User reviews

Lacey Chabert is getting serious with Thad Luckinbill -- he's just invited her to his hometown for Christmas to meet his mother -- but it soon becomes clear to the audience that she should be with Adam Mayfield. Good thing that Santa Claus is on hand in the person of Donovan Scott -- he's played the role almost every year on TV since 2000. The result is a low-key and very pleasant Christmas fantasy movie.

As with the best of the Hallmark TV movies, the real pleasure for me is not the pretty people and the inevitable working of their romcom plots (although Ms. Chabert is particularly winsome in her role) but the presence of some fine players in key but minor roles. John Ratzenberger is on hand to play an almost incoherent auto mechanic and Florence Henderson is a mildly ditzy hotel clerk. The entire production is shot handsomely with lots of earth colors to produce a nostalgic sepia tint to the proceedings. The movie won't win any awards, but it should certainly please anyone who decides to tune in.

I suppose I should confess I am a true hopeless romantic. I love most all Hallmark Christmas movies, but even with that said I still have my favorites. I will also add that I don't always feel the chemistry is there between the actors. When it is, when that magic is there, it makes them so much more enjoyable. I loved this one for that reason. I thought the actors all interacted well. This movie has my favorite Santa (he's played Santa in a few Hallmark movies)so I am sure that helped. Lacey Chabert does tend to be one of my favorites. She is such a believable character and everything I see her in. This is my current favorite Hallmark movie, and quite honestly in a world where things are a bit chaotic and full of bad news, movies like this are exactly what I need to restore my faith. I love the old fashioned traditions of making cookies, going to a tree lighting, and just overall feeling like love still exist. The world just needs more of it.

There are no huge surprises in this film. Santa performs actual magic. Many of the situations are silly.

Yet this movie is surprisingly entertaining. The humor is light and sprinkled around while the romance is sweet. The story flows together well.

Lacey Chabert and Adam Mayfield fit well together as the leads. Meanwhile so do Thad Luckinbil and Elizabeth Ann Bennett as Melanie's original boyfriend and his high school sweetheart. Florence Henderson is a crazy hotel owner. John Ratzenberger has the same characteristics as the part he played on Cheers.

The Hallmark Channel produced a dozen new made-for-TV Christmas movies for the 2012 holiday season. I've seen a few. They're alright.

However, when it comes to this one, "Matchmaker Santa," I am not the least bit shy about confessing that I loved it! Yes, it's not deep & it really has no antagonists nor any real conflict that's essential to most plots - but so what!

And yes, we all know very well who Lacey Chabert is going to end up with, but with all the rotten things facing us out there in real life, this is exactly what the doctor ordered!

This Christmas romance fits like a glove! It is quite wonderful! The Christmas atmosphere of the fictitious small town of Buford Falls (a possible nod to "It's a Wonderful Life's" Bedford Falls), courtesy of Art Director Vahn Armstrong & Set Decorator Linda Louise Sheets is so rich, so warm - so charming & wonderful.

And the supporting cast of veterans Florence Henderson & Lin Shaye as active local businesswomen; and John Ratzenberger as Budford Height's easy-going mechanic & town mayor; and Donovan Scott, who has made a fine career out of playing Santa, are all so friendly that before long it hits you that you'd love to have these folks for neighbors. In fact, you'd love to live in Bedford!

"Matchmaker Santa" is a marvelous, indeed, magical new Christmas movie, and this comes from a guy who loves the old classic holiday films and TV specials, but who has never been overly impressed with the new ones.

I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I always do whenever I see it.

Meh. Another run-of-the-mill Made-for-TV Christmas movie that has no special charm yet isn't pure trash either. Lacey Chabert (Party of Five and the original Meg on Family Guy) is nice enough to watch. Florence Henderson (Mrs. Brady) adds a nice touch. But overall this does nothing for me. It's a romance, a chick flick, a Christmas movie chick flick and the Hallmark Channel is quite adept at making these. Plus they have a disease of adding too much musical score that's too loud -- they don't rely on strength of dialogue, they cheese it up which is most unfortunate. Not that this is all that strong but they oughta give movies a shot instead of masking them with unnecessary background music.

