Christmas Time Is Here

This film just plodded along, like hands on the watch.

Everyone seemed sedated. The actors sleepily went through their lines, leads not really generating any attraction to each other. The writing was unenergetic, as nothing really happened - even the compulsory conflict "tearing" the couple apart barely registered. The solutions to problems fell to the leads' laps, already foreseen by the entire viewership from the beginning.

I did kind of perk up when they introduced some heritage elements, such as the photos and the female lead's old watch: I thought we're in for some plot twist. This opportunity was disappointingly wasted, and the watch concept remained random and contrived.

I'll add an extra star, however, for the location scout and the cinematographer, for making the inn and the village look so appealing - I now really want to spend Christmas at Pine Valley Inn! (If only it existed.)

All and all, unexciting but harmless and cosy nonetheless. I can imagine this would be suitable to watch during Christmas Day siesta; nothing to alert you from your semi-slumber.

The cast is fantastic. I just love Rukiya Bernard and Dewshane Williams as a onscreen couple. Jill Morrison is amazing as the partner/friend. The reviews that condemn this "deception" are being hypocritical. What Hallmark movie doesn't involve hiding a truth or concealment of a goal. Give me a break. These reviewers need to dig deep into their unconscious/conscious bias. When the story line involves a leading character who is a person of color, she's being "deceptive" "sneaky" or "unacceptable". Give me a break! If this was not a black or brown woman, these harsh negative characterization of the totally endearing sweet Nia would never been ascribed. Ordinarily, the Pine Valley town would be cliche, but here it works. It feels real and authentic without losing the down-home Christmas vibe. There is a magic in this film that I absolutely love. Nia and Julian meet by chance over a string of Santa lights. Even though they are at odds over their separate real estate ambitions, they cannot ignore what fate has in store for them in this charming romantic comedy. Both have a lot to learn from each other in about each other so that they can see the bigger picture. Love, history, and tradition. Great movie!

Another save the family inn vs the big time developer story. This one is the common variation of wanting it to go to the right buyer who will respect the property. And the corporate representative is under constant pressure to close. All of this is the same old stuff.

Almost all of these movies have to have a face off between the leads early in the movie. This one wasn't quite as antagonistic as some and it led into a cute official introduction between the two.

Rukiya Bernard and Dewshane Williams have done several Hallmark movies together mostly as close friends to the leads. Now they are the leads for Hallmark's new competition GAC Family. There's obvious chemistry between the two actors screaming to get out, but for too long there is real deception between the two characters. She is working against the direct wishes of her client. This is real dishonesty, not just hiding a secret identity, or other "white lie". Either way, it kills the effect of their chemistry. .

Williams doesn't convince me in his early efforts as the rigid corporate big shot (aka the mean guy). Seems like he is trying too hard. Maybe that's the point - maybe it's because Julian is trying to convince himself.

There is a bit of mysticism with the watch and its backstory.

By 3/4ths through, the pieces are in place for a very predictable ending which is even more of the same old stuff.

Bernard and Williams sing together early in the movie and it is just average. However, Bernard and Tom Pickett, Mia's dad, sing a very nice Silent Night near the end.

I love Rukiya Bernard. I loved the connection and chemistry she has had with Dewshane Williams in the past. There was no chemistry in this movie. He was almost robotic or mechanical in his actions and speech. I was so looking forward to this movie with the 2 of them. The plot wasn't bad, has been done several times. So not sure if it's the writing, directing, or what, but it was a disappointment.

Love Rukiya, but lord this was boring. Even she was struggling to save this. They tried to inject some chemistry by pairing her with Deshawn with whom she had had a successful paring previously, but no. On the upside, loved the duet at the end. Lovely. Who knew she could sing too?