I liked the premise of how Nicky Whelan ends up at Reindeer Lodge and was hoping for some more "off-piste" storyline, but it stuck pretty much to the tried & tested formula. All the actors played their roles pretty well, especially the 2 leads, Nicky & Josh Kelly. My main grudge was that any romance or build-up to it didn't really work . Definitely seen better chemistry in other Hallmark seasonal films. Other than that, it's a decent enough & pleasant film to while away an hour or two.
26 Reviews
An unexpected destination, brings romance
lwmtem13 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Nicki's company has shut down for the holidays and the young workaholic discovers a getaway from Christmas from a radio station and she packs for Jamaica, but mid-flight discovers her destination is Reindeer Lodge deep in New England. With the airport closing and a storm on the way she finds herself in the company of a businessman having business at the lodge, a newly wed couple hoping to get photos for the Reindeer, while enjoying the hospitality of an elderly couple who own Reindeer Lodge.
Miserable with her circumstances so far from the tropical shore, the are all waiting for the chance to get back to civilization, to fulfill the business needs or to get those photos as the get to know each other while the future of the lodge becomes more doubtful.
They come up with a fundraiser in hopes of helping the owner and find themselves drawn closer together.
Not every romance starts off traveling many miles in the wrong direction, but reindeer know they way!
Miserable with her circumstances so far from the tropical shore, the are all waiting for the chance to get back to civilization, to fulfill the business needs or to get those photos as the get to know each other while the future of the lodge becomes more doubtful.
They come up with a fundraiser in hopes of helping the owner and find themselves drawn closer together.
Not every romance starts off traveling many miles in the wrong direction, but reindeer know they way!
Charm at the lodge
TheLittleSongbird15 February 2022
2017 was an inconsistent year for Hallmark, which was not unexpected as all of their films from all the years they've been active varied in quality. Expectations were admittedly not massive for 'Romance at Reindeer Lodge', they never have been for Hallmark Christmas films. Nor were they low or was the mentality of wanting to hate it, as that's not fair on anything. The story did not sound very exciting, but Hallmark have proved more than once that they can do Christmas films that are actually above decent.
'Romance at Reindeer Lodge' is one of them, it's well above average and charming despite being a long way from perfect. As far as Hallmark's 2017 Christmas films go, 'Romance at Reindeer Lodge' is one of the better ones. While not a must watch, it is worth seeing and this is coming from somebody who is judging the film, as with every Christmas films seen over the past two years as part of my quest, on its own merits without any comparison to anything else.
Will agree with those that 'Romance at Reindeer Lodge' could have done with more romance. The chemistry is there and sweet, but the relationship itself could have been explored more and taken more time to develop. The father and son relationship also could have gone into more depth, nice idea but near-sidelined.
Had no doubt that 'Romance at Reindeer Lodge' would be formulaic, as Hallmark films nearly always are, but did think that the pace could have been tighter in the early parts and that the ending could have felt less rushed and pat. Like other Hallmark Christmas films, it's all pleasant enough if safe.
Nicky Whelan however plays her refereshingly more grounded character (compared to a lot of female lead characters with Hallmark) with charm and dignity and comes over as very likeable. Josh Kelly is a subtly confident and sympathetic leading man too and while the relationship is not explored enough their chemistry is genuine and low key. Robert Pine and Beth Broderick are solid support.
Production values are quite nice, especially the scenery. The decorations are nostalgic and affectionately festive, not looking cheap. Hallmark Christmas films can be over-scored, but it fitted just about right and wasn't too drab or melancholic even if it doesn't wow. The direction is more than competent. The script isn't stilted, too cheesy or schmaltzy and while the story is far from perfect it has plenty of light-hearted and heart-warming moments and had characters worth caring for (the latter not always the case with Hallmark.
Overall, doesn't wow but a pleasant watch. A small 7/10.
'Romance at Reindeer Lodge' is one of them, it's well above average and charming despite being a long way from perfect. As far as Hallmark's 2017 Christmas films go, 'Romance at Reindeer Lodge' is one of the better ones. While not a must watch, it is worth seeing and this is coming from somebody who is judging the film, as with every Christmas films seen over the past two years as part of my quest, on its own merits without any comparison to anything else.
