33 reviews
With a sweet, warm, and magical feel to it, the opening scene in 'Five More Minutes' sets the tone for this lovely Hallmark Movies and Mysteries' Christmas movie. The story pulls at the heartstrings, providing a bit of mystery and a touch of magic, making for a wonderful viewing experience. Hands down, one of the best this season thus far. The story revolves around Clara (played by Nikki Deloach), an art teacher who will soon lose her job and is also having doubts about her current romantic relationship. So, she heads home this Christmas to help her mother with her late grandfather's candy cane confectionery. While home, she makes a wish for five more minutes with her grandpa (played by Eric Keenleyside), who had always given her the advice and support she needed. Shortly thereafter, she discovers her grandpa's journal, which provides an account of his first lost love. She decides to find this mysterious lost love, eventually teaming up with Logan (played by David Haydn-Jones), her first love, who, like her grandpa, seems to always know what she needs. It is a warm and heartfelt story that immediately pulls you in. It is rich in feeling and emotion. Indeed, I found myself shedding a few tears in this one. The writers do a great job developing all this thru some engaging dialogue and, of course, there is a magical twist to the story. The acting in this one is brilliant. Deloach, a Hallmark regular, had a very convincing performance, quite impressive. Her performance engaged me; I could feel the emotion, her emotion on-screen. Haydn-Jones too was quite good. He had this warm and supportive vibe to his performance, which I found appealing. The chemistry between the two was lovely to watch as well. It felt easy and natural. All in all, 'Five More Minutes' is a beautiful Christmas movie, a nice new edition to Hallmark's Miracles of Christmas movie line-up. I highly recommend it.
- toddsgraham
- Dec 10, 2021
- Permalink
It was hard to say no to watching 'Five More Minutes', with it being one of the best received 2021 Hallmark Christmas films in rating and reviews. Nikki DeLoach is also one of my favourite female Hallmark regulars and one of the few to nearly always deliver on good performances regardless of the film's quality (same with Hallmark regulars overall). David Haydn-Jones is not as consistent and his filmography is spottier, but when he is good he is very good.
'Five More Minutes' wasn't flawless, but absolutely deserves the praise it's garnered. It also is a great representation of both DeLoach and Haydn-Jones. The 2021 Hallmark Christmas films were hit and miss, 'Five More Minutes' (watched the day after watching by one of the misses 'A Nantucket Noel') is very much one of the hits and one of the best of them. For me, it's in the top 5 best of the block and one of the best 2021 Hallmark films overall.
Do agree that DeLoach's character's treatment of Haydn-Jones' when dumping him and what she does instead were incredibly cold and made me lose respect for her, this was a shame due to actually really connecting with her throughout the rest of the film.
Also agree that Haydn-Jones' character was a little too pushy at points.
So much is great too. DeLoach's performance is nuanced and incredibly powerful, while she is always compelling she had never moved me quite to the same extent that she does here. Haydn-Jones is very charming and sympathetic, the performance is subtle but never dull. Their chemistry is heartfelt and very genuine, with the development being generally realistic in how it moves (excepting some questionable behavious). Sherry Miller brings class and sincerity to her role. On the whole, the characters were ones worth caring for and easy to in a very relatable and personal scenario.
Furthermore, 'Five More Minutes' is lovingly filmed and the scenery also delivers in beauty. The music never feels melodramatic and isn't overused, or at least to me. The direction is sympathetic while still with momentum. The script is very honest and treats a serious subject with much respect, while not being over-serious. Of all the stories for the 2021 Hallmark Christmas films, the one here is one of the most poignant and did find myself connecting emotionally to the events. The mystery elements never come over as too simple while also not being over-complicated with some neat subtle clues, the big revelation was a real surprise and rang true. The ending is very sweet and tender, it is a little too neat considering what happened earlier but other Hallmark films have fared far worse in this aspect.
Overall, beautiful. 8/10.
'Five More Minutes' wasn't flawless, but absolutely deserves the praise it's garnered. It also is a great representation of both DeLoach and Haydn-Jones. The 2021 Hallmark Christmas films were hit and miss, 'Five More Minutes' (watched the day after watching by one of the misses 'A Nantucket Noel') is very much one of the hits and one of the best of them. For me, it's in the top 5 best of the block and one of the best 2021 Hallmark films overall.
Do agree that DeLoach's character's treatment of Haydn-Jones' when dumping him and what she does instead were incredibly cold and made me lose respect for her, this was a shame due to actually really connecting with her throughout the rest of the film.
