Five More Minutes: Moments Like These

I love Ashley Williams. She may be the perkiest of a host of perky Hallmark actors. Some see that as her flaw, but I enjoy it. In this movie, she tones that done to almost normal and deals with some more serious themes and does it well.

Nikki DeLoach makes an appearance as a seminar teacher and is not credited by IMDb as of this writing. It is a fairly brief appearance but not a total walk though. The significance of this is that DeLoach was the star of the original Five More Minutes.

It was tough to beat the original story and a viewer who saw that will figure some things out quickly. These things were played as a twist in the original (although a twist that isn't hard to guess). That steals some of the thunder of this movie. Also, other than the device used in both movies, this movie is a lot like most of the common rom/coms on Hallmark Channel, which is a sister channel to Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. HMM usually has stories that are less fluffy than HC, but this movie disappointed me because I feel like it fit more in tune with HC than HMM. I say this because so many of the story devices in the usual fluff are in this movie right through to the conflict and climax.

The acting is decent and the dialogue is slightly better than some of the dozens of Christmas rom/coms this year, but also not nearly the best. I already commented sufficiently on the romance story. The story of the son is nice, but should have taken a larger share.

I was looking forward to this because of Williams and because the original 5 More was good and I really hoped that this would be a fitting climax to 2022's Miracles of Christmas. It was not. This movie will not go on my must rewatch list.

7.3 stars.

This is Hallmark Christmas movie #159 for me this year. I noticed about 2 days ago that I'm nearly burnt out. I might delete the 60 or so that I have left and re-record them next year. I'm making room for regular Hallmark films, no more Christmas... TBD.

That being said, this movie has several touching moments, but also very much the opposite. I am conflicted about the chemistry, and there's no reason for it other than she needs that "Five More Minutes". Other than that being the moment that this whole story pivots around, I can see no reason for the haphazard behavior that prevails throughout.

On the bright side, I learned a lot from the childrens' interactions, which teaches us that "everyone needs a friend". How the kids get along so well, is a testament to the innocence and innate humility of children, and we should strive to be more like that.

One major concept we learn as we go is that the lead male is the most like a child of the adults, and he's showing her this at every turn, but she repeatedly misses the point. Where the story shines are in the micro moments of magical communication between them, which is a real eye opener. These are the moments that I really savor with Hallmark, and unfortunately are so rare I have to comment here and now. This leads me to the next point, which is 'Five More Minutes: Moments Like These', has a vast multitude of frustrating moments, sprouting from inconsistent behaviors in the leads. Many interactions between them are strange and unrealistic. How many times does a couple need to look into each other's eyes with a love and passion and just ignore the obvious? The real estate aspect of it was not realistic either. There is no way they are putting condos where that house stands, it makes no sense, they are not in a location that would permit it, zoning doesn't work that way. I can think of several others, but I'll let you see for yourself.

If you don't believe in immortality of the soul, this film will be lost on you. It's a theological discussion left for another place and time. The prophetic touch is interesting, nothing like any Hallmark theme I've seen to date... almost a 'Time Traveler's Wife' intermingled with spiritual prognostication. It's only tread upon lightly, nothing to invasive.

Have a look see, I think everyone should see this movie once.

Maybe you're new to Hallmark Christmas romances. Maybe you're not and somehow you managed to miss the first hundred times they wrote, produced, and aired this story. Unfortunately, we're neither of those things. We've seen this story so many times I was hesitant to fast-forward through the commercials.

Single mother goes back to small town original home. Sells to big company that's going to do things with the property she doesn't approve of. Has incredible job offer to take her away again.

Meets local guy and doesn't like him at first. HE has incredible job offer to take HIM away. I'll give them this: The writers don't always double down on the job offers. LOL

The acting was fine and we like the actors. The story was just too much of the same old thing once again.

I agree with others that Ashley Williams comes across as fake to me, maybe it's the facial features not moving or something, but I haven't liked pretty much any movie she's been in. Others like her but I think she's a bad actress.

She goes from avoiding him to saying he's so great, huh? At least the 3rd movie of 2022 where people are talking to dead people.

Young boy only wants to help the food bank (in what world does this person exist)? Canada programs love pushing shelters & food banks, it's like they want all of us in them. School administrator gave the impression that because the boy was not social, somehow something was wrong with him, that's just sad they allowed that in the movie.

I propose a drinking game to get through some of these movies, drink whenever you hear "community". It will help to get you through some of these snore fests.

Not usually a fan of Ashley Williams, but she was really good in this movie. Even though she waffles continually, it's believable for a person who lost their spouse. You're torn between wanting the new person and feelings of loss and guilt for your spouse. The lead male actor was amazing and he seemed to sense her reticence. The son, Adam was also a very good actor, he played his role well.

All of the ancillary actors and actresses, I felt did a phenomenal job as well.

It turned out to be a pleasant surprise and I won't hesitate to watch again. I understand some logistical aspects were unbelievable to some, but all in all it was a good Christmas movie and definitely worth a watch.