User reviews

2017 was an inconsistent year for Hallmark, which was not unexpected as all of their films from all the years they've been active varied in quality. Expectations were admittedly not massive for 'Christmas at Holly Lodge', they never have been for Hallmark Christmas films. Nor were they low or was the mentality of wanting to hate it, as that's not fair on anything. The story did not sound very exciting, but Hallmark have proved more than once that they can do Christmas films that are actually above decent.

'Christmas at Holly Lodge' is above average fare, if not quite ever living up to its lovely uplifting title. Not one of the best 2017 Hallmark films, but not one of the worst. Somewhere around the middle if anything, and while not considering it a must watch it is worth watching. There are a lot of good things about 'Christmas at Holly Lodge', but there are a fair few things that also could have been executed better if it tried to have more originality and take more risks.

Plenty of good things here. The production values are quite nice, especially the scenery. The decorations are nostalgic and affectionately festive, not looking cheap. There are plenty of nice light-hearted and heart-warming moments when the film improves, namely down to the chemistry between the two leads. Which was very genuine and sweet without being sugary. It was actually their chemistry that helped improve the film when it picked up.

Both Alison Sweeney (still looking great) and Jordan Bridges are charming in the lead roles, though Sweeney's character takes time to warm to. In fact, Bridges' immensely likeable and very confident without being arrogant performance is one of the main merits of the film. A few have complained about the age gap, personally didn't notice it that much and the age gap when looking up the ages is not that big. Sheryl Lee Ralph brings a good deal of sass, spice and all things nice to her role, not overplaying her so the character doesn't become too annoying. The characters are not meaty, but they are more than ciphers and don't irritate. They don't look disconnected from each other either.

However, 'Christmas at Holly Lodge' has some drawbacks. The story is rather too low key at times and is very formulaic. It's all pleasant and neatly done, but it also feels a little too safe and doesn't stretch itself an awful lot. The conflict could have been more and developed quicker and the relationships while definitely there are not developed enough.

Some of the dialogue is too corny and over-sentimental and the pace is rather routine in the early stretches. The ending is too rushed and tidy, not to mention that it can be seen from miles away.

To conclude, decent if not exceptional. Bridges in particular makes it worth viewing. 6/10

I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 (C H R I S T M A S ) MOVIES AND SPECIALS.

SO PLEASE BEWARE OF SOME REVIEWERS THAT ONLY HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE NO AGENDA! I REVIEW MOVIES & SPECIALS AS A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN! I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY GEMS IN MY QUEST TO SEE AS MANY " C H R I S T M A S " MOVIES AS I CAN.

When a major developer sends Evan to evaluate the value of Holly Lodge, he and lodge owner Sophie have an instant attraction. But when Sophie realizes the reason for Evan's stay, she must convince him the lodge is a bad investment -- while trying not to fall in love with him.

What was nice about this film was that in the film you do get a since of "Community". You see that people do care for each other and that "good things happen when you care".

The performances are very good and above everything else the film does work.

There are many "Christmas Films" that Hallmark has made this year. It will be hard to find one that is much better.

Alison Sweeney runs Holly Lodge, a beautiful inn surrounded by snowy mountains, evergreen trees galore, and scenic views. There's a steady stream of regular patrons who visit the lodge every Christmas, but Alison's behind on her mortgage payments, and a development company has taken an interest in the land. They send Jordan Bridges to study the property, but before he makes his true intentions known to Alison, the two start falling for each other.

Even though it took me an entire paragraph to describe the plot, in reality, it's quite thin. The premiere was riddled with commercial breaks because there really wasn't much to the story. There are misunderstandings that stand in the way of the romance, small side plots involving the minor characters, and well-meaning friends trying to get the leads to admit their feelings. I lost track of how often Jordan said, "I have to tell you something," and Alison either put him off until the next scene or blew him off entirely. Had he been allowed to talk when he wanted to, the movie would have been even shorter—so I understand why he was continually stifled.

