I usually love this kind of formulaic movie and watch them in a knowing but uncritical way, but I found it really hard to get past the director casting himself as the romantic lead opposite a woman 16 years younger. His heavy makeup doesn't help make it less weird, I just kept staring at his eyeliner.
I think if he'd cast someone 15 years older as his opposite it would have been a more convincing romance, and she would have been a more convincing character. We're supposed to believe she's a well-known and experienced pastry chef, so it would have fitted the character well to be a bit older.
Anyway, aside from the leads being casting missteps it's ok, the rest of the cast are fine and I've had a soft spot for Colin Mochrie ever since 'Who's Line is it Anyway?' so it was nice to see him.
It's pretty much what you signed up for in terms of plot. The cranky person is cranky, the little child is cute, the comic relief is comic - the formula does it's job. The drama features particularly low stakes, but it's still friendly and warm and has lots of bells in the music, garland in the decorations, and a scene where people make gingerbread.
And of course there's a cute little snowy town, but I've noticed that all the Hallmark Christmas movies seems to be using the same unconvincing snow special effect this year - I guess they want to get the most out of the plugin they bought for After Effects!
I think if he'd cast someone 15 years older as his opposite it would have been a more convincing romance, and she would have been a more convincing character. We're supposed to believe she's a well-known and experienced pastry chef, so it would have fitted the character well to be a bit older.
Anyway, aside from the leads being casting missteps it's ok, the rest of the cast are fine and I've had a soft spot for Colin Mochrie ever since 'Who's Line is it Anyway?' so it was nice to see him.
It's pretty much what you signed up for in terms of plot. The cranky person is cranky, the little child is cute, the comic relief is comic - the formula does it's job. The drama features particularly low stakes, but it's still friendly and warm and has lots of bells in the music, garland in the decorations, and a scene where people make gingerbread.
And of course there's a cute little snowy town, but I've noticed that all the Hallmark Christmas movies seems to be using the same unconvincing snow special effect this year - I guess they want to get the most out of the plugin they bought for After Effects!