Christmas on Call

This was one of the most boring Christmas movies I have watched in a long time. There was nothing going on at all. I wasted 2 hours hoping it would get better.

I love stories that interconnect with others so I was super excited to watch this one. Hallmark usually does this pretty good but totally missed the mark on this one.

The actors has zero chemistry so it was hard to believe the love story aspect. The "doctor" has got to have the easiest schedule of any ER doctor in the history of man kind. The 2 police officers provided comedic relief but it was easy to figure out their storyline. I figured out half way through what the dramatic scene was going to be.

Maybe I just expected more from Hallmark.

Ser'Darius Blain, who plays the EMT Wes, is the best part of this Hallmark holiday film around first responders in Philadelphia. The film would ask us to believe that Philadelphia is the best city to spend Christmas in...a fact that I would argue, especially with all of it's crime. The main storyline is around a new ER doctor Hannah who is new to town and Wes a Philadelphia native and EMT, who takes it upon himself to show her the city. There are some arguing neighbors that tie into a police storyline, a nurse who is missing her military daughter, and a wife and mother dealing with sending her son to college.

There is a fun cameo at the Philly cheesesteaks sandwich shop by the matron of the Kelce family, Donna.

I appreciated the film taking such pride in Philadelphia and trying to show it off in it's best light. I also really appreciated the showcase of a hospital storyline for those of us who sacrifice family time for the care of others on Christmas and lots of other holidays. It's because of this and of course Ser'Darius Blain that I recommend this to Hallmark holiday romance fans. It was slightly different than the usual formula and it tried to have just a little bit of fun.

Hallmark, we need to talk. Are we making real movies now? Ones with multiple, complex storylines that develop characters and aren't focused entirely on being cheesy? It seems that way! Christmas on Call gives us several storylines from the City of Brotherly Love that dip into real movie territory. It's a recommended movie.

Hannah (Sara Canning) is an ER doctor, which would seem really impressive until we meet her love interest Wes. Wes (Ser'Darius Blain) is an EMT, but also a veteran, volunteer at everything, singer, former firefighter, and all around good guy. Hannah is in her first year in a new city-Philadelphia-and a little homesick. Wes spends December apparently never sleeping, and showing Hannah what the city is all about.

You might remember Canning from Holiday Road (7 stars) or Wes from the Jimanji movies. These are legit actors, who turn in great performances.

We also follow Sanjay (Erik Athavle) and Danielle (Reena Jolly) as police officers who dated once. Despite all the crime in Philly (come on guys) they spend their patrol refereeing a neighborly dispute over lawn ornaments. Athavle is one of my favorites from Santa Summit - and he rocks a great stache in this one.

The cast in this movie is huge, but it's easy to keep track of. We get a father/daughter story (twice), a college-hopeful kid story, an EMT finding her way, an asthmatic patient who is going through a rough time, and a nurse whose daughter is in the military overseas.

You also can't miss Donna Kelce, yes Travis' mom and Taylor Swift's bestie, serving cheese stakes. I love that they actually call her Donna and she's wearing a Jason Kelcee Eagles jersey.

One note I'm sending into the world. Stop making Christmas karaoke a thing. It's not a thing and bad singers aren't fun.

Funny line: In one scene Hannah tells her dad, over the phone "I met someone" and she describes him a bit. And dad replies inquisitively and very loudly, "He?!" Like maybe the last person she met wasn't a "he." It was super awkward. I'm here for it, but the lead couple being two women seems like a million miles from where Hallmark plays. Prove me wrong, Gold Crown!! Prove me wrong.

Measuring Christmas Magic: Absolutely. Lots of establishing shots of Philadelphia, and scenes that are dripping in Christmas lights and joy.

Cast Kudos: Ser'Darius Blain as Wes. This guy does everything!

Alternative titles: Christmas and Cheesesteaks; Philadelphia Christmas; Philadelphia Med, Fire and PD for the holidays.

This movie was well done, the two leads had good chemistry and the story is about our everyday heroes. We take it for granted that the ambulance that comes to give us assistance is a vital part of our society but this movie paints a wonderful portrait of what they do every day. Of course when the emergency vehicle arrives it brings the patient to the hospital. This movie also paints a pleasant but important peak into some of the vital work that is done 24 seven in every hospital in the country. And of course there's the love story. This happens to be a wonderful and beautiful exchange between a white female and a black male. How refreshing to see multicultural leads in a story! Thank you Hallmark for being so brave in presenting the story of our everyday heroes!!

This Hallmark holiday romance takes place in Philadelphia, where a paramedic's job brings him into contact with a hospital physician. Wes (Ser'Darius Blain) is a native son of the City of Brotherly Love, and unattached. Hannah (Sara Canning) is new to the city. They both have demanding jobs with difficult schedules. When sparks fly between them, they have difficulty finding time to socialize, but they persevere.

There is a second story, about two cops who lost track of each other after a promising New Year's connection. Sanjay (Erik Athavale) says that he texted her later, only to be ghosted. Danielle (Reena Jolly) says she was ghosted by him. When work brings them together again, things are frosty for a while, but they warm up as they spend time together. Eventually, they solve the mystery of their earlier estrangement.

Though all four main characters have jobs that entail some stress, the film has a light tone. And it never feels like there is a lot of pressure to bring the couples together. The easy-going tone makes this an enjoyable film. And the surrounding cast fits well into this narrative.