Also agree that Haydn-Jones' character was a little too pushy at points.
So much is great too. DeLoach's performance is nuanced and incredibly powerful, while she is always compelling she had never moved me quite to the same extent that she does here. Haydn-Jones is very charming and sympathetic, the performance is subtle but never dull. Their chemistry is heartfelt and very genuine, with the development being generally realistic in how it moves (excepting some questionable behavious). Sherry Miller brings class and sincerity to her role. On the whole, the characters were ones worth caring for and easy to in a very relatable and personal scenario.
Furthermore, 'Five More Minutes' is lovingly filmed and the scenery also delivers in beauty. The music never feels melodramatic and isn't overused, or at least to me. The direction is sympathetic while still with momentum. The script is very honest and treats a serious subject with much respect, while not being over-serious. Of all the stories for the 2021 Hallmark Christmas films, the one here is one of the most poignant and did find myself connecting emotionally to the events. The mystery elements never come over as too simple while also not being over-complicated with some neat subtle clues, the big revelation was a real surprise and rang true. The ending is very sweet and tender, it is a little too neat considering what happened earlier but other Hallmark films have fared far worse in this aspect.
Overall, beautiful. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Dec 20, 2021
- Permalink
In my opinion, Nikki DeLoach is Hallmark's best actor. Her movies aren't the fluffy ones that are stereotypical romance movies.
This movie has echoes of other movies. A beloved deceased relative leaves evidence behind of a first love before marrying the spouse that all the family knew. There's a beloved family store. This one isn't going bankrupt, but it's gotten disorganized. Widowed mom meets someone. The leading lady has a boyfriend and there was an aborted proposal at the beginning. Then back at her hometown she runs into an old flame that didn't end well when they were young.
But there's more to this movie. The title refers to Clara's expressed wish for 5 more minutes with her late Grandfather. That theme isn't a casual one. But saying more is definite spoilers.
There is a major twist with subtle clues foreshadowing it. I was very lucky to spot the clues and interpret them from the first.
Very nice ending. Sappy, but I love sappy.
This movie has echoes of other movies. A beloved deceased relative leaves evidence behind of a first love before marrying the spouse that all the family knew. There's a beloved family store. This one isn't going bankrupt, but it's gotten disorganized. Widowed mom meets someone. The leading lady has a boyfriend and there was an aborted proposal at the beginning. Then back at her hometown she runs into an old flame that didn't end well when they were young.
But there's more to this movie. The title refers to Clara's expressed wish for 5 more minutes with her late Grandfather. That theme isn't a casual one. But saying more is definite spoilers.
There is a major twist with subtle clues foreshadowing it. I was very lucky to spot the clues and interpret them from the first.
Very nice ending. Sappy, but I love sappy.
To me it is the best Christmas movie I have seen. Flaws and all didn't matter. The message was the star. It was warm and wonderful and made me cry. Losing a loved one and being given 5 More Minutes is something a lot of us wish for. Thank you to Hallmark. Linda.
Hallmark movies come and go. I love them, but generally would give a 6-8 rating. This one gets a 9. It's a sweet story (aren't they all?), but the actors are all good, the plot a step above and the ending brought me to tears. Reminds me of the old Hallmark Hall of Fame movies of long ago. It's good enough to DVR and save. I think even the Hallmark Christmas movie haters will enjoy this one!
Clara is going home for the Holidays and runs into Logan, her ex. They parted ways when he signed up for the army. At the same time, she is helping her mom at the candy cane store, and she comes across a journal of her granpa who only passed a few months ago. Clara and Logan get very invested in the story being told in it and they connect through it.
I'm not gonna say anything else otherwise it may be considered spoiler and you don't wanna get this spoiled.
I'm gonna be honest. I put this movie as a background while I was doing something else, mainly because I wanted to watch Nikki, who is a favorite of mine. I didn't care about David or his character (i'm sorry!)
But as the movie developed I started losing interest in what I was doing and paying more attention to this. Nikki DeLoach shines, that's why she is one of my faves. She is mostly in movies that have meaning and not just cooking and misunderstandings in the end and for that i'm grateful.
This movie is about love. Not so much love between the leads but love itself: giving an old love a second chance, giving yourself a chance to find love again with someone new, and of course, the first love. The story went beyond the leads and I love that. In fact, I would say the main story is the one being told by the leads (which in the end helps them, of course).
The final scenes (and montage) are very moving. I got very emotional during those. I probably won't watch this again but it was a beautiful movie that went beyond the usual stuff Hallmark offers.
