Natal Para Sempre

The actors deserve so much better than this. I faithfully watch all the films of this type every year, but this one is just trying too hard and not succeeding. All the conversations bring up a topic that seems like it should move the plot forward, but then someone leaves the room and nothing moves forward. That is not banter. I quit 25 minutes in. It's just poor writing. I really hope Ali Stroker gets to be in another one of these (or that Broadway reopens). If you like the leading man, watch him in Chicago Fire or Major Crimes. This movie just doesn't work.

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!

This is a decent Lifetime Christmas movie, not one of the best nor one of their worst this season. And it gives wheelchair users some representation on screen in this genre of film, which is a plus. In this one, a romance novelist (Izzi) heads off on her yearly Christmas getaway. Unfortunately, she has missed a deadline for her book, thus must spend her holiday finishing it. To her surprise, the owner's son (Matt) has taken over the Inn, and he happens to look like the protagonist in her book (on the cover of her books, that is). Shortly thereafter, the two start to develop a connection, a relationship as they take part in the towns Christmas festivities. It is a lovely romance story, and the movie does give off a warm Christmas vibe during the last 40 minutes or so. The script too was decent. There were a couple of scenes with some fun and entertaining dialogue (e.g., the scene where she complains about the floor not squeaking and meets Matt, some witty lines in that scene). However, I found the first 30 minutes difficult to engage with; i.e., the story did not pull me in. I had to stop myself a couple of times from multitasking. It was not until Izzi agreed to help Matt with the Christmas lights competition that I finally started to connect with the film. The acting, overall, was good. Ali Stroker (playing Izzi) had a very strong performance. I thought she had some very good dialogue and exchanges with Daniel di Tomasso (playing Matt). He had a strong yet gentle and sincere presence on screen, I felt. The chemistry between the two was also pretty good. As I alluded to above, I thought Stroker had a very convincing performance here. Her dialogue and exchanges came off as genuine and heartfelt on screen. The supporting cast was a bit mixed. Bill Marchant's performance (playing Bob, Matt's father and former Inn owner) was difficult to watch at times. His lines and exchanges often felt forced and exaggerated, which made for some awkward scenes, I felt. Melia Charlotte Cressaty (playing Matt's daughter), on the other hand, had a very cute performance. The scenery, props, and sets were charming and festive. As I noted above, the movie had a warm Christmas vibe to it, which is partly due to the cozy Christmas atmosphere at the inn and village. All in all, it is a pretty good Christmas movie, especially the last 40 minutes or so. Well worth a watch, I'd say.

Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Christmas Ever After.

Story: 1.50/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.75/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.50/2

Total 7/10

Christmas Ever After is a coincidental tale of romance and family. And having experienced plenty of chance meetings and fluke opportunities in my life, I have a warm place in my heart for this type of story, especially if the coincidences smack of truth, which these, on the whole, do. I also adored how the writers portrayed romance novelist Izzi Simmons. Though confined to a wheelchair, the only disability she has is the inability to choose the right man: Because Izzi is looking for perfection in Mr Wright. But, like I always say, "I'm perfect because I know my imperfections". Perfection is an impossible yardstick to measure by, but it's amusing to watch her try. Will she change her Mr Wright wishlist? When she meets the doppelgänger of the Icon of Romance himself, Matt, Izzi finally realises the truth of the human soul; we are imperfect, and that imperfection may be just what the author needs. The director has a marvellous talent for imbuing the picture with warmth, whether it's through relationships or visualisations; Christmas Ever After was a joy to watch. I especially like the typing scenes where the narration appears on the screen. The director chose the correct font to accent the romance and the right colour to tie in with the warm tones of Izzi's romantic writing room. It emphasises how much work has gone into the picture. And the exceptional work comes not only from the writers and director but also from the splendid cast. No one outshines the other, as they're on an equal skill footing. And for this style of story, it's perfect.

If you are looking for a charmingly heartwarming movie this Christmastime, you could do much worse than Christmas Ever After. It's witty, well thought-out, exquisitely directed, and marvellously acted. It's a fine film to cuddle up with your loved one while sipping a mug of hot chocolate on a cold and dreary day.

Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.

Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.

I don't know why they bothered to put the main character in a wheelchair and then put her in the middle of such an inaccessible town! From the inn with stairs and no wheelchair ramp, to the boxes blocking her access to the Christmas tree, to the lack of ramps around town, whoever created the scenes had no consideration for people with disabilities. There aren't many scenes of her doing things adapted for her disability, like putting on a coat. I'm also disappointed that the location where it was shot didn't jump at the chance to be made more accessible. The plot was cute, if a little schmalzy, I was just so distracted by the flaws that it took away from the story. And I'm an able-bodied person! I don't know why more people haven't seen what I see.