This Time Each Year

6.6 stars.

This was almost a great movie, but missed the mark on every level. We are left with a sub par story that could've been wonderful. There are so many little pieces missing that it's unfortunate, because the acting is great. The characters are endearing, the two adult brothers with their horseplay and man jokes, the cute little boy, fun grandparents...

Everything is great about this movie except the execution. It's slow throughout, the dialogue stalls, the romance is forced and depressing, although that's probably by design. Everyone seems so forlorn it's difficult to be excited about this film.

The story is about a man and a woman who are separated, their marriage is on the rocks. Both sides of the family are patient as they try to mend their relationship. Things are difficult and it seems like it's not going to work out. But as with all Hallmark movies, it works out in the end. But it was too sad for me and I had difficulty getting through this painstakingly painful narrative.

The problem with this movie is that the script is just so underwhelming and the story has no pizazz to it. The attempt to add some humor to a plot that is addressing a marriage that has sadly fallen apart fails miserably. It just doesn't work here. That said, what saves the film are the performances of Alison Sweeney, Niall Matter, and Laura Soltis. These very professional actors are always very good and they elevate the lackluster material and make it watchable. So, if you are into fine acting, you will find this worth the two hours spent watching it. Hopefully, these three stars will have better projects next Christmas. They deserve to.

A somewhat unbelievable storyline leads us to a pleasant and dare I say heartwarming movie starring Hallmark veterans Niall Matter as Kevin and Allison Sweeney as Lauren, both of whom are very good in this movie.

They play an estranged husband and wife who must act like they're still married when Lauren's mother - to whom Lauren has had trouble breaking the news that she and Kevin have separated - visits for Christmas.

It's a story of second chances for a family unit at Christmastime. The ending, of course, was no great surprise, but there were some nice moments along the way watching Kevin and Lauren realise how much they mean to each other.

This movie was just too off kilter for me to really care much about it. First of all, how old was this couple supposed to be? Going by the dated Christmas cards at the beginning showing their engagement and the pregnancy, it is clear that they were supposed to be in their mid 30s at the most. This is a case of Hallmark straining credibility by shoehorning actors in their late 40s into scripts meant for younger actors. I thought Hallmark had gotten over that. I mean are you telling me that an adult family man in his 40s still hasn't finished his degree and whose chosen career is a bartender? An alcoholic bartender? Bad enough for a 35 year old. When he said he "lost his licence" I assumed he meant his medical license or teaching license, or contracting license. But his driver's license? They just couldn't bear to confirm that he was arrested for drinking and driving? Or that a professional business manager would buy a house without reading the contract and getting it inspected first? And it's so messed up they can't even live in it and are paying rent and a mortgage? Or she could be so mentally damaged by being called "Miss Mess" when she was a kid? I was expecting her mother to be a cruel old harridan. But she could not have been nicer or more supportive of her 35 (or 45?) year old daughter.

I love both Alison Sweeney and Niall Matter but Hallmark did them no favors by miscasting them in these roles.

All that's gold doesn't glitter. This is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of real emotions and tough times and choices. Lauren and Kevin are at a crossroads in their marriage. After over a decade building a life and love together, bad decisions and circumstances land them in a place of estrangement. Kevin had to deal with personal demons and Lauren has to overcome bearing the weight of guilt she rests squarely on her own shoulders. The reason she is so hard on herself is revealed in a way that is so impactful. As parents, we sometimes don't realize the profound impact any and everything we say and do has on our children who look to us as heroes and judges. Such a powerful message in those two small scenes.

They both move through the movie in such distress that it's hard for them to find the joy in the traditions of the season.

With Hallmark Channel putting out so many lead characters that act more like they are 12 years old than the adults they are supposed to be, it is refreshing to watch a movie that mirrors life as many of us see and experience it. Yes, we need the feel good fantasy silliness holiday movie, but Hallmark Channel also was known for giving us true to life stories that we all can relate to no matter our culture, age, gender or whatever. Bravo for telling a story so many of us can relate to and understand.