Christmas Love Letter

Are there two movies with this title? I have to wonder as if I had taken notice of the earlier reviews I wouldn't have watched this movie and that would have been a shame. Ok it's the usual formula, we know that before we start and yes the children can be a little over the top BUT all in all this is a bright, happy movie with a lot of laughs along the way. I thought all the actors did a great job. I have watched worse this season and a couple I didn't get past the first 15 minutes. This one was no effort at all. I'm sure others will enjoy as I did.

'Christmas Love Letter' is another one of those Lifetime Christmas films to have a rather cheesy and uninspired title, but also have a story that potentially could be quite charming and sweet. There never has been any bias against Lifetime's output, much of it is formulaic sure and some of it has just as much corny and schmaltz of that of Hallmark's but with the right leads and the right amount of charm and heart they can have some likeability. Provided that not too much is expected from it.

Didn't expect a massive amount from 'Christmas Love Letter' and overall got a film that isn't that bad in the way that has been said by some. But it is to me still isn't a good film, if people think otherwise fair enough and good for them, and do actually agree with the criticisms that have been cited. Not one of the worst of Lifetime's Christmas output of 2019 or overall. Also not one of the best on both counts, somewhere around low middle if anything.

The film is not a complete waste of time. It is lifted from what could have been near-unwatchable to semi-watchable by the engaging lead performances of Ashley Newbrough and Tilky Jones. Jones' character Ian is a lot more likeable from the start, as Amelie took a bit of time to warm to but she began more likeable as she softened. They did seem natural together, although the flawed way the relationship was written stopped them from completely igniting.

It is a pleasant looking film, especially the scenery. The music is pleasant enough, and is not as constant or intrusive as with other Lifetime efforts, and the robot dog is a lot of fun.

However, 'Christmas Love Letter' could have been a lot better. Newbrough and Jones' chemistry, despite having moments, never completely gelled and it is all down to how their relationship was written. Another case of it moving too quickly, not having anywhere enough development due to being introduced too late and underuse. Do agree that Izzy Herbert is far from endearing and over-compensates, really did find her irritating. The rest of the cast are okay but nobody else stands out and the character writing is sketchy and Lifetime cliches.

Something that can sum up 'Christmas Love Letter' quite well, cliched. Some familiar (well actually well worn out) story tropes here, all predictably executed. The first portions are slow and quite thinly plotted, uneventful at times, and some decision making (i.e. packing up her job just like that) seemed contrived. The script lays it on too thick with the corn and slushy schmaltz, not unexpected but it was overkill in places. The film doesn't get off to a particularly good start, very cheesy and quite dull, while the ending is rushed and too tidy.

Altogether, lacklustre but one can do with a lot worse. 4/10

This movie has a cute premise but plays like it was written by someone who does entirely too much online shopping....I mean dating.....NEXT!

The female lead goes straight from a failed, but much wanted, marriage proposal to hunting the person who sent an unsigned love letter the very next day with not so much as a misty eye. With that kind of romantic conviction, what could go wrong?...Right?

The male lead's character has a brilliant young daughter, a very lifelike (because it is in fact alive) robotic dog, absolutely no spine, and little to no self respect as the female lead. When they inevitably get to get together, rather than the feel-good ending you're looking for, you wind up with a.....meh

The acting is good but the story is flawed. Even so, I think it's still worth watching but don't get too excited

Great plot and actors. Very light, entertaining comedy romance film. I enjoyed it very much!

There's a slow start. Then there is a bad start. A really bad start. I hate the failed-he's-going-to-propose especially when the guy isn't just lame, but cliche lame. (He doesn't even realize they broke up.) I think it was supposed to be funny. I'd just prefer they left that whole exchange out.

The movie also starts with a whole need-a-column-by-Christmas premise. The unsigned letter/love-letter angle isn't new either, although it is a little less trampled as a premise. Combined with search-for-secret-admirer and it's a little more common, but still not obscenely overused.

There's a lot more lame and way too many more cliches and a lot of the acting isn't great in a lot of cases. Oddly, there's some funny dialogue in with the lame, so the movie isn't a total loss, especially if you like that type of humor that leans toward exaggerated rather than subtle..

Despite all the lame, overused , and totally predictable elements, I'm glad I hung on to the end. There were some sweet, interesting, and not so predictable moments. And it was put together well.

I also like Ashley Newbrough although I have a hard time putting my finger on what about her. Maybe it's the fact that she isn't 40 or older like so many of Hallmark's regulars (yes I know this movie is Lifetime). Maybe it's that she seems to connect easily with her opposites consistently.

Movies often thrown in "cute" kids as an extra hook. This one is a little above average on that front. Izzy Herbert doesn't do a great acting job, but she does enough to make her role count.