Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas

Brendan Perry and Jessy Schram, I love them both and they have great chemistry. They have never disappointed me.

Then there is Lochlyn Munro, I am used to seeing him playing almost a soap opera villain type. Normally when he enters a scene my first thought is, what sleaziness is he up to this time. But no, Lochlyn proves what a good actor he is, he played the local sheriff as a competent, caring law enforcement officer. Even after the amnesia victim leaves town, he continues to work the case. Kudos, Lochlyn, great job. Left me wishing he had more scenes.

The film moves pretty slow at times and for that reason probably not a good family film, the kiddos will loose interest pretty quickly.

My advice: watch this movie.

An unusually well-crafted film by hallmark. The writing is excellent, the characters developed and engaging, and the direction spot on. Kudos to all involved in this production, even to Allison Sweeney who makes a cameo.

Yes, this is another Hallmark movie where the lead character (Jane) has amnesia, but there is another story here, and that's what makes this movie different. Just why is her nurse (Paul) at the hospital, who is obviously smitten with her, afraid to go home for Christmas. Together, they go on a road trip to discover just who Jane is and to come to grips with Paul's anxiety.

Their stories unfold in a manner that keeps you intrigued throughout. This movie is very well-written and the performances by Jessy Schram as Jane and Brendan Penny as Paul are outstanding, some of the best and natural acting that Hallmark has to offer. From the get go, Penny plays Paul with an underlying sense of sadness that always seems to be there no matter how happy he appears to be. And Schram gives subtle hints of the thoughtful and caring, but independent young woman she must be. These are two complex performances by a couple of excellent actors. Along the way, there are some scenes, particularly those between Jane and sister, played nicely by Tanya Champoux, that are very well done. Never before in a Hallmark movie have you seen two sisters argue as fiercely as this, but they do in real life and that's the type of thing that's makes this movie so special. Of course, it all gets resolved in the end, but it's how you get there that is very satisfying and rather unique.

A stellar Hallmark cast with a sweet surprise appearance from Allison Sweeney! Always a joy to watch in any Hallmark movie!

Enjoyed the story, and especially how it wove in other characters!

Brenan Penny is a favorite! As are several of the supporting cast members.

'Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas', the fourth installment of Hallmark's 'Time for' Christmas series, is a slow-paced, yet engaging movie. The story is warm and heartfelt. Some mystery keeps you intrigued and engaged throughout. The acting is impressive. And, of course, there is just enough festive cheer and holiday spirit. The story follows Jane (played by Jessy Schram), aka Rebecca, who is in an accident on an icy road in Maine ten days before Christmas. She wakes up in the hospital with amnesia. The only clue we have of Jane Doe's identity is a newspaper clipping of a Christmas festival in Charleston with a cryptic note stating, 'Please come', signed 'Mark'. In an attempt to regain her memories, Jane decides to go to the festival to meet Mark, accepting a cross-country car ride from her devoted nurse, Paul (played by Brendan Penny), who happens to be heading in the same direction to spend Christmas with his family in North Carolina. And so, their journey begins, as we watch the two help each other through their crises while bonding and discovering feelings they have for each other along the way. The story is well-written. The writers do a great job of weaving together Jane and Paul's individual stories (and backstories) in a way that develops the romance between the two, which I found appealing. The dialogue felt real, and I found myself connecting emotionally with Jane and Paul's stories. The use of mystery by the writers is cleverly done in a way that keeps you intrigued throughout their journey. What makes this work on-screen, of course, is the acting. Both Schram and Penny have brilliant performances. They portray their characters in a way that allows the viewer to see and identify with the emotional complexities of their stories/journeys. Simply put: they both have convincing performances in roles that are somewhat emotionally complex. The chemistry was also great to watch on-screen. You could feel it develop and grow as the story unfolded, which was one of the appealing elements of the movie. All in all, 'Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas' is a lovely story with some remarkable acting performances. It is a nice new addition to this year's Miracles of Christmas movie lineup. I highly recommend it.