Wordiezett So much average

Aubrey Hackett While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Anoushka Slater While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

Tobias Burrows It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

Jack Vasen As I watch this 13 years after it was made, I can't help but wonder if quality has changed so much. The production seemed clumsy. From the beginning, the characters did not seem natural. Everything seemed forced.Worst of all, I am appalled that Ted and his actions were even tolerated by Holly's family and especially by Holly herself. He should have received a solid slap in the face when he kissed her without invitation. Today, that is considered assault. Beyond that, he was basically a stalker and constantly rude. Holly told him no more than once, yet he persisted. Was this normal behavior in 2004? The plot set-up had potential. Certainly a boyfriend for Christmas, once you get passed the dangers of being a total stranger, could have led to some interesting possibilities. And meeting the family met some of these possibilities, but the two alone and settling on the couch, kissing, and then falling asleep all night next to one another is stretching it. Like I said, forced.This movie was too focused on the conflict between Ted and Doug/Ryan. Ted was over the top and as I implied above, insulting. I would have much rather seen more time between Holly and Doug/Ryan. I think this movie missed out by not showing more of Kelli Williams off, and developing more and smoother chemistry with Patrick Muldoon.

highwaytourist I watched this movie on Hallmark last night. There wasn't much Christmas-oriented entertainment in spite of being Christmas Eve. It was OK, even if I didn't really believe it. The movie is another one about nice people with money who have personal problems, which is what fills up most of the Hallmark Channel. It could have been called Chistmas Chick Flick, as that's all it was. On that level, it was good enough. Kelli Williams is pretty as a cynical social worker who needs some Holiday Cheer and 1990's heartthrob Patrick Muldoon is likable and competent as the boyfriend she gets for Christmas from a tree lot owner who might be Santa Claus. Some familiar names are included in the supporting cast and they help make it easy to take. One complaint mentioned by another reviewer is that in spite of the winter season, the plants and trees were in full bloom, which didn't help credibility. It looked like it was filmed in the Spring. It won't matter much if you keep your expectations from getting too high.

ann_bookworm Another lovely 'feel good' Xmas movie with great leads - especially Patrick! One of several Hallmark movies that I love to watch at this time of the year - if only we could buy them in the UK, (shame!). My all time favourite has to be 'The Christmas Card' but this is great as well.To those of you writing here who did not enjoy this - surely you must know if you have ever watched a Hallmark Xmas movie what sort of films they are - wonderfully romantic, possibly a little sweet and syrupy, and dare I say it - predictable (who cares!), definitely aimed at anyone who is a sucker for a little bit of romance and for anyone like me - very watchable! Shakespeare they ain't - but we love them!To those of you writing here who did enjoy this movie - it's nice to know I am not alone, and that there are other people with a little romance in their soul and a love for movies that can leave them with a big smile on their faces, (not to mention another leading actor to drool over whenever he appears on the screen!)- anyone thinking of Patrick when they read that? Enough said!In conclusion - if you have not seen this yet and you enjoy Hallmark Xmas movies I would definitely recommend this one. Enjoy!

dwebster7 This movie possessed many intriguing smaller conflicts that were eventually resolved in a happy manner. The whole thematic idea of bringing back Christmas into Holly's life was a direct message to the viewing audience that we should never " give up hope " and to those friends out there that need just that little nudge to step into someone else's life can make one's life turn-a-round. The plot was superb, casting couldn't have been better. Production was excellent. I could go on for hours but trust that I will urge all of my friends to watch for it next year. This film speaks to the masses in so many ways, values, and how we all should act everyday. I believe I watched the majority of the December offerings. This movie was the chestnut of them all.