Change Your Image
seanbaroque
Reviews
Hope at Christmas (2018)
Total = 65/100
(Plot/Story: 7) A story of a woman rediscovering herself, and finding out what is most important to her. Though simple, the story was simply refreshing, without any gimmicks. (Believability: 6) I can believe two people in a new relationship who are just trying to be their best selves and show kindness to each other. But I found it hard to believe that another divorced parent would have no hurt feelings if his child bailed on their vacation to Hawaii. (Drawn in: 8) This movie has a lot of appeal to it mostly due to the cast. (Uplift: 8) Very positive vibe as is typical from Hallmark. (Acting/Directing: 7) The story did not demand great performances, but the acting was still very good. (Characters: 7) The characters were likable, easy to invest in. (Emotion: 5) A feel good movie, but without significant emotional impact. (Production/Quality: 5) Typical quality for Hallmark. (Visuals: 5) Some nice but average Christmas scenes. (Overall Entertainment Value: 7) I really enjoyed this one. Even with a very simplistic plot, it was refreshing to see people just trying to be sincere and compassionate towards each other. And I was inspired by the main character discovering new talents and taking some big chances in altering her future.
Christmas Camp (2018)
Total = 46/100
(Plot/Story: 4) Generic and formulaic, nothing special. (Believability: 5) Average. (Drawn in: 3) Hard to concentrate. I was easily distracted with other things. (Uplift: 8) Very positive vibe as it typical from Hallmark. (Acting/Directing: 3) Walk-through performances. The actors show good promise. I blame this on the directing. (Characters: 4) I didn't hate the characters, but I really didn't care much about them either. (Emotion: 5) A few good moments, but very little emotional impact. (Production/Quality: 5) Somewhat low budget for Hallmark. (Visuals: 5) For a get-away camp experience, I was hoping for some more breathtaking scenery, but the set pieces were just okay.
(Overall Entertainment Value: 4) I was just mildly entertained overall. It was odd because I liked the actors more than their characters. The major conflict in the story unfolds very late in the story, and with very little impact. A mere difference of opinion between people and one who refuses to listen. It never ceases to amaze me how many problems could be so easily avoided if people tried just a little harder to understand each other. I think it's time for these made for TV movies to hire some new writers and switch up their plot formulas.