5.6 / 10 stars

--Zoooma, a Kat Pirate Screener

This is a fun, sweet holiday movie that checks all the boxes. Of COURSE you see the end coming, I mean, Hallmark isn't going to pull a 6th Sense surprise on us, but the last 5 minutes are ridiculously concise... it's like they were suddenly told the theater was about to close and they had to wrap up a 30 min conclusion into 4 minutes like a cancelled tv series.

All of the characters were believable, the townspeople were charming and the heroine FINALLY wasn't acting like a spoiled victim. Lacy is a perfectly suited Christmas movie actress and I'm glad to see her in a role that doesn't demean her into being helpless.

A worth-while watch.

This was the 1st Lacey Chabert Christmas Movie (she has made 6 now). I was hoping she would be really great in it- but she was not. She always plays a very nice character- but they all seem to be alike and the emotion falls short. I have seen Tree that Saved Christmas- Yuck, Royal Christmas- good but a bit dull, Family for Christmas- so so.

I was surprised by the Fantasy aspect of this one that was not apparent in the description. The leading actor playing Dean did a great job and the supporting actor playing Chris was good. That nose thing that was supposed to be "Santa magic" was a bit weird. I loved the little girl at the beginning making her wish to Santa. Florence Henderson's character, the mayor and the mother added little to the movie. We all stayed awake. It was pleasant. We would not watch it again.

There were quite a few reasons for wanting to see 'Matchmaker Santa'. The title was a little corny but also somewhat appetising. The idea for the story was hardly innovative but sounded cute enough. Lacey Chabert is always a likeable watch, like her voice work too, and generally one of the better prolific Hallmark leads, whether their festive efforts or in general. Have been on another one of my completest quests since November 2019, and this was part of it.

If there was one word to sum up 'Matchmaker Santa' it would be watchable. It is not a bad film, it is at least palatable, and there are things that come off well. At the same time it is not one of Hallmark's better Christmas efforts and a bit of a missed opportunity, too many of its components being average at best. Will say though that 'Matchmaker Santa' is not one of the worst either, there are worse written, acted and looking and ones that bored, annoyed and insulted the intelligence more.

Visually, 'Matchmaker Santa' looks good with it being shot and lit well and while standard the settings are lovely looking and festive at least. The film started off very nicely, with a lot of charm and warmth.

Chabert is her usual likeable and charming self, as a character with no exaggerated negative qualities without being too perfect, and carries the film with ease. She has natural chemistry with both male leads, Thad Luckinbill and Adam Mayfield match Chabert's charm and one can see their appeal. Florence Henderson's performance is not subtle but she is a lot of fun. John Ratzenberger makes the most of what he's given to work with, and he's underused.

However, the story doesn't have enough to it. Actually don't mind awfully that it was very formulaic, what bothered me was that there was very unimaginatively executed, was really not much of one at all, had some fairly contrived situations and the film gets so sweet (too much so) in places it was almost sickly. The script is similarly thin and quite routine, especially in the more eventful parts, with too much cheese and sentimentality. The chemistry between Chabert and her male leads varies, it's nice with Mayfield which has more growth but a little under-explored with Luckinbill (despite them being sweet together).

Did find that Lin Shaye overplayed to an embarrassing degree. Pacing can be a problem, with the story being too little a lot of the film crawls along and feels over-stretched. The direction is only functional at best and can be on the leaden side of things. Would have liked more development between the characters, a far less over-neat and rushed ending and especially far more subtle music. Do agree with those that found the music over-bearing and ill fitting.

Overall, watchable but pretty average. 5/10.

I love this movie but it's so hard to find. Wish I could find this movie in other places so I can watch it.

