Hallmark Channel | October 17, 2020
In 2019, I was quite vocal in my opposition to premiering Christmas movies before Halloween. 2020 changed my mind. I, like so many others, need a little Christmas right now, and as far as I'm concerned, Hallmark's new Christmas lineup can't start soon enough. With that in mind, I was especially excited to watch the Countdown to Christmas Preview Special this year. And so, without further ado, here are my pre-season predictions:
*Note - highly-scientific Hallmark grading scale below.
*Caveat - grades may be significantly inflated this year because, well, 2020.
A
*These movies have A potential. Of course, it's possible that Hallmark showcased the only decent 45 seconds of the movie in the preview, so...
Christmas Waltz (November 28) - this one has A potential only because of Lacey Chabert and a fun premise
One Royal Holiday (October 31) - royals, British accents, made-up countries - what could go wrong?
Christmas in Vienna (November 14) - Vienna will make this one enjoyable
If I Only Had Christmas (November 29) - Candace Cameron Bure is in this one, so I'll keep it in the A category for now. I have my doubts, though.
B/C
*These movies have that distinctly-average feel to them already. I hope I'm wrong, but of course, I won't be mad either way.
Jingle Bell Bride (October 24) - The jingle bell flower actually exists. (I looked it up.) Who knew?!
Christmas with the Darlings (November 8) - The cookie-decorating gets high marks
Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater (November 7) - The movie looks sweet, although the title gets a D
A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado (November 24) - This one could actually be great, but the title is awful
Good Morning Christmas! (November 25) - A town named Mistletoe and Alison Sweeney will make this okay
Chateau Christmas (October 25) - I am already lukewarm on this one
The Christmas House (November 22) - I'm not sure about the plot of this one. The family tradition of creating a Christmas House - what is this exactly?
D/F
*These movies have real dud potential. I'll still watch, though.
A Nashville Christmas Carol (November 21) - Even the cameos by country music greats won't save this one. Ghosts and Dickens knockoffs are never a good idea.
On the 12th Date of Christmas (November 1) - I am firmly against 12 days movies. This one also has a scavenger hunt. Does Hallmark not remember the last time they tried this?
?????
A Timeless Christmas (November 15) - I honestly have no idea what to think of this one. I am generally anti-time-travel. However, this one might just work.
I also kept an informal tally of plot elements for this season based on the previews. No doubt, it is going to be a good Hallmark year. (Something in 2020 has to be good, right?)
Alaska - 1
Weddings/brides - 2
Royals and/or people with British accents (because they're basically the same thing) - 3
Workaholics - 2
Small town wins - 4
Architects - 1
Tragedy/orphans - only 5, so not bad!
Cookie baking - 1
Tree lots - 3
Evil developers - 0 (although I suspect that some are hidden in there somewhere)
Amnesia, 12 days of Christmas, Groundhog Day plotlines - only 1 (a good sign!)
Amicable breakups - 0 (what!?)
On another note, Candace Cameron Bure pronounced it "poinsetta" instead of "poinsettia." This bothered me more than it should have.
* Grading Scale:
A = This is seriously a good movie. It will remain on my DVR for the season.
B = Totally exceeded my expectations. I'm happy to recommend.
C = This is an average Hallmark movie. Good holiday fun.
D = I'm disappointed... but I watched it. Why not?
F = I actually had a hard time getting through this one. And that says a lot.
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