Holly and the Hot Chocolate

This story was dreamed up by Mr. QVC himself, David Venable, and he has a role in it, as well. I don't watch Hallmark movies because they all basically have the same plot. This short story (it's only a little over an hour) is very similar to them. It's a cute story, and I think it could have been better if it was longer. There was really not enough time to move the plot sufficiently. I will say that the one thing that was a true negative to me was the mayor character. The acting was bad, the character obnoxious, and the writing for it was poor. I was so surprised at how terrible that character was. The main actors were fine, and like I said, the story was cute. We love David in our house and think he's really a lovely person which is why we watched. I'm editing to add, I strongly disagree that it was the intent to poke fun at Hallmark movies. If you've listened to all DV has said about this movie and what it's meant to him, I find it hard to believe this was a knock on Hallmark. JMHO.

The folks panning this movie's story and dialog have completely missed the point. The film skewers the Hallmark style while at the same time celebrating it. The story is so obviously contrived as to stuff as many Hallmark tropes into one movie while subverting them in all the best ways. There are so many bad puns delivered with both straight face and tongue firmly planted in cheek. My wife and I laughed out loud at the tow truck owner's deliberately clueless business name as well the mayor saying "This is my favorite part of the movie!" The people involved in making this understood exactly what they were doing and seemed to have fun doing it.

I really liked this little movie. It's short; only 1 hour 6 minutes, but it was still enjoyable. I do think if they had added another 20-30 minutes they could have built up the romantic relationship better and just showcased the town and even the Inn more.

Yes, it's a bit low budget, but it just goes to show that a good team can produce something entertaining, even without a big Hollyweird budget. It's also very clean and wholesome (which I find refreshing and wish was not uncommon.) The characters are likable and there's some funny dialogue as well. The leads are both good and the mayor is hilarious. I really liked the mayor and his gigantic scissors, lol. Most of the secondary characters were fine, except the mother. She was annoying. The mechanic and his bucket of 'bad news canes,' was funny. He had good comedic timing.

I wish it had been longer. Maybe there will be more movies set in Pine Falls with these characters, or others like them. I hope to see more movies like this one.

We really enjoyed the humor in the movie and the cheeky dialogue poking fun at these "hallmark" holiday movies. The mayor character was great as he was tongue in cheek over the top and was meant to be. Finally a holiday movie that not taking itself seriously. Much better than any of this years so far hallmark Christmas movies we have watched that are interminably formula driven about people in huge houses, impeccably decorated, with stupid problems. The last movie hallmark movie Haul out the Holly was so bland and disappointing as love Lacey Chabert, that would watch Holly and the Hot Chocolate over again and again bf watch that one again! Looking forward to more Pine Falls stories and waiting for our David's hot chocolate to arrive!

I created and IMDB accout to review this near perfect christmas romcom (for the younger viewer). So pleasantly suprise by the quick banter and kitchy acting. I wish there were more films like this - trust me I checked.

It presents itself as a Hallmark film but is so much more. You can tell this came from a comedy mind. Shane would be proud. Good stuff.

To avoid spoilers - Just settle in, grab some cocoa, and watch it for yourself. It's a quick watch. I love that it is on nearly every streaming platform. A PLUS for accessibility. You won't be disappointed. Just watch the dang movie. Do it. Plz.