'Five More Minutes: Moments Like This' (2022)
Opening thoughts: Although Hallmark have always varied wildly when it came to their sequels, some good, some around average and some mediocre at best if that, 'Five More Minutes: Moments Like This' was seen because of liking the first film very much, one of Hallmark's better films that year. Also for Hallmark completest sake, having been watching many as part of a completest quest started in 2019.
'Five More Minutes: Moments Like This' is a respectable effort, both as a follow up and as a film and one of the in the middle category follow ups. It is admittedly nowhere near as good as the first 'Five More Minutes', which as said was one of Hallmark's best from that year, and is uneven story wise. It does though do a lot right, including the acting and the refreshing portrayal of children. While not being one of the best of the 2022 Miracles of Christmas block, it is also not one of the worst. In a block that had misfires like 'Maple Valley Christmas' and 'Christmas Bedtime Stories', as well as two of Hallmark's best ever films in 'Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' and 'Gift of Peace'.
Good things: There are plenty of good things here. My overall feelings on Ashley Williams are a little conflicted, she can be very charming and there is no doubting her commitment but she can have a tendency to overact and has had characters that have been difficult to like. Thankfully her performance here is closer to the former category and she brings a good deal of heart to her role. Lucas Bryant is an amiable and empathetic leading man, with a more likeable character and more subtlety without any signs of mailing it in. The supporting cast are solid, particularly for Adam.
As said earlier on, this reviewer really appreciated the more mature than usual (for Hallmark that is) portrayal of children, refreshing compared to the cutesiness and brattiness seen with younger characters in some Hallmark films. On paper, the subplot where this is more obvious is remarkably adult and beyond the years with potential to be inspiring and relatable. It is attractively made, appropriately scored (not intrusive or manipulative) and the writing is generally sincere and flows naturally. There are moving moments.
Bad things: However, there are things that could have been executed better. There is nothing original here, with everything mapping out pretty much exactly with too little tension and too much schmaltz. Adam's subplot had a good deal of potential, really was inspired and related to it on paper but felt that it was not focused upon or used enough.
Furthermore, the ending is too neat. Really didn't buy Williams' character's change in attitude towards Bryant's, too much of a suddenly introduced and rushed 180.
Closing thoughts: Overall, above average if a little lacking.
6/10.
