Un Noël givré

This movie is probably typical Hallmark fare if you've never been to Idaho Falls, but as someone who grew up there (and someone who's watched plenty of Hallmark movies), I gotta say that this movie exemplifies what people don't like about the genre. They make Idaho Falls look like a blend of Jackson Hole and Park City with the giant hockey arena and people who have a guest house. Neither of those things exist in IF (except maybe at Frank Vandersloot's house). If you're gonna set a movie in a real place, don't just throw a dart at a map-use its actual character. If you set a movie in New York City, you don't keep referring to a Griffith Park; that's essentially the setting sin this movie makes, the kind that fully takes you out of it. If they set this in a fake place, most of that problem takes care of itself. Also, for all the Idahoans out there, can we learn to say Boise correctly? Pretty please?

Scott Briggs (Kevin McGarry) is traveling to Idaho Falls to join the roster of a minor league hockey team. Commercial realtor Ashleigh Durreau (Kim Matula) is traveling from New York City to her hometown of Idaho Falls for the Christmas holiday. They briefly meet in the airport, where their debit cards are switched by a clerk.

They arrange to recover their cards, then find that they will be living in close proximity. Scott, who has dreams of playing in the NHL, adjusts to his new teammates and the small-town way of life. Ashleigh settles in with her family and finds herself loving life in the town she had been so determined to escape. And the two of them spend some time together.

This is a very enjoyable film. The two stars have a wonderful chemistry that feels organic. The expected Hallmark trope of small-town bliss does not grate; it grows out of the family dynamics and the personal growth of Scott and Ashleigh. And small-town value is not the moral of this story. It has to do with expectations that can limit one's ability to see options---a lesson for us all.

For me, this movie was unexpected. A bit different from the usual, which made me want to immediately watch it again to see what I missed. Tender and sweet, yet with very funny moments. The goofy family was delightful and relatable. Romance shown differently, with the conflict being within each character; not between the characters. Love how the individual storylines weaved together. The cast was lovely, the scenery beautiful, shot from many locations, the facial expressions were the best. Love how the beginning and end cab scenes book ended the movie, and how the Actors handled those scenes! Great chemistry between the leads, and hope to see them paired together again. If you want to watch a movie that does not gut punch you and leaves you with warm feelings, this is the movie to watch!

Super cute, def usual predictable Hallmark fare. But it caught my attention that the main character says 5th Avenue isn't real. I replayed the scene because I did not believe I heard that correctly. I think all the folks who live and work and own shops on 5th Avenue might be surprised to learn it doesn't exist. WWTT??

I very much enjoyed that so many of the characters looked less than shiny perfect, like normal humans. Hair was imperfect, makeup was light, and there was some nice humor. Also the sequin Santa hat one of the guys wore was EVERYTHING. Also nice to see a China pattern besides Old Country Roses used.

Kim Matula kicks butt. If there is a penalty shot where a goal was needed, I would pick Matula every time. She's been a great addition to the Hallmark roster.

This movie was fun and funny. The hockey scenes were kind of hilarious in that they were bad but it added to the charm.

So watch this movie, it's awesome, it is an absolutely stellar start to the holiday cavalcade of Christmas movies. I can't wait for the rest.

And just because extra words are required to get a review posted, please be kind to yourself and other people and just remember the more we work together as people, the better we will all be.

Best, John.