Long Lost Christmas

Not sure where this was filmed but it is set in Colorado, Denver and a fictional town four hours away near Aspen. The 30-something single lady is an interior designer, after her dad dies it is just her and her mother. Mom's old photo from 1973 shows her as a small girl and her brother, seven years older, in a foster home. She was adopted, he wasn't, and they lost track of each other.

With modern internet technology, and the help of a computer-savvy friend, they come up with a list of possible people for her brother. The prime candidate has a business in the small mountain community. He also has a single partner, and 40-ish man who might be a perfect match for the interior designer.

My wife and I watched this Hallmark movie at home, streaming via NBC's Peacock site. We enjoyed it, a good story about reconnecting with family in a "long, lost Christmas" celebration.

This is the story of an adult only child named Haley. She lost her father 6 months ago in Hallmark's increasingly morbid agenda of killing off parents. Her mother, Patricia, is not handling the loss well. She has hidden herself away, holed up at home reading books.

Haley learns that her mom, Patricia, who was in a group home as a child actually had an older brother who she was separated from. Haley then begins a search for her long lost uncle. She discovers a potential uncle just 30 miles away and visits his small business under the guise of potentially renting something for a family reunion. First she meets his business partner, Blake who is played by Benjamin Ayres.

Blake and Haley slowly start falling in love as Haley tries to chip away information from the gruff and private Gordon to determine if he is her uncle. In the process she learns Gordon is a widower and has a daughter who makes amazing wood furniture named Brianna. Brianna and Haley partner to decorate a show home for charity...and then Haley finds out Gordon isn't her uncle, or is he?

This is another in the increasingly sad storylines about death and loss that Hallmark is bringing to the screen. This one does have a happy ending and a somewhat positive message about giving back to the community.

I really like Benjamin Ayres and I think he is very natural in this role. Ok film if you can handle the sad story arcs.

This is a fairly common Hallmark trope ... looking for estranged family. It's done well ... and with some beautiful buildings inside and out, since we have a builder and an interior decorator.

The actors all do a good job, I believe "as directed", but this is one of a long list of Hallmark Christmas films this year I find to be rather drab. The characters are all very reserved, even in their happiest moments. In the movies I REALLY enjoy, the actors bring some real life and personality to the roles, and I simply didn't get that from this movie.

It's absolutely worth a watch, but it's not one I'll look for again.

'Long Lost Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Was generally not particularly impressed by the previous 2022 Hallmark Christmas Movies and Mysteries films, the best being the promising 'We Need a Little Christmas' and there was a lot good about 'Our Italian Christmas Memories'. 'Christmas Bedtime Stories' and particularly 'Maple Valley Christmas' were very bad. As said elsewhere, Hallmark have succeeded in the past with producing quieter more serious films.

'Long Lost Christmas' is by far the best 2022 Hallmark Christmas Movies and Mysteries film up to this point and one of the best of what continued to be a very variable seasonal block. 'Long Lost Christmas' is a beautiful film and in the better half of Hallmark's 2022 Hallmark output, as well as proof of Taylor Cole (personally find her on the take and leave side) being capable of giving a good performance with good material.

Bad things: It is not quite perfect. The pace is a little too slow to begin with.

One reaction to a major revelation leading into the conflict didn't really ring true, seeming at odds at what is revealed, and came slightly out of nowhere. Maybe the music could have been toned down at times.

Good things: However, 'Long Lost Christmas' is beautifully acted. Cole's performance is very charming and heartfelt, she has a good deal of warmth and there is none of the ice queen persona that is present in some of her roles. Benjamin Ayres' character is somewhat a cipher, but one that Ayres brings a lot of subtle charisma and easy-going charm to him.

The supporting cast are strong, Jacqueline Ann Stuart bringing a lot of class. The characters are relatable and sympathetic and the relationships are written in a way that's affecting and easy to relate to. That between Cole's character and the daughter in particular.

Moreover, it is pleasingly shot with lovely scenery. The music is still pleasant enough and the direction is accommodating without losing momentum. The script is thought provoking and doesn't go overboard on the schmaltz (meaning not too frequent or too heavy). The story is quiet and reflective and has a lot of poignant emotional impact, it isn't too predictable and is honest and charming. Did tear up at the ending.

Closing thoughts: Overall, beautiful.

8/10.

The cast in this movie is extra special. And the storyline is exceptionally good. That said, the character Hayley is a bit over the top with her emotions. I'm used to the heroines working through their problems to a satisfying conclusion. The character Haley seems to emotionally break down at the beginning of the movie and isn't a strong woman as I've come to expect from Hallmark. It's a great movie and takes place in the Winter in a beautiful part of the country and well worth watching - I was just disappointed in the Haley character's portrayal as weak and unable to meet challenges with strength.