montgomerysue

It's hard to believe that two people could spend so much time together and even fall in love and not know their home addresses or phone numbers !!

And so, when they both get home from the trip where they met, the search is on to find each other again.

The premise is ridiculous, the situations are very contrived, and the dialogue is sometimes so corny that it's unintentionally funny.

It's all talky and boring which is too bad because it wastes the talents of two really fine performers, Autumn Reeser and Niall Matter, who do give it their best efforts to make this work - but ultimately it's just not believable.

There is a lot to say about this movie. The main theme is "Mom is selling the family house so let's have the best last Christmas ever," but there are many subplots here that are all very interesting, entertaining, and concisely written by Paul Campbell, Kimberley Sustad, and Russell Hainlain once again. Campbell, Hynes, and Walker are three of Hallmark's most accomplished actors, but here you really feel like you are just watching the Brenner boys. That is quite an accomplishment for those three - to create characters who are so vivid and unique that the viewer gets totally engaged in them. The women are all back and give very endearing performances. The writers wisely gave Margaret Colin, as the mother, more to do here and, as in the first two movies, she is outstanding. The best Hallmark mother ever. As the grandson Tommy, Miles Marthhaller is one of Hallmark's best child actors - very natural and engaging. Many of the supporting characters from the first two movies show up in surprising ways - thanks to the excellent writing and they are all very good, particularly Matt Hamilton as neighbor Mark and Ali Liebert as Fiona. And Sustad does her funny cameo as the doctor. The new character is Bob - the possible ornery father-in-law - and he is really quite good.

This movie works because of the funny and sentimental writing, the nice production values and sets, the spirited direction by Terry Ingram, and a talented cast of major and minor players who are all wonderful. It's one of Hallmark's best Christmas gifts - hopefully, the gift that keeps on giving.

This update of "A Christmas Carol" starts off hilariously and then features all of the charm, sentiment, and life lessons of the original.

Erin Krakow is Ella Neezer and this is a refreshing change of pace for this accomplished Hallmark actress. She is really excellent here, as is Tyler Hynes as the love she left behind. These two really nail it with sincere and moving performances that are also very witty at times. The supporting cast works well, too, particularly Erik Gow as Pip the plane steward and Faith Wright as Christmas Past. This is cleverly written and keeps you interested in seeing how it manages to convey all of a classic's messages in a modern setting. The direction by Peter Benson is very spirited and the production values are nicely done. This a worthwhile adaption of a Christmas classic that works thanks to Krakow and Hynes and some fine writing and directing.