Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary (though am refraining as much as possible from reiterating too much). Have liked Vivica A Fox in other things, though more in supporting roles than lead, so that was another reason for watching 'Christmas Matchmakers'. This was watched with a real attempt to like it.
This reviewer has seen far worse films, Christmas and overall, and the film is more tasteful than the title sounds, but 'Christmas Matchmakers' is still not particularly good. Actually thought that in general it was rather weak, with a few good things but they are outweighed by the numerous very badly done things. A waste of a quite cute premise, and while Fox is the main reason for the film not being any worse she has been represented so much better in other work.
Starting with the good things, Fox gives a very amiable and spirited performance that is better than the film deserves.
Did like the scenery too and there are pleasant moments in the soundtrack.
However, the rest of the acting is subpar at best with a lot of over-compensating. Andrew Rodgers is both stiff and arrogance filled as the impossible to like male lead character because of how toxic he is. The chemistry between the actors is unnatural and never fully connected, the romantic chemistry non existent pretty much. Didn't care for any of the characters, the overwritten character flaws make them impossible to endear to and they are never developed really, too much of one level. This includes Fox's later on, despite her valiant efforts.
Furthermore, the script is very cheesy and awkward, while the story when there is any is excessively predictable (even when expecting it to be), full of corn and completely unrealistic. One of the worst offenders being one of the most contrived endings for any Christmas film in recent memory, plus it is incredibly abrupt and suggestive of incompletion. Too much of the photography has a disorganised, frenzied look reminiscent of hasty straight to DVD quality.
Concluding, weak. 3/10.
