Christmas on the Range

I assumed this would be another run-of-the-mill Christmas movie. It has a slightly darker feel so I sort of found the uptempo festive music slightly at odds - but it comes together in the end. There is a bit of light relief in the salon - which also feels disconnected but ties in eventually. The salon slightly reminds me of Runaway Bride so I have expected Erin Cahill to come in and make a platypus face, but alas no. Ultimately this is still a feel-good movie and in some ways the bitterness makes it sweeter. Also, the end credits are quite quirky and definitely unique to this movie - raises the festive nature after the struggles.

7.8 stars

'Christmas on the Range' is my favorite Hallmark ranch adventure thus far. Maybe not my favorite romance on a ranch, but for farm and cowboy themes, this takes the cake. The reason for it is because there is actual drama and tension and it's more authentic than most.

First of all, you have a son who has been estranged from his father for years because of a feud between two families. His father is apparently the "villain" of the story. This is beyond standard Hallmark conflict and adrenaline. For Hollywood this would be considered light drama and action, and is obviously blunted for the Hallmark audience. There is even a physical altercation, almost nonexistent for the average family oriented "romance". However, this is not a romance film by any means. That aspect is downplayed, but still sweet with the limited amount afforded us. They certainly make up for the lack in the last 7 minutes, but it should've have come sooner.

The primary story is about a long history of anger and resentment that Clint's (Gonzalez) father Brick (Martinez) has harbored toward Kendall's (Cahill) family for decades. The cause is not immediately shown and we have to stick around for about 90 minutes before it's revealed. At the start, Clint and Kendall begin a shaky friendship based on misconceptions and bitterness due to the feud between their families. Eventually they discover there is much more to this squabble than they realized and immediately get to work figuring out how to mend fences. With the help of Clint's mom (Wagner) and the townsfolk, maybe it will work itself out, but Brick is a tougher nut to crack than anticipated.

The actors are at their best, this is a first-rate campaign featuring a cowgirl vs the ranch baron.

One of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Great that it had some action in it. Great chemistry between Erin and Nicholas. I hope they make a sequel and soon. I wish they would make a series out of this. Love, loved it!!! Thanks Karen

This was a really good Christmas movie Clayton Georgia so beautiful.

The cast Erin Cahill Nicholas Gonzales A Martinez Lindsay Wagner great cast lots of good support cast.

I really liked this story a lot. Good actors and the ranch feeling was authentic. Romeo and Juliet on horses...classic. Redemption at Christmas is an unusual plot but well played.