Una guida per Natale

This year Hallmark introduced a bunch of new movies and characters, but I had trouble connecting. I am missing Danica McKellar, Candece Cameron, and others and for the most part I am missing true romance. "My Christmas Guide" opening was just normal, nothing special or different than any other Hallmark movie. Dialogues quickly become more catching, acting more real... it was magic, I was in!!! Yes, it is one line story, nothing exaggerated, all given in the right amount: acting, dialogues, places, scenes still a masterpiece (for this year at least..). Beautiful movie, (got a couple of tears at the end...)

Ben Mehl as Trevor plays a visually impaired father to Ava Weiss (Annie). They are wonderful together and very believable as father and daughter.

Ava is quite charming in her role and the father daughter bond feels real.

Since Ben Mehl is visually impaired in real life, he's obviously acquainted with many, if not all, of the issues brought up in the movie. The sincerity of the characters helped me really identify with the topic of dealing with a perceived limitation and how people can react negatively or positively.

I wanted to watch a movie with a dog (Max). I soon became so engaged in the movie that really didn't think about Max's part being somewhat on the dow low. He is adorable and seemed well suited to the movie. For this review I did try to find out about Max but couldn't find anything. I was curious if he's really a guide dog.

Amber Marshall (Peyton - guide dog trainer and love interest) is an animal lover in real life and it shows on screen.

Definitely a great family movie that would also be good backdrop for having healthy discussions about issues covered by movie. Especially bullying at school.

It was so fantastic seeing Amber in a Hallmark movie. I am a huge fan of hers and Heartland is my favorite show ever. She is so real, so kind, and just lovely, and did a terrific job in this movie. What a great role for Amber who is a huge animal lover. I also loved seeing Ben and Ava who also did a terrific job. Great movie highlighting Max and the major role he plays in helping people to navigate the many obstacles in their lives. I liked that you also highlighted abuse that people often face with seeing impairments. So sad but it was handled well. I'd love to see Amber in more Hallmark movies. She's a joy to watch.

I haven't been too impressed with the Hallmark holiday slate this season; not too many of the films really "grabbed" me. While some were pleasing time-passers, there weren't many that I'd be willing to watch again. However, for this film---yep, I'm impressed. I'm going to rate this as one of the five best Hallmark Christmas films for the 2023 season. Good plot, excellent casting, with a really appealing lead in Ben Mehl, who I hadn't seen before. I hope Hallmark uses him again. And another plus---authentic winter location shooting: none of that sad-fake-snow-shot-in-the-middle-of-summer this time around. Recommended.

The premise of a romance between a guide dog trainer and the client hasn't been overused yet. There was one not too long ago but it focused more on the dog while this movie is focused on the trainer and client. Trevor is resistant at first, but Peyton spends a lot of time with him and he comes around. And not just to the dog. I was surprised at how much personal time the trainer put in. The viewer learns along with Trevor about this process.

Amber Marshall is appealing as Peyton. Ben Mehl is crabby and put offish at least at first. They have decent chemistry together but quiet instead of sizzling.

Christmas movies always seem to benefit from a cute kid, and Trevor's daughter fills the bill. As is often the case, Ava Weiss as Annie has great chemistry with Marshall.