Will agree with those that 'Romance at Reindeer Lodge' could have done with more romance. The chemistry is there and sweet, but the relationship itself could have been explored more and taken more time to develop. The father and son relationship also could have gone into more depth, nice idea but near-sidelined.
Had no doubt that 'Romance at Reindeer Lodge' would be formulaic, as Hallmark films nearly always are, but did think that the pace could have been tighter in the early parts and that the ending could have felt less rushed and pat. Like other Hallmark Christmas films, it's all pleasant enough if safe.
Nicky Whelan however plays her refereshingly more grounded character (compared to a lot of female lead characters with Hallmark) with charm and dignity and comes over as very likeable. Josh Kelly is a subtly confident and sympathetic leading man too and while the relationship is not explored enough their chemistry is genuine and low key. Robert Pine and Beth Broderick are solid support.
Production values are quite nice, especially the scenery. The decorations are nostalgic and affectionately festive, not looking cheap. Hallmark Christmas films can be over-scored, but it fitted just about right and wasn't too drab or melancholic even if it doesn't wow. The direction is more than competent. The script isn't stilted, too cheesy or schmaltzy and while the story is far from perfect it has plenty of light-hearted and heart-warming moments and had characters worth caring for (the latter not always the case with Hallmark.
Overall, doesn't wow but a pleasant watch. A small 7/10.
Not Your Typical Hallmark Movie
gmartzer25 December 2017
I as really looking forward to seeing this movie and it didn't disappoint me! I would agree with 'Quite Sweet', it was refreshing watching her and not the typical giggly, air-head character they have play the love interest. Would love to see the two love interest act together again. Only bummer, really thought this was filmed in Vermont, but it was in Connecticut.
Romance at Reindeer Lodge
JoBloTheMovieCritic20 July 2019
Quite sweet
managementbykristi19 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The highlight for me was the quality of acting from the female lead. I was happy she wasn't one of the ditzy, giggly female leads you usually see in these types of movies. I really liked how grounded her character was.
The Jamaica joke was funny. Her Caribbean outfit and going on about drinking rum punch was hilarious .
The only con for me was the reason the girl became angry with the guy - I thought she should have been upset that he lied to the sweet old couple and that he was wrong for coming to the lodge under a pretence. It seemed odd that her issue would be that he lied to her.
The Jamaica joke was funny. Her Caribbean outfit and going on about drinking rum punch was hilarious .
The only con for me was the reason the girl became angry with the guy - I thought she should have been upset that he lied to the sweet old couple and that he was wrong for coming to the lodge under a pretence. It seemed odd that her issue would be that he lied to her.
Really Not that Romantic
PossibleOptimism5 February 2018
Yep. It wasn't that romantic, but possibly not the fault of the actors. Hallmark serves up such recycled scripts it's a wonder no one has caught on this can't last forever.
There was a lot of problems in this movie which were hard to miss, from the fake snow (blankets) to the sooo painfully digitally created car interior scenes, not to mention the reindeer who never really got their chance to shine...but I will give this one props for using a few new actors. Plus I did get in a real Christmasy mood.
I only wish that hot chocolate was real.
I only wish that hot chocolate was real.
Made me laugh heartily!
kz917-115 July 2019
I was delightfully surprised by this movie as neither lead is very well known.
A couple looking to avoid celebrating Christmas end up doing exactly that in Jamaica, Vermont.
The entire movie was very funny and actors enjoyable.
Worth a watch!
A couple looking to avoid celebrating Christmas end up doing exactly that in Jamaica, Vermont.
The entire movie was very funny and actors enjoyable.
Worth a watch!
Kind of flat
the_doofy19 December 2017
The opening premise is kind of funny, but that was about all I could get into. I have these pretty high expectations now regarding hall mark christmas movies, some of them through the years have been surprisingly good
Unfortunately, this particular movie is pretty flat, kind of like eating cardboard. It might be something ladies may enjoy, but definitely not any interest for a guy. Even for one who has a short list of hall mark holliday favorites.
