This was very silly, but it was great to see Arielle Kebbel again in a Christmas TV romance movie. She has been missing in action on that front for quite awhile. She has gotten a new haircut too. She was well cast as a Federal agent in charge of protecting a former mobster, now witness. She has always had a down-to-earth way about her despite her beauty, as well as a way with snark. Colin Egglesfield was also well cast as a bad guy with a good heart. He had nice chemistry with Arielle. I liked that he wasn't made to be falsely accused or somehow innocent of his crimes.
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rebekahrox30 November 2021
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allmoviesfan15 September 2023Hallmark, Lifetime, then Up TV or Great American Family. That's my made-for-television Christmas movie power rankings.
Far from the best Christmas movie ever. Admittedly, it is a different kind of Christmas movie - the originality is welcomed.
The acting from most other than Arielle Kebbel and Colin Egglesfield is atrocious bordering on absolutely comical. The starring pair are about the only ones who I can take seriously, though there are tonnes of plot holes and situations that just would not happen in real life or even something approaching real life. I'm no law enforcement officer, but I've watched enough procedurals to call out some of the howlers in this movie.
Four stars for the plot/script, one extra star for originality and another because Arielle Kebbel is in it! -
gfrasmd30 November 2021I longed to see Arielle Kebbel again. Now, I am sure I would have rather waited longer, for a better role. This movie had more than the needed themes for a rich drama. Intrigue, crime, a handsome criminal, turned informant and stalked with murderous intent, a beautiful witness protection officer, ..... and Christmas! In staging this comedy-drama, perhaps the intent was to mitigate crude moments with humor and romance. In reality, the criminal, inexplicably, is a pussycat, though ripped, as abundantly shown. The protection officer, the "best there is", seems unable to perceive any threats, amid repeated murder attempts, possibly because too immerse in contemplating the ripped chest. The murderer is a bungling idiot, Most characters act buffoonish and horny. The contest is a lot more La La Land than Christmas. Interspersed, there are a few sequences that want to be seriously dramatic, for unclear reason. If this is comedy, it is poorly done. As drama, it is a silly farce. Arielle, I still like you. I' ll try to forget this one.
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reedme101818 December 2021The leads had pretty good chemistry and were fun to watch, but my favorite thing about the movie was it's complete lack of anything resembling realistic police techniques. I'm pretty sure nothing about the mob scenes was realistic, either. It made for a very fun viewing, although I'm not entirely sure that was intentional.
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TheLittleSongbird30 May 2023Have said many times about my love of Christmas and getting a lot of pleasure out of in particular watching films, cartoons and specials during this period, something that most years has been much needed. Wanted to see some more festive films that were more recent, lower in budget and were not childhood favourites, so in a way to broaden my horizons and have been doing so since November 2019. Love any kind of film with a more mystery element, being a long term fan of murder mysteries and detective stories ever since seeing the Joan Hickson adaptation of 'A Murder is Announced'.
Will admit to having seen my fair share of above average and more Christmas films recently, but 'A Christmas Witness' is not one of them. If anything it is the complete opposite, Lifetime aired some surprisingly decent Christmas films (and films in general actually) that year but there were some that were mediocre and below. And 'A Christmas Witness' is one of the worst, with very little good about it. Liked the premise, hated the execution. Even the few redeeming qualities been done much better in other films of theirs that year.
Those redeeming qualities are going to mentioned first. The production values are quite nice and at least look professional.
Did think Arielle Kebbel brought a lot of upbeat charm to her role. Colin Egglesfield is more laid back but has a nice easy going charisma.
On the other hand, there could have been more chemistry between them, the romance is very underwritten and is practically lost amongst the over the top-ness of everything in the writing and story and the two don't always look natural together, any conflict is forced. The rest of the cast seem to think they are in an over the top parody, especially the murderer, and most of the characters come over too much as buffoonish idiots, again especially the murderer. The direction has nothing special to it and the music is forgettable and could have been used a lot less.
Furthermore, the script and story are a mess. The script is very farcical and crude, with all the humour straining far too hard for laughs, and also is stilted. The story has no suspense or twists, with there being a very predictable feel throughout, and is often truly ridiculous, especially the far fetched ending that is an insult to the intelligence. The pace is erratic, sometimes hectic, sometimes dull.
In conclusion, very weak. 3/10. -
Avidviewer-0284723 December 2021The script, the directing and the acting are bad. The plot is different but none of the elements work. It was made by or for ION. There are better holiday movies.
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Jackbv1235 December 2022The story might have possibilities but the acting isn't just bad. It's horrible. The dialogue is equally bad, and sickeningly cheesy. The witness protection angle makes this a bit different for a Christmas movie.
The acting is universally bad including the main characters. Even the story goes off the rails as the marshal makes bonehead mistakes in security. And more stupidity with the mayor constantly fawning over Derrick and while Jessie watches. Much of the comedy is based on sexual inuendo and visual inanities.
I will say the climax was surprising but totally stupid. There is even a clumsy religious message about the meaning of Christmas.
I usually don't like to use words like "worst" especially linked to "ever", but this movie really ranks among the worst Christmas movies I've watched. -
mnapflorida30 November 2021This movie was a break from the patented Hallmark Christmas formula, thank you very much. Silly but funny, and Arielle and Colin made a great team. Will watch this again as a relief and laugh.
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JMadems5 December 2022Soooo bad. I wanted to hit delete but wanted to see if it got better. So disappointing. Those two had zero chemistry. And if anyone believes this is any where close to how the FBI works God help us. I know they've gone down the tubes at HQ but the agents are still good people. This junk was such a slap in their faces.
Who could write this crap? And worse yet, who are the idiots that produced it and the network that airs it.
None of the actors are any good but considering the script they had to work with what could anyone expect?!? And who did the casting? The budget for this thing had to be super low considering the lack of named talent they hired.
I watched because some people gave this great reviews- did they even watch this garbage or was the sound up? So sad. Not a second of entertainment in this monstrosity. Save your time. It's worth much more than this junk. -
davidf-3939730 December 2021Don't waste your time. This movie is bad. Tacky, stupidly unrealistic. Unbelievable. The acting is bad, the story is dumb. It is not a drama. It's a hokey love story that is really insulting. You will roll your eyes and shake your head if you make it all the way to the corny ending.
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ig-665704 December 2021Wonderful movie filled with action, comedy and romance. Great acting and chemistry between ! Colin Egglesfield and Arielle Kebbel! Awesome to see these wonderful actors ! Great movie for a fun time and to get the magic of Holidays started! I totally recommend it !
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Pilar_4 December 2021This is a different Christmas movie, it is not the typical cloying Christmas movie, this has a plot and is very funny. Colin Egglesfield and Arielle Kebbel are great actors and they are very close to each other, they both form a great team. I loved it. I saw it last night twice and more times than I'll see it ... I love you Colin Egglesfield.
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aleximoon-531444 December 2021I personally like Christmas movies with a little action, plot twists and of course Romance. This movie has all of it. It is not your typical Christmas movie...thats what I like!
You don't want to miss this movie!!