Christmas CEO

I don't know if it was the actor, Paul Greene, the writers or the director, but i found his character very unlikeable. Paul was stiff and unrefined. His character was narcissistic and crude. The other characters gave good performances and were the only reason i finished the movie. Marisol Nichols was especially good. The ending was unrealistic & unsatisfying.

The premise has been done, sort of. Joe holds Christie's business hostage so that she has to help him with a charity gig.

I didn't see a lot of Chemistry between Nichols and Greene. As much as I loved Nichols' last Christmas movie, I don't think she was cast right for this one. Christie's personality is too hesitant for a CEO, not only in action but in the harried, almost frightened look she has most of the time. She is supposed to start out as totally numbers driven, the brains behind the business side, but it just doesn't fit.

Joe is the opposite. He is scornful of not just making a profit, but of even considering economic reality at all. I can't like this matchup in the long run.

The niece is a breath of fresh air in the movie.

This Hallmark holiday romance lacks chemistry between the two romantic leads, but follows an unsurprisingly plot to be a moderately entertaining story. The part-owner of a toy company hopes to merge with a larger company, but needs the signature of the other owner of her company, who is now estranged from her.

One highlight is the young actress Veronica Marin-Estrada, who is debuting in this film.

The story wraps up much as expected, but never delivers the emotional satisfaction of many other Hallmark films.

Paul Greene is personable enough! Marisol Nicols is bubbly when needed. They don't click romantically.

The storyline would have worked with other leads.

Now that Hallmark needs to virtue signal with POC checks the 2021 box. Christmas' niece, on queue, acts angry and switches to convivial. Check. I wanted this to succeed, but felt more like paint drying instead of holiday cheer.

I usually like Paul Green, but there was no chemistry in these characters. The story might have worked, but it didn't. Extra stars for being family friendly.