Christmas by Chance

Should one approach this movie with a critical mind, there are lots of inconsistencies and the psychology of the characters would reveal quite flawed. Despite the background of the action, it is not a real Christmas movie. It would, rather, fall in the category of lukewarm romance. Happily, the story is reasonably fresh and the main characters likeable. What's more, it is one of the least offensive Lifetime productions of this season. Chance is a kind young woman who lives in her own world, mostly the past, somewhat defenseless in an evolving society. Yet, this is what makes her endearing. William is, perhaps, too soft as a dynamic, successful businessman. It is hard to comprehend the incredible lengths he goes, to propose to his model-girlfriend, who is clearly too absorbed in her ambitions to even consider a commitment. While this shows him clueless, it also proves he is a decent person whose heart is in the right place. It is almost unnerving to see him persist till the end on a misplaced pursuit, unable to see what is in front of his eyes. I guess the need for drama overcame logic, in the production. All said, the movie has some wit and good moments, the feelings are nice, and the predictable ending is appropriate for a show that wants to be no more than a gentle romantic tale.

This Toronto-area production follows a predictably Jane Austen-ish Christmas-movie plot. But it has an unusually strong Canadian cast, with Jacob Blair bringing the perfect look and demeanor as a patrician, slightly-clueless rich white dude.

Two things save this. First, there's an unusually funny set piece in which small-town female lead Chance (Winny Clarke) pretends to be a British noble. Second, there's the rest of the movie, in which blonde gal Clarke is completely upstaged by radiant Celine Tsai, exploding the typecast role of Single Asian Best Friend.

By 2021, we've finally got some fun comedy parodies of the Xmas-movie genre. But this one plays with the conventions subtly and almost unintentionally, and it's worth watching for those reasons alone.

This is a typical Christmas story based on the premise of a woman, Chance, hired by William to make a proposal to Leyla especially romantic. The story is nothing great. There are a few good gags and meanwhile the wrong couple forms a relationship.

I enjoyed good dialogue in this move with many clever and funny lines.

The other draw for me was the character of Chance played by Winny Clarke who is appealing and a bit quirky. Clarke also feels authentic is her serious scenes. She has chemistry with Jacob Blair

There's a scene near the end between Leyla and William which is like so many other movies. The thing is, this one feels honest too, not forced like almost every other one I've ever seen.

Who the HE double hockey sticks CAST THESE MOVIES????? The leading man is definitely not loved by the camera. He's so unattractive. Interview outside he's as pale as the snow behind him with his auburn hair. Not an attractive site.

My favorite Christmas movie of 2021 so far, and I have watched a lot! If you are looking for a sweet Christmas movie with a super-likeable lead character (plus an adorable puppy), you will love this. I was laughing at the little funny moments throughout the whole movie - especially those British accents! It's everything I was looking for in a Christmas romcom!