Alison Sweeney and Marc Blucas are both Hallmark regulars, with more familiarity with Sweeney. Both of them have been in some good Hallmark films, such as Sweeney in one of the best Hallmark Christmas films last year and Blucas in a couple of Christmas films with a military theme. They were my main reason for seeing 'Good Morning Christmas'. Also because the premise sounded intriguing with a setting not seen a lot with Hallmark pre-2020 (has been used a number of times since though) and because Hallmark's 2020 Christmas batch has surprised me in a good way.
'Good Morning Christmas' on the whole did surprise me and in a good way. It is not always easy making a premise like this interesting, fun and heart-warming and generally all three are achieved. The film was seen for the leads and they and their chemistry do not disappoint. As far as the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films go, 'Good Morning Christmas' is in the high middle, close to best, category, and if asked as to whether it is worth watching the answer would be yes.
Did feel that it was a bit of a slow starter, with it taking a bit of time to get going and to connect with the characters.
Will agree too that the bickering was a bit too over the top and veered on mean spirited and the ending is on the too neat and easily foreseeable side.
However, there is a lot that works incredibly well. Sweeney and Blucas are very charming leads, playing their roles with a lot of gusto and heart while not taking them too seriously. Their chemistry is natural and genuine and the characters are not stereotypical ciphers, too perfect or overly-negative. The supporting cast is solid across the board.
Furthermore, the film pleases visually, lovely festive locations attractively and never drably or garishly shot. The music isn't as intrusive as it tends to be with Hallmark while the direction gets the job done well. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow when it becomes more settled. The story is not too heavy while taking itself seriously and is both warm-hearted and has a light touch when necessary. The conflict is not as forced or as predictable as it tends to be. Very interesting to see the festive traditions.
Overall, good but not great. 7/10.
