User reviews

So, they churn out forty movies a season. There will be a handful that are surprisingly good, a few that are god-awful bad and a bunch in the middle that one will forget an hour later.

This one is, I am pleased to say, not only one of the best ones of the season but one of the best ones I have seen. Yes, if you have seen at least three Hallmark movies previously, you will know how certain plot points will play out. But, this one has very clever dialogue throughout and its British setting cannot help but to give it a touch of class. The two leads are, simply, excellent, doing feature-quality work on a tight, TV movie timeline. They both look beautiful, separately and together and have wonderful chemistry. They really seem to be having a great time with the playful, sometimes even farcical plot as the audience gets to go along on their madcap adventure.

This is a pattern proven by two previous movies I can think of set in a foreign locales, "Christmas in Rome" and "Christmas in Vienna" where footage of the European city's actual Christmas decor makes the movie part travelogue. This is certainly refreshing after seeing two dozen or so "Christmas in My Hometown" movies where, let us face it, the "tinsel in every shot, DAMMIT" policy can get a bit tiring.

Again, it is not as if the Ten Hallmark Movie Tropes are not present. However, they are camouflaged by a superior production with a very talented cast and the effect is far more "rom-com" than sentimental and gooey.

'Jolly Good Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: The 2022 Hallmark Countdown to Christmas block was a very mixed bag at best, though better than the Christmas Movies and Mysteries one. Of the previous Countdown to Christmas films, there were a couple of good ones such as 'A Kismet Christmas' but also a couple of disappointing ones such as 'A Cozy Christmas Inn'. Did like the concept for 'Jolly Good Christmas', so there was potential.

Potential that was thankfully lived up to. Not only is 'Jolly Good Christmas' easily the best of the 2022 Countdown to Christmas films up to this point it is also one of the best of the entire block. Also consider it one of the best 2022 Hallmark films, not just the Christmas ones (probably the first above good one) but overall. Was really pleasantly surprised how good it was and recommend it without hesitation.

Bad things: Getting the not so good things out of the way (bear in mind my couple of criticisms may be interpreted as nit-picky), the ending for my tastes was a little too rushes and tidy. Which is not uncommon for Hallmark, and was one of the more frequent issues this year for them.

Also thought that the music at points was a little too loud and intrusive.

Good things: However, everything else in 'Jolly Good Christmas' is good to great. It is elevated hugely by the charming and likeable lead performances of Will Kemp and Reshma Shetty, it is nice too to see non-Hallmark regulars in the lead roles once in a while and this is proof that non-Hallmark regulars are capable of good performances. Their chemistry is very witty and sweet, never coming over as strained and it is used just right. The supporting cast are very solid in roles that could have been too stock but just about weren't.

Furthermore, it is well made, with it being slickly shot and clearly loving the lovely location. Never did the editing come over as choppy. As well as the script, a high point is the script, which sparkles in wit, with the plentiful comedy never feeling forced and the less comedic parts not falling into over sentimentality. The story is pure light hearted fun and is full of charm and warm heart, it didn't feel dull and despite having typical elements and tropes it felt surprisingly fresh.

Closing thoughts: Overall, a jolly good time.

8/10.

Overall, I found this movie charming. I love the gorgeous and very likeable Will Kemp, and Reshma Shetty is beautiful. Her character in this movie was quite natural and relatable, and I thought the chemistry between the two was great. It was easy to see how love could grow between these two,

The trouble I had, which constantly distracted me, was that poor Will Kemp was really struggling with the American accent. (He is British.) I'm not sure if his character was supposed to have been a New Yorker, born and bred, but he often sounded as if he came from the most "flat 'a'" regions of Minnesota.

The accent was really a little bit all over the place, but not only that - The character's speech was simply written strangely, as if the writer was doing his best to imagine how an "American guy" might speak.

I've noticed that Australians seem to understand us Americans, our activities and our speech patterns pretty well. The British and Canadians, however, seem to think American males are all cowboys, hayseeds or frat boys, and overly casual even in the most formal situations.