Reliable Lacey just didn't do it for me in this one. This movie was made 8 years ago and Lacey Chabert hasn't changed a bit. And I'm not sure that's a good thing. Same hairdo, same lipstick, same signature eyeliner. Honestly, couldn't she even wash her face before going to bed? If she ever wiped that eyeliner off, I don't think I'd recognize her. Same affected giggle: It would make a good drinking game. I didn't think she much chemistry with her co-star, and the plot was tired and dull. Maybe I just need a break from Lacey, because she can be a good actress, with good comedy chops. Unfortunately that's a little difficult, since watching Hallmarks is kind of a silly hobby of mine. I did like her love interest on his own though. I'd like to see him pared up with someone else.

Good points:

It stayed nicely focused on Christmas...with Christmas décor and scenes, and with Santa, Christmas cookies and all. The plot flowed nicely. The lines were good. The acting...*except for mentioned below... was OK at best. (I've seen worst.)

Bad points:

1. Even though it had "snow"...and was supposed to be cold...somehow it gave the impression that it really was filmed in the Spring or Summer. The deciduous trees where they picked up Santa, were green and lush. The deciduous trees in the forest still had their leaves...there was even an outdoor tropical plant in front of the porch at the home.

The male star had his coat open, wearing it over a t-shirt. He looked as if the coat made him too warm to bundle up. All the players looked too warm when they were outside.

There was just too much conflict between the time of year and the profound abundance of over-looked details that suggested it really was NOT that COLD time of year. And I think that really, really distracted from the movie.

2. *Florence Henderson and her *friend were constantly over-the-top obnoxious!........ Florence with her over-bearing, nasal cheerfulness, was too silly....and the friend was just plain, over-bearing in every way. I've seen this movie a few times, and I hate to sit through it when they are featured.

Movie was okay.

If you have a girlfriend, you can get through it.

If you are a guy, boy it is a tough one.

Usual plot, girl and guy but this time the girl has another man. Then we have a fat white man, I mean Santa, changing the universe for just these 2 couples, so they realize who the real true love is.

I must say, IMDb requiring 10 lines for this movie is sad.

Very sad Indeed I give it a 5.5 out of 10. Lacey Chabert needs to work on her acting. Well most of the cast does. I think I reached 10 lines by now now now period.

This 2012 Lacey Chabert annual Christmas movie is a gift you might not want to open. In this film she plays Melanie who at 9 years old wrote a letter to Santa asking for "true love". Santa however did grant her wish the year of the letter.

15-16 years later around Christmas time she boards a plane to spend Christmas time with her boyfriend "Justin" who she thinks he is about "Pop the Question". On the plane with her is her boyfriends assistant Dean who has been keeping Melanie and "Deans" relationship afloat.

ON the plane Melanie meets Nick who in reality is of course is "Santa Claus". He remembers the letter Melanie wrote him and now has working very hard on granting her "Christmas Wish".

The film is not very entertaining. I always love Lin Shaye in anything however she is not in the film long enough.

The film could of been much better. The final 5 minutes however feel too rushed and very "unrealistic".

IF you never seen this film you are lucky!

So tired of Lacey, Candace and Danica. Wondered why Santa was hitch hiking saying he missed his bus because his plane was late. The pilot said to all the passengers that he would make up the time in the air. If this wasn't a Hallmark movie, I'd think Santa was a serial killer. He creeped me out. Also, Lacey's giggling was so over the top. It got old. Not my favorite Hallmark movie.

Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Matchmaker Santa.

Story: 1.75/2 - Direction and Pace: 3.00/4 - Performances: 1.50/2 - Enjoyment: 1.75/2

Total 8/10

Romance - Check.

Heart-warming Scenarios - Check.

Feel-good Atmosphere (with as much sweetness as's within those delicious freshly baked and iced cookies) - Check.

Light-hearted Banter & Reminiscences - Check.

A Christmas Town - Check.

