* Note - Hallmark Movies and Mysteries
First, can Kathie Lee Gifford do more Hallmark movies? I think that everyone needs an Aunt Jane, and Kathie Lee was the perfect Aunt Jane. She has that quality that makes you smile and laugh, even when you don't want to.
Next, Hallmark is always crystal clear about the characters we are supposed to like, and the characters we are to regard as disposable. Daniel (lawyer; therefore he has one strike against him in the Hallmark world already) is clearly the bad guy. Who sets an alarm so they can end their date and get back to work? Then he takes a work call as Paula is breaking off their engagement? I guess that's one way to make sure that we don't care about his broken heart.
This movie has all of the required elements for good holiday fare: Tree lighting? Check. "Silent Night" carol singing? Check. Crafting? Check. Christmas festival? Check. Plane gets grounded so you're stuck in a town with your true love? Check. First kiss in front of a carousel, which you saw in an antique book, and you have always been obsessed with carousels, and you once spilled your heart at said carousel with your true love, and your aunt and the random lady who lives in town set the whole thing up, and you just broke up with your fiancé, and it's a snow-covered evening on Martha's Vineyard, and your taxi had car trouble, and there's an antique shop in town that you are most definitely going to buy so you can live happily-ever-after? Check. Check. Check.
I liked this movie. I cared about the characters. I liked the actors. I liked the scenery. I felt actual emotions while I watched. Nice work, Hallmark.
Hallmark gets an A on: Carousel motif (beautifully done); Gery's Buick Riviera (totally impractical in the snow, but it's a cool car. For the record, my husband tells me it's a '63 that has been modified. I don't actually know anything about cars, because I'm not that cool); That scene at the airport when Paula says goodbye (there were almost tears); The final scene; Kathie Lee Gifford.
Hallmark gets a D on: Her coats (I love winter coats, and these were disappointing)
Grade: B+ * Note 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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