The cutest part of the film was seeing Jordan Bridges channel his dad Beau's expressions and mannerisms. If you're a fan of Beau Bridges—I am—you should definitely watch Christmas at Holly Lodge the next time Hallmark airs it, just so you can support his son's career and see the impact he had over him. It's quite adorable.

It was exactly what you would expect from a Hallmark movie.

The recurring song; I swear it's the song from 1983 movie "Somewhere Tomorrow" called"You Brought Me To Loving"... Anyone else think so??

Yet another Hallmark movie that follows that very familiar Hallmark recipe of how to construct a Christmas movie.

But I will say that in this instance, it actually worked out quite well, because this movie managed to lift itself out of the average and somewhat generic gutter that these trademark Hallmark movies turn out to be.

Why?

Well, because of the storyline, although it was predictable to the core, but also because of the acting performances by a very motivated cast ensemble.

This movie felt very magical and had something to offer for the entire movie. While it is not a Christmas classic, it is still a movie that is well worth the time and effort to sit down and watch with the family and loved ones.

Everyone saying Allison is older... she is not she was born in 1976 Jordan was born in 1973. Now that facts are correct: Hallmark has a very clear formula and it was very present in this movie. I would have liked a bit more substance to the story line, but it was cute and worth a watch.

I like Allison Sweeney and she was the best part of this movie for me. The story was slow and did not have much plot. Some scenes were unbelievable such as Sweeney sitting up all night to bang on the pipes in the basement.

A couple of reviewers said this movie was like "Let It Snow" from 2013 but I disagree. The basic premise was similar but the big difference was in this movie she did not want to sell and in "Let it Snow" they did want to sell. Also, "Let It Snow" was such a better movie with more story and superb acting.

This was enjoyable for one viewing but I won't likely watch it again.

Predictable yet enjoyable movie to curl up with warm blanket and hot chocolate. Some of the background music sounded oddly familiar and drove me crazy trying to remember where I heard it before. Turns out it is very (very) similar to the theme song from Jurassic Park.

She is the best motif to see this Christmas film who has only a great sin - you know the entire story from the first scenes. The inn, the single woman, the stranger with hidden intentions and the love. Sheley Lee Ralph has the gift and art and talent to give the right spice to a Christmas sentimental adventure and her song from the final is the best gift for the viewers looking for the essence of great event except the too used "spirit of the feast". A nice film with too many pieces and ways. But it has the chance to be the film of one performance and that excuse many not inspired moments.

"Christmas at Holly Lodge" is another classic Hallmark movie worth watching. I found myself thinking, "This is a lodge worth staying in!" Alison Sweeney is a great lead, and the supporting cast helps keep the story moving and believable. The scenery is amazing, even breathtaking, as it should be. Not one of the best Hallmark Christmas movies, but it is definitely worth watching a couple of times.

This movie was mostly endurable because of Jordan Bridges.

The plot is eerily similar to one with Candace Cameron except the roles were reversed.

Certainly had some funny moments, the lead actress ending up on the roof and stranding the male lead on the ski lift.

Cute..for a recycled plot! I also think the locale may have been the same!

An enjoyable and comfortable film about miracles at Christmas. I enjoyed this harmless and pleasant family film.

6.3 stars.

Just another spin on the plot of how to save a lodge. This is not the first go round for this storyline. Take a family owned lodge in financial distress. Next we have a wealthy real estate investor from a big city that wishes to buy the property from the bank before foreclosure. After all, it is a rare gem of a holiday destination in a far off and wondrous winter wonderland in the mountains, with a ski resort to boot.

To my dismay there are several extremely cringe moments that have tainted my whole experience. If not for these rookie mistakes, this film would have ended up in my above average category, maybe a 7.5. You will know what I'm referring to when you see them, but I'll throw some bones, one is in his suite, one is on the roof, one is on the ski lift, one is when Santa appears with a special gift, and more...