I'm not gonna say anything else otherwise it may be considered spoiler and you don't wanna get this spoiled.
I'm gonna be honest. I put this movie as a background while I was doing something else, mainly because I wanted to watch Nikki, who is a favorite of mine. I didn't care about David or his character (i'm sorry!)
But as the movie developed I started losing interest in what I was doing and paying more attention to this. Nikki DeLoach shines, that's why she is one of my faves. She is mostly in movies that have meaning and not just cooking and misunderstandings in the end and for that i'm grateful.
This movie is about love. Not so much love between the leads but love itself: giving an old love a second chance, giving yourself a chance to find love again with someone new, and of course, the first love. The story went beyond the leads and I love that. In fact, I would say the main story is the one being told by the leads (which in the end helps them, of course).
The final scenes (and montage) are very moving. I got very emotional during those. I probably won't watch this again but it was a beautiful movie that went beyond the usual stuff Hallmark offers.
OK story, but too slow and certainly not very upbeat. Too many sad, downer scenes. And once again, Halmark seems to think it's all about loud background music. Many times reviewers have commented on the music over powering the dialog. But Halmark just doesn't get it and keeps cranking it up the volume. Just stop!
- gordonb-59587
- Dec 26, 2021
- Permalink
This film has to be one of Hallmarks best.
The story, the casting, everything is perfect !!
Nikki DeLoach & David Haydn-Jones were exceptional. They brought the story, spirit and emotions right to the forefront. I don't think I have ever watched a film that has hit home like this one did and on an such an emotional level, it was Truly Beautiful xx Although it's a Christmas film, it doesn't follow the normal generic formula that you tend to see in a lot of Christmas films.
Which was refreshing and made for a fantastic new Hallmark Christmas movie.
This is one that has absolutely made it to my list of top Christmas films.
Nikki DeLoach is a Hallmark Queen, she is so fabulous in everything #Queen David Haydn-Jones, omg... loved him, loved him, loved him, someone sign him up for more films tv/etc cause he's a bloody gem !!
Thank you to whoever did the casting, as you really nailed it with this one xx.
I have never cried so much at a film in my life but this one hit me at every level , and to my grandad I really do wish we had five more minutes !! Xx.
The story, the casting, everything is perfect !!
Nikki DeLoach & David Haydn-Jones were exceptional. They brought the story, spirit and emotions right to the forefront. I don't think I have ever watched a film that has hit home like this one did and on an such an emotional level, it was Truly Beautiful xx Although it's a Christmas film, it doesn't follow the normal generic formula that you tend to see in a lot of Christmas films.
Which was refreshing and made for a fantastic new Hallmark Christmas movie.
This is one that has absolutely made it to my list of top Christmas films.
Nikki DeLoach is a Hallmark Queen, she is so fabulous in everything #Queen David Haydn-Jones, omg... loved him, loved him, loved him, someone sign him up for more films tv/etc cause he's a bloody gem !!
Thank you to whoever did the casting, as you really nailed it with this one xx.
I have never cried so much at a film in my life but this one hit me at every level , and to my grandad I really do wish we had five more minutes !! Xx.
- jewelssmith
- Nov 26, 2021
- Permalink
Five more minutes gets right to the heart of the matter...time with loved ones is precious and so often people are wishing for just five more minutes when they should be living like these are their last minutes , so their loved ones always know how they feel.
Clara goes home for Christmas to help her mother at the bakery her recently deceased grandfather owned and ran, for Christmas. While home she wishes she had just five more minutes with her grandfather, reconnects with her adventurous first love, and finds out about her grandfather's first love through his journal.
Overall message of this film is great and the country song about five-more minutes make this a much watch holiday film.
Clara goes home for Christmas to help her mother at the bakery her recently deceased grandfather owned and ran, for Christmas. While home she wishes she had just five more minutes with her grandfather, reconnects with her adventurous first love, and finds out about her grandfather's first love through his journal.
Overall message of this film is great and the country song about five-more minutes make this a much watch holiday film.
5/10 - the ending was simultaneously cute and cringeworthy, but the rest of the film was a pretty strong misfire for me personally which is shocking given the projects that Nikki Deloach usually is attached to.
- JoBloTheMovieCritic
- Dec 27, 2021
- Permalink
The best Hallmark Christmas movie of 2021. What a lovely, inspirational story. Loved the twist at the end. I guess my only question is - had none of them seen pictures of grampa when he was young? Maybe not - and that might explain why her mom never had an encounter with Jay. Still - even with the question, the end had me in tears. Loved it ... will watch this one over and over.
