'Christmas Love Letter' is another one of those Lifetime Christmas films to have a rather cheesy and uninspired title, but also have a story that potentially could be quite charming and sweet. There never has been any bias against Lifetime's output, much of it is formulaic sure and some of it has just as much corny and schmaltz of that of Hallmark's but with the right leads and the right amount of charm and heart they can have some likeability. Provided that not too much is expected from it.
Didn't expect a massive amount from 'Christmas Love Letter' and overall got a film that isn't that bad in the way that has been said by some. But it is to me still isn't a good film, if people think otherwise fair enough and good for them, and do actually agree with the criticisms that have been cited. Not one of the worst of Lifetime's Christmas output of 2019 or overall. Also not one of the best on both counts, somewhere around low middle if anything.
The film is not a complete waste of time. It is lifted from what could have been near-unwatchable to semi-watchable by the engaging lead performances of Ashley Newbrough and Tilky Jones. Jones' character Ian is a lot more likeable from the start, as Amelie took a bit of time to warm to but she began more likeable as she softened. They did seem natural together, although the flawed way the relationship was written stopped them from completely igniting.
It is a pleasant looking film, especially the scenery. The music is pleasant enough, and is not as constant or intrusive as with other Lifetime efforts, and the robot dog is a lot of fun.
However, 'Christmas Love Letter' could have been a lot better. Newbrough and Jones' chemistry, despite having moments, never completely gelled and it is all down to how their relationship was written. Another case of it moving too quickly, not having anywhere enough development due to being introduced too late and underuse. Do agree that Izzy Herbert is far from endearing and over-compensates, really did find her irritating. The rest of the cast are okay but nobody else stands out and the character writing is sketchy and Lifetime cliches.
Something that can sum up 'Christmas Love Letter' quite well, cliched. Some familiar (well actually well worn out) story tropes here, all predictably executed. The first portions are slow and quite thinly plotted, uneventful at times, and some decision making (i.e. packing up her job just like that) seemed contrived. The script lays it on too thick with the corn and slushy schmaltz, not unexpected but it was overkill in places. The film doesn't get off to a particularly good start, very cheesy and quite dull, while the ending is rushed and too tidy.
Altogether, lacklustre but one can do with a lot worse. 4/10
