A Perfect Christmas Pairing

It could have been a watchable Christmas rom-com had the script been revised a few more times -- we got the most laughs from the huge plot holes and nonsensical leaps from scene to scene. The second most laughs were from the poorly done props. The cookbook with the title "Fondue" at the top of the page and then recipies for swan's down gingerbread and a cake was hilarious, especially with the exact same recipes on the facing page. Then the letters to Father Christmas were clearly already written -- and it is so clear that these actors have no idea how to handle cookie dough or how to cut out cookies.

The two leads were okay with acceptable chemistry, but the giggles and extra smiles got old. The aunt and uncle were sweet, but the land-grabbing realtor was ridiculously over the top. Overall it is watchable, but had potential to be more.

Outstanding movie, or shall I say perfect? I wish I had seen this movie before Christmas but it is now definitely my new favorite. The actors were so much better than Netflix Christmas movies. The beginning started with an upbeat song that was an instant mood catcher. The love story of Ashers parent's had a meaningful addition. I thought it was well written and well played by the actors. They all had tons of great expression. The heartwarming cookbook that brought to the table more than sentiment, so inspirational!! It is also enlightening that they brought in a travel writer Romeo instead of a CEO of a corporation. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another reviewer (that I agreed with) asked what is going on at Hallmark ? I would ask the same. The quality of acting, storyline and scripting has been really dire in their recent offerings. Since lockdown actually - is their a connection ? The stories are lame with just a lot of piano playing background noise. This particular one has a storyline all over the place, and the acting was amateurish. I know actors need to get ecperience, but please bring back some of the old stalwarts who made Hallmark a joy to watch. Huge gaps in conversation were filled with a lot of ridiculous false laughing. The woman playing the part of the OTT potential buyer needs to go back to drama school.

No, this was a definite Christmas turkey.

A Perfect Christmas/Pairing (2023) -

This was yet another tale of a small town girl returning home from the big city to save a restaurant/cafe/vineyard? It was unclear to start with.

Chris Connell was a bit smarmy in his role of Asher and a big head character to boot. His dodgy hair didn't help either.

Ansley Gordon, as Grace, was fine and with a more convincing story and opposite lead might have done well, but she really wasn't supported by the production values the lacklustre script and less abled supporting actors.

The Uncle (Carlos Harrison) and Aunty (Kelly Ryan) were a bit much, but not as over the top as the realtor Rita (Gowrie Hayden) who was a vile character anyway.

I couldn't understand how Felicity (Meg Biddle Smith) was a friend of Grace's, but she didn't know her brother Asher or about their family. And there were other bits that just didn't connect as well.

As such it was all just a bit lame, so after a while I had to give up on it. Another time I might have given it more of an opportunity and wrapped some presents whilst watching it, so it wasn't a complete waste of time, but on this occasion I had a mass of other films requiring my attention that might bring me more joy, so it went off after about 30 minutes.

Unscored as Unfinished.

This is a bad movie, really bad, but fun bad in a lot of ways. I'm only writing this review to point out this movie was not made by Hallmark, and is not distributed by Hallmark, many reviewers are saying that it is, even though it is not. I'm not trying to defend this movie in any way, although I give it 2 stars because even though its terrible it has some laugh out loud funny moment. This movie proves how much effort hallmark actually does put into their movies. This makes hallmark movies look well thought out and polished. I only watched this film because it was filmed in my community and there's no other reason to watch it.