Lights, Camera, Christmas!

This is not the usual Hallmark, by the numbers movie.

The first half is played for laughs. The two leads were excellent, playing off each other with perfect comic timing. I think that's what An Unexpected Christmas was going for, but missed.

This is easily Kim Sustad's best role ever. She was near perfect.

The bickering producer/director couple were amusing if predictable, but the character of Mariah is lovely, and Jamie is cute as a button. I think they've both got bright futures ahead of them.

The ending took it up a notch too.

There are certain Hallmark Christmas movies you can watch over and over again: The Mistletoe Promise, Write Before Christmas, etc.

I think you can probably add this one to that list. Well done.

I am picky about my comedies. I laughed at this one. It wasn't overly silly, but had some silly moments.

The story is about a big time movie in a small town where a local gets pulled in. In this case, the production company's costumer never showed and they couldn't find a replacement, so they hired a local designer, Kerry.

Kimberley Sustad is perfect for this part. She is a good fit for this style of comedy. Her timing and demeanor work here. She also has decent chemistry with John Brotherton, who plays the overbearing, self-absorbed star of the show, Brad.

The best gags are early, as Kerry is trying to fit into a world she knows nothing about. I think the writers stretched her fitting in a little too well as more than once she saves the day in ways unrelated to costuming. After the novelty of her assimilation winds down, the tenor of the film switches to the developing romance. There is also a secondary romance which also has funny and sweet moments.

The conflict, climax and ending were a surprise to me, but also a little convoluted.

This is probably one I will watch again.

Lights, Camera, Christmas! Was a fun Christmas movie to watch. I think the Kimberley Sustad and John Brotherton pairing worked very well. I love the "big star falls for down to earth/girl next door" movie trope. Kim and John had a fun banter and chemistry together. I also liked the movie's supporting characters and the side storyline of the estranged directors finding their way back to each other. The movie's last minute conflict and ending seemed a bit rushed but overall, Lights, Camera, Christmas! Was a fun Christmas movie...and it was nice to see Kimberley Sustad as a Hallmark movie lead again!

This movie stands by itself as one of a kind among the forever cheesy, irrelevant plots, terribly written and equally terribly delivered lines and poor acting so characteristic of Hallmark movies.

For once, we face an original plot with, all in all, very good acting. Leading and supporting cast all contribute to an entertaining, good quality flow. The lead actor is superb in the comedy passes, great facial expressions!

Believable, fun, multi-sided characters who can deliver lines and make good use of humor. Great settings, unobtrusive music appropriately used and good costumes.

I could have rated it 10 but for a couple of very cheesy scenes (one of them being the final scene).

'Lights Cameras Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Absolutely loved the concept for 'Lights Cameras Christmas', it may not be a unique one overall in film etc but is very different for Hallmark, a lot less formulaic sounding than usual. It is also a very fun and clever one. Am familiar with Kimberly Sustad in lead and supporting roles and have found her consistently good regardless of the overall quality of the film itself.

Hallmark's 2022 Christmas output was very variable, especially early on in both the Countdown to Christmas and Miracles of Christmas blocks. 'Lights Cameras Christmas' is one of the best, as well as one of the freshest and most fun. A fun and clever concept is given equally fun and clever execution, in a way that feels fresh. Anybody who likes Sustad won't be disappointed either.

Bad things: Criticisms are very few. Did feel that the ending was a little rushed.

Did also think that some of the legal stuff in regard to the legal side of the profession seemed unrealistic, especially with the breaching of the contract.

Good things: Sustad however absolutely sparkles in her role, she was clearly enjoying herself with the lighter sides of her role while also being very emotive when more serious. John Brotherton is sympathetic, down to earth and has an endearing easy-going charm. He and Sustad work beautifully together, whether in the playful back and forth or in the heart melting romantic chemistry. The supporting cast are solid. Really cared for the characters and found them realistic, any negative character traits are not over-written (something that was a common problem with Hallmark's 2022 output) and the positive ones are endearing without being too perfect.

It looks lovely, very slickly shot with vibrant scenery. The music fits well and the direction is professional and no frills. Loved the cheeky wit in the script, the affectionate references and the witty, knowing self-awareness, it is not every day where you see a Hallmark film seeming to acknowledge and make fun of the things their films are often criticised for. Thr story is charming and light hearted, the Christmas cheer nostalgic and uplifting, and does not take itself too seriously or become too much of a joke. The pacing is bright and breezy, not letting up with only the ending being rushed. Very energetic and relaxed.

Closing thoughts: Very well done and lots of fun.

8/10.