Always and Forever Christmas

Passing grade for props, decorations and staging. Costuming especially for star female role was terrible. There appeared to be two different women playing that role. I wonder who casted her and how she got the part, at times she appeared to be reading a monitor. She had a hard time convincing me that there was a merry Christmas going on.

I really hate to say anything negative, and I did love the idea of the storyline, the decorations, as well as Beth Broderick. but the film itself was just ok and not really believable to me. I had a hard time connecting with the lead, who was beautiful, but almost unlikable at times. So sorry to say that, but I have to agree that there was just no chemistry in general.

Preface to say I've seen a load of Hallmark movies and when I critique I take at face value and lower standards for depth of character and plot complexity. Its supposed to be easy light watching. It's cookie cutter plot and characters. Over the years Ive seen some, however that were deep and everyone was connected, had chemistry, and some actors just naturally bring more to the table. The acting in this was a giant train wreck. If there was a word meaning flatter than flat I would use it. This felt like some people in beginners high school drama class reading off a script for the first time. I couldnt watch more than cursory 10 minutes in between something else.

Your leads were all wrong. No chemistry. Lexi seemed green and not believable. Scott was more convincing. Beth is always wonderful. Not sure who played Grandpa but he was good. I like the storyline but just couldn't finish this movie.

I usually give points for filming winter scenes in actual wintery locations, but this is the second one this year filmed in Winnipeg...but not in winter. WHY bother? At least they looked bundled up against the fake snow in this one.

I love Beth Broderick and Mark Ghanime, but not in this one. Boring? Slow? Stupid? Not sure. As another reviewer noted, not sure what I was watching here. And Lexi Lawson is on Broadway? Really? Then she needs to take an "acting for the camera" course. The few (and odd) rave reviews on here must from people who know her. I agree with majority of reviewers who found her to be amateurish.

Both the director and casting director need a kick in the head for this mess. They cast for diversity, but hire an actress who can't act, and then this is the worst, give the lead guy a redhead white guy for a brother. Were they adopted? Did I miss that part?

I would say don't waste your time, but it's not likely this one will get a repeat showing.