Flat, bland, uninteresting, I guess it was just made to fill a slot on an agenda.
Unfortunately, this particular movie is pretty flat, kind of like eating cardboard. It might be something ladies may enjoy, but definitely not any interest for a guy. Even for one who has a short list of hall mark holliday favorites.
Flat, bland, uninteresting, I guess it was just made to fill a slot on an agenda.
A decent one, finally
lmgannon231 December 2017
This one was predictable and a bit cheesy as they all are but I enjoyed it anyway because of the two excellent leads. How refreshing to have a female lead that you haven't seenin several other Hallmark movies, and best of all, a woman who doesn't have the very noticeable and awful false eyelashes and heavy eye mkeup that most sport these days which distract throughout the wholemovie...and a male lead who is natural and believable in the role. I wish they would expand their pool of actresses and actors,I'm so sick of Chabert, Witt, Cameron, Martin, McKeller, Spelling, et al !
Sweet!!!
turnedgood18 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is just like a chocolate bar - or a gingerbread cookie. Sweet!!!
I mean, ok, when it comes to a Hallmark movie, you pretty much know what to expect. But, when you get passed all that, this movie gives you the sense of tranquility - at least it did to me...
And I believe it all comes down to Ms. Broderick (the lodge lady-owner), who is tranquility personified. A lady who gets the good, and in this case the bad, with an endless endurance. Loved her!!!
Ms. Whelan is such a beauty!!! But I really liked that the movie did not base itself on that. She totally managed to portray a career oriented, over-worked young woman, who has just "lost her way".
The rest of the cast was great too, but as i've said, it's the two ladies that really shine.
Finally, the whole reindeer thing is a plus too. Their appearance at the end of the movie, was a treat!
As Ms. Broderick states: "You know,we were afraid they might not come, that it would take some sort of Christmas magic, but I think you all brought that. You brought your love, young love, and new love."
"I think true love brought the reindeer."
A must see!!!
I mean, ok, when it comes to a Hallmark movie, you pretty much know what to expect. But, when you get passed all that, this movie gives you the sense of tranquility - at least it did to me...
And I believe it all comes down to Ms. Broderick (the lodge lady-owner), who is tranquility personified. A lady who gets the good, and in this case the bad, with an endless endurance. Loved her!!!
Ms. Whelan is such a beauty!!! But I really liked that the movie did not base itself on that. She totally managed to portray a career oriented, over-worked young woman, who has just "lost her way".
The rest of the cast was great too, but as i've said, it's the two ladies that really shine.
Finally, the whole reindeer thing is a plus too. Their appearance at the end of the movie, was a treat!
As Ms. Broderick states: "You know,we were afraid they might not come, that it would take some sort of Christmas magic, but I think you all brought that. You brought your love, young love, and new love."
"I think true love brought the reindeer."
A must see!!!
Didn't catch my interest.
Jackbv1231 January 2018
Not that this movie was bad. For me it was more the fact it did not catch my interest. This is another of the - we're going to lose our inn- movies. Problem is, I didn't care that much. And closing it makes sense apart from the tradition aspect. I didn't think Nicky Whelan and Josh Kelly's characters connected. And their solution to the problem is lame.
The details of this story were a little unusual, but not enough. Jared says early on to his dad that he has something of a situation, but that mystery doesn't really get explored unless it is the romance..
This is pretty much what you expect from a Hallmark Christmas move. I enjoy them, but not this one. But for others who like this type of movie, you might find something to like.
The details of this story were a little unusual, but not enough. Jared says early on to his dad that he has something of a situation, but that mystery doesn't really get explored unless it is the romance..
This is pretty much what you expect from a Hallmark Christmas move. I enjoy them, but not this one. But for others who like this type of movie, you might find something to like.
I really love this one
Christmas-Reviewer1 January 2018
I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 ( C H R I S T M A S ) MOVIES AND SPECIALS.
PLEASE BEWARE OF SOME REVIEWERS THAT ONLY HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE NO AGENDA! I REVIEW MOVIES & SPECIALS AS A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN! I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY GEMS IN MY QUEST TO SEE AS MANY " C H R I S T M A S " MOVIES AS I CAN.
