The Christmas Doctor

This is an interesting story about life, family, finding love and a place to call home. Holly Robinson Peete does a great job playing a restless Doctor, constantly running in hopes of making amends from past regrets. She lands in a small town where she meets Adrian Holmes who along with some of the towns residents, heals the good Doctor as she heals others. The leads have good chemistry together and banter between them that's fun to watch. There also a mysterious thread running through the movie that concludes with a touching moment that's well worth watching.

The story is a bit like Christmas Under Wraps a few years ago with Candace Cameron Bure. The biggest difference is Willow Brook is not Santa's home base, but there's an additional little twist we get a hint of about 3/4th through and it's explained almost at the end. I wish this twist had been integrated a little better into the final outcome. It explains the look on Doctor Ray's face when we first see him, but other than that it doesn't affect the story of Zoey and Willow Brook. I bet there are some people who figured it out when they saw that look.

The appeal to the story is how the small town, and a handsome man, woo Doctor Zoey and change her. Other than the one twist, there are no great highs or lows, but simply a nice story. There's no looming tension nor any hint of any villain. Of course since it's Hallmark, the final result is predictable. Holly Robinson Peete and Adrian Holmes have chemistry. They develop some private jokes that run through the movie. They are comfortable together. But the entire cast works well with Peete and together. Emma and Zoey develop a special relationship as do Lilly and Zoey.

I noticed the apparent goof saying Buffalo is to Willow Brook's east, which means they aren't in the US, but hey maybe they were in Canada. So many of the actors are from Canada. The weather looked pretty mild for that region in late December.

So, this is now my 13th Hallmark Christmas movie of the 2020 season; this one falls somewhere in the middle of the movies I have seen thus far. Overall, it has a nice storyline. But, if I am being honest, the first 45 minutes were a bit slow, a bit boring at times. That said, the acting was good overall. Holly Robinson Peete's performance (a Hallmark regular) was solid. I must say, I think I am starting to like Adrian Holmes on screen. I have seen him in a few things now; I think he is a good actor. He had a pretty good performance in this film. The chemistry between the two (leads) was pretty good; it was believable, something a few Hallmark films I have seen thus far have been lacking. The supporting cast's performance too was strong, especially the doctor (Fred Henderson as Dr Ray). The scenery, props and sets were 'well-polished' and festive. Hmmm.... maybe this movie was not as 'cozy' (regarding its Christmas atmosphere) as some of the other Hallmark films I have seen. Finally, I did like the birdwatching element in the story; I will be looking for cardinals now when I take walks in the park. A nice Christmas story with some solid performances, well worth the watch for Hallmark fans.

We really enjoyed this film!! Both lead characters seemed genuine & sincere. The roles were well scripted, good writing, good dialogue! Please have more films with them working together! This is a good combo, the best I've seen of each of their acting talents! We found this a very satisfying Christmas film! Certainly several steps above most of the current offering! We will watch for it to be broadcast again! Thanks for a pleasant evening!

7/10 - what can I say, I'm a sucker for a doctor in a small town Christmas story