When a Christmas themed movie is produced you get one of four basic varieties: religious, farce, rom/com, or tear jerker. The Lifetime channel and Hallmark specialize in the last three. People love watching something simple and predictable. Once every ten years something comes out that breaks the mold, and becomes a classic that gets watched every year: Elf, A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation etc.
This film will not enter that elite "classic" group. But...unlike hallmark movies or lifetime movies this has quite a few good actors in it. And the story has a relatively unique twist that creates interest. But you know how it will end. From minute one.
Asa Butterfield is a very capable actor. Cora Kirk, his costar is...okay. They do not have chemistry, which considering that is the core of a rom/com is a bit of a problem. The actors playing roles for Cora's family are mostly over the top, the performers for Asa's household feel like leftovers from Downton Abbey. But it's inoffensive, light, reasonably well acted, with okay production values. So it's an okay watch while you're wrapping gifts, folding the laundry or sipping a glass of whatever.
But not memorable, not classic and not "brilliant".
So...enjoy...just don't expect too much.
This film will not enter that elite "classic" group. But...unlike hallmark movies or lifetime movies this has quite a few good actors in it. And the story has a relatively unique twist that creates interest. But you know how it will end. From minute one.
Asa Butterfield is a very capable actor. Cora Kirk, his costar is...okay. They do not have chemistry, which considering that is the core of a rom/com is a bit of a problem. The actors playing roles for Cora's family are mostly over the top, the performers for Asa's household feel like leftovers from Downton Abbey. But it's inoffensive, light, reasonably well acted, with okay production values. So it's an okay watch while you're wrapping gifts, folding the laundry or sipping a glass of whatever.
But not memorable, not classic and not "brilliant".
So...enjoy...just don't expect too much.