In Merry Measure

I was so ticked off at the gross unprofessionalism which obviously stemmed from professional jealousy by Adam, that I was very tempted to turn this movie off at the start. Fortunately, I try to avoid that knowing that so often in this genre, the tone of the movie and some character personalities change dramatically by the first commercial or shortly thereafter. I'm very glad I stuck with it.

For one thing, I enjoy Christmas movies that feature extended musical performances usually at the end, but sometimes also along the way. This is such a movie and the last performance is almost worth waiting for strictly by itself.

There are several common themes in the story. Fading musical star, Darcy, goes home for a break. She encounters an old beau, or in this case an old rival, Adam. She gets thrown together with him to produce an act for a contest.

Patti Murin's Darcy has a couple of nice performances and some mild chemistry with Brendan Penny's Adam. But for me the real surprise is Cassidy Reichman as Darcy's niece Megan. Reichman has no other credits listed on IMDb yet her intentional performances were excellent and she was a decent actor as well. I hope this is a rising star for Hallmark much like Joceyln Hudon and Kayla Wallace became.

This one rates in the middle of the pack so far with the 2022 lineup. My favorite thing about this movie was the chemistry between the sisters I would love to see them in another movie together. It felt like they really were sisters. Their banter and expressions were great. I also liked the friendship between the coach and the music teacher. The romantic chemistry felt a little forced but by the end I was rooting for them. I think the ending left something to be desired The whole movie built up to the big performance but I felt like it fell short. Maybe I have just watched Pitch Perfect too many times!

...all ruined by a single actor. (Proof below)

This movie had a lot going for it. Especially the young singers in the school choir. Some beautiful, natural voices -- all without any auto-tuning going on to make their voices sound better than they are.

But all of that was ruined by the irritating, manic performance of Patty Murin. One of the reviewers stated "Patty Murin was adorable in this." Hmm. I'm curious if we watched the same movie.

Ms. Murin mugs mercilessly in almost EVERY single scene she's in, save for maybe three or four where she actually reels it in. Makes one wonder how many dozen triple lattes she has before each scene. Her fake smile was SOO forced, like the late, great Doris Day's genuine smile on steroids. It destroys any chemistry she may have had with poor Brendan Penny, among others.

Don't believe me? Just watch THE LAST MINUTE OF THE FILM, where she and her character's mother and daughter are taking selfies. Murin doesn't just smile. She contorts her face, stretches that forced GRIN, and hams it up for attention.

And again, ruins the entire film in the process. Unfortunately...

'In Merry Measure' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Hallmark have been responsible for many good Christmas films, including from 2022. They have also been responsible for some real misfires, again also from 2022. The premise is one of those could go either way ones, potentially light hearted and cosy but also potentially a film with difficult to like characters judging from the early parts of the plot synopsis. Brendan Penny's, the most familiar name to me, films and performances for me have always been hit and miss, and it has been very dependent on how his characters are written and used (variable on both counts).

'In Merry Measure' is one of those films that people will consider light hearted and warm glow in the heart-inducing. At the same time, it is not for those that like characters to be likeable and easy to connect with regardless of their flaws, or if they are wanting anything fresh. To me, 'In Merry Measure' fitted in both extremes and was one of those mixed feelings, slightly above average films. Hallmark definitely did much worse in 2022, including in the Christmas output. They also did a lot better, with the year containing some of their best ever work in particularly the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries block.

Good things: There is a good deal to like in 'In Merry Measure'. The best thing about it is Penny, reading about the film part of me was expecting to be annoyed and/or bored by his character, but he succeeds in making an initially flawed character grow realistically and gives a charming and subtly charismatic performance that deserved a more consistent film. Also liked very much the performances of a funny and sassy Jennifer Robertson and beyond her years Cassidy Reichmann.

Despite the story being uneven, there are good scenes with a strong highlight being the amusing and charming scene between the two sisters. It is nicely made, love the scenery, and directed with competence. Also did like the music, which is catchy and beautiful with a real Christmas feel. It is also surprisingly well performed with no affectations, overuse of unnecessary interpolations and auto-tune, all of which tend to be distracting for me. Mostly, the story is very cosy and can warm the heart. And there is a lovely positive message delivered with sincerity and no preachiness.

Bad things: Viewers here are divided by the performance of Patti Murin, count me in as one of those who didn't care for her. Murin over-compensates badly throughout the film and comes over as annoying, found it very difficult to connect with her insensitive and judgemental character. There is very little chemistry between her and Penny, which is both bland and forced.

On the most part, the script is too talky. The film starts off really rough, with very awkward and cheesy dialogue and both lead characters are extremely unlikeable because of the overwritten character flaws. At least Penny's character grows though, Murin's though does not. Not to mention the too pat and unearned ending.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, above average if very uneven.

6/10.

Patti Murin stars as Darcy, former pop sensation who is a bit down and out. Brendan Penny is Adam, her high school rival that now heads the music department of the high school. He has also led the choir to six consecutive wins of the state choir competition. And he's a bit of a hard ass. We know where this is going.

Darcy's niece Megan tried out for the choir but doesn't even get to finish her audition. When Darcy gets wind of this, she is rightly outraged for Megan and all the other kids not given respect and consideration during the audition process. She goes on to rally the other "outcast" kids and they form their own choir and challenge the resident champions to a sing off.

Also in the mix is Darcy's sister Gretchen, the always wonderful Jennifer Robertson (Schitt's Creek). She lost her husband earlier in the year and is facing her first Christmas without him while still trying to make it special for her daughter.

I honestly thought this movie would be cheesy and not worth my time. I stand corrected. It hooked me from the start. This movie is just filled with such talented people and the singing.....I just loved it. So heartwarming and such a great message of going for your dreams and being brave. An unexpectedly beautiful movie and I really hope you all check this one out.