Snow (especially when there shouldn't be any) - Check.

A Santa With A Heart Of Gold But A Wicked Sense Of Humour - Check.

So what more do you want in your Christmas stories? Robust, likeable characters? Well, the writers even give us plenty of them. Luckily for the viewer, they add a plethora of individual personalities to entertain. I especially loved the laid-back and matter-of-fact sarcasm of the garage mechanic. And the delightfully delicious cougar on the prowl. But the best thing about these is that they're not wasted in the movie as they're given to John Ratzenberger and Lin Shaye (did she realise this wasn't a horror flick(?)) respectively to portray. And not only do they do a superb job with their roles, but so does everyone else in the cast: They add loads of charm to this enchanting picture. Even Santa Claus is uber-charming, though, at one point, he gives a bloke who's trying to help him find his glasses poison oak for the entire Christmas period. Well, no good deed goes unpunished; anyway, there's a good reason for this tiny torture that Santa bestows with a gleeful grin and a tap of the nose. It's to grant young Melanie's wish to meet her Prince Charming someday - her one true forever love. And this is what's known in North Pole circles as a long-term wish - one that requires time to be magicked into reality. And it's the lengths Old Nick has to go to so he can fulfil that particular fancy that makes the story endearing.

If you're looking for an entertainingly charming Chrimbo Flick this Season of Goodwill, look no further than Matchmaker Santa. And should you be a newbie to the Genre, I highly recommend the film as a superb starting place for your Christmas viewing.

Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.

Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.

I was eagerly looking forward to an evening with Hallmark. The movie "Matchmaker Santa" started out magical. The actors were well chosen and the storyline imaginative and fun.

As I continued to watch the movie, I noticed that the music in the background was louder than the speaking voices. After one-half hour into the movie the music did not stop. It was like listening to a movie and a concert at the same time. You could not hear every word clearly and you had to strain to hear each word, and I have excellent hearing. I call it the ping-pong Hallmark music. It is as if a record is playing the same music for two hours over and over with high and low notes. There should be no music when the actors speak, unless it is for an endearing apex moment. The music in the background was continuous throughout the entire movie, ruining the movie for me.

So, disappointed as I was, I turned the channel and did not view the entire movie. I rated it "awful" because it was awful to watch.

I must agree with the poster who spoke about the background music...I have pretty good hearing and I was straining as well. At one point I had the volume all the way up and my husband came in and said....what are you-hard of hearing?? It's so frustrating. I liked the actors chosen for this movie but I found myself getting easily distracted, it did not hold my attention. I normally like Lacey but I thought in this particular movie she seemed moody and just not very upbeat. Of course I will continue to watch Christmas Hallmark movies but they are getting more and more silly. What happened to the movies like The Christmas Card- what a great story and beautiful Christmas scenery and Silver Bells also a great storyline and then there's Fallen Angel. Come on Hallmark...you can do much better than this.

Sorry- did not enjoy this movie at all!

I really enjoyed this Christmas movie. Yes they aren't going to win any awards. But to pass some time and escape the real life this is just the ticket.

Some of these made for tv I know straight from the start if I can watch them or not. Some you just know there's too much cheese. This one obviously wasn't one of those. I liked both main stars and loved Father Christmas!

Grab a cuppa and a packet of biscuits and you are all set.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with most of the other reviewers about this movie. Whoever edited and handled the sound for this movie, forgot to turn down the music when the actors were speaking. And the stalker Santa popping up all over the place was maniacal instead of magical. I guess that the producers and directors also thought that the plot/script were lacking, so they decided to throw in Florence Henderson and Lin Shaye as two "ditzy" cookie makers for comic relief who, instead, just come across with cringe-worthy silly performances. And the very capable John Ratzenberger could have been much better used in this film. There's too much plodding sub-plot going on with a focus on character quirks that didn't add to the overall story. Consequently, the whole thing felt fragmented and sort of lame. I kept checking the time to see when it would end.