Just in Time for Christmas

There were three main reasons for seeing 'Just in Time for Christmas'. One was for Hallmark completest sake, with it being part of a quest to see as many Hallmark and Lifetime films as possible (Christmas initially and then gradually moving onto the non-Christmas films). Two was for the concept, have seen time travel done a few times before with Hallmark (though in films released later) and done quite well. Three was for the cast, having always enjoyed Christopher Lloyd and liking Eloise Munford in other things.

'Just in Time for Christmas' was pleasant enough and is worth seeing. Of the 2015 Hallmark Christmas films, it's somewhere in the middle rather than being one of the best or worst. It is another one of those films that could have done a good deal more with its concept and the time travel, but did appreciate its good intentions, that it wasn't cold emotionally and that it was mostly well performed. Not a great film, but in my mind 'Just in Time for Christmas' was still watchable.

Starting with the good things, there are no complaints to be had with the production values. Especially the often magical scenery that really does give off a festive vibe. The cast are also well above average on the whole, Munford gives a very engaging performance that doesn't feel underplayed or overacted. Didn't think she overdid any mannerisms personally (have seen and heard worse) and she succeeds at giving her character growth. She does have some spark with Michael Stahl-David.

Lloyd is amusing and charming in his role and William Shatner (yes that William Shatner) looked as though he was enjoying himself without being as hammy as he usually is. T is sympathetically and not too routinely directed. The script is not too bad. Nothing to be wowed by but other Hallmark festive films do a far worse job at making one cringe. It can be cornball definitely, but there is less of a cheese overload and it doesn't seem too soapy, or at least to me it didn't. The story is engaging and doesn't take itself too seriously, while being well meaning and moving.

However, there are things that could have been better. As said already, more could have been done with the concept, which is a bit too ordinary and lacks imagination with the time travel. Not all the story rings true, especially the very rushed and unrealistic final decision which made the ending too pat (a common problem with Hallmark) and Stahl-David's character's irritational behaviour being overdone and too suddenly introduced (we are talking completely out of left field).

Did find Stahl-David a bit too bland and stiff and that the relationship between him and Mumford could have been more fleshed out. The music did feel too intrusive and could have been used less and more toned down, didn't think it always fitted either.

Summing up, found a lot to like here but it could have been more. 6/10.

A Christmas film seductive for the references to A wonderful lider, Christopher Lloyd and William Shatner.A woman in dilemma, a wise grandfather and an useful angel and three years as precise definition of options. Short, just nice.

7.1 stars.

If you like Eloise Mumford you will like this movie. If you love her, you will love this movie. If you don't, you won't. That's all you need to know about 'Just in Time for Christmas'.

I happen to like her, not fully in love with her, and she does her best in this, in spite of a flawed script. I've seen her in other shows and movies, and there is something desirous about her warmth and of her smile (of course what's not to love about her smile, one of the best in the business). In contrast, she can be vexing from time to time. I have difficulty with the shrill screams and giggles throughout. Her voice has a way of piercing the auditory array and disrupting your serenity. Outside of that, I enjoy her as an actress in this film.

The male lead is good, although he seems a bit less masculine than most male leads in Hallmark movies to date. I get that he is suave in his own original way, which was endearing for the ladies, I'm sure. In this movie, I don't believe he is developed enough as a character. We as an audience don't get the opportunity to get acquainted with the man who has so monumentally captured her heart. They got the script wrong when they left him under-developed. We need another 10 minutes in the beginning to get to know him better, maybe see them interact more, see what makes him tick, see all the good sides of his personality, and what she loves about him.

The rest of the movie, save the very end, is mundane for me, although it was sufficient to hold my attention for the journey. The confusion, memory loss, her dream job, which constitute a large proportion of the film, are poorly coordinated, and over-embellished.

The SAVING GRACE is that the end is spectacular, one of the best finales that I've seen in a Hallmark movie to date. It really is in my top 5. Did they wrap this up brilliantly - yes. Did they develop the in between parts of the movie so we could enjoy the end even more - negatory.

The story is like a mix of Christmas Time Travel films with a hint of It's a Wonderful Life thrown in. I didn't think the makers could pull off such a cheesy plot of career v love at Christmastime , but they just about did ! With strong cameos from Christopher Lloyd & William Shatner , they were off to a good start, and great bubbly acting from Eloise Mumford made the film worth watching. Sure , it had several cliched moments and used a tried & tested formula - but overall I think you'll enjoy it .

This cute little movie is about a young woman at a crossroads in her life. She then magically gets shown her future, if she continues down the path she's on. In the future, she is a successful professor and author and her boyfriend is engaged to someone else (yet still has feelings for her). She appears to have come back to town unexpectedly after having been gone for 3 whole years...

The movie is well cast, with Eloise Mumford holding the movie together brilliantly as the main lead. Her grandfather is played by Christopher Lloyd, who brings some of his "Back to the Future" charm back. Also the magical man (Angel) is played by William Shatner who made me smile every time he popped up. Overall, this is a wonderful little movie that the whole family can enjoy! A wonderful movie from my past, that came out just in time for Christmas.