Just as an example, when the Will Kemp character meets the female lead's parents and they ask if he is an architect, he replies, "Uh-huh." They ask him another related question and he again says, "Uh-huh." !!! In my world, a man who has attained the level of education of a successful architect would not be uncouth! When speaking with an older couple he had just met, he would reply with, "Yes, I am," - or even "Yes, Sir," especially if he's from the American South - but never "uh-huh!"

In another scene, he meets a man who is going to interview him, and when the man says, "Hello," the Will Kemp character actually replies "Hey." What??!! The writer must think we Americans are inclined to just throw our jackets over a chair, take our shoes off and pop open a beer, no matter what the setting or situation.

Mr. Kemp also seemed to have some trouble simply moving as an American man would normally move...which is "normally!" We don't really wag our heads around or walk differently from the Brits or anyone else.

Before I lay all this on Will Kemp, I have to note that it might have been the director forcing him into some of this.

(I was an amateur stage actress for decades, and the director can make or break you, and has the power to make you look and feel foolish. As much as you might plead, "I don't think the character would ever do this," what the director says usually goes. I had many great directors whose direction I trusted completely, though. I'm just speculating. Hate to blame Will if it's not his fault!)

Aside from these annoyances, it really is a pretty good movie. I got to see a lot of scenic London, and as I mentioned, there was a sweet chemistry between the two leads. Did I mention Will Kemp is gorgeous? (Ha! Sorry. Couldn't help it.)

How sad that the wonderful, attractive and so talented Will Kemp was so mis-used in this film. The story was clever, sweet, and adorable! The views of London were thrilling, and the young woman lead actress was beautiful and charming and quite a good actress.

All that said, my only focus has to be on how poorly Will Kemp was portrayed in this romantic story. Will is a ballet dancer. He has phenomenal physical grace and presence. He moves, he holds his body, his head in the most classic and lovely manner. To have him portrayed here as an American with almost a ridiculous script to follow, was a sheer waste, and almost an insult to this very lovely, talented man.

The phony American accent he had to use was so distracting, and so poorly pronounced, it was painful to watch him go through that script. Why could he simply not have been British?

I wonder if the Hallmark actors have any input or say into the characters they portray. If Will Kemp is simply under contract and has to do what he is "assigned" to do, poor fellow. This was so far beneath his skill set and his lovely personal image.

All that aside, this was a charming story. The young woman lead was perfect in every scene. Kudos also to the actors portraying her parents.

The only problem with all of it was the poor use, the sheer mis-use of the wonderful Will Kemp. Next movie, please, some dignity for this lovely man, and maybe even some dancing. He is a phenomenal as a dancer and an actor. Look back at Royal Matchmaker.

Hallmark, let's be a bit more kind to him. When such stunning grace and talent is available, why not use to the fullest and show us what you've got?

Very much enjoyed this movie. Production value was very good, as were the actors - who were refreshing for their maturity.

Yes, we've seen the personal shopper storyline before. But this one was done well.

It also was delightful to see how ethnic Indians are integrated into British society; what coould be more British than owning a pub?

I loved the British scenery, and the reference to the King tells me this was filmed later in the year - or the producers took the time to update one scene.

The true test is how many times I'd watch this again. I could probably watch this 5 times or so, hence it rates an 8.

This will not be everyone's cup of tea.

First you will need to get past an American accent so bad I'm actually insulted. It should be done away with forthwith. The fact that it's supposed to be New York makes it a complete joke.

The meet cute is fine. A bit far-fetched, but it's a Hallmark movie.

David needs help finding the perfect gift for his girlfriend, and keeps bumping (literally) into Anji, who happens to be a personal shopper. They spend a wild and wacky day together, and in the process, well...you know.

Anji is pretty and sweet and sharp of tongue, (exactly my type).

There is a homosexual couple in this movie (with light pda), but it's England, so the surprise may be that there's only one.

The ending is the most obvious in the history of Hallmark movies, but by then you're waiting for it and the do a pretty good job with it.

All in all a solid 7, but I'm deducting a point for that awful American accent.

