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.