I totally enjoyed the movie. The story line was fantastic and it did not give anything away like in most Hallmark movies. I can totally feel her emotions and cried right along with her. Thanks Hallmark for a fantastic holiday movie.
- phyl-49167
- Nov 21, 2021
- Permalink
This movie was a family winner. It was not the usual predictable storyline, and had all the warmth we hoped for in a holiday movie. My husband and I found it fresh and wonderful pleasure to watch. As the ending credits rolled, we declared it the best one so far!
- cindysatx-36037
- Dec 5, 2021
- Permalink
A highly recommended film, not just at Christmas.
Thank you Scotty, for a beautiful song that we can all relate to, that is for sure.
Great to see that Scotty assisted with the writing of this film.
This was an introduction to this song for me. Now it is on my playlist.
Nikki and David come through, as they do, most of the time - both are among the best Hallmark actors.
I was guessing at the identity of Alexander through the film ... excellently played.
Much realism in this film regarding people, emotions, and life experiences, with the touch of angels!
Some reviewers have pointed out the flaws with some of the realities of the military, the town, etc. What about the fact that snow in most Hallmarks doesn't look like snow? :) Hallmark can certainly improve on these "set" creations, that is for sure.
Similar, in some respects, to the other good military/angel related film: Angels and Ornaments. I loved the song from that film as well. It is also on my playlist. This film is slightly better with all the other characters in this film and the story itself.
Impressions left after watching: Appreciate what you have, do not take anything for granted, assist others who are not as fortunate, appreciate the family and friends around you, show your love, do not keep love hidden, take risks for love ... then you will minimize your regrets ... and accept grief and loss just a little bit better. Loss is never easy.
Thank you Scotty, for a beautiful song that we can all relate to, that is for sure.
Great to see that Scotty assisted with the writing of this film.
This was an introduction to this song for me. Now it is on my playlist.
Nikki and David come through, as they do, most of the time - both are among the best Hallmark actors.
I was guessing at the identity of Alexander through the film ... excellently played.
Much realism in this film regarding people, emotions, and life experiences, with the touch of angels!
Some reviewers have pointed out the flaws with some of the realities of the military, the town, etc. What about the fact that snow in most Hallmarks doesn't look like snow? :) Hallmark can certainly improve on these "set" creations, that is for sure.
Similar, in some respects, to the other good military/angel related film: Angels and Ornaments. I loved the song from that film as well. It is also on my playlist. This film is slightly better with all the other characters in this film and the story itself.
Impressions left after watching: Appreciate what you have, do not take anything for granted, assist others who are not as fortunate, appreciate the family and friends around you, show your love, do not keep love hidden, take risks for love ... then you will minimize your regrets ... and accept grief and loss just a little bit better. Loss is never easy.
- dorothyexeter
- Dec 4, 2021
- Permalink
Hallmark comes through with a beautifully written movie! I've been a fan of DHJ ever since I saw him in Dear Santa and I enjoy ND as well. Her acting is refreshingly authentic, she was so believable in this role. The movie reminds us just how precious life is and how truly wonderful it is to experience a deeply profound love. Spend quality time with family and friends, cherish those who are nearest and dearest to your heart! Well done to the cast and crew and Scotty McCreery's "Five More Minutes"
- Luvhallmark
- Nov 21, 2021
- Permalink
Wow - this movie is slower than Christmas. The dialogue is quiet and monotoned. I had to fight really hard to make it through this one and I lost. One of Hallmarks worst.
So I made the mistake of watching this at work! Now everyone thinks I cry at all Hallmark movies!
This was a beautiful Christmas movie, with two of my favorite lead actors!
Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the acting,
While not all Hallmark movies tug at the heart like this one, it's a good watch!
This was a beautiful Christmas movie, with two of my favorite lead actors!
Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the acting,
While not all Hallmark movies tug at the heart like this one, it's a good watch!
- GeeJoDeeGee
- Nov 28, 2021
- Permalink
I love this movie, even the third time seeing it. It touches me so much, especially having Alexander Jones in the movie playing Jay. I really felt he was the heart of the movie, as he's nice looking, and he seemed to really care about Clara, and what she was feeling, especially the last scenes. We discover why he is important to the story. I disagree that it was a downer movie, living in the past. This type of movie helps you to appreciate your deceased relatives, and because I have been thinking about my mother a lot lately. I wish I had 5 more minutes with my mom and dad. This movie teaches us to spend quality time with our loved ones. It teaches us that memories are held close to our hearts, and are there for a reason. It teaches us to cherish our minutes with the special people in our lives. It is very well acted with all of the actors, and very well written. And thank you Scotty for the beautiful song.
