Natal Para Sempre

The 2020 Lifetime Christmas efforts did vary and often veered between mediocre and slightly above average and were indicative at times of rushed productions. But there were enough of them that were still watchable and more (was pleasantly surprised by some) and were not amateur efforts. Actually think on reflection that the standard was of better quality than 2019's batch. 'Christmas Ever After' sounded promising and really appreciated its inclusion of diversity by having one of the main characters wheelchair-bound.

'Christmas Ever After' turned out to be very nicely done. Is one of the better ones and has one particularly big surprise that was not expected at all. Is it a great film? No, none of the 2020 Lifetime Christmas films are though in all fairness. Is it worth watching? Absolutely yes (as is enough of this particular batch), and one of the recently seen Christmas films that surprised me a lot. While not everything in 'Christmas Ever After' works, a lot does and very well indeed.

Am going to start with what could have been better. The plot is nothing special formula-wise and in terms of how it maps out. It's another film that is a bit of a slow starter, where it takes time to set up and the dialogue is on the awkward side.

Do agree that Bill Marchant is too over the top in his role and came over as annoying. The ending felt too hasty.

However, a lot is good. Ali Stroker's performance was courageous and heartfelt, as well as easy to endear to. Daniel Di Tomasso matches her in charm and his gentle warmth and sincerity help him come over as very likeable. Their chemistry is beautifully done, tasteful and sympathetic with no judgement and they are very natural together. Melia Charlotte Cressaty is adorable without being too cute. Lifetime have always varied when it comes to having characters that are interesting and worth caring for, 'Christmas Ever After' is a case of both.

Visually, the film is professional looking rather than looking on the cheap, the scenery is lovely. The music is not used too much and has an appropriate sound. The direction shows somebody at ease with the genre and while there is nothing innovative it's not routine or dull either. Furthermore, a great job is done with the Christmas atmosphere, where it does feel like Christmas and in an affectionate way. Some lovely Christmas touches, especially in the second half, and there are some very sweet, but not sickly, scenes. The script did have a nice mix of funny and poignant lines, especially the banter between the leads. The story may be thin but has a warm heart and charm and doesn't take itself too seriously. While the first quarter is not easy to get into at first, a vast majority of the second half is great.

Overall, well done. 7/10.

This is indeed a very good effort. The dialogues and the performances were decent and natural, so was the chemistry between the two leading actors. The matter of diversity was handled with dignity and discretion. Well done! A must see for these holidays! Happy new year everyone!

As someone who consumes these holiday movies - Hallmark, Lifetime and now Netflix, every year, I will say Christmas Ever After is definitely one of my favorites this year. Great diverse representation, cute story theme with an out-of-town novelist, and single dad, both in their own waves looking for an opportunity to experience or re-experience love. I enjoyed the quirky banter between Izzi (Ali Stoker) and Matt (Daniel di Tomasso) - I think Daniel did a great job of showcasing Matt's almost shy hesitancy to acknowledge his growing feelings for Izzi. The actress playing Matt's daughter was adorable and hilarious. Also, the fact that the movie featured a heroine in wheelchair without making that the center of the story was so well done. The only thing I thought could have been done better was the ending, it was a bit rushed or perhaps I just wanted to spend some more time with these characters. I have had this movie on repeat on my DVR and recommending it to friends as well!

I watch a lot of Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies. So much so, I'm fairly jaded about them. Purely from the "TV Christmas movie" perspective, this is a decent one-time watch with a typical Christmas/snowy setting and appealing leads that had good chemistry together. The plot was minimal and unoriginal. A romance writer goes on a holiday retreat to help cure her writer's block. It turns out the inn's new owner looks just like the hero of her romances, as depicted on all the covers. He's also a single dad with a cute little girl in the mix.

This movie would have rated a 6/10 for me as a perfectly watchable TV Christmas romance. But it earned an additional star for having a female lead who is in a wheelchair. Interestingly, that never came up at all in the plotline. It was not a consideration in the romance or even mentioned by the love rival. I think that was a good call.

This movie will mean a great deal to many people. Thank you, Lifetime.

Ali Stroker is wonderful! She's a talented actress and a great singer. This year there is an obvious, and sometimes controversial, agenda of casting in the name of diversity, and they've struck gold here. That is NOT to suggest that the ONLY reason she was cast is tokenism, because she completely makes this movie. She's beautiful, energetic, funny and even with some weaknesses in some of the other cast, she makes this a movie worth watching. Well done!