Someone keeps reporting my reviews. I guess they are jealous because I do tell the truth. I want to point out that I never make snide remarks about actors weight or real life sexual orientation. If there acting is terrible or limited "I talk about that". If a story is bad "I will mention that" So why am I being "picked on"? IMDB will not even tell me what someone found offensive. Well on to the review :
A group of adults from different parts of the country have sworn off partaking in holiday events. Two of those people are Molly and Jared. Upon arriving at their destination, they discover it's a Christmas themed ranch. With no flight out until after Christmas!
I do not want to give more story away. I will say it is what you expect but so well made. The casting is great and it has everything you would want in a "Christmas Movie".
What I like about this film it hits its marks expertly. The film is about "Love" "Hope" , and "Forgiveness".
I also like how it show traditions are important and its okay to make new ones throughout all of our lives.
Of all the "Countdown To Christmas Movies 2017" this one was the best. I will see this again & again.
Merry Christmas
PLEASE BEWARE OF SOME REVIEWERS THAT ONLY HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE NO AGENDA! I REVIEW MOVIES & SPECIALS AS A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN! I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY GEMS IN MY QUEST TO SEE AS MANY " C H R I S T M A S " MOVIES AS I CAN.
Someone keeps reporting my reviews. I guess they are jealous because I do tell the truth. I want to point out that I never make snide remarks about actors weight or real life sexual orientation. If there acting is terrible or limited "I talk about that". If a story is bad "I will mention that" So why am I being "picked on"? IMDB will not even tell me what someone found offensive. Well on to the review :
A group of adults from different parts of the country have sworn off partaking in holiday events. Two of those people are Molly and Jared. Upon arriving at their destination, they discover it's a Christmas themed ranch. With no flight out until after Christmas!
I do not want to give more story away. I will say it is what you expect but so well made. The casting is great and it has everything you would want in a "Christmas Movie".
What I like about this film it hits its marks expertly. The film is about "Love" "Hope" , and "Forgiveness".
I also like how it show traditions are important and its okay to make new ones throughout all of our lives.
Of all the "Countdown To Christmas Movies 2017" this one was the best. I will see this again & again.
Merry Christmas
Lousy
teebear81711 July 2020
Hallmark has jumped the shark with thus drivel. These movies have become predictable, and tiresome. There might be 3 plotlines for 100 movies. They are so overproduced that several actresses are having a career doing nothing but Christmas moves for them. 7 and 8 movies per actress? Come on! I now think there are shill reviewers for these movies. How can anyway give this a 9 or 10? The actress was unlikeable and miscast. Never cared about her. Ludacrous coincidences throughout. Hallmark has decided its quantity over quality, and it shows.
Enjoyable and Moving
atlasmb31 October 2021
This is one of the more enjoyable Hallmark holiday romances.
Molly (Nicky Whelan) is a workaholic who grudgingly has to take time off between Christmas and New Years. A mistake puts her on a flight to Vermont. When she meets Jared (Josh Kelly) along the way, they start out on the wrong foot. You can see where this is going, but the dialogue is good and the chemistry is strong.
The story is about finding real value in unexpected circumstances. And it leads to some tear-jerking scenes that celebrate belonging, romance, and enjoying life.
A strong supporting cast and beautiful scenery round out this production. I would enjoy a sequel.
Molly (Nicky Whelan) is a workaholic who grudgingly has to take time off between Christmas and New Years. A mistake puts her on a flight to Vermont. When she meets Jared (Josh Kelly) along the way, they start out on the wrong foot. You can see where this is going, but the dialogue is good and the chemistry is strong.
The story is about finding real value in unexpected circumstances. And it leads to some tear-jerking scenes that celebrate belonging, romance, and enjoying life.
A strong supporting cast and beautiful scenery round out this production. I would enjoy a sequel.
surprising
Kirpianuscus22 December 2018
It is a Hallmark Christmas film. But it has the science to be little more. Because its humor is special, the story of three couples is beautiful explored, the relation son -father is well explored and the solution to crisis- predictable- remains real nice. A film beautiful for its...honesty. Nothing to demonstrate , all to be proposed. In a lovely place from Jamaica, Vermont.
