Noël au grand cœur

This movie is uplifting. So why is Jennie Garth so restrained? I would expect Jamie to be bursting with holiday cheer, positively bubbly. I think her restraint lessened the chemistry with Cameron Mathison. Mathison was fine.

The story was pretty much by formula for most of it. It picks up a bit of the pay-it-forward theme as it goes on and others join in. I will say the climax has a nice little twist. Then comes the conflict that you know is inevitable. I love the way the memory flashbacks resolve it.

Another reviewer commented the irony that Jennie Garth previously played a reporter in Holidaze sent to unmask a Secret Santa. That's not exactly how the synopsis reads on that movie, but notice that she costarred with Mathison in that movie. And Mathison was in Christmas Club which had a similar uplifting pay it forward theme even though it wasn't quite Secret Santa.

There is a lot more to see of the relatively new GAC Family's work, but what has been seen so far has been a mixed bag. 'Much Ado About Christmas' was very well done and nearly great. 'The Great Christmas Switch' on the other hand was the complete anti-thesis of great, and was a big misfire despite its interesting premise. A big main reason for seeing 'Kindhearted Christmas' was the always worth watching Cameron Mathison, he has a very up and down filmography but his performances have generally been consistent.

'Kindhearted Christmas' sees him on good form, regardless of my feelings on his character, and it is an even better representation of Jamie Garth. Comparing it to GAC Family's other work seen, 'Kindhearted Christmas' is not as good as 'Much Ado About Christmas' but is miles better than 'The Great Christmas Switch'. It does have flaws, which is not unexpected (haven't seen any Christmas film from Hallmark, Lifetime, UPTV, ION or GAC Family that has been perfect), but it is well intentioned, charming and well done in a lot of areas.

Am going to mention the issues first. Actually had no problems with Mathison's performance, but his character was inconsistently written for my tastes. He was amiable to begin with, but do agree that his character is too naive and that his sudden and overly aggressive jerk-like personality change during the conflict makes the character go really down in one's estimations.

Did think too that the ending, while sweet, was a little too on the neat side, and that the chemistry isn't quite there or as strong in the conflict, which could have had more tension and felt a little less abrupt.

However, 'Kindhearted Christmas' has a lot that is recommendable. Garth gives a very honest performance that is restrained but never phoned in or affected. Mathison is easy going and amiable and he is not to blame for the inconsistent writing for his character, other than overdoing the aggression a little. On the whole, their chemistry is very natural and genuine, with some nice development and is not rushed or aimless. The supporting cast are solid.

Furthermore, it is nicely filmed, fittingly scored and solidly directed. The writing flows and is not too sentimental in the more dramatic moments and has snap and wit in the comedic ones (that are not contrived or forced). The story is formulaic, but is also touching and heart-warming, and on the whole the characters were worth engaging with, misfiring only with Mathison's character's personality change.

In conclusion, very nicely done if not wow worthy. 7/10.

Let me start by saying it's hard for me not to love any movie starring Cameron Mathison so I'm a little biased. He always plays such a kind, genuine, caring, person, in all his movies.

I enjoyed the premise about an anonymous person giving help and kindness to those in need. Another reviewer said "This plot has been done sooo many times" and this person thought it was boring. I felt the opposite! I haven't seen many movies with this plot on GAC, Hallmark, or Lifetime. I've watched over 500 Hallmark movies. There are few here and there with the "Secret Santa" premise but not to many. Maybe I've missed them somehow. A movie by Lifetime called, A Christmas Angel, was a great movie about a "secret Santa" and I highly recommend it! Don't confuse it with the Hallmark movie and Angel for Christmas. Both great movies.

My only issue was Jennie Garth's character. Could she eke out a smile? Her character did not exude kindness and empathy at all. She never looked Mathison in the eye or responded with a smile when he complimented her.

Such a sweet story. A Samaritan from little town Cooperville acts as a secret Santa to help the needy and put a huge smile on their faces. This inspires the town to give back to the community.

A great movie and Scott - the reporter was absolutely charming as the tv host, and the lonely traveller who runs away to wander the world during Christmas time.

Jamie is the reason this movie gets only 6 stars. Her dialogs are good, but her eyes and expressions are all wrong. She comes off as a stalker or psychopath with those expressions. I almost thought this was going to turn into a thriller who would torture Scott after kidnapping him.

A great movie let down due to weird expressions.

It was good. Jennie Garth was great. Cameron is always good but they had chemistry. I will watch again this year but will definitely rewatch. Gac needs more of this duo as they finally had one that worked.