Christmas films can go either way, which has been my experience watching overtime the festive output of Lifetime, Hallmark and UPTV. They can either be well-meaning, charming, warm-hearted and don't feel too heavy. Or they can be too over-sentimental, cheesy, contrived and bland. There have been many films of theirs that have fallen in both camps and in the camp where there is a bit of both. 'Dashing Home for Christmas' had the sort of premise that had strong potential of being in the former category.
In terms of execution, 'Dashing Home for Christmas' was luckily in the former category. There are some Christmas films seen recently that started off badly and got much better, some that was good all the way through and some that never took off. 'Dashing Home for Christmas' is in the category of being very solidly executed for most of the length but peters out in the final portions. If asked whether it is recommended, my answer would be yes with it being one of the better and more surprising Christmas films seen recently.
'Dashing Home for Christmas' has more good than bad. The production values still manage to be pleasing on the whole. It's not too drab or garish in photography and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments. The performances are good, Paniz Zade and Adrian Spencer are wholly committed and engaging. While Spencer's character is not easy to like at first, the more developed he becomes the more one warms to him.
Loved the chemistry between the two, which was warm and genuine with some wit and it unfolds realistically. Not moving too fast or taking too long to develop and then rushing it through after a plot development. Diana Cofini amuses in her role without overplaying. The character interaction is never disconnected. The script flows at least and is not too cheesy or too saccharine. The story is light hearted and full of warmth and charm. The characters had personality and they were ones that appealed, the two lead characters being fresh takes on cliches. Only had reservations with Spencer's to begin with.
However, the final quarter is a little on the contrived side. Did think too that the conflict could have had more tension and could have been developed more, that for my tastes was rather abruptly introduced and felt under-baked.
There are times where the editing was a bit hasty looking.
On the whole though, quite well done. 7/10.
