The Christmas Quest

It is the Christmas season. Norse experts, Stefanie Baxter (Lacey Chabert) and ex-husband Chase Baxter (Kristoffer Polaha), go to Iceland to search for the legendary Yule Lads. She is following her mother's research while others are in pursuit. She just doesn't have a gun.

First, there are a lot of Icelandic words. I don't know any of them. I can't remember them. It is in one ear and out the other. Some of the local customs are interesting, but it's almost the same thing. I know that this is a Hallmark movie. They are not going to do gunfights, but they could generate some thrills. At last, the Hallmark gene is too strong and there is no urgency in this quest. They are more likely to take a leisurely walk than go running and jumping.

This movie was so ridiculous, it's perfectly emblematic why I watch them. I was literally screaming at the screen. Who lit the candles! How did her mom know she would be there at Christmas! How did the old cave have electricity! How were the potatoes not rotten! WHY THE CAKE. Why does an archeologist travel with a ball gown! Why did the old people invite them to decorate their tree when they literally just found their cat! That movie made me feel like I was losing my mind. Seriously though the lights will haunt me.

But Iceland really is magical, that part is true. 10/10 recommend Iceland but maybe not this movie.

Hallmark's sanitised take on Indiana Jones or perhaps Lara Croft, features two big stars: the Queen of Christmas Lacey Chabert and Kristoffer Polaha, fresh off his starring role in 2023's 'A Biltmore Christmas'.

The chemistry between the two leads - who are divorced when they team up to hunt for legendary treasure in Iceland around Christmas, battling some not-really-evil bad guys along the way - is strong. They are both accomplished actors, and their banter is effortless.

But, man, the final reveal really sucked the life out of things, and left me shaking my head. Talk about a letdown! Yikes. Ninety minutes invested...for that? No bueno.

I was initially excited to watch The Christmas Quest because the plot sounded promising-a heartwarming holiday adventure set in Iceland sounded like a refreshing twist on the typical Hallmark Christmas formula. While the movie had its moments, I was ultimately disappointed.

On the positive side, the scenery was breathtaking. The Icelandic landscapes brought a magical, wintery charm to the screen, and I enjoyed learning about some of Iceland's unique Christmas traditions, which added an interesting cultural element to the story.

However, the dialogue left much to be desired. Many of the lines felt awkward and stilted, which made it hard to connect with the characters or immerse myself in the story. The film had so much potential, but the odd writing kept it from truly delivering the holiday magic I was hoping for.

Overall, The Christmas Quest had a great premise and stunning visuals but fell short due to the clunky script. If you're a fan of Hallmark movies and want to learn about Icelandic Christmas customs, it might still be worth a watch-but temper your expectations.

6.9 stars.

Whether it's the failed attempt at a thrilling treasure hunt, or a half hearted romance, this story is a little of both and a lot of nothing. Why attempt this kind of impact if you know you can't deliver? Indiana Jones this is not.

It's a strange concoction of quest and scenery, but the scenery in Iceland is cold and heartless. If you want to embark on a real adventure, you need more rugged and harsh surroundings, not some fluffy Hallmark set pieces and fake artifacts.

The two main characters are divorced and that alone is a mood killer. It changes the love paradigm to more of a tense conflict and less of a hopeful and romantic experience.

Next, the casting is way off. Chabert does not fit the role, yet insists on portraying hard-core risk taking, adrenaline infused women. He plays the male role sufficiently, but what this film needs are two totally different leads.

The music was good for an adventure and evokes the appropriate mood, but it caters to a more action packed blockbuster and not some awkward Hallmark attempt at an epic journey through the pages of Icelandic lore.

I know they can do so much better, but Hallmark has to preserve their signature props and cinematography schemes and they don't fit the mold for gritty adventure.