Hallmark's screenwriters must have a template hidden somewhere, so that they can simply substitute new names, settings, etc. Don't believe me? In the "Christmas Cottage," here's what we get (just like most other Christmas movies).
Estranged Couple - This usually goes one of two ways: you get a former couple who are reunited (like with this film), or you get two strangers who meet and click. Here we have Lacey, a workaholic woman who returns home for her best friend's wedding. On the other side of the table, we've got Ean, a cook who enjoys traveling the world and is the brother of the bride.
Setting - a small, quaint heavily decorated Christmas town. Once in a while, you get a large city setting, but most of these films are in a small town.
Activities - In the small town setting, you invariably have: sled riding, Christmas tree lighting, snowman building, decorating, going for rides in a sleigh, cooking/serving for the under-privileged, etc.
Rival - There is almost always a rival in these films. In this case, we have Roger, who happens to be Lacey's boss, and is totally business driven, much like Lacey.
The Shift - This is where the one person (Lacey, in this case) needs to find the magic of Christmas. Of course, the magic of Christmas is the catalyst to helping someone change. Here, you have to just "go with it." These movies aren't supposed to be realistic, as most people don't simply change so easily.
Second Thoughts - This is where someone, or sometimes, both people are contemplating their "new situation/new feelings" and are unsure about what to do. Usually within the last 7 minutes of the film, an epiphany strikes, and one/both people are in a situation where they can confess their undying love for each other.
My favorite Hallmark films are those that take a chance; where the writers do something different. "Finding Father Christmas" and "Engaging Father Christmas" are two films that do this really well.
The performances in Christmas Cottage are good, and despite the formula, it's still enjoyable to watch, for the most part. However, because it's so formulaic, the ceiling is set very low, which means that it isn't likely to stand apart from the other films that have the exact...same...formula.
Hallmark needs to hire some creative writers who can come up with some new plots and characters that don't adhere so strictly to what should be called, "The Hallmark Christmas Formula."
You're likely to enjoy this film, but find yourself saying at the end, "new movie, same story."
Estranged Couple - This usually goes one of two ways: you get a former couple who are reunited (like with this film), or you get two strangers who meet and click. Here we have Lacey, a workaholic woman who returns home for her best friend's wedding. On the other side of the table, we've got Ean, a cook who enjoys traveling the world and is the brother of the bride.
Setting - a small, quaint heavily decorated Christmas town. Once in a while, you get a large city setting, but most of these films are in a small town.
Activities - In the small town setting, you invariably have: sled riding, Christmas tree lighting, snowman building, decorating, going for rides in a sleigh, cooking/serving for the under-privileged, etc.
Rival - There is almost always a rival in these films. In this case, we have Roger, who happens to be Lacey's boss, and is totally business driven, much like Lacey.
The Shift - This is where the one person (Lacey, in this case) needs to find the magic of Christmas. Of course, the magic of Christmas is the catalyst to helping someone change. Here, you have to just "go with it." These movies aren't supposed to be realistic, as most people don't simply change so easily.
Second Thoughts - This is where someone, or sometimes, both people are contemplating their "new situation/new feelings" and are unsure about what to do. Usually within the last 7 minutes of the film, an epiphany strikes, and one/both people are in a situation where they can confess their undying love for each other.
My favorite Hallmark films are those that take a chance; where the writers do something different. "Finding Father Christmas" and "Engaging Father Christmas" are two films that do this really well.
The performances in Christmas Cottage are good, and despite the formula, it's still enjoyable to watch, for the most part. However, because it's so formulaic, the ceiling is set very low, which means that it isn't likely to stand apart from the other films that have the exact...same...formula.
Hallmark needs to hire some creative writers who can come up with some new plots and characters that don't adhere so strictly to what should be called, "The Hallmark Christmas Formula."
You're likely to enjoy this film, but find yourself saying at the end, "new movie, same story."
