Hallmark started it's Countdown to Christmas so here it goes. I'll be logging my holiday viewing with my entirely subjective and often cynical capsule reviews.
I'll be logging all my holiday entertainment watching, not just Hallmark. No, I don't think anyone cares that much. Hopefully, though, I can steer some folks towards some festive fun they might have missed otherwise, and give fair warning on what they might want to avoid where necessary.
A Merry Christmas Match (2019)
Is it Hallmark? Yes
Is it terrible? Not terrible.
Is it Christmastime? Yes.
Does it look like Christmas? I guess.
Does it sound like Christmas? eh.
Does it feel like Christmas? Not really, not organically.
Did it make me cry? No, I yawned a fair bit though.
Did I finish it? I did not.
Film Rating: Not good. Not terrible.
Christmas Movie Rating: Not good, with frozen hot chocolate.
5 Star Christmas (2018)
Italian political bedroom farce.
Is it Hallmark? Nope, Netflix.
Is it Christmastime? Si.
Does it look like Christmas? incidental decor, an apparently dead Santa Claus gets Weekend at Bernied.
Does it sound like Christmas? Nope
Does it feel like Christmas? Nope
Did it make me cry? Don’t be a stunod!
Did I finish it? Yes, but I was bored.
Film rating: Loads of political humor, probably funnier if you’re up on Italian current events circa 2018. Not terrible but nothing I’d revisit.
Christmas Movie Rating: Not a Christmas flick
Christmas at Holly Lodge (2017)
Is it Hallmark? Yes.
Greedy business people? You know it.
Causing romantic conflict? Oh yeah.
Is it terrible? Fortunately not. Nor is it particularly memorable.
.Is it Christmastime? Yup.
Does it look like Christmas? Oh yeah.
Does it Sound like Christmas? Pretty much.
Does it feel like Christmas? Sure.
Did it make me cry? It was only a little bit of dust in my eyes….
Did I finish it? Yes, but I multi tasked.
Film Rating: Typical Hallmark sentimental romance - hospitality division.
Christmas Movie Rating: See above but with tinsel.
A Town Without Christmas (2001)
Begat a pair of Falk featured sequels.
Is it Hallmark? Nope, but is airing on Hallmark. Originally premiered on CBS.
Is it Christmastime? Indeed.
Does it look like Christmas? Yes.
Does it sound like Christmas? Sure.
Does it feel like Christmas? Pretty much.
Did it make me cry? Nope.
Did I finish it? Yep.
Film Rating: Emotionally manipulative drama mixed with fantasy.Not totally my thing but good for what it is.
Christmas Movie Rating: Certainly more complex than most modern Hallmark fare. Not a film for the whole family.
