Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas

This is and interesting and fun little story although it seems like it may have been written in a hurry or unfinished. It's a Christmas buffet of (sometimes eye-rolling) connections and coincidences where the Characters are mysteriously brought together for Christmas at a cozy little Inn. The acting by Chabert and Huszar, along with a strong cast, still manage to make the movie enjoyable to watch

Lacey Chabert is great. She does so great in these movies and I love watching them during the holidays. The lead actor was great too. I really enjoyed the story, but the ending didn't quite hit like it should've. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads which saved this movie. I was rooting for all the characters. The supporting cast was enjoyable as well.

This was another romantic mystery movie put together by Hallmark. The snowfall inn was purchased by a former finance guy, Ben, after a bad breakup trying to recreate the happiness he experienced as a child at the inn. Sarah arrives at the end after receiving the stay as a gift...Sarah is a lawyer who lost her mom this last year and somewhere along the way lost the plans that she had made with her mom to share a practice. Sarah soon discovers that there are other guests at the inn who also received gift stays from the same mysterious benefactor. The other beneficiaries are a newly divorced dad with his teen daughter who he is struggling to connect with, a traveling musician who is newly widowed and lost the inspiration to perform, a newly divorced school teacher, and a salesman.

Each of these stories is looking for something this Christmas and they all discover that they all have a link to a single past Christmas at the Snowflake Inn.

The mystery of who brought this cast of characters together was the best part of this movie.

Not everyone likes sugary-sweet Hallmark movies that have every end tied up in a bow. Dramas have their time and place, and if you're on the lookout for a serious movie that leaves you more somber than uplifted, check your tv guide for Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas. You'll see Hallmark's darling, Lacey Chabert, but it's quite a drama.

Five people are sent mysterious, anonymous invitations to spend Christmas at a bed & breakfast inn. They each accept, for various reasons. They each carry their own sadness in their hearts, which are revealed throughout the film. Family tensions, loss of loved ones, and loneliness permeate, so that even though there is a bit of romance and some budding friendships, you still feel sad. I'm not criticizing the movie; but if you're expecting Lacey's cheerful smile and giggle throughout the ninety minutes, you'll be extremely disappointed. It's actually a very good drama, but it's not one that will be enjoyed by everyone at Christmastime. For those who do enjoy it, it'll probably be one of your favorites.

Hallmark have varied massively when it comes to their Christmas films, but have been pleasantly surprised by some of those from 2020, considering that any films were even made during these circumstances that year by them was something of a miracle. Other than Hallmark completest sake and that they have done some good and more Christmas films and films in general, my main reason for watching this was the always worth watching Lacey Chabert (one of the most popular Hallmark actresses for good reason).

'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' impressed me on the whole. It is not quite one of the very best 2020 Hallmark films, Christmas and overall, it is in the better end. 'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' is flawed in terms of story (then again that is not uncommon for Hallmark, but this time it's relatively different reasons than most), but the performances and atmosphere in particular more than made up for any misgivings. It is certainly in my mind a good representation of what Chabert's appeal is.

It isn't perfect by all means. The ending agreed is much too rushed and reliant on too neat coincidence and while being usually a non-fan of open-ended endings, this is agreed a case of it being a better way to end if included.

Did think too that it is a bit of a slow starter and some of the dialogue has degrees of awkwardness.

However, a lot works very well. Chabert is her usual perky, charming self and Stephen Huszar is a subtly easy going leading man. Their chemistry is understated but natural and genuine, which is more than good enough for me when watching a Hallmark film (as long as there is some form of chemistry that makes me happy). Lini Evans is solid support and it was interesting seeing Peter Kelamis in a non-voice acting role.

Furthermore, the film pleases visually, lovely festive locations attractively and never drably or garishly shot. The music isn't as intrusive as it tends to be with Hallmark while the direction gets the job done well. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow when it becomes more settled. The story is not too heavy while taking itself seriously and is both warm-hearted and has a light touch when necessary, the gentle charm and sincere sweetness more than ideal. The mystery element while not innovative is intriguing and investable, the twist did surprise.

Overall, solidly executed effort. 7/10.