North to Home

This was so much better (and more emotional) than I thought it would be. And it was a very different kind of Hallmark movie than the ones that loyal viewers like me are used to seeing. In fact, the only new love story in the movie was the least interesting relationship (I also didn't really like the big reveal in connection with that story).

Instead, like Every Time a Bell Rings ( which starred this movie's multi talented director Ali Liebert), the main focus was the relationship between three sisters. They were played by three very beautiful, talented and compelling actresses (Lyndsy Fonseca, Kimberley Sustad and Erica Durance) and their mother was played by the very reliable Barbara Niven (from Chesapeake Shores) who may be the most beautiful 68 year old woman on the planet.

Lyndsy Fonseca just starred in her first Hallmark movie (Next Stop, Christmas- one of last year's best Hallmark movies) and I'm looking forward to many more from her. Kimberley Sustad was great in Christmas by Starlight with Paul Campbell. And Erica Durance was, for me, the best thing about Open By Christmas and I really wish Hallmark would put her in her own movie.. They were all wonderful here.

The relationships between between the two married sisters and their husbands was also portrayed as very healthy with a nice approach to the home/career conflict that Beth was experiencing. I could quibble about Hallmark's ongoing refusal to acknowledge the lack of daylight in Alaska during the winter (they'd be in the dark during that 7am hike), and Beth's overreaction to the girls getting cookie dough on their faces, but Hallmark movies don't get much better than this.

It's been a while since HM offered a high-quality drama, and North to Home is it. It's excellently cast, with the exception of one character (the guest house guest). Great chemistry between all the actresses who portrayed the sisters--they make you truly believe they are sisters--and Barbara Niven as their adoptive mother. Original backstory about the tragedy that brought this family together and the acting was top notch. I can actually see this as a series--are you listening HM? Highly recommend. Oh, the actor who portrayed the youngest sister's love interest--he wasn't convincing in his part, especially with his backstory, and could have been portrayed much better by any of HM's stable of supporting cast actors.

This is one of the best movies I've seen about the long term effects of trauma, and how to heal from trauma - over time & by connecting with others. It's not overly dramatic, it's straightforward and clear. The movie takes its time fleshing out the characters so that the viewer can really care about each of them. The actors are superb.

9.0 stars.

I feel that less is more with this film, and if I try too hard to do it justice, I might say too much. 'North to Home' is a journey that must be appreciated by everyone, a masterpiece worthy of receiving awards.

It's a tear-fest start to finish...happy tears, reminiscent tears, loving tears, gripping tears. The acting is absolutely superb, these ladies shine like angels. In addition to the sublime performances shared by the women, the men also stand out in spite of their backseat roles.

Hats off this this film, it's probably the finest Hallmark I've seen. It is balanced so perfectly with all elements seamlessly working together. It's about a family that reunites for a mother's birthday to share the memories of past tragedy, courage, and healing. The characters are so likable, and the relationships are equally as authentic and full of life, energy, and depth. Fonseca, Sustad, Durance...Enough said. Each of them tapped into some magic from deep inside themselves to bring us a perfect interpretation of a family coming together to share life and all it has to offer.

I will honestly say this is the most well-rounded film I've seen in a long while; and although 'North to Home' is not my highest rated Hallmark, it is by far the best one.

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries has shown it likes to take on some heavy topics, particularly around the death of loved ones. This one was well-acted and well-directed but a little too heavy on melodrama, particularly between the sisters. An enjoyable film with strong performances. Really like Lyndsy Fonseca and hopes she does more movies with Hallmark, but feel like she's cut out for a more lighthearted role.