Now that we've established that the plot is ordinary, what stands out in this repetitive production? The leads have some chemistry, but it's only average. The support cast which are the primary male and female resort employees, are both quite charming. A few tertiary characters light up the stage too, the little girl who is depressed because her dad is away on a military tour. She is very cute in this merry atmosphere of townsfolk who stay at the resort every Christmas. We have the middle-aged woman who's husband has recently passed, and she's quite engaging, she helps the girl find some joy. There is the rich imperious British investor who will throw caution to the wind and buy this property, and won't take no for an answer and his character is ordinary.

The only additional criteria that factor in on my decision are chemistry, x-factor, and entertainment value. The rest of the film is a flat 5.5 stars (due to a few cringe moments). For entertainment value I will add 1/2 star and for x-factor 1/4 star and for chemistry there is no bonus. 6.25 stars, rounded up to 6.3 stars.

Exact story as Let it Snow with Candace Bure Surprised to see again

Hallmark continues to deliver wholesome entertainment. Sweeney and Bridges deliver solid performances. What a pleasure to tune in to Hallmark to escape the junk

It was a little slow but Bridges was so adorable that it made it work. There were multiple comments in the reviews that it was not believable but she was too old for him. One reviewer even incorrectly switched their ages. He is just three years younger than she is - hardly a big difference. But he has a youthful look about him. Will watch this again and again. Why isn't he in more of these? I used to think his grandfather Lloyd Bridges was also extremely handsome.

This film is unreal. So good. The acting is top notch and storyline is original. It's the perfect blend of Christmas and romance. I loved it

Yes - it is predictable from scene one but why not enjoy out and out sentimentality that is well put together. The acting is quite strong especially of Jordan Bridges. A feel good film to make you smile.

This is a (good) strange one. The issue here is that acting, script, supporting cast, camerawork, editing are all really competent. Location is the normal mystery, they did some genuine Winter/Ski scene shots but suspect 90% of the "Lodge" shots are out of season? Was the budget so sensitive that they cannot manage a quick shoot, in a genuine season? Surely the fake snow budget outweighs the savings? Anyway, the female lead is rushing toward menopause and the male is middle-aged lost and they make a great job of inhabiting their characters. Outside of the creepy guy playing Gary, everyone else is really good. Even the token African-American female friend is very well played and does not deteriorate into patronising Maya Angelou junk philosophy or sub-Oprah k rap. There's also no Uncle Plaid Shirt horse sh. going on. Even the white people do not burn your eyes with their whiteness. A well-acted and, shall I say it...touching film.

I love Christmas movies. I especially love Hallmark Christmas movies. This was no exception. I've watched this movie several times now, and I enjoy it every time. There are a few inconsistencies that you need to overlook (for instance, Evan is able to drive the sleigh from town to the inn and then from the inn partway out to the woods but then is suddenly unable to drive it and Sophie must take over????) but they're minor and don't interfere with your overall enjoyment of the story. And I like that, while still being formulaic, it manages to avoid some of the typical cliches (Evan doesn't have to quit or be fired in order to help Sophie) I've come to expect. And I liked the way the ownership of the inn was resolved.

All things considered, this was for me I think the best of the new Christmas movies this year. Loved everyone in the cast, loved the subplots with the different characters, and I really wish that Jordan Bridges would become a new member of the Hallmark "stable." He makes a great Hallmark leading man.

I'm a fan of Allison Sweeney and thought she did well. I also liked Jordan Bridges. Crystal Lowe (Rita on Signed Sealed and Delivered) also had a part. Enjoyed the interaction between Sweeney and Bridges but thought the initial scenes showing them madly attracted to each other were not well done. One reviewer said she was too old for him. Bridges is 44 and Sweeney is 41. Enjoyed the movie but probably will not rewatch it.

I fell in love with Alison Sweeney watching DOOL in the 90's when she was the conniving monster Sammi Brady, so she can do no wrong. Still after all these years she looks good in a tight pair of jeans. Young ladies should take notes. Overall, the story is good with good supporting characters. I'm just not buying this guy Evan he looks way too young for her. Couldn't get past that.