Un Noël plein d'espoir

Saw 'Christmas Town' namely because Christmas is my favourite time of year, always has been and always will be without fail, with so many fond memories associated with it. It was also one of many Christmas films seen for the first time this year, and most released this year, to have a change from the usual traditions (while still continuing those of course) and to distract myself from all the health difficulties suffered this year.

This Christmas film quest (and my next batch of reviews are going to be for the films in question, so a Christmas film review project) has been a mixed bag, some have been surprisingly good, some watchable if average and some mediocre or less. 'Christmas Town' turned out to be one of the better films in this quest. Not a masterpiece in any shape or form and won't be a personal favourite, but it did well with what it set out to do, didn't try to do more than needed and at least seemed to know what to do with itself. This is coming from somebody who loves film, television of all genres and decades, so somebody that aims to have as varied a film taste as possible.

'Christmas Town' is not for those that dislike cliche overload, with most of the characters and situations as cliched as they come it does make things very predictable.

Others have picked up too on the lack of realism understandably, some sloppy attention to detail here regarding the cat, the permanent address situation. Tim Rozon is also a bit bland and his performance could have done with more emotion.

Anybody that wants their hearts warmed and wants to be charmed for a couple of hours, while seeing something inoffensive and something different on the television are likely though to find much to like about 'Christmas Town'. The odd parts of sloppy editing aside, the film looks quite good with a quite picturesque setting that makes one want to be there. The soundtrack creates nostalgia and puts a smile on the face.

While the dialogue is not what one would call amazing, it is not as cheesy or as forced as a lot of festive films or films with similar story types. The story is formulaic, but is also immensely charming and heart-warming. There is nothing mean-spirited about it and it is genuinely moving without going overboard on the sentimentality, the letters and angel symbolism were poignantly integrated into the story. Some nice romantic chemistry can be seen and the character interaction is natural. Candace Cameron Bure is a big reason as to why 'Christmas Town' works, she has a likeable character worth identifying with and Bure is just beguiling.

Summing up, not great but a very pleasant watch and one of the better recent Christmas film viewings. 7/10

Christmas Town (2019) -

I fell in love with Tim Rozon when I first saw him as Mutt in 'Schitt's Creek' (2015-20) and he was even cuter in this. I'd have grabbed him and not let him go from the first moment I saw him, but that's just me I suppose.

Candace gave her usual well rounded performance too and overall the cast did a good job.

It was the typical story, that was actually far too convenient in a lot of ways and the town was far too friendly and kind to be real (Sadly), but wouldn't it be nice if there really were places like that? My teeth would fall out from the sweetness, but I'd probably enjoy it for at least a year or so.

The disagreement that they had was daft and I think that the writers need to work on that, because it seems to be happening a lot lately. They should have given them something to properly get upset about in order to see how true their love really was.

This was one of the films of this type that had obviously had a bit more thought and maybe money put in to it, so even though it was too good to be true and a formulaic romance, it wasn't offensive and had a cheer and jolly nature that was pleasant to watch. I particularly liked the idea of fate/destiny playing a hand in them coming together.

6.75/10.

Cute Hallmark Christmas movie but full of plot holes. There were the issues with the cat and the issues with the angel that others have brought up. But the letters he obviously wrote before he died which means he either KNEW or felt strongly that he was dying. Which begs the question: He obviously spent a lot of time and energy on the letters even ensuring they would all be mailed at the appropriate time. Why didn't he spend any time on making provisions for his daughter so she didn't end up in foster care? My other complaint is about Gloria, the teacher who up and retires. I'm a teacher and I know you don't just make the decision one day. It requires preparation, an application and it can't be both "early " retirement and "it was time." Pick a lane. Oh and the idea of her being approved so quickly to adopt, especially during the holidays when everything slows down with no home visit is simply ludicrous.

Isn't anyone supposed to notice she has a cat that hasn't been fed since she started her trip and has no litter box? 😄😄

Candace Cameron Bure gave her best performance in this movie. She was a convincing character looking for more in life. Her life's challenges brought her to the perfect place with a special job to do to achieve a fulfilling life. The romantic lead of Tim Rozon was the exact balance to Bure's character. He was a striking, levelheaded man not the usual Hallmark hunks that are acting voids. Rozon's strong character and solid performance along with a caring Bure, makes you cheer for their characters Travis and Lauren to get it right. Dylan, Jesse Filkow, was the best young actor's performance this season. He was gutsy yet a kind and caring youth. The rest of the cast were superb.The setting of the town would make a Hallmark card proud. A terrific story presented in an even tone and does not over do it- A fine production. I will watch this movie again and it is now a Christmas favorite for years to come. A true Hallmark quality movie. Thank you.