Rebecca (Carly Pope) and Chris (Kristoffer Polaha), while vying for the same promotion, are forced to work together to organise the company's Christmas party, where they will be courting a potentially large client. Through this they learn more about each other and their very different celebrations - she learns more about Christmas and he learns all about Hanukkah. Very nice film whisked along by a slightly different story, a nice variety of locations, and their great chemistry.
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glanners-708033 January 2021
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TheLittleSongbird14 July 20222019 was a very mixed year for Hallmark when it came to their Christmas output, most being in the average and less bracket. There were winners such as 'Two Turtle Doves', 'The Christmas Club' and 'Holiday Hearts'. There were also misfires like 'A Cheerful Christmas', 'Christmas Scavenger Hunt' and 'Christmas at Dollywood'. The premise for 'Double Holiday' sounded appetising and seeing it positively reviewed by some that can be critical of Hallmark's Christmas offerings added to the intrigue.
'Double Holiday' in my mind deserves the praise it's garnered here, or at least most of it. It more than lives up to the promise it had and is easily one of the best Hallmark Christmas films from that year. Absolutely loved the idea and that it was a celebration of both Christmas and Hannukah, something different back then for Hallmark, done in a tasteful and affectionate way. Hallmark have done this combination a few times since and with equal effectiveness. Great to see Kristoffer Polaha again, it's been a while.
Is 'Double Holiday' perfect? Not quite. The change of heart about a character is too rushed and out of the blue, really didn't buy how someone could convert to such a polar opposite opinion so quickly and easily. Which led to an ending that felt too neat.
Especially considering the amount of hostility there was earlier, which for my tastes was a little overdone.
However, 'Double Holiday' has so much to recommend. The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. The music is pleasantly nostalgic and is not over-used or constant, the latter of which is the case with a lot of Hallmark Christmas films. The direction is accommodating without going too far in that it becomes pedestrian instead.
Furthermore, the script quality is better than most 2019 Hallmark Christmas films, where a vast majority were either all the way through cheesy and stilted or a case of starting off very ropey and then got better. The script here is playful and heart-warming and the flow isn't awkward. The story is light-hearted and really warms the heart without going into over-saccharine territory, and doesn't follow the more of the same formula seen in the vast majority of Hallmark's films.
On the most part, the characters were interesting and easy to like, with the only reservations being Polaha's character being a little too hostile to begin with and the unrealistic change of heart. Polaha and Carly Pope are likeable leads, especially Polaha, and their chemistry once it warms up and becomes warmer is genuine and doesn't look ill at ease.
In conclusion, nice film. 7/10. -
linda-plant215 December 2020Who wouldn't want Krisstofer Polaha as a boyfriend ??? he excelled in this role, and his natural acting and humour shone through in all his scenes. A delight.
The story of depicting two religions was inspired, and assume thats why Americans always say 'Happy Holidays' as opposed to 'Merry Christmas' like we do in the UK. One of Hallmark's better xmas films inasmuch that the actors and actresses can actually act ! -
lydiajp29 December 2019This was predictable as usually but I felt it was well written. Casting was also well done. Sure they exaggerated Hanukkah but they do that with Christmas all the time. I love a movie that has values and this movie has it in many different areas. This movie was heart felt and I enjoyed it but if I could I would have given this movie a 6.8 to be consistent with all my other ratings. It's better than a 6. Well 7 it is because of it being a little differently written than most Hallmark movies. Definitely worth watching.
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adamjohns-4257528 November 2020I wasn't sure about this film to start with. I think it was because I didn't fancy the lead male this time, but rather the spare instead. However, as the film developed, the lead grew on me and actually has a very natural way of acting. The rest of the cast do a good job too.
The story is sweet and full of Christmassy things, morals and romance, but what separates it from others is the fact that it takes the time to acknowledge Hanukkah at the as well. We say Happy Holidays, but for most of us I think we still associate that with Christmas, so it's nice to see the blending of the two in this film. After all, there must be hundreds of families out there that celebrate both or even just those that want to see themselves represented.
A nice story no matter what you celebrate. -
lex100523 December 2019I can imagine that this film may not appeal to the majority of Hallmark's viewership, but as a person who celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas, it was really nice to feel represented in the Hallmark holiday countdown that I watch every year. The storyline was simple but cute and Hallmark presented Hanukkah tastefully and appropriately. Storyline aside, the actors were good and their chemistry believable, making the movie one of the better Hallmark films I've seen this season. Well-done!
