Really did like the premise for 'Christmas with Holly', no make that love. It sounded so moving and you know a film does something right when its premise immediately connects with you even before watching like it did with me. This premise connected with me personally, which is already something in its favour. Something that has not been the case for any film in a while. Well certainly not the case for a Hallmark film in a while, not since 'Once Upon a Christmas Miracle'.
'Christmas with Holly' wholly lived up to its premise and the high expectations had (actually did have higher expectations for it than most Hallmark Christmas films). While not a flawless film, it was very well done. Out of a fairly unimpressive year for Hallmark, 'Christmas with Holly' to me is definitely one of the best Hallmark Christmas films for that year. Also one of their best Christmas outings seen in quite some time, as well as one of their most emotional and personal.
Is it perfect? No. Perhaps a bit slow in the early stages, with it taking a while to get started.
Also didn't care for the ambiguous feeling the ending has, it just felt too abrupt and there may be a little bias as it is not the sort of ending that does much for me.
There is a huge amount to like about 'Christmas with Holly' however. It is very professionally filmed and the locations are simply beautiful. A lot of Hallmark's Christmas films suffer from being over-scored, meaning being too constantly used and too loud. That isn't so big a problem here. The script is a lot less cheesy and schmaltzy than most Hallmark Christmas films and did find it very sincere, very affecting and that it never sounded awkward. It is also not over-serious, with a light hearted-ness that was very appealing.
Furthermore, that the story departed from the usual Hallmark Christmas film formula and took on a more serious, a more personal and more true to life situation. There is nothing cheesy or over-sentimental in how this subject is handled either, it came over as truly poignant, heart-warming and well meaning and also with a good deal of warmth. Really did connect with the story emotionally. And the same with the characters. The acting is strong, with a heartfelt Eloise Mumford standing out.
Overall, very well done. 8/10.
