Christmas on Duty

7.3 stars.

This is not a bad movie, not sure why the low overall rating. A lot of reviewers really liked it.

The atmosphere is a Christmasy road-trip romance between two army captains. They are on a mission to buy a bunch of toys and deliver them to children in their hometown for Christmas. All roads are snowed-in and deliveries are delayed and the only way to get the toys to the town is to requisition a large military truck, able to drive through thick snow, and load it with toys from toy stores that still have them in stock.

The captains end up driving all Christmas Eve through the night and into Christmas morning to accomplish the task, and in the meantime they spark a romance (this is Hallmark after all).

The backstory is that their fathers did not get along and it was looking like the apples didn't fall far from the trees for these two either; but the love birds rewrite their family story (after a few initial hiccups) and the romance is on.

I really like the setting as most of it takes place on the road in the cab of this five ton army truck. She drives and he navigates as they share good conversations. Along the way they attend a parade and a party, and the truck breaks down...all familiar tropes for Hallmark fare. On the other hand, something about the mood captures the essence of Christmas.

This is a feel-good film, not spectacular, but sufficiently enjoyable for a once-over.

That tiny little female versus a 6 foot ripped male - what a joke. Their competition does a disservice to the USA military. The leads have no chemistry, and her add on best friend with the coiffed hair and perfect makeup doesn't help.

The only good thing about this movie is the service to military families.

I liked this movie, a lot. It was everything you want in a hallmark movie. It did not disappoint.

Love the military theme as I feel our men and women in uniform do not get enough recognition and I appreciate you spotlighting them.

And the lead characters were adorable.

I Will definitely watch it again!

The story of two marines with history who get thrust into a reluctant "santa" role in the base and, obviously, end up falling for one another. Plenty of antics and awkward situations push them to the expected conclusion.

Newcomer to Hallmark Parker Young does a good job and is entertaining while also showing a sensitive and family side but even his good effort can't compensate for the disastrous Janel Parrish.

She is just not credible or even entertaining.

I suspect we will not be seeing a lot of play of this one.

CHRISTMAS ON DUTY I Lazy, uninspired and predictable holiday rom-com, Christmas On Duty struggles to be cute or romantic, and everything just flows way too easy for our uninteresting couple. Jake Van Wagoner could have had his eyes closed directing the film. Parker Young who at least has some decent gigs to his credit gives it a little life but Janel Parrish is rather yawn inducing as the lead. V.