Campfire Christmas

Listen, I know Hallmark movies (especially Christmas movies) are utterly predictable... BUT...

There is no big city business boyfriend nor uptight exec trying to buy the camp, Peyton's job doesn't leave her too stressed to enjoy the week, and the side characters actually have decent storylines. As an added bonus, the younger actors in the flashbacks do a great job at mirroring their older counterparts.

Hallmark movies are typically my background noise while I clean and I hardly ever sit down to rewatch ones I've seen before, but this is one that has made the rewatch list.

I like the premise, but this could have been much better because the acting was particularly good. I like the male lead but not with Tori so again, Hallmark casting is horrific. I will give them a bonus for the side characters because i thought that worked well but the male lead with Tori seemed unbelievable. Maybe i should have gotten into casting because i think the reason Comedy and Romance can't make a comeback is because we don't have a Tom Hanks currently so to speak. Casting is a lost art especially with Hallmark type movies.

The idea is silly, the cast is mismatched, and the movie is boring! Tried to watch it and could not go far into it twice. I used to long for Hallmark new Christmas movies and some I have viewed repeatedly. Last year productions mostly missed the mark. I dread to think of what's coming this Holidays season!

• It was actually a bit funny, especially parts of the first half. Unlike other reviewers, I actually liked the premise (however well trodden as it may be). But it fell into the Hallmark trap of leaning too much on sentimentality.

• Speaking of which, in order to feel sentimental you have to feel something towards the characters. This didn't work in this movie for two reasons: 1) not enough time getting to know and care about them and 2) there was little chemistry between them. The two leads were miscast.

• I couldn't figure out why the female lead would be so torn up over the male lead. And it isn't just because of looks; his personality was pretty wooden too.

-Other reviewers have commented on the overacting, but I honestly could have used more theatrics from the cast.

IN A NUTSHELL: If you want Christmas cheer in July with a family-friendly story, this one is for you. If you can't handle the over-the-top saccharine of Hallmark movies and how everything is always tied up with a pretty bow at the end, you definitely won't like this.

THINGS I LIKED: The cast includes Tori Anderson, Corbin Bleu, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Caitlin Stryker, Matt Hamilton, Alec Santos, Iris Quinn, Fred Henderson, and a young cast that plays their characters when they were teens.

There are a lot of flashbacks, utilizing both casts of characters fully.

As an author of 31 books, I always enjoy movies that feature writers and publishers. I love seeing how other authors go through their process and what inspires them.

Dance number! Ha ha The movie is clean and appropriate for family viewing.

I was hoping the dialogue and scenario would be more realistic, but it's not a terrible thing to say this movie is too happy and perfect.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: The dialogue is very cheesy.

There are some cringe-worthy acting moments. Most of the characters are just too smiley all the time.

The humor is just silly, nothing laugh-out-loud funny.

There's not very much romantic chemistry among any of the couples.

The adults act a lot like giggly teens. Example dialogue: "You KISSED?" - woman 1 "And it was a good one!" - woman 2 It felt very old-fashioned. This movie would have been a big hit in the 1950s.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: A gay couple hugs and almost kisses Other couples kiss No profanity Jealousy is portrayed Friendly competitive games and behavior Nothing dangerous

THEMES: Family Traditions Friendship Romance Memories Community Retirement Rivalry First love Second chances Reunion