Write Before Christmas

This is a well-intentioned break from the Hallmark tradition in that it sprawls beyond the network's predictable and cloying formula to focus on several couples - and, if you can believe it, a further subplot that doesn't involve romance at all. That said, any one of these storylines could have fueled an entire film, and if you know how sketchily drawn the average Hallmark movie's characters are, imagine how little you'd get to know about them if you multiplied by four. Obviously, this entry is overplotted and bursting at the seams, even more so because the screen time between plots is uneven, so some characters are allotted only a small handful of scenes with which to register. Some actors look alike (is it Jax or is it Luke?), which often makes it challenging to register which subplot we're in. The seasonal charm is there, and the performances are true, but the end result is a hodgepodge embarrassment of riches. That said, it's encouraging to see Hallmark finally starting to expand its horizons in terms of scope and formula.

At the core, it is still pretty much a typical dumped-before-Christmas movie, but it adds a little twist that sets up some endearing moments. Jessica was going to send her boyfriend 5 Christmas cards on successive days, but being dumped, she changes her plan. Instead she sends one card to each of five people that were important in her life. The cards bring some surprises to these receivers.

The dialogue, especially between Jessica and Luke, was lively and fun. Combine that with Jessica's optimistic and generous qualities and it makes this a nice romantic movie.

We follow three other couples and a fading boy-band celebrity. Spreading the story among 5 people and the people around them is both positive and negative for me. The positive is seeing what follows receiving the card for these people. The negative is that it diverts screen time from the central characters, Jessica and Luke. It's done pretty well, so the down side was minimized.

There are musical mini-performances. One is a short cello instrumental and the other is an original song by the boy-band although the latter is distracted by a conversation.

I could say it is a typical Hallmark ending, which it is, but some of the things that might be part of a typical ending are spread out a little.

Really was intrigued by the premise, while the structure is not a new one in film overall it is different and unconventional for Hallmark. Which was appreciated, after seeing so many Hallmark Christmas films overtime that follow a similar formula. There have been understandable comparisons to 'Love Actually', which will intrigue anybody that likes that film (myself included, duck). And while Hallmark's festive efforts fit in the quite big in quantity average and less group, there are winners as well.

'Write Before Christmas' on the most part is one of those winners. It is a refreshing change of pace for Hallmark, and is not too predictable a film surprisingly in its own right as well. As far as the 2019 Christmas films go, 'Write Before Christmas' is one of the better ones in my view. When comparing it with other Christmas films of Hallmark too, it fares pretty favourably as well. It's not a great or flawless film but it was a very charming watch and kudos to it in trying to do something different.

Lets get the not so good things out of the way. Do agree with somebody else that 'Write Before Christmas' does feel over-plotted at times. The film does not have a dull moment and is eventful, but considering the number of subplots and characters this is a Hallmark film that would actually have benefitted from doing less. Having not as many subplots and as many characters, and developing what and who was left more would have helped.

The dialogue is not always great, some awkwardness and cheese at times early on. Like most Hallmark films, there are parts that feel over-scored and the ending is over too soon and wrapped up too neatly.

However, there are a lot of things that 'Write Before Christmas' does well. The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganized and the scenery has a real charm to it. Enough of the script is thoughtful and doesn't come over as sickly sweet or cheesy. The direction is accommodating while also having enough momentum.

A further big benefit is the acting, Torrey DeVitto is appealing in the female lead role as is Chad Michael Murray (who shows that he has grown as an actor compared to the teenage heart-throb roles he did fifteen plus years ago) in his. Lolita Davidovitch amuses and charms. While there are too many subplots, 'Write Before Christmas' does better than expected at balancing them and connecting them together, the light-hearted heart-warming tone being consistent. The characters aren't meaty but were still not too hard to get behind.

Concluding, not great and a bit too cluttered but quite well done and pleasant. 7/10

The cutest 90 min card commercial Ive seen

Different storyline, which I appreciate. Still manages to hit certain tropes like getting upset because you can t just TALK to each other. Cute, funny, multiple romances, and nary a small town, a high powered Christmas hating exec, or a single parent with a precocious matchmaking child in sight. Worth a watch.

Also, if you send people Hallmark cards, you too could fall in love and positively impact absolutely everyone around you

A positive story about sharing and concern for folks. We need a little more of that today. Enjoy a nice, feel good movie.