User reviews

Saw 'Christmas Town' namely because Christmas is my favourite time of year, always has been and always will be without fail, with so many fond memories associated with it. It was also one of many Christmas films seen for the first time this year, and most released this year, to have a change from the usual traditions (while still continuing those of course) and to distract myself from all the health difficulties suffered this year.

This Christmas film quest (and my next batch of reviews are going to be for the films in question, so a Christmas film review project) has been a mixed bag, some have been surprisingly good, some watchable if average and some mediocre or less. 'Christmas Town' turned out to be one of the better films in this quest. Not a masterpiece in any shape or form and won't be a personal favourite, but it did well with what it set out to do, didn't try to do more than needed and at least seemed to know what to do with itself. This is coming from somebody who loves film, television of all genres and decades, so somebody that aims to have as varied a film taste as possible.

'Christmas Town' is not for those that dislike cliche overload, with most of the characters and situations as cliched as they come it does make things very predictable.

Others have picked up too on the lack of realism understandably, some sloppy attention to detail here regarding the cat, the permanent address situation. Tim Rozon is also a bit bland and his performance could have done with more emotion.

Anybody that wants their hearts warmed and wants to be charmed for a couple of hours, while seeing something inoffensive and something different on the television are likely though to find much to like about 'Christmas Town'. The odd parts of sloppy editing aside, the film looks quite good with a quite picturesque setting that makes one want to be there. The soundtrack creates nostalgia and puts a smile on the face.

While the dialogue is not what one would call amazing, it is not as cheesy or as forced as a lot of festive films or films with similar story types. The story is formulaic, but is also immensely charming and heart-warming. There is nothing mean-spirited about it and it is genuinely moving without going overboard on the sentimentality, the letters and angel symbolism were poignantly integrated into the story. Some nice romantic chemistry can be seen and the character interaction is natural. Candace Cameron Bure is a big reason as to why 'Christmas Town' works, she has a likeable character worth identifying with and Bure is just beguiling.

Summing up, not great but a very pleasant watch and one of the better recent Christmas film viewings. 7/10

There is no Christmas on Hallmark without Candace Cameron Bure. And she has a better than average movie this year. Losing her parents when she was young a teacher finds herself in a small town for Christmas and like the town and takes to a foster kid. There is a romance too but it's the secondary thing in this movie for a change.

This might possibly be my favorite hallmark Christmas movie to date. Candace Cameron Bure was her usual fabulous self, but what really got to me was the wonderful tale of foster care and adoption that was woven throughout this story. Don't worry there is plenty of Christmas activities and Christmas decorations...and a love story, but what made this "more" besides the well rounded cast creating what felt like honest friendship was the lesson about what makes a family and how important and special that is to a child in the foster care system. (FYI: Candace's hair looked fabulous in this film.) If you want a feel good Christmas movie that might make you cry, but in a good way...this could be the film for you!

Cute Hallmark Christmas movie but full of plot holes. There were the issues with the cat and the issues with the angel that others have brought up. But the letters he obviously wrote before he died which means he either KNEW or felt strongly that he was dying. Which begs the question: He obviously spent a lot of time and energy on the letters even ensuring they would all be mailed at the appropriate time. Why didn't he spend any time on making provisions for his daughter so she didn't end up in foster care? My other complaint is about Gloria, the teacher who up and retires. I'm a teacher and I know you don't just make the decision one day. It requires preparation, an application and it can't be both "early " retirement and "it was time." Pick a lane. Oh and the idea of her being approved so quickly to adopt, especially during the holidays when everything slows down with no home visit is simply ludicrous.

Isn't anyone supposed to notice she has a cat that hasn't been fed since she started her trip and has no litter box? 😄😄

Christmas Town (2019) -

I fell in love with Tim Rozon when I first saw him as Mutt in 'Schitt's Creek' (2015-20) and he was even cuter in this. I'd have grabbed him and not let him go from the first moment I saw him, but that's just me I suppose.

