Was really quite surprised by 'On the 12th Date of Christmas'. In a very pleasant way. While there are plenty of at least watchable Hallmark Christmas films, there are very few that are great and some of them struggle to even reach mediocre. So this could have gone either way. The title was not as corny as other Hallmark Christmas titles and the premise was sort of intriguing, even if fairly typical but in a different setting/basic scenario.
'On the 12th Date of Christmas' is no award winner or a masterpiece, but that was not expected. It is not realistic to expect that from a Hallmark film, Christmas or otherwise. 'On the 12th Date of Christmas' is a very charming and surprisingly very well executed film by Hallmark standards, and not only is it one of the best 2020 Hallmark Christmas films (along with 'Cranberry Christmas' and 'Five Star Christmas') it is also close to being one of the overall best of their festive output.
Will agree that the side-plot was an odd distraction and felt irrelevant.
Also thought that Tyler Hynes' character took a while to get used to, he seemed too sullen and introverted at first. Not many surprises, quite easy to figure out how the loose ends were going to be tied up.
However, Mallory Jansen is perfectly cast and very charming and sincere. Once Hynes' character relaxes, Hynes also comes out of his shell and is every bit as likeable and honest. Their chemistry is very genuine and natural and it develops at a realistic rate. The film also makes the most out of it, and doesn't take too long to develop it or make it jump around. Jansen's character is a breath of fresh air while not being too perfect and Hynes' does become easier to like later. The supporting cast are solid and the characters engage and interest.
Did think that 'On the 12th Date of Christmas' looked good, especially the at its best picturesque photography. The music is fitting with the atmosphere and more subtle in placement and tone than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films, that are known for intrusive music. The dialogue has some corn but takes itself more seriously than most Hallmark films, with some welcome levity here and there, without being overly so and it has flow and heart. Also really liked that the film did something different from the usual formula and didn't execute it too conventionally, and did it in a way that was light-hearted and heart-warming.
Very well done all in all. 8/10.
