Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late last year through to early this year, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all.
'A Christmas to Remember' as far as Hallmark's Christmas films go fares quite well and is definitely worth watching and remembering. It is not flawless or a classic, but have come overtime to not expect any of those things watching a Hallmark Christmas film and have always tried to not judge them too seriously. Have seen the two leads in other things and they have shown that they can be good with the right material, which they do have once 'A Christmas to Remember' gets going.
It is a bit slow to begin with, the set up taking a little too long and Mira Sorvino's character is not easy to warm to at first.
Some of the dialogue early on is pretty ropey too, the cheese really stinking up the room. The music could have been toned down too tonally and in placement, too constant and too loud.
However, it is worth sticking with 'A Christmas to Remember' if in any initial doubt as to me it did get a lot better. The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments. The dialogue is not great to begin with but improves when the plot properly kicks in, not being too sweet and it flows at least.
Furthermore, the story is light-hearted and really warms the heart without going into over-saccharine territory. The characters were on the most part ones easy to get behind and carry the film well. The acting is well above average, with Sorvino being very engaging once her character became easier to warm to and expressive. Even better is charming Cameron Mathison and the two have genuine and natural chemistry together. Hallmark have a variable track record when it comes to child acting performances (Lifetime more so), but the children here are great. They are not too cute and are not bratty either.
Concluding, worthwhile and worth remembering if not quite a must watch. 7/10