Candace gave her usual well rounded performance too and overall the cast did a good job.

It was the typical story, that was actually far too convenient in a lot of ways and the town was far too friendly and kind to be real (Sadly), but wouldn't it be nice if there really were places like that? My teeth would fall out from the sweetness, but I'd probably enjoy it for at least a year or so.

The disagreement that they had was daft and I think that the writers need to work on that, because it seems to be happening a lot lately. They should have given them something to properly get upset about in order to see how true their love really was.

This was one of the films of this type that had obviously had a bit more thought and maybe money put in to it, so even though it was too good to be true and a formulaic romance, it wasn't offensive and had a cheer and jolly nature that was pleasant to watch. I particularly liked the idea of fate/destiny playing a hand in them coming together.

6.75/10.

Candace Cameron Bure gave her best performance in this movie. She was a convincing character looking for more in life. Her life's challenges brought her to the perfect place with a special job to do to achieve a fulfilling life. The romantic lead of Tim Rozon was the exact balance to Bure's character. He was a striking, levelheaded man not the usual Hallmark hunks that are acting voids. Rozon's strong character and solid performance along with a caring Bure, makes you cheer for their characters Travis and Lauren to get it right. Dylan, Jesse Filkow, was the best young actor's performance this season. He was gutsy yet a kind and caring youth. The rest of the cast were superb.The setting of the town would make a Hallmark card proud. A terrific story presented in an even tone and does not over do it- A fine production. I will watch this movie again and it is now a Christmas favorite for years to come. A true Hallmark quality movie. Thank you.

The main thought in my mind during this Christmas movie is 1 - who fed the cat 2 - how did it manage staying cooped up in a cage or room without a kitty litter box?

Usual warm hearted Christmas fare

Hallmark regular Candace Cameron Bure plays the part of Lauren Gabriel, a teacher who has accepted a new job in a new city. On her way there, she stops in the town of Grandon Falls and discovers some things she was not looking for. Through her father, she has a connection to this place known as "Christmas Town", and it will come full circle.

The plot of this holiday story is simple, but it touches on most of the values that Hallmark stands for: family, love, belonging, traditions, and making memories.

Cameron Bure feels at home in this tale of tinsel. The supporting cast helps create a town of goodwill from the writer's words.

The final shot looks like a Hallmark card. How perfect.

Several people mentioned the cat situation and I noticed it also, but did it bother anyone else that a woman could adopt a child without a permanent address or even a bed for her child to sleep in? Also, to me, the word "cafe" implies real food and it never showed anybody eating or cooking anything other than cookies and cupcakes at the Christmas Cafe. Isn't that just a bakery?

Pleasant, well-done story, but with a question. The main star states her dad died when she was 6 , but she reads a letter from him that wishes her a "Happy Sweet 16". Is it me?

One of the best yet of the season. Candace was believable and the story was heartwarming!

Candace Cameron Bure brings us this heartwarming story. Each part of the story is intricately woven together to reveal a beautiful ending. I loved the way her late father's letters written before his passing, helped guide her decisions through out her lifetime. I also loved the inclusion of praying and hope. Well done!

6/10 - cliché fun with the incomparable Candace Cameron Bure

It's a tradition for any Hallmark fan to watch the new Candace Cameron Bure movies during Christmas. Last year, she starred in Christmas Town, and while it was entertaining, it's easy to see it would be nothing without her. She has that special Christmas spirit that makes any Hallmark movie better, doesn't she?

In this one, she plays a city girl excited to further her career. In other words, in Hallmark language, she needs to get her priorities in order. While on her journey to her new city, she stops in a small town. Do you think she'll stay forever? Maybe you've seen too many Hallmarks. Certain scenes are very charming, but others are very unrealistic, like melting the heart of an elderly woman in a way that would be considered invasive in the real world. But if you want to see Candace with darker hair, and if you want to pretend the town charms her (instead of her charming the town), check your tv schedule for the next airing.

