Have been on a roll watching Hallmark/Lifetime etc Christmas films for a few years now. It has been an interesting and worthwhile endeavour, though a very inconsistent one. There was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with pretty much all the films seen. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. The former being obvious in most luckily.
'It Takes a Christmas Village' is one of the Christmas films in the former category. 2021 was very hit and miss for Christmas films and for Lifetime, but 'It Takes a Christmas Village' is somewhere around high middle in ranking. Can see why some will not like it and it does have issues that stop it from being a classic (never expect a classic with this company), but there was the expectation of it being a pleasant enough watch at least and to me it succeeded at that absolutely.
There are some silly, to the point of nonsense, moments, like everything with the construction which is unrealistic.
Did also find the ending too neat, which was not unexpected for a film that is also very formulaic, and there is too much music, not just in placement but also in volume (too melodramatic sounding).
On the other hand, Brooke Nevin and Corey Sevier are very engaging leads and have lovely subtle charisma and sweet charm (do agree though that Nevin's panting did distract). Their chemistry was sweet and genuine and they looked at ease together, do wish that they were together more though. The supporting cast are solid and the characters are not too perfect or have overblown negative traits.
Production values are pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. The dialogue has flow and doesn't get too cheesy or too schmaltzy. The story on the whole is light hearted and heart warming.
Nice film if not mind blowing. 7/10.
