Compared to all movies: 7.8. Compared to Hallmark movies: 9.5
I was hooked from minute 3. This is my favorite Christmas movie so far this year, and I don't anticipate many will surpass it. The sets are great, the scenery is pleasant, the people are believable, and everything is polished beyond the norm. I also enjoyed that the majority of this takes place during the day as opposed to the usual nighttime.
This is by far one of the most dynamic and well-balanced seasonal movies i've seen. I might place this in the "must-see" category, at least re-watch it every few years.
I suggest you watch the film and waste no more time reading further...
In case you need more convincing, fine...
Maybe, just maybe my disproportionate review is because I have a crush on the lead actress. Tori Anderson, is an unknown to me, which says a lot considering I've seen everything (or so I thought). Steven Weber from Wings is one of my favorite comedians from the 90's.
Let's talk about Tori Anderson for a bit, because I am immediately in love with her style and charisma. She is the real deal and shares some unique qualities seen in any great actress. I'd like to say it's poise, or presence, maybe a bit of both.
Ok, now to the story. If I had a nickel for every Hallmark movie wherein a person owns a lodge, Inn, hotel, or restaurant, can play the piano, puts on a gingerbread house contest... The plot is ordinary, but delivers better than most. I appreciated the attire - not too formal, or fancy, just normal for the holidays. At the end the plot has some holes, jumps around a bit, and becomes a bit drab for about 10 minutes. I can overlook this because few movies are perfect. I wish they would have modified a few plot lines, maybe tweaked the events a bit, and it would have been more palatable.
And what's up with Scout? I think Scout is a female, but there is definite gender identity undertones, probably by design.
The acting showcased in this film is actually the best I've seen in Hallmark thus far. The parents are quite personable and lively, and also convincing as bitter rivals. Near the end was a visceral encounter, old wounds being reopened, and it felt so real. The male lead (Huszar) and his family, including Scout, are engaging and expressive. The slow and steady progression of two romances is a rare treat, and they are both orchestrated flawlessly. Enter Kari Matchett - so very charming and lovely. Huszar's character was so-so at first, and then I found myself yearning to be his best friend. Amazing character development - bravo. Bottom line: not one character was bland.