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TxMike21 October 2022"He" and "She" share a cubicle at work. She is Jewish, fairly driven, when her boss quits suddenly she wants the promotion to VP to fill the vacant slot. But he celebrates Christmas and has been with the company longer, maybe he is the logical successor.
The company is wooing an important client and both he and she get chosen to work together to design a festive holiday event at the boss' home. The outfall of this is they learn things about each other that never came up at work. They each seem to have characteristics that the other values.
This is an entertaining movie, very well made and acted. My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. -
Jackbv1234 January 2020This seems to be the year for Hanukkah meets Christmas. That adds a bit of a twist to the plan-a-party-to-get-a-promotion premise.
I had trouble liking the two leads (despite loving Polaha the actor). I don't like people with chips on their shoulder and Rebecca's is huge. Besides that she has a facade of arrogance covering major insecurities. And Chris has a mix of arrogance and devil-may-care. It took over half the movie to dull those sharp edges on the lead characters. Even then an air of suspicion, especially in Rebecca, made it hard to find the chemistry, but they manage to sneak some in before the end.
Still, I enjoyed the story, and each of the leads has some likeable qualities that came out more and more as the movie went on.. -
kraveheart28 December 2019If you've watched as many Hallmark/Lifetime etc movies as I have over the past 2 years, you pretty much know how they are and how you would like them to be. Double Holiday is one that should be used as a blueprint. The romance was there, the talent was there and the writing was excellent.
There was no silliness, no fallout from misunderstanding and yes, they actually kiss.
Whether you're into Christmas, Hanukkah or Romance, nothing here will disappoint you. Kris & Carly were great together with a chemistry that came together naturally.
Double Holiday was amazing! -
officernate-991906 November 2020The lead woman refers to her coworker as 'terrible chris' to her friends and family. She shows up to work after everyone else. She relies on chris to do everything. As the movie progressed I was unable to see her do any work despite demanding she be promoted above chris. So pretty much like real life. The only redeeming point of this film is the Jewish family. Which is warm and amusing
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byrnes-8595524 January 2020I love kris as an actor. He is awesome. He was great with Jill in Pearl in paradise. But this girl in double holiday is not good. She didn't seem real or believeable. I'm a die hard hallmark christmas movie fan but this movie I wouldn't watch twice.
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serranokm22 December 2019Obviously the two opposites working together thing has been done before, and of course they learn their counterpart is nothing like they thought. That being said, the leads were incredibly likable and believable. I also truly appreciated the celebration of Hanukkah throughout the movie. The lead's family seemed loud but realistic and they truly added rather than being a distraction.
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lyndavanleeuwen25 December 2019Liked that lead actor in previous presentations, nice voice, easy on the eyes. Filmed in Ottawa, Ontario Canada! How did the concept of a poinsettia outdoors in December pass a reality check?! Snow seems to be everywhere, but their breath isn't visible when they're outdoors! Maybe a little less hostility would be preferred! Better than some of the other poorly acted films we've seen this season, so many thanks!!
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Compared to "Mistletoe & Menorahs", this movie is weak. While it's great that Hallmark tries to be inclusive but they need a way better script and more likeable leads. While the scenes with Carly's family are wonderful it was unbelievable that Carly would change her mind about Kris so quickly. They were after all rivals who had to work together and were gunning for the same promotion, and it was obvious from the get-go that they didn't get along and their personalities clashed. I was left scratching my head as the movie wrapped up in the most "Hallmark" way possible.
I guess in a way it's my fault that I decided to watch both movies back to back, but 'Mistletoe & Menorah" is just way better compared to this. -
msarajoy13 July 2020A nice love story for the holidays but not enough to send me rushing out to buy the DVD.
Kristoffer is amazing as he always is. He comes across as so believable as the lead romance actor - he is charming, funny and is such a good actor; he sends out all the right vibes that tug at the heartstrings.
Must confess I felt Carly looked at times too old for the role she was playing. She only finally looked really attractive in the last scene with her hair swept up. Took away a bit from the enjoyment of the show.
Love the way the movie celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah. And it is nice to see how Rebecca's family is so close knit. Would have loved it if Chris' mum could have made an appearance.
Thank you Hallmark for yet another great show! -
d_tc-1195629 December 2019I love Hallmark Channel Christmas movies but the last couple seasons they have been a little lackluster. I've found the acting and diversity on Lifetime to be a bit better as of late and their stories to be a bit more fun. However, Hallmark knocked it out of the park with Double Holiday! Both leads were great, the addition of Hanukkah was fantastic and there was actual chemistry between the main characters. Take note Hallmark, quality over quantity!
