A Merry Christmas Match

Maybe I'm just in a grump and another time I might have got to the end of this film, I have certainly stuck through worse, but I just wasn't engaged by the characters or the situation, which we have all seen before and done better.

The lead male had potential to be a cutey, but he wasn't enough to keep me watching this time.

I might try again next year, but only once I've seen all the ones that I know are good.

Unscored as unfinished.

The movie failed to hit the mark, weak story line and the lead characters were not in sync. It was difficult to watch from start to finish. Since Hallmark cycles these movies thru-out the holiday season, was thinking another viewing might make this better -- no such luck

The plot here is nothing special, but the writers did make an effort to create the classic antithetical courtship. It started out well, but didn't carry much force through the course of the film.

Massey, however, made the film interesting enough to watch all the way through. He portrayed a character who was sensible and in control of his space, which was a refreshing change from characters who get pushed around by their circumstances.

It was worth the watch, but it isn't one we'll put on our list to watch again in coming years.

Not sure where the director was in this painful movie. Some of the worst acting. Some talent there but writing and directing fell really short. Hallmark is stretching things way too thin just to have stuff out there. They should focus on good original writing.

Our main character is Corey who lives in the small town of Harmony where she is struggling to keep her deceased father's antique shop going, especially since a large ski resort opened in a neighboring town drawing away the tourist. Corey's attachment to keeping her father's antique shop afloat is preventing her from pursuing her dreams in LA, like her bestie the now famous Jillian Winters.

Jillian visits her family and bestie in Harmony, "Santa's final pitstop in the snow", just before Christmas and this leads to a visit by Jillian's new boyfriend Davey and his best friend Ryder Donnelly.

There is a funny meet cute between Ryder and Corey at her father's antique shop where Ryder breaks a chair and tries to buy a clock that is nfs. He falls in love with the clock "I have a thing for old clocks and this one is really cool.", the antique shop...and that's not all.

"When you possess something this perfect and unique you don't just hide it away on a shelf to collect dust. You put it out there and you share it for the world to see. And this clock it wants to tick, to tell time, to live. Are you really going to deny him that?"

"You think I can be bought?""I think I can try."

Ryder is "conceited and a know it all" wealthy heir and "the hunky holiday bachelor", but Corey learns that he is actually genuine, giving and very much in to her. He encourages her to pursue her passions and to give their relationship a chance.

Corey who is "very happy under (her) rock" is reluctant at first but with some persuading finally takes a risk and visits LA, getting to see Ryder on his home turf and learning more about his charitable side.

One of the sweetest conversations takes place at the antique shop during one of Ryder and Corey's first meetings in regards to visiting Alaska: "always wanted to go though. I want to see some real reindeer." "Oh. You like reindeer?" "Who doesn't? They are only like the most magical creature there is. Did you know that all of Santa's reindeer are girls?" "Wait, no. They all have antlers, right?" "Females have antlers too. In fact, males shed theirs during the winter and females keep theirs. So, if all the pictures in the stories are true...all of Santa's reindeer are girls, even Rudolph." "Wow! Who'd have thought." "It makes sense. Women have a much better sense of direction." "I would love to hear more of your impressive knowledge of reindeer."

Moral: If you love it, you should do more of it...aka if it is something that you love it's worth fighting for.

"Your poker-face is on point" I really appreciated the friendly advice that people don't always know how you feel unless you tell them. Excellent advice.

I loved the antiques and as a horologist...I loved the role of the clock.

I thought our two main characters were fun and did a good job building the romance. The supporting cast was great. Ryder's parents house was amazing all decorated for Christmas.

And big hats off to the costume designer for what I think was the best holiday costume of the year...Corey's candy cane pillbox hat with candy cane striped tights and a short red a-frame dress with a white collar. I immediately started searching for a candy cane pillbox hat, I loved it that much!

My favorite line, "If I am being betrothed to another woman, I should at least get a dance in while I can."

Our stars crossed... add this to your list.