Open by Christmas

Is it original no has it been done before yes but this time it's actually done right. First thing I hated the friend that's engaged with the kid she's so annoying why does hallmark have to have these awful characters in there films. The story I found was good and not boring but fun.

The reason I think this movie is a bit better is that, although a very familiar story, it didn't follow the formula girl figths with guy, they make up, there's a big fallout due to a misunderstanding, they make up.

A cute movie, all in all. I liked the dual story lines, I enjoyed the performances, and the production values were excellent. The cast all seemed to be enjoying themselves which is a big part of the pleasure of watching any production as far as I'm concerned. I liked the fact that Hallmark continues to acknowledge that gay people exist (since I'm one, it's nice to see). I'm sorry there are other reviewers who wish we would disappear. But that's more about who they than how our culture is evolving and Hallmark is following their audience, just as they've always done.

Open By Christmas (2021) -

There seemed to be a lot of back story to this one that I hadn't been privy to, so in many ways it felt like a sequel to something that I'd missed, but I hadn't. This was especially true with regards to the couple that leading lady, Alison Sweeney as Nicky, was best friends with - Simone and Jeremy (Erica Durance & Michael Karl Richards). Although that didn't mean that it was hard to follow.

I wasn't actually very keen on Jeremy, so even if there had been a previous film, I probably wouldn't have watched it to see his romance develop. As it was and fortunately for me, his character was not involved that much, despite the poster for the film, which almost suggested him as a possible love interest for Nicky.

Actually, a storyline where a possible affair between the lead character and her best friends husband would be something new and I'd like to see something like that for a bit more grit and to give the story some real and more believable fallout.

Those things aside, this was definitely one of the better ones in this genre. I could easily see Nicky falling for Brennan Elliott playing Derrick and how there blossoming connection grew in to what I knew it would.

Although I generally like him, I didn't really get along with Brennan in this one though and I didn't really want him to get together with her, because he seemed a bit too cocky. I might have put her together with Reggie (Patrick Rinehart), but used Derrick to let us think that she was going that way instead. Maybe he could have been the one having the affair with Jeremy?

As I've said though, it wasn't a bad effort at all and I would definitely watch it again, although still not perhaps as often as the films starring Brendan Penny, Jesse Hutch, Luke Macfarlane and/or Travis Van Winkle. I felt that it might be time for Brennan to start looking at loving and doting father figures going forward, although he could still find love in those roles too, I suppose?

6.25/10.

HM is stepping up its game with this really wonderful ensemble Christmas production. There are really two co-stars, Allison and Erica - great jobs by both, but the entire supporting cast made it work. Nice work by everyone made it believable, emotional, and enjoyable. Writers delivered a winner, and the director and cast brought it to life. If you like a fuller, life-like Christmas story, you'll love this one. Postables, you have some company at last.