The Christmas Ring

Good movie rules don't apply to Christmas movies. Sure there are a few exceptions like White Christmas and similar classics but by and large all you really need in a good Christmas movie are some good memorable bits with a general dusting of Christmas "vibes." Forget the acting, cinematography, music score or creative writing as these are rarely attained within this ganre and most of us consumers have learned to live without. This film sadly fails on all fronts. Yes acting was weak and fell on its face multiple times when it really counted and the transitioning scenes absolutely bombed just about every time. But as we've previously discussed these things aren't necessary, all you need is some good humor and/or emotional bits with that healthy sprinkling of Christmas spirit remember? Welp this also was completely forgotten throughout this film making it nothing more than a crazy sludgy film that felt like 4hr of two people with no chemistry go about mundane tasks with casual and inappropriate interruptions of cooking and decorating montages that add more to the run time than the Christmas spirit.

Predicted Hallmark movie with poor acting. You will figure out what the actor's dilemma at the end of the movie will be, and what he will decide to do, in the first 5 minutes. .i just didn't feel for any of the characters in spite of the couple of times the lead actress sheds a few tears. If you must see this movie, wait until it streams.

This movie would easily fit in with hundreds of others shown between now and Christmas on at least 5 cable TV network channels. It makes a couple of quick gospel salvation messages which would knock that down to 2 networks, but those were quick and forced into the story. Kelsey Grammer did say that the birth of Jesus was the "reason for the season" which is not what most other network Christmas movies say is the "reason". The consensus is usually that the "reason" has to do with family. And if you look at the overall embedded message in this film, it is just that.

One thing that is notable about this film is the respect for veterans and the military, perhaps why it premiered on November 11. And if you saw the introduction by Karen Kingsbury shown in theatres, that becomes even more apparent.

What we have in the story is a developing romance set in a quest for a family heirloom ring, and a valuable one. There are themes of losing a close family member, the difficult life of serving military and their families, and good old-fashioned integrity.

I thought the acting was bad at times especially given the three experienced lead actors. Some scenes are overplayed.

I also thought that two parts of the story were overly dramatic. One was Vanessa's reaction to Ben's phone call. She was almost in a quiet panic. The other was the convoluted way the ring quest was finally resolved.

I agree that this move is definitely not worth what two or more people spend when they go to the movie theatre.

Went to see with my sisters. We are always up for a good romance or rom-com when we get together. Thank goodness we only paid matinee ticket prices however, it was definitely NOT even worth discounted mid-day pricing. Filming was shoddy at best. No discernible soundtrack, acting was atrocious. Should've been on a free platform with option to skip ads with subscription.