A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love

My favorite Godwink movie (so far). It's a heartwarming story throughout, without any dramatic misunderstandings or negative characters. It's well acted and easy to watch and stay interested. Well done, it is on my re-watch list Beautiful winter and Christmas scenes.

Nov 2021.

I really enjoyed this installment of Godwink, Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay do a great job portraying a pair of high school sweethearts who meet again later in life. Page & D'Orsay have great chemistry and an easy flow between them that you would expect to see in this, all too relatable scenario, in this "Facebook" generation. The pace is good, the entire cast is good, and the story is interesting enough that I found myself being pulled right into it. I'll be watching this one again.

I agree with another reviewer on here. I thought the second was the best thus far, while this was in par with the first. That said, it is a sweet and warm story. I do love the concept of this series; thus, I hope we get a fourth instalment next Christmas. The script was strong as well. The writers could have given more scenes to the two leads, though, to be fair, they only have 80 minutes to tell this story. The relationship between Margie (played by Brooke D'Orsay) and Scott (played by Zahf Paroo) seemed odd. They never once touched on screen, for example; it was hard to believe that they were a couple. It just seemed strange. The acting, overall, was strong. Both Sam Page (as Pat) and D'Orsay had good performances, convincing performances for the most part. The chemistry was good, though, as I alluded to above, the writers could have developed this a bit more. The supporting cast was pretty good too. I thought the grandmother (played by Michele Scarabelli) had a very warm and gentle feel to her performance, which I enjoyed. Finally, the scenery, props and sets were very well polished, quite festive. Overall, this latest edition to the Godwink series specifically, and Hallmark's 2020 Christmas movie lineup more broadly, is a warm and heartfelt welcome. Fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy this Christmas movie.

The cast is perfect especially Brooke D'Orsay and Sam Page: they are perfect together, I really liked their connection. Besides, Sam page often has good roles.

The first film may not have been great or without its flaws, but it was decent. The second also didn't blow my mind, but was the superior film and one of the better Hallmark follow ups. And Hallmark have always varied with their follow ups, some surprisingly good, others mediocre at best. Was hoping that this third film, again with different leads like the second film, wouldn't be the latter. Brooke D'Orsay and Sam Page have both been good in other things so expectations were hardly low.

Luckily, this second follow up is in the former category of surprisingly good. Again, there are flaws and it could have been better and done even more with a great premise. Like the second film, it is to me better than the first film and on par with the second. As far as Hallmark follow ups go, it's towards being one of the better ones. The first film has the best leads, but the follow ups handle their messaging more subtly and are more consistent tonally.

While D'Orsay and Page are great individually, the two could have had more chemistry together. It's there, just that it could have done with more spark and the relationship itself could have had more development.

Did think as well that the ending was on the too convenient and tidy side and some of the dialogue still a bit awkward and sugary.

However, there is much to recommend. It has an at least professional look to it, the scenery is very pretty with a cosy look to it and the photography is slick. The music is generally not as constant or as over-scored as Hallmark Christmas films can be, with some nice soundtrack choices throughout. The direction is assured enough. There are enough moments that made me smile and came over as genuinely sweet, mostly too without being overly so.

Even though flawed, the story had a sincere charm often, it was often light on its feet and it did warm the heart enough. The more serious moments fit easily and don't come over as over sentimental, any tonal gear changes don't feel abrupt. D'Orsay is endearingly charming and Page a sympathetic partner, while Michele Scarabelli brings class and zest to her role (prefer her over Kathie Lee Gifford). The rest of the supporting cast do more than ably. The film does well at making me care for the characters too.

In conclusion, very nice film. 7/10.