Not all Hallmark's Christmas films in my view are bad, just to get that out of the way now. Was actually pleasantly surprised, and still have been, by a fair share while understanding why they won't be everybody's cup of tea. The premise for 2020's 'The Christmas Ring' wasn't that appealing to be honest, very same old, same old, but Kazumi Evans in support is always worthwhile and have liked David Alpay in other things. Also Christmas films with touches of mystery have been good mixes before.
2020 was a bit of a mixed bag for Hallmark (though surprisingly not too bad all things considered with the circumstances), and 'The Christmas Ring' is one of the weaker films in the batch. Hallmark have definitely done far worse and there are certainly worse Christmas films about, but 'The Christmas Ring' just wasn't my cup of tea sad to say. There are good things, very few Hallmark films are irredeemable, but they are outweighed by the more glaring flaws.
'The Christmas Ring' has good things. The best aspect is the production values. The scenery is truly lovely, magical even at its best, and appropriately festive. Makes one want to go there and definitely at Christmas. The photography complements them beautifully.
There are moments of affectionate nostalgia in the soundtrack, with sprinklings of Christmas song favourites. Kazumi Evans is a welcome zesty presence, while Coleen Wheeler is also committed without making a cliched kind of character too much of a stereotype.
Nazneen Contractor, interesting to see an unfamiliar name for female lead, on the other hand is far too stiff and also bland, on paper her character is likeable as she has well intentioned goals but the character in the film doesn't really grow and is almost too naive. Alpay also doesn't work, his character is very detached and uptight (neither of which are softened enough, even when the very sudden signs of change happens) and Alpay's acting is very cold and aloof. There is no chemistry between them, they look uncomfortable together and seem too mismatched and the romance is not very well developed. The conflict is contrived and predictable, it takes a while for anything to progress and any development comes out of nowhere and is rushed through. Casey Manderson is annoying.
Generally the characters do not come over like real people and instead like too perfect or excessively negative caricatures. Evans and Wheeler have the characters that have the most spark and that is mainly down to their ability to do a lot with their material. Furthermore, the story is dull as dishwater from being way too thin and excessively predictable from being the same formula as with most Hallmark films with all the long well worn out cliches done to tired effect. Some of it is very repetitive too, the final act is contrived and lacking in realism and the ending is too neat and can be seen from miles away, Hallmark really do need to get some new ideas. The script is very stilted and is full of cheese and sugar to the point that it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Most of the music is too overbearing and lacks any kind of subtlety.
In conclusion, mediocre. 4/10.