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Jazzie-too27 December 2019That's all I can say! Gorgeous! OH! They require me to say more! I just loved the two leads together! And my eyes felt blessed!
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story_by_corey23 December 2019First off, the synopsis does not accurately represent this movie's story line. Yes, there is a rivalry for a promotion, but it is just a minor background vehicle to force the two main actors to spend after-work hours together. The real story is about two co-workers who have very different holiday observations and one of them coming to learn and appreciate the intrinsic value of the other's Hanukkah traditions.
As for the movie, the story line felt shallow and forced. The actors seemed at times to be reading from cue cards and stumbling over their lines. Chris didn't seem like somebody you had to "endure". His character actually seemed quite nice and Rebecca seemed more like the annoying one. I didn't feel any chemistry between Rebecca and Chris even though the script kept suggesting something else was happening.
And finally, are Hallmark movie lawyers the most romantically attractive men in the world? It doesn't matter if they have any redeeming quality at all. It seems like every time one shows up in the movie, the lead female character instantly drops their boyfriend or developing love interest to fall in love with him. Why can't somebody working at Walmart be worthy of love?
The movie is worth watching just to see Lifetime vary off their formula a bit but if you are not into Hanukkah, probably best to skip this one. -
majoq28 December 2020Hanukkah and Christmas together! Respectfully done. With the spirit of both festivities. Great acting. Great chemistry between the main leads.
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mommad-6390921 July 2022Didn't care for the female lead at all. She pretty much ruined it for me. Kris was fine all things considered. Supporting cast didn't help one bit. Would have liked a bit more explaining about Jewish traditions. That was an integral part of the movie.
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imacmee24 January 2020Well done! Love the lead actors who did so well at portraying their characters with such chemistry and enjoyment of each other. Definitely a keeper to watch every year!
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judyharl11 July 2020I like Kristoffer Polaha he has good chemistry with Carly Pope .mixing Hanakah and Christmas beautiful idea .best Christmas movie of 2019 Hallmark movies
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Christmasmoviewatcher10 December 2021Quite a pleasant little film, but it seemed to jump all over the place with no real continuity. Loved the family scenes especially as I know very little about the Jewish faith, so found them interesting. No real spark between the leads.
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lesliejoyusko17 December 2020Finally two great leads!!!! Carly and Kristopher are great together and so believable as co-workers with an underlying love/hate competitive relationship!!! Kristopher is an absolute joy to watch as he's funny and has just the right amount of sarcasm to be very attractive and likable! Also really nice to see the two holidays of Hanukkah and Christmas represented together!!! Great job Hallmark!!!!
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doctorsmoothlove16 January 2020"Double Holiday" is Hallmark's 2019 answer to Lifetime's "Mistletoe and Menorahs" from the same year. Namely, both films are Hanukkah holiday films and will forever be associated. In this version the woman is Jewish and the man isn't. The opposite occurs in the Lifetime film.
A career woman, Rebecca (played by vivacious Carly Pope), is offered the chance to compete for a promotion alongside her co-worker, Chris (the charming Kristoffer Polaha). The promotion is predicated upon planning a Christmas party, which Rebecca feels unqualified to do. The boss pairs her with Chris. All the while Rebecca lusts after Fancy Suit Guy (this movie's Hot Guy) who works one floor above them.
Pope gives Rebecca a lot of charm. When allowed to relax, Rebecca is quite likable. It's a shame that the script makes her neurotic and comically ignorant about Christmas planning. Would anyone from the United States really think it's ok to make dinosaur cookies for a professional Christmas party? It would have worked better if Rebecca was an Israeli immigrant living here instead.
Making matters worse is the way Rebecca's family is portrayed. We see them doing various "Jewish" things like playing Dreidel without ever having context for them. It is almost as if the film expected you to see the Lifetime film first. That film at least gives us some insight as to why Jewish traditions are observed. Some basic education is appreciated when you don't know much about another culture.
What I think is that the film assumes that Dreidel, the dishes and other actions we see are like making gingerbread houses and drinking hot chocolate at Christmas. For all I know they are or they may be deeply ingrained in religious observation.
On the contrary, Chris is portrayed in the script as a complicated man who is misunderstood at work by just about everyone. He even volunteers at the children's shelter. He's a big bore because his character has no arc. Polaha's wise cracks can only go so far to liven up the lack of story.
The two of them fall in love by the time the party happens. The ending is especially cheesy. "Double Holiday" is an unfortunate film that isn't good in spite of the general competence of its actors.