- coloradoan
- Jul 7, 2022
- Permalink
Five More Minutes is heartwarming cute story, based on Scotty McCreery song of the same name. It is sure to get a tear or two out of you.
It is the best Christmas movie of 2021.
It is the best Christmas movie of 2021.
- tonihollandth
- Jan 1, 2022
- Permalink
This movie was well written and the acting was great. This movie reminds you of the things you wished you'd done and regret not having more time with the people you love.
- pattersonjamie-12079
- Jan 16, 2022
- Permalink
I approached this one with a lot of misgiving. I mean, a story based on a country song? By Scotty McCreery? But to my surprise, it was pretty good. Nikki Deloach, who is good as always, is a dedicated Art teacher who is losing her job and is having doubts about her relationship with her boyfriend. She wishes she could have just five more minutes with her beloved late Grandpa who always gave her great advice.
When she goes home to celebrate Christmas(?) Thanksgiving (?) I don't remember, she finds a journal written by Grandpa when he was a young man detailing his first lost love. She gets together with an old ex-boyfriend, and they decide to try to find her. Or was that another movie, Christmas Together with You? They're already starting to run together a bit. At the same time, a young man shows up for a job at her store because he said her grandpa was going to hire him. He turns out to be a wonder and is the best employee ever. It's pretty clear from the get-go that something spooky is going on. There are lots of clues, which I'll keep to myself.
Sherry Miller plays Bonnie, Clara's mom, who lost her husband about a year ago. She looks great. I always think of the actress with fondness because she was in one of my favorite TV romcoms, This Matter of Marriage, back in the late '90s when she was a young whippersnapper. Highly recommend. She has her own romance along with her daughter finding love with her ex, Logan, and dumping her current beau. I liked that Bonnie did not approve of the ex, who behaved badly dumping Clara when they were teens, and kept giving him the stink-eye. She came around though.
There were a couple of things I did not like. Despite both Clara and Logan being established as Hallmark paragons of niceness, they both behaved badly. Logan kept putting the moves on Clara even after she said she had a boyfriend. And Clara totally dumped Logan and canceled an invitation for the family-less guy to spend Thanksgiving (?) Christmas (?) with her family just because he was called back to active duty. This was really low behavior and hardly patriotic or compassionate. Also contrary to the Hallmark ethos. The third thing I didn't like was the under-use of Leanne Lapp who played Clara's sister and a favorite of mine.
When she goes home to celebrate Christmas(?) Thanksgiving (?) I don't remember, she finds a journal written by Grandpa when he was a young man detailing his first lost love. She gets together with an old ex-boyfriend, and they decide to try to find her. Or was that another movie, Christmas Together with You? They're already starting to run together a bit. At the same time, a young man shows up for a job at her store because he said her grandpa was going to hire him. He turns out to be a wonder and is the best employee ever. It's pretty clear from the get-go that something spooky is going on. There are lots of clues, which I'll keep to myself.
Sherry Miller plays Bonnie, Clara's mom, who lost her husband about a year ago. She looks great. I always think of the actress with fondness because she was in one of my favorite TV romcoms, This Matter of Marriage, back in the late '90s when she was a young whippersnapper. Highly recommend. She has her own romance along with her daughter finding love with her ex, Logan, and dumping her current beau. I liked that Bonnie did not approve of the ex, who behaved badly dumping Clara when they were teens, and kept giving him the stink-eye. She came around though.
There were a couple of things I did not like. Despite both Clara and Logan being established as Hallmark paragons of niceness, they both behaved badly. Logan kept putting the moves on Clara even after she said she had a boyfriend. And Clara totally dumped Logan and canceled an invitation for the family-less guy to spend Thanksgiving (?) Christmas (?) with her family just because he was called back to active duty. This was really low behavior and hardly patriotic or compassionate. Also contrary to the Hallmark ethos. The third thing I didn't like was the under-use of Leanne Lapp who played Clara's sister and a favorite of mine.
- rebekahrox
- Nov 21, 2021
- Permalink
I expect holiday movies to be positive and funny, this one dwells on the past and losses. I liked Nikki DeLoach, Sherry Miller and the rest of the cast. It was easy to figure who Alex was at the beginning of the movie. I found the movie depressing, Hallmark has made much better ones. Avoid if possible.
- Avidviewer-02847
- Nov 23, 2021
- Permalink