Christmas Time Is Here

This film just plodded along, like hands on the watch.

Everyone seemed sedated. The actors sleepily went through their lines, leads not really generating any attraction to each other. The writing was unenergetic, as nothing really happened - even the compulsory conflict "tearing" the couple apart barely registered. The solutions to problems fell to the leads' laps, already foreseen by the entire viewership from the beginning.

I did kind of perk up when they introduced some heritage elements, such as the photos and the female lead's old watch: I thought we're in for some plot twist. This opportunity was disappointingly wasted, and the watch concept remained random and contrived.

I'll add an extra star, however, for the location scout and the cinematographer, for making the inn and the village look so appealing - I now really want to spend Christmas at Pine Valley Inn! (If only it existed.)

All and all, unexciting but harmless and cosy nonetheless. I can imagine this would be suitable to watch during Christmas Day siesta; nothing to alert you from your semi-slumber.

GAC seems to have found the gentle touch that Hallmark used to have and fails to retrieve in most of its recent productions. Here, straight from Hallmark, they re-propose Rukiya Bernard and Dewshane Williams. The plot is not very original and quite simple. Most of the action revolves around the interaction of two main characters. This could have been the recipe for a disaster. Yet, the results are quite good. The lead actors are lively, funny and likeable. They work very well together and do create the feeling of a real attraction between them, amid the skirmishes. Hence, they make the story flow convincingly to the predictable conclusion. In summary, not a spectacular film, yet one still able to provide nice Yuletide entertainment.

Love Rukiya, but lord this was boring. Even she was struggling to save this. They tried to inject some chemistry by pairing her with Deshawn with whom she had had a successful paring previously, but no. On the upside, loved the duet at the end. Lovely. Who knew she could sing too?

I love Rukiya Bernard. I loved the connection and chemistry she has had with Dewshane Williams in the past. There was no chemistry in this movie. He was almost robotic or mechanical in his actions and speech. I was so looking forward to this movie with the 2 of them. The plot wasn't bad, has been done several times. So not sure if it's the writing, directing, or what, but it was a disappointment.

The cast is fantastic. I just love Rukiya Bernard and Dewshane Williams as a onscreen couple. Jill Morrison is amazing as the partner/friend. The reviews that condemn this "deception" are being hypocritical. What Hallmark movie doesn't involve hiding a truth or concealment of a goal. Give me a break. These reviewers need to dig deep into their unconscious/conscious bias. When the story line involves a leading character who is a person of color, she's being "deceptive" "sneaky" or "unacceptable". Give me a break! If this was not a black or brown woman, these harsh negative characterization of the totally endearing sweet Nia would never been ascribed. Ordinarily, the Pine Valley town would be cliche, but here it works. It feels real and authentic without losing the down-home Christmas vibe. There is a magic in this film that I absolutely love. Nia and Julian meet by chance over a string of Santa lights. Even though they are at odds over their separate real estate ambitions, they cannot ignore what fate has in store for them in this charming romantic comedy. Both have a lot to learn from each other in about each other so that they can see the bigger picture. Love, history, and tradition. Great movie!