This Time Each Year

If you're looking for a funny romcom, this movie is not going to be it. In fact, there's very little rom and com in it. But if you're looking for something more real and less like the usual holiday fare Hallmark serves up this time of year, give this one a try. I had to watch this twice to appreciate all of the nuanced performances of every actor, especially the two leads.

Niall Matter and Alison Sweeney portray Kevin and Lauren, a couple who are at the one-year point of a marital separation and it's the holidays. Early on it is revealed why they're separated, and I'll leave it at that. They coparent a young son; and Lauren has just found out that her mom, who isn't aware of the separation, will be making a last-minute visit. Kevin and Lauren scramble to appear like a united family, but their tension and uncertainty are palpable. They also attend therapy sessions. Do they end up together? Watch and find out.

The nuanced, but palpable tension throughout by the family members also gives this movie realism. Alison Sweeney plays uneasy beautifully, and this surprisingly turned out to be one of my favorite performances of Niall Matter. In their capable hands, I found myself genuinely rooting for the couple as they navigated through uncharted, awkward waters. This one won't give you the warm fuzzies, but all the performances are solid and that's what I appreciated most about it.

All that's gold doesn't glitter. This is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of real emotions and tough times and choices. Lauren and Kevin are at a crossroads in their marriage. After over a decade building a life and love together, bad decisions and circumstances land them in a place of estrangement. Kevin had to deal with personal demons and Lauren has to overcome bearing the weight of guilt she rests squarely on her own shoulders. The reason she is so hard on herself is revealed in a way that is so impactful. As parents, we sometimes don't realize the profound impact any and everything we say and do has on our children who look to us as heroes and judges. Such a powerful message in those two small scenes.

They both move through the movie in such distress that it's hard for them to find the joy in the traditions of the season.

With Hallmark Channel putting out so many lead characters that act more like they are 12 years old than the adults they are supposed to be, it is refreshing to watch a movie that mirrors life as many of us see and experience it. Yes, we need the feel good fantasy silliness holiday movie, but Hallmark Channel also was known for giving us true to life stories that we all can relate to no matter our culture, age, gender or whatever. Bravo for telling a story so many of us can relate to and understand.

6.6 stars.

This was almost a great movie, but missed the mark on every level. We are left with a sub par story that could've been wonderful. There are so many little pieces missing that it's unfortunate, because the acting is great. The characters are endearing, the two adult brothers with their horseplay and man jokes, the cute little boy, fun grandparents...

Everything is great about this movie except the execution. It's slow throughout, the dialogue stalls, the romance is forced and depressing, although that's probably by design. Everyone seems so forlorn it's difficult to be excited about this film.

The story is about a man and a woman who are separated, their marriage is on the rocks. Both sides of the family are patient as they try to mend their relationship. Things are difficult and it seems like it's not going to work out. But as with all Hallmark movies, it works out in the end. But it was too sad for me and I had difficulty getting through this painstakingly painful narrative.

I hate not giving this movie more stars, because we very much like both Alison Sweeny and Niall Matter. Plus Laura Soltis always makes a beautiful mother of the female lead, and she does that VERY often. LOL

Here Lauren (Sweeney) and Kevin (Matter) are separated, but she hasn't told her mother? So when her mother comes for Christmas, she wants to hide that fact? In the real world, their young son is going to inadvertantly give up that secret in a very short span of the visit.

The movie was so bland that within a few days of viewing it, I already can't remember very many details about it. Nothing about it was offensive, but nothing was memorable, either. Sad.

The problem with this movie is that the script is just so underwhelming and the story has no pizazz to it. The attempt to add some humor to a plot that is addressing a marriage that has sadly fallen apart fails miserably. It just doesn't work here. That said, what saves the film are the performances of Alison Sweeney, Niall Matter, and Laura Soltis. These very professional actors are always very good and they elevate the lackluster material and make it watchable. So, if you are into fine acting, you will find this worth the two hours spent watching it. Hopefully, these three stars will have better projects next Christmas. They deserve to.