A Cheerful Christmas

4/10 - the story was fine, but by God was the main character beyond irritating

Lauren's character is immature, unprofessional and annoying. There is absolutely no chemistry between her and James. The story line itself was a wonderful idea, but it's hard to get past the lack of maturity and how irritating they made Lauren's character. Enthusiasm for her job and love of Christmas is great. She is just too unlikable to enjoy the good movie.

Firstly, I can't help but wonder where this story was supposed to be set. (Obviously, it was filmed in Canada.) The Andersons moved from England, and Lauren's dad lives far away in Boston, but what does that mean about the location of the home? (and the frozen canal?) Secondly, Lauren was just too annoying to be likable. Seriously, many Hallmark main characters are pretty enthusiastic about Christmas, but this is different. Knowing even what she already knew about James/the Andersons, did she really have to ask about their preference for white or colored lights? Also, how did someone hire a "Christmas Coach" without making it clear that all they wanted was a decorator? And why does it take Lauren so long to get the hint? At times, she seemed like a broken record, had no common sense or emotional intelligence. This was not one of Hallmark's best.

I wouldn't even give this 1 star, I love all of the hallmark movies but this one was painful to watch !!

I am starting to wish Hallmark would not come to Ontario to film any Christmas movies. They just keep getting worse. Why is that? You save your absolute, most stupid stories for filming here? I would blame the cold temps for freezing the directors, actors and producers brains - but this is just crap writing and directing from the get go. Who approves these productions? I feel sorry for the actors, truly. It would be more enjoyable to just watch the winter scenery than to have to suffer through this horrid excuse of a movie. Enjoy the long view of the Rideau Canal, nothing else here worth watching.