't that into him). But I will accept all the Luke Macfarlane movies Hallmark gives us.

I know nothing about instruments, I don't know if any of the actors were actually playing them but they had me fooled.

I don't have any major complaints about this. It was such an "elegant" movie, if that means anything to you. There was not fooling around, not funny montage,, which made it kind of slow at times. . The final scene had me smiling from ear to ear. I know it's only the second movie of the Christmas season (lol, it's not even Halloween yet) but it was a good one. Nothing spectacular, but if you enjoy these, i'd recommend it.

"A second chance doesn't come along very often and when it does, you gotta grab it"

I'm confused about what to rate it, either 7 or 8. I will consult with the pillow. May change it later.

I wasn't a big fan of this one and I can't put my finger on why exactly, it just seemed slow and without any fun or spark. I know it's about classical musicians who may seem reserved in their performances but perhaps they took that too far. I really like both of the leads in most everything they do, and their performances here were very good, just no romantic chemistry

Another movie where a musician feels that they have lost their passion but important people in their life help them rediscover their passion. Filmed, at least in part, in beautiful Whistler, BC had us looking at the scenes and witching we could experience Christmas there.

Such a lovely movie, "so simple yet charming" is the best way to describe it.

The story is somewhat different but still very familiar to most Hallmark movies, but that's not a bad thing. The musical aspects of the movie gave it an original direction, something more than the standard event planner or bakery angle.

But the best thing about this movie is without a doubt the actors, Margot (Merritt Patterson) is just unbelievable as always, every one of her lines radiates charm effortlessly, as for her co-star Jackson (Luke Macfarlane) he compliments her perfectly, this is definitely one of his better performances.

Another strong aspect of this movie is the supporting cast, without a doubt one of the better ones i have seen in a while, nothing extraordinary, just plain good acting all around with no exception.

I would strongly recommend seeing this delightful movie.

6.9 out of 10 stars.