Christmas Above the Clouds

Every few years Hallmark decides to produce a script which retells "A Chrismas Carol" in a modern setting, and we've typically enjoyed each of them.

THis one may be the best of those. Not only did we appreciater the details of their retelling, but I found many chuckles throughout the course of the film. I'm sure this is one we'll keep in mind for repeat viewings.

7.5 stars.

But for the acting and production value, I'd probably not revisit. I'd normally rate it around 6.5, but two of my favorite stars are the leads, so I'll bump it up.

The story is an interesting twist on Dickens' tale of Scrooge, but it's gimmicky even for Hallmark. They drafted two of the top Hallmark actors and threw them into this mixed bag of the Christmas classic, and it's a marketing scheme, no doubt.

She portrays the humbuggian character, while he portrays a fresh character to the story, her ex-fiance. She, I will admit, is very adept at manifesting the Krampus-like mindset as a mean and bitter woman. I've not seen her in this particular sort of role before, so it was refreshing. He encapsulates the sympathetic ex-fiance to a tee, wears that hat quite nicely. He will draw the female audience.

On the down side, 'Christmas Above the Clouds' is a very slow starter, albeit, it improves in small increments. And even if you feel it's too deliberate and want to give up early, don't, because every Hallmark aficionado must endure.

It has likely been considered one of the most anticipated Hallmark Holiday movies of 2025, even though it definitely doesn't live up to the reputations of many predecessors. I'm referring especially to 2023, which included arguably four of the best Hallmark Holiday movies of the last decade. Those are 'Christmas Island', 'A Biltmore Christmas', 'The Santa Summit', and 'Holiday Hotline'. Why they crammed the best into one season, who can know? I think they broke the mold that year and I've been anticipating and thirsting for anything, literally ANYTHING remotely as entertaining since. I'll not bother to mention any of the Christmas lineup of 2024 (a pretty lousy repertoire). Unfortunately, 2025 has NOT started with a bang. I've already seen a few and the best thus far is actually 'Christmas Above the Clouds'. Meanwhile, 'Christmas on Duty' and 'A Royal Montana Christmas' were slightly worse, and 'A Christmas Angel Match' was a total bust.

Enjoy this rendition of 'A Christmas Carol', if only for the sake of being faithful to the genre. I find it to be somewhat entertaining and slightly ludicrous with a smidge of humor. On the other hand, it is virtually devoid of emotional impact and doesn't evoke heartfelt sympathy, tearful urges, or any romance until the very end. If only they could find a way to intersperse the good stuff, but maybe that doesn't fit the narrative. That being said, the last 15 minutes is 9.0.

I enjoyed this movie. I'm a big fan of Tyler Hines as he manages to effortlessly convey a likeable guy and there was nice chemistry between himself and Erin Krakow.

As an Australian, my ears practically bled at the poor rendition of our accent that sounded something like a cross between a South African and a New Zealander. We don't generally speak like the late Steve Irwin, he was the exception, not the norm.

I like that Hallmark has re-imagined the Scrooge story as it is the perfect time of the year to remind people to be kind.

This version totally gave me Scrooged vibes - and that's one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies.

Ella Neezer (yes, really) is stingy, power-hungry, and climbing the corporate ladder in stilettos sharp enough to draw blood. She's cruel to her employees, and of course, something tragic happens around Christmas because-Hallmark.

Cue the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who decide to pay her a little in-flight visit while she's on a red-eye to Australia with her assistant, Bobbi. (And yep, Bobbi's son is named Tim, so we've got our Tiny Tim checkmark). Add Jake, the ex-fiancé she just happens to reunite with midair, and you can already see where this sleigh is headed.

I adored this version. The chemistry was spot-on. The performances were fantastic.

Look, some folks act like Hallmark movies need to be cinematic masterpieces. They don't. They're meant to be cozy, silly, and full of holiday sparkle. With the world being the mess that it is, I'll happily take a cheesy rom-com that ends with a kiss under fake snow.

Loved it. Total rewatch.

It's Hallmark. With one big "wink" to join them on this flight through fantasy, as only Hallmark can. The stars come out at night and they are plentiful here. Ms. Krakow is as delightful as a Sugar Plum Fairy. It's like we are all insiders on a Christmas Miracle. Those who know, will love it. Those who don't, never will. Hey Scrooge, it's Christmas. And Christmas on Hallmark.............is always a gift. Nice job, all! <3.