Two Turtle Doves

Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace. There are a fair share of them though that are surprisingly above average and even good amidst the many average and less ones.

2019 was a very hit and miss and somewhat unimpressive year for Hallmark and their Christmas output. 'Two Turtle Doves' to me, and many others it seems, managed to be one of the best from that year and actually among their best Christmas films in general. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch, then again is that expected from Hallmark, or flawless. But 'Two Turtle Doves' does show that Hallmark do have a good film in them if given a chance.

Sure not all the dialogue is great, Hallmark tend to be over-scored and there are times, not constantly, where that is applicable to 'Two Turtle Doves'.

There are instances too where the pace drags when the film is less eventful.

However, 'Two Turtle Doves' is visually pleasing and has a professional look. The appropriately festive locations especially. Enough of the soundtrack is nostalgic and pleasant enough. he direction is accomodating while not going through the motions. Nikki DeLoach and Michael Rady don't overplay, any mannerisms not overdone, and neither do they hold back too much. Their likeability shines through and their chemistry is a warm and genuine one that develops more naturally and realistically than usual. Michaela Russell is appealing too.

Moeover, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. Did appreciate too that there was more to usual. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Actually cared for these characters, not the case with a lot of recently seen Christmas films.

In conclusion, very well done and one of the best Hallmark Christmas films from 2019. 8/10

7/10 - surprisingly captivating and refreshing holiday flick

If you've watched many Hallmark Christmas movies, you've seen that there are several things that are actually cliche. In Christmas movies, there are Traditions. I have a joke with my sister that instead of the app that checks off just watching each movie, there should be an app that allows you to check off each tradition in each movie. Decorating the tree, making Christmas cookies, singing carols, ice skating, Santa, and so forth. In this movie, the Traditions are not just a byproduct but one of the main threads of the story.

Another cliche that seems to dominate is the antithesis of the evil big city (New York in particular) vs the welcoming small town. Home. Community. The pressures of career is a closely related theme.

The idea of Memories is tied closely to these themes. A lost spouse or close relative is another. In this movie these themes are explored in depth as the main characters try to move past the sadness of these memories of things lost. This movie touches on what is a big deal for many people in that the Christmas season magnifies this sadness because of the pressure of the season to be happy and joyful vs the reminder of things lost. Is there a bit too much idealism? Perhaps, but there is room for the viewers to resonate and perhaps even to experience some healing themselves.

You could say that the story lacks depth, and in terms of action or events, that is mostly true, but I think I have made a case that the story brings out deeper elements, even if some of these seem overly familiar. The story does have a quest as contained in the title that runs throughout. And there is even a moment of tenderness where Hallmark Movies and Mysteries has been know to excel.

The actors in this do a credible job. DeLoach and Rady connect in a natural way and with some depth. And Christmas movies always benefit from a child. Michaela Russell fills this last role well and without overacting which often occurs with some child actors. {I rewatched this movie already only two months later, and Michaela Russell has grown on me how good she is in this role.}

If you are looking for or expecting Christmas fluff, then this is a 6 or 7 star movie. But it takes a little patience, and then it has the potential to hit home as one of the holiday gems. I think this is a movie that will go on my list to watch again year after year.

They list this under "Goofs" but it isn't... If Sharon grew up in this town, she would know that she has to go to his law office for the meeting... Duh.....

When Sharon and Sam make an appointment to meet for the first time, they mention a time but not a locale before they part company.

I love Nikki but in this one with the 2019 theme of a dead relative she seemed so sad and it made me just sad. I also got bored.