Will Kemp is usually good but this movie he suffered from BadAccentitis. I found myself parroting the phrases or words that sounded really ridiculous. Was the accent New Yorker or Southern? I have no idea. I would have been very happy to have both leads be British. He could have been British born, states raised and now returned. Whatever I'm hyper focusing.

Overall, the movie is pleasant. Other than the fake accent, I like both leads. Love the London Christmas setting, it makes up for fact that there are only like 5 characters total. I'm happy we saw a little dancing from Mr. Kemp, but I was hoping for a waltz.

6.4 stars.

A Hallmark movie set in London with people from London and an American with a strange accent. I don't know what that was all about, but he sounded like he was trying to sound American?

The setting in London is great, and the rest was Hallmark. This is just like the million based in Chicago, Boston, upstate Maine, and maybe the occasional Seattle, or NY. It had a British feel to it, credit where credit is due, they must have had some staff who knew how to give it that European sort of flair.

The dialogue was ordinary, the sets were good, the acting was good, the theme was tired, the chemistry was late. Please do another one in London with a better script and energy. Please, please, please.

Will Kemp with an American accent? What a waste! One of the reasons we like to watch him is to hear his delicious British accent and you take it away? When the film is set in London? Whoever came up with that idea needs to be demoted. Please, never do that again.

Otherwise, the movie was cheesy and flat. The accent thing didn't help. The only saving grace was the London sites, especially at Christmas. I liked what the female lead said, England practically invented Christmas. It was nice to see Christmas in England

That said, please use better judgment the next time you set a Christmas movie in London.

This is a charming movie. Lovely to see all the London scenery. Will Kemp, even with a sometimes less than perfect American accent ( who cares?), was a really good lead and foil for Anji/Reshma Shetty. They had such a sweet chemistry. She was mesmerizing to watch. Funny , sweet, wise and lovable. Enjoyed all the cast, especially his work friend Callum. A great overall message of balancing work and personal life and showing the good in others. Loved that there were no huge villains to spoil the holiday story. Could have used a little softer music at times, sort of spoiled some of the dialogue - needed close captioning. All in all, I'd have liked it to keep going though. Maybe a sequel?

My title probably describes this story as well as enumerating all of the reusable tropes contained in this movie. Anji is a personal shopper. Her business is struggling. David has to close a deal before Christmas and also he needs a gift for his girlfriend, the boss's daughter. David gets convinced that a gift card won't cut it so he hires Anji. They set off on the comedy of errors.

The beginning is cute as they literally run into each other more than once and exchange banter. A combination of situations occur that range from stupid to embarrassing to funny. Basically, it's all an excuse to throw the two leads together. Will Kemp and Reshma Shetty have good chemistry and watching their relationship develop is enjoyable.

And the last two scenes are a very nice wrap up for the movie.

For me, the humor wasn't that appealing, but my tastes don't run with most people's so I suspect a lot of people will find this movie quite good. For me the best barometer is whether I'll watch it again and this one, probably not. I would like to see more of Reshma Shetty. I always liked her on Royal Pains.

Honestly, I wanted to love this SO much. London is my favorite city in the entire world, Christmas in London is out of this world, & I'm a South Asian woman so I was thrilled to see Reshma Shetty as the lead. I even waited for my parents so we could watch it together. Sadly, we were all so beyond bored, we just watched it to finish it.

The thing that threw me off the most, however, was Will Kemp's HORRIBLE American/"NY" accent. Being a New Yorker, and also LOVING the British accent, it was so bad, I couldn't pay attention to anything else, it was so cringey. You could visibly see him struggling with the "r." Why they needed him to be American is beyond me, his natural accent would've worked just perfectly in this setting.

The story was pretty decent, loved the characters that played Callum & his husband, as well as Anjali's parents.

I doubt I'd ever watch it again because there are much better "Christmas in London" movies out there..with an accent much more pleasurable to the ear.

Bravo to Hallmark branching out into London more! Give me ALL the UK, European locations you can throw at me! -especially at Christmas time!