Cute Enough Movie
GeeJoDeeGee7 November 2019
I found this enjoyable. Again, if everyone will remember these are TV Movies on the Hallmark Channel. If you're looking for deep challenges, or modern-day grit, look elsewhere.
This was very pleasant. The Lodge owners were a delightful couple! A LOL moment when "Jared" ordered a Rum Punch on the plane! I sort of liked the over-the-top Christmas decor in the lodge.
All-in-all, a delightful holiday movie!
What a nice movie!
Pete-Claus23 December 2019
Hallmark's best
montgomerysue8 November 2020
After watching this Christmas movie every year since 2017, I thought it was time to submit a review because this is Hallmark at its best. The script is witty, clever, and intelligent. All seven of the lead actors are extremely believable and wonderful to watch. These are talented people who deliver sincere and charming performances in a Christmas tale that is told in a way that keeps you interested and intrigued by what is going to happen to all seven of them. There is just enough drama in the plot to keep it moving along but, for the most part, the story concentrates more on the spirit of Christmas and how it affects people's lives. Nicky Whelan and Josh Kelly have an undeniable film chemistry here, but you could really say all of the cast members develop characters that intertwine in a delightful way. Filmed on location in real places in Connecticut, which makes the movie even more realistic, the director does an excellent job with camera angles that only serve to enhance the locale, the story, and the smart performances of all of the actors. Kudos to the set decorators who made these actual locations look like the Christmas season we would all like to experience. The ending is magical in a way that can't help but put you in the Christmas spirit, which should be the ultimate goal of any Christmas movie. This movie achieves that perfectly.
Really cute !
unfetteredbygrace13 July 2019
One of the better ones
SFaris10 November 2021
I've watched a ridiculous number of Hallmark movies, and this one definitely draws you in. The writers could have done a little more work to make the main female character more likable. So much was packed into the story, we didn't really get to focus on the character arc of the two main characters. I would also liked to have seen a little more of an explanation as to why he was there at Christmastime versus waiting until after the holiday. I guess most of these movies require some suspension of disbelief! But it's a well-written script and the acting and production are both great, which makes this one stand out.
Script could have benefited the actors
Jazzie-too19 October 2019
For me, the actors were very good and it was refreshing to see new faces. Much was typical and predictable for Hallmark but it still had its own charm--due to the two lead actors. I give the acting 10 stars and the writers a 7 or so. Some things should have been developed more or explored. The father-son relationship and their business, for one. And "the lie" thing was a bit off course. But the strong acting by each of the characters carried it for me. I especially liked the naturalness of the actors. However, the excess of Xmas adornments always clutters up the story and scenes. Really! Who does this!? Again, kudos to the actors. Producers & directors could invest a little more interest. The writer provides the premise. Can't the actors and directors participate in pre-production to make it a little more unique and plausible. Maybe Hallmark needs to cut down the number of new, annual productions and devote more consideration to the end product. Admittedly, we all love and look forward to these "feel good" stories. (this was the 2nd time I watched it. I had forgotten that I saw it 2017)
Nicky Whelan's Awful Hair
rblenz-650597 December 2020
What was up with her hair?? Its just awful!! She never combs it, never smooths it and sometimes it looks just downright dirty!! For me, the ugly hair became a terrible distraction as I kept waiting (and hoping!!!) it would get fixed! Even her so-called hairdo behind her ears is just ok, but definitely a nice break from the yuck!!!
Light, family friendly, emotional twists
jashobeam526 November 2023
I was pleasantly surprised how family friendly this movie was considering how Hallmark has drifted in recent years. There was no bad language, no course joking, no apparent agenda and the two married couples are sweet and memorable. We were surprised to see Robert Pine and Beth Broderick in this movie, but they were a welcome surprise. The main two characters actually are complex, not just your usual Hallmark two dimensional forgettable characters. The first half and last half of this movie seem to have been written by different people. The tone is completely different in the last half, so, if you are only fifteen minutes in, give it more time.
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