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Two of my favorite Christmas movies are Operation Christmas and Holiday for Heroes. This is not either one of those. It is a kind of counterpoint to them in that it draws on the sentimental desire for military kids to have a good Christmas, but in a goofy way.

I don't think any viewer expected any surprises. You know things won't go smoothly.

This really isn't my kind of Christmas movie, but I thought it achieved what it set out to do. I especially didn't like that both leads started out unlikeable especially Blair. This movie falls into the pitfall of so many that start out that way because Blair became likeable suddenly not gradually.

The acting is about right for this kind of humor. Likewise the dialogue. Did the leads have chemistry? I didn't really see it as it took too long for the characters to bridge their gap and their rivalry had an edge to it.

I have liked Janel Parrish in other TV movies. This time, I feel she has been awfully, poorly miscast as the military soldier/captain Blair. It begins with the scene where she, all smoothed and painted and looking like the smallest doll of a matroska set, competes in an army training obstacle course with Josh, an athletic looking guy who is twice her size. Whether she could, herself, believe it real that she would beat him, even if he had let her, is outlandish. Then she carries on for half the movie as an unpleasant, arrogant, bitchy brat, somehow instantly recovering loving, feminine qualities at the end, the role she could play credibly.

The plot offers a series of mishaps, some a bit farcical, in the hope to lighten the general tone. The ending shovels the expected romantic connection, and some cliché Christmas spirit.

Not very convincing is the immediate conversion of the hateful, stubborn respective fathers.

The attention to details is a bit erratic. E.g., Blair starts the truck journey sporting heavily painted lips, at times deeply maroon, yet, in the middle of the trip, at the second warehouse stop, her lips are pale pink, almost natural, just to magically revert to the original dark shade later on.

In summary, while the original concept was quite original, the execution lacks real substance and appears even awkward at times.

On the plus side, there are some gentle moments, the movie is clean and family friendly. An overall watchable holidays movie that I would not want to watch again.

The story of two marines with history who get thrust into a reluctant "santa" role in the base and, obviously, end up falling for one another. Plenty of antics and awkward situations push them to the expected conclusion.

Newcomer to Hallmark Parker Young does a good job and is entertaining while also showing a sensitive and family side but even his good effort can't compensate for the disastrous Janel Parrish.

She is just not credible or even entertaining.

I suspect we will not be seeing a lot of play of this one.

And it dosnt improve. Its just acting by numbers. Your school kids could do better. But its hallmark, they should be re titled to boremark. Its o.k if you dont value your time and want to get drunk watching it, because thatll be the only time its bareable. Poor writing, casting, acting, direction. Its as though its a training school of trying to learn how to do things correctly. And this one failed. Anyone who scored it over 2 or 3 are friends and family, or desperate cheese lovers.

That tiny little female versus a 6 foot ripped male - what a joke. Their competition does a disservice to the USA military. The leads have no chemistry, and her add on best friend with the coiffed hair and perfect makeup doesn't help.

The only good thing about this movie is the service to military families.

7.3 stars.

This is not a bad movie, not sure why the low overall rating. A lot of reviewers really liked it.

The atmosphere is a Christmasy road-trip romance between two army captains. They are on a mission to buy a bunch of toys and deliver them to children in their hometown for Christmas. All roads are snowed-in and deliveries are delayed and the only way to get the toys to the town is to requisition a large military truck, able to drive through thick snow, and load it with toys from toy stores that still have them in stock.

The captains end up driving all Christmas Eve through the night and into Christmas morning to accomplish the task, and in the meantime they spark a romance (this is Hallmark after all).

The backstory is that their fathers did not get along and it was looking like the apples didn't fall far from the trees for these two either; but the love birds rewrite their family story (after a few initial hiccups) and the romance is on.

I really like the setting as most of it takes place on the road in the cab of this five ton army truck. She drives and he navigates as they share good conversations. Along the way they attend a parade and a party, and the truck breaks down...all familiar tropes for Hallmark fare. On the other hand, something about the mood captures the essence of Christmas.

This is a feel-good film, not spectacular, but sufficiently enjoyable for a once-over.

I liked that Blair was so strong and Josh was adorable. I thought their banter was cute and the story line was fun. I loved the toy store scene and when he slyly went for her hand to dance in the street scene. Coming from a military family I appreciated that the military jargon was accurate - and just the right amount. I think this movie will put a smile on most faces.

I found this movie to be so cute and entertaining. I really liked the military angle, I thought it was super unique and the writer had some really creative takes on how to make this cute and fun for the holiday season. Also the leads were great together! Definitely recommend for a sweet, feel good holiday film!

What a great relaxing movie all can share. Shows how the military families are just like regular folks all over our country. The story, acting and production quality made this very comfortable and fun to watch. We are a military family and sometimes we feel that non-military folks don't connect with the lives of Americans who have chosen to server and pursue a career in the United States Marine Corps. Thanks Hallmark!

So good!! Such a fun watch. I always start watching hallmark movies as soon as Halloween's over, and this was the first one I watched this year. What a joyful experience about love (naturally) but also family, friendship and realizing the power of your own strength. It also sends a strong message to women that they can not only survive but thrive in the military, not something typically highlighted in mainstream media.

I liked this movie, a lot. It was everything you want in a hallmark movie. It did not disappoint.

Love the military theme as I feel our men and women in uniform do not get enough recognition and I appreciate you spotlighting them.

And the lead characters were adorable.

I Will definitely watch it again!

This somehow managed to be just as disrespectful to the coast guard as it is to the marine corps and all it took was a single character and 5 minutes that felt like an hour. I have a new found grudge for this director and these actors. Get this trash out of my sight. I would rate it a negative amount of stars if I could.

CHRISTMAS ON DUTY I Lazy, uninspired and predictable holiday rom-com, Christmas On Duty struggles to be cute or romantic, and everything just flows way too easy for our uninteresting couple. Jake Van Wagoner could have had his eyes closed directing the film. Parker Young who at least has some decent gigs to his credit gives it a little life but Janel Parrish is rather yawn inducing as the lead. V.