Christmas in Montana

I live in California and visit Montana regularly to visit my family. This is exactly how every visit is with the love of community and passion for the holiday. This movie forecasts what my family will be doing in 8 days. Grateful for the great actors and the diversity they brought to Mt. -C

If this were the only Christmas movie of the year, it would be fine. This is exactly the same story as countless other Christmas movies on most of the regular Christmas movie channels. There is very little tension beyond save-our-ranch. There isn't even a romantic rival. There is no one to hate. What conflict exists is manufactured in one character's head. Even the resolution has been done many times. Take any of the previous save-our-something stories and pull out plot threads and lump them into this movie. The viewer can almost outline the story in detail.

What makes these movies enjoyable for me is the relationships. Kellie Martin and Colin Ferguson are reliable stars in this type of movie and they do fine in this one. The chemistry between them starts almost from the beginning and changes nature but continues over the movie. Even when there is an adversarial nature in the beginning, the two are connecting. Ferguson is especially well cast as a laid back good-natured rancher. I liked the dialogue, especially some of the quips early on which extended even to the surrounding family members. I also really liked Ava Preston as Chloe.

One thing that usually impresses me in Hallmark movies is breathtaking scenery. This movie is about Montana. I expected a lot more than there was. There were a few shots, but is seemed stingy.

I can see why many avid Christmas movie fans were hard on this movie, but it wasn't so much that the movie was bad as it just didn't have anything different.

Sara (Kellie Martin) is a widow with a pre-teen daughter, Chloe. Both of them are still smarting from the loss of their husband and father, even though its been a year or two. As such, Sara is a new workaholic who specializes in helping struggling businesses find ways to increase revenue and cut costs. Unbelievably, her boss sends her to Big Fork Montana, to help a three generation cattle ranch. The man who is now in charge, Travis (Colin Ferguson) has sound business sense but also gives some of his assets away, like free Xmas trees for the the townfolk and a free holiday party for the same crowd. Initially, Sara thinks this is way too much but once she sees how everyone in the community pulls together and helps each other, she changes her mind a bit. Chloe loves the area and makes friends while Travis' charms are mighty powerful for Sara's heart. Will Travis have to sell some of his precious acres or will Kellie come up with other ideas, even as Travis obviously is drawn to her, also? First, Colin Ferguson is one of my favorite stars and I would watch anything and everything he appeared in. His good looks and humorous manner just send me in orbit. Likewise, Martin is a fine performer with a sweet and understated delivery. Montana looks so beautiful folks will want to book a trip soon after a view while the plot and script have nice touches of fun. How many Hallmark films can you watch? If you are like me, there is no limit.

I admit, the Halmark Christmas films, in many occasions, for me are a sort of junk food. Nice but not healthy. And, absolutely , not recomanded. But Christmas in Montana represents an exception. For the couples, acting, Montana spirit itself and for the lovely - touching eulogy of family. Enough for see it again. And, sure , for the admirable job of Art Hindle - Victoria Snow,Colin Ferguson - Kellie Martin and for Ava Preston. Not the last, for the garland Christmas tree from barn. So, just inspired.

I thought I won't like this movie but I was young the actors were amazing and the story was amazing with no cliches