Unfortunately, it was difficult watching Will Kemp do an American accent; I would have raised my review 2 stars if it was Brit! The actress who played Anjali was adorable, but her being a chronic hustler was not very appealing. That said, the storyline lacked appeal. All Hallmark had to do was watch a couple Michael Damian movies for inspiration. Europe is magical at Christmas time, and so much more could have been done with this great location and great cast, but unfortunately, I felt let down. Storyline/teleplay was slow and not very romantic. It was a mere 5 for me, and I did want so much to love it.

-Did I mention that dismal "American" accent? Poor Will Kemp...

A pleasant film to watch but I wish if films were supposed to be set in London, England then I wish English actors were used as American actors just cannot do English accents. Also not one London. Accent detected in the whole film, Londoners have a very distinct way of speaking. Another mistake noticed is 'hot spiced apple cider', this is an American thing and not something which is consumed in England, we don't do 'hot cider', we do mulled wine which is served hot. When referring to cider you don't have to refer to it as 'apple cider' just cider, I know there are other flavours available but if you're writing about London or England then you must know what you're writing about.

I love Hallmark Christmas movies for all their sappy, cheese, predictable goodness, but did they have to have the main character westernize her name? It's totally unnecessary. My daughter's name is Anjalie and we were so happy to see some representation on TV. I had to debrief her about loving her name and her culture after watching that movie together. It was such a missed opportunity and such an easy thing to do. I really don't understand tv sometimes. Why even try to represent another culture if you're just going to show the ways people are assimilating just to make it easier for the western world. It's ridiculous.

Signed,

Ajhantha Jayabalasingham And no, I've never westernized or shortened my name.

I enjoyed the more sophisticated plot and atmosphere of this as opposed to the small town v. City life plus festival. I loved the London setting. Although the plot was certainly not original, it almost was. I liked both characters and the actors portrayals of each. The chemistry between them really sizzled. And it was romantic rather than friendly as is all too common with Hallmark.

An American architect working in London has got himself almost engaged to the bosses daughter. He goes with a gift card for a Christmas Present, it is a big red flag. When a professional gift buyer mocks him for it, he decides to hire her to pick out the perfect gift for his girlfriend. They have shopping adventures all around London and as they get to know each other, they fall in love. He learns the value of family and Christmas blah blah blah. And she learns love is the perfect gift.

I remember Reshma Shetty from Royal Pains, and she was great in this. Will Kemp was just as charming. Good mix of romance with professional drama. I loved the small dose of Indian family life and culture as well. Definitely a Winner.

Our first review EVER and we plan to watch this one again. This movie is a breath of fresh air with diversity, inclusion, witty writing and so much beautiful scenery - this movie had it all. From the opening scene, the pacing was perfect with believable chemistry between the main characters and more than a few one-line zingers had us laughing out loud. And even though everyone knows how all Hallmark stories end, we still enjoyed watching these characters work through their own pasts and find happiness in the end. Highly, highly recommend! Hallmark - we need more of these types of stories, please!

I guess this is why GAF (great American family) has formed

Anyway, I did not find the premise at all believable. A gift card is fine, I checked that in with a couple family members. The script writers did not spend much time at all on coming up with something that would 'get' the viewer. But based on what i have learned with this new wave of stuff, if LGBT is written into modern scripts now, the writers and some others at the top are getting some serious kick back, so writing a captivating script is not going to pay the bills like the other thing, so there it is

I did enjoy the bus scene, we don't see buses like that over here, at least as far as i know, it reminded me of a 747 jet

Hope this review helped.

This is a Hallmark movie that worked, with a British cast and filmed in London, England. Strange to hear Will Kemp with an American accent, it wasn't perfect but it worked. Reshama Shetty was very good as Anji, she was very natural. The leads had chemistry which always shows on the big screen or small one. The supporting cast of James Faulkner, Callum Blue, Jules Knight and others were very good.

This wasn't the usual Hallmark movie, the lead character is a male not a female and it had more depth to it. There were screwball comedy elements and a Christmas market that was very Dickensian. Will Kemp was a ballet dancer and the dancing scene at the charity event was probably choreographed by Will.