The Christmas Club

Of course Hallmark have its standard list of go-to performers for its films, and they're great, but it is equally nice to see someone new pop up in one of them.

Enter Elizabeth Mitchell ('Santa Clause 2-3) here, and what a joy she is, allowing this to be a different sort of Hallmark film.

Ably supported by Hallmark regular Cameron Mathison (allowed to do more than just be an 'action man', as he normally seems to be cast as) this was lovely, with more depth than a standard one of these films.

One of the best festive films I saw in 2020.

It was a good movie, lacked some things but that happens. If you are going to make a movie with snow, please at least don't insult the viewers by the snow not even "landing" on the people, at least make it more realistic. Having it fake thru the screen only is ridiculous. There are snow machines and other technology that could make these winter scenes a lot better! This ridiculousness happens in 90% of these Christmas/Winter movies. A snow machine would definitely help! As for the movie itself, it was "ok". More and more of these movies are becoming too redundant. Expand a little HM and directors around the world!

This production was blessed by the good acting on the part of Cameron Mathison and Elizabeth Mitchell. They made a good match, and the story was very romantic. A slow development of their relationship with more than a hint of magic provided by the wonderful Gabrielle Rose. Two strangers, both missing true romantic love in their lives, team up to help a little old lady who lost her Christmas Club money. They give her $40.00, and from then on, magic follows them, and brings them together. It was something a little different from the typical cookie cutter offerings from Hallmark. It had some very imaginative and heartwarming plot points. Elizabeth was a little over-sensitive in parts; a little too fragile, but I guess that was her character. They did not drag the misunderstandings out too long. Probably not a re-watch, but I enjoyed it.

We've thought the 2019 crop of Hallmark Christmas movies has been pretty disappointing. This is the third one we like.

We liked Cameron Mathison in "A Christmas to Remember", and he came through again here, with a very similar performance. Elizabeth Mitchell is just as beautiful as we remember her from her Santa Clause roles.

This is a story of two people broken on love, and a chance(?) meeting which brings them together ... again and again and again.

The characters all have chemistry, which is essential for a romance, and the story has believability, despite the "magic lady" who drives the couple's fate.

I'm not sure if this is one we'll want to watch year after year, but we very much enjoyed one viewing.

These strangers cross paths again again and see the ripple effect of their generosity in their own lives and the lives of others. Very well done and I always love Elizabeth Mitchell!