A Dickens of a Holiday!

I must say, I really enjoyed 'A Dickens of a Holiday!'. Indeed, I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It is an entertaining and engaging story with some lovely dialogue, amazing performances, and a lot of heart. It is undoubtedly one of the better Hallmark Christmas movies this 2021 season. The story follows Cassie (played by Brooke D'Orsay) who is directing 'A Christmas Carol' in the 100th Year Anniversary of Dickens Days in Dickens, Ohio, the town she grew up in. When Scrooge develops large nodules on his vocal cords and can't perform, she asks her former high school classmate Jake (played by Kristoffer Polaha) to take over the role. Jake, who is a Hollywood action star, is keen to land a more serious dramatic role in a new film based on his late mother's favorite book. To improve his resume, and to see the girl he once had a crush on in high school, Jake eventually agrees to take the part. And so, our story begins as we watch the two rehearse (with the cast) for the big night, discovering and tapping into the talent and passion they have for acting and directing, and, more importantly, for each other. The story itself is quite engaging with some heartfelt dialogue and interactions between Cassie and Jake. I also enjoyed the play within a play element of the story, which adds another layer to the viewing experience. Naturally, there were a few shortcomings with the script. For example, I felt the feud between the brothers was resolved too quickly, though, to be fair, it is only an 84-minute film. There was also the conflict at the end, which felt forced (unrealistic). What makes this movie special is the acting. Simply put: it is wonderful. D'Orsay has a sweet and caring vibe to her performance, which I found appealing. She also does a beautiful job of touching Polaha in various ways, which adds to their growing connection and chemistry on-screen. This connection via words and touch is lovely to watch. Polaha's performance is brilliant both as Jake and Scrooge. Regarding the latter, there is a remarkable scene where he is kneeling on the stage begging the Grim Reaper to restore his life. It is an impressive scene (D'Orsay's reaction to it was also great), and an impressive performance overall. Polaha and D'Orsay also have great chemistry on-screen (believable, convincing). There are several touching moments between them that I especially enjoyed (the carriage ride being one). Finally, the movie also has a warm Christmas vibe to it. The sets, props, and scenery are beautiful in the small town nineteenth-century England sense. Of course, there is a carriage ride, ice skating, tree shopping, hot cocoa, and other typical Hallmark Christmas elements. All of which add to the Christmas spirit and festive cheer of the film. All in all, 'A Dickens of a Holiday!' is a lovely story with some brilliant acting. One of Hallmark's best this season.

These are two leads who can actually act and I always enjoy so it's great Hallmark finally paired them together. The story is fun and as realistic as this type of fare can be. You actually care which is a rarity w Hallmark. Both characters are endearing and have chemistry for a change! They actually touch the way couples do in first blush of love. It's sweet and sappy in a fun holiday spirit way. Best in show.

While the basic story is common, it doesn't feel that way. Cassie is basically unemployed. Jake is looking for a promotion (a part in a new film). She turned him down for the prom in high school. Now he's an action movie icon. And they have to work together to save the festival. This particular story uses a less common premise that what they are working on is a performance of The Christmas Carol where she's the director and he's Scrooge. Certain subthemes add a little spice. Of course, there is going to be a romance kindled.

But what makes this movie a little better than average is the lead actors. Brooke D'Orsay and Kristoffer Polaha have great chemistry. I have rarely, if ever, seen either one of them not have great chemistry with their counterparts. Polaha does the movie action hero thing well and that persona doesn't disappear instantly, which is the mistake some movies make. D'Orsay's Cassie nurtures his hidden dramatic abilities as he gradually goes from an action oriented actor, delivering his lines with too much force, to one who feels the dramatic elements of his new part. And not to be shortchanged, Cassie blossoms under Jake's praise and encouragement.

Don't get me wrong. There are no outstanding highs or lows or surprises. The conflict and ending are predictable. The tension is relatively mild focusing on the outcome of the performance and Jake's career. The closest things to bad guys are the demanding mayor and neglectful agent. Neither is mean about it. But the actors make it enjoyable. It's not one of my top ten, but it was worth watching.

Although the story here is sort of typical for this type of movie, the acting from both leads is the real story. I've always liked both actors but Kristoffer Polaha shows some acting chops in this movie, I didn't realize he had. There was a simple scene, where he literally drew a tear. His part was very very well done.

Brooke D'Orsay does a great job with her part as well. Her character is sweet, caring and very good at her job, despite having some problems of her own. In spite of what some others have thought, I found their chemistry to be strong.

This one is WELL worth watching!

I like the leads in this movie.

Kris Polaha always seems to be enjoying himself. Here he has a chance to go way over the top, but he doesn't lose his way in the process.

Brooke D'Orsay is always gorgeous and sweet, and she displays some fine acting here.

The chemistry, while not perfect, is certainly adequate, and they play off each other nicely.

Good supporting cast, although I thought the long-simmering feud was resolved a little too easily.

All in all one of the more enjoyable movies this year.