We're fans of Candace Cameron Bure. My favorite of her Christmas movies is probably the one where she is a nurse who travels forward in time.

I just found this film to be uninspiring. I understand she had an awakening to family in the small town, and good for that character. However, nothing about the story carried enough weight or tension to involve my interest. Even her meeting with the cliched "break up ex" just wasn't there -- probably because no actor in the entire movie ever expressed any strong emotion -- and that's been a "Hallmark" of this year's Hallmark Christmas films.

This movie isn't a waste of time, if you had NOTHING better to watch, but it's not anything we'll care to watch a second time.

Before I get into the review, here are my ratings for the movie.

The story gets 1 out of 2: The Direction a 1.25: The Pacing receives a 1.25: While the Acting gets 1.25: And my Enjoyment level earns a 1.25 out of 2: This brings the total for Christmas Town to 6 out of 10.

Here is yet another Chrimbo Telly Flick. And, to be honest, you've seen it all before, and, done better. That doesn't mean Christmas Town is a bad film or not worth watching. Even though the writers Wesley Bishop and Donald Martin hash together every conceivable Christmas Genre Cliché, though the novelist Donna VanLiere may be responsible for them, it's still an enjoyable film.

So here are the cliches - Girl leaves boyfriend and moves out of town for a new job; because the man doesn't want a family yet - Train makes an impromptu stop before her destination, dropping her off at a town that loves Christmas (Isn't this every American village. If we believe the movies?) - A handsome stranger, who she confuses with a Taxi driver, offers his help in transporting her into town - There's no room at the Inn, but a local shop owner offers her his loft room to bunk in - There's a Christmas Café selling the Best Christmas Cookie's ever baked, and in this shop is a picture of her long-dead father - In the picture is the Angel he bought for her on his last Christmas; the one that broke and he returned to the shop in town to be repaired - The shop she in which she is now loft-living - The handsome stranger returns with his son, who he is fostering; how perfect is this guy, and we learn she too was an orphan, and in the system.

And this is just the first ten minutes, Wow!

The most satisfying thing about the story is that no matter how outlandish it gets, we go along with it. Because like a turkey. it's suffused delicious things. In this instance, it's brimming with heartwarming goodwill and cheery remembrances.

And, David Weaver, the director, continues these feelings throughout the film. There's snow and fairy lights abound, and when the sun radiates it's golden hues stroke the land. Everything in the film is lush and lavish, the ideal settings for a Christmas Tale.

Warner opts to keep the storytelling to a steady trot, which maintains the films smooth flow. The pace also helps to interrupt the audiences thought processes. Because, if you thought too hard about it you'd realise the story is complete hogwash. Not only for the cliches but for all the continuity errors. Keep it fast, entertaining, and interesting and you can get away with murder. And it works.

Thankfully, the cast is excellent in their roles. Candace Cameron Bure makes a lovely cat-woman spinster, Lauren. Tim Rozon is the ideal Handsome Stranger, Travis. These two work well together and help to make their unbelievable romance believable. There's a nice easy chemistry between the couple and helps to fortify the atmosphere of the film.

So pick up the eggnog, grab the duvet and your beloved and settle down in front of the telly for a romantic Christmas evening. Don't forget to soften the lights and turn on your twinklies. If you enjoy your Chrimbo movies then this is for you. As with most things romantic, it's best to leave your brain at the door, and enjoy.

Jump into a tall handsome strangers truck and come look-see at my Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Belles list at where the Broken Angel crashed into my rankings.

Take Care & Stay Well & Happy Christmas.

Not one of Hallmark's best productions, but worth watching if nothing else but to keep you in the Christmas spirit. The scenery is terrific. Although the leading man's performance was very listless (in my opinion, he was miscast for that role), the other key characters all performed well, especially Candace who clearly has star power.

This was one of the best 2019 Hallmark Christmas Movies. Touched my heart in many ways. Candace Cameron Bure, Tim Rozon, Jesse Filkow and all the other actors in the movie did an awesome job, great acting. Loved the storyline.