Lumsdal
Good , But It Is Overrated By Some
Erica Derrick
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Scarlet
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
NJS
Sarah Lancaster was very flat and lacked passion in this movie. I don't recall seeing her before so I'm not certain if this is her acting style or if the director's aim for her character was to be dull and depressed. Brendan Penny is always worth watching but even he couldn't save this movie. I had a hard time getting to the end.
Jack Vasen
This movie had many of the usual formulaic ingredients of a Hallmark Christmas movie, but I think they were combined in a slightly different way than usual.We had the down on her luck, even failing (insert occupation here) actress, Beth, that returns home. She asks Santa for a wish. But this Santa has no magic to grant her, only good advice. Beth meets her old high school flame, but guess what - he's married and happily. She rekindles what could have been an old flame. And the stage is set. ***SPOILERS starting to pile up from here *** You know the phone call is coming and it does. And while she goes back to New York, she doesn't wait until the last minute to return. But here's a little twist - the show is canceled because of a sprinkler disaster. But Beth saves it. The story was smoothly put together. The acting was decent although Sarah Lancaster played her role so quietly it was easy to miss the spark. In fact, the first half, or so, of the movie was a little bit sad as Beth looked back on her (lack of) career. The sadness was necessary, but I enjoy leading ladies with a bit more quirkiness and optimism.I'm glad I watched this one.
cammietime
Leading lady lives in New York City - check. Leading Lady is from a small town - check. Leading lady visits small town in movie - check. Leading Lady falls in love with some guy in the home town - check. Leading lady has a big fancy job in New York City that causes conflict - check. Santa appears with magical items - check. Leading lady gives up her lifelong dream - check. Mother of leading lady is really good at baking and encouragement - check. You get the idea this movie follows the same plot formula as all other Hallmark Christmas movies. The only things this movie does not have is that the leading lady is NOT a Marketing Director, this time around she is an actress. Also, the confident wise old grandpa character that spews philosophical sayings is missing from this movie, and this of all movies could have really used him. After watching this movie, I do have to ask - why are small towns better than NYC? Why are part time teaching jobs better than a Broadway acting career? Why does the leading lady always have to give up her career ambitions and dreams every time in these Hallmark movies?Beth seems a bit bored in this movie, or, really more so confused as to why she is even there. It seems to make no sense to her. Dean, the love interest is pretty wooden and does not really do much more than spout sweet nothings at Beth, or lecture her about what it means to be great. Both Beth and Dean are a bit odd, and maybe that is why they sort of have chemistry in this movie. The mother character is a bit overbearing in this one, and less endearing than other movies like this I've seen. The Dad is gone and like I already said, there is no grandpa, and both of those characters would make sense in this movie given how much everyone likes to give Beth advice about life and what is truly important.All in all, not a bad movie to have in the background while you make cookies or something, but certainly not something to spend a night focused on.
Marc Filmer
'Tis The Season For Love' is a movie with a good heart. The main theme that seemed apparent was 'choice'; the far reaching ripple effect on our lives, from simple decisions made early on. Nina Weinmans story evolves with a perfectly timed pace and the main character, Beth ( Sarah Lancaster) is portrayed with honest sincerity, while her journey to become her authentic self unfolds. Terry Ingrams vision is very well executed, with beautiful cinematography – wonderful colors and rich set detailing make for an enjoyable visual experience. The attention to detail set this movie apart, placing it in the top tier of the TV Holiday Movie genre (which I must admit, I love). Brendan Penny (Dean) creates a believable love interest and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop on screen. This movie is about love, family and the importance of community and how the surface appearance of success can actually be a mask covering doubts and insecurities. The musical score by Hal Beckett is heartfelt and playful; twinkly and sparkly in all the right festive places. He perfectly accents the intimate romantic moments with his delightful piano and string moments and the fun woodwind motifs really make those light comedic scenes work. Heartwarming stuff indeed.
