First of all, I should thank Apple for sponsoring this movie. A white elephant gift exchange for ad placement? Brilliant. On a related note, who contributes an Apple watch or iPad for a white elephant party?
I have several problems with this movie. Mostly, I feel that they spent their budget on the snow (realistic, so kudos), and they could have put a little more into the plot development. Hallmark was clearly banking on the final 10 minutes saving the entire movie. I'll admit that I cracked a smile and may have almost teared up during the final scene, but Hallmark still owes me an hour and 50 minutes of my life back.
Hallmark - if you are going to commit to a three wise men motif, you need to really commit. I get it - someone came into the writer's room and proposed the idea: a family, last name Wise, with three brothers, etc. The people around the table thought that this was a good direction. And it may have been... if only. Further, when your Christmas spirit motto is, "Let's just enjoy each other's enjoyment?" Yikes.
Hallmark gets an A on: Snow; Cute map- my favorite part of the movie by far; Snowman relay, which I totally want to try this winter; Emergency present cabinet (everyone needs one of these); The snow (it bears repeating); Sleigh ride (weird, but festive)
Hallmark gets a D on: Total lack of chemistry between the two leads; Characters loading firewood into a wicker basket; Worst sick celebrity host scene ever; Very lame reason for feuding within a family (one brother can't sing? This is the problem?); Terrible explanation of the three wise men; Characters' text messages showing up on the screen (don't we watch Hallmark movies to forget about these things?)
Grade: C-
* 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.
Agreed... it was completely devoid of conflict. I think that was the major problem with this one. Even the scene where she gets mad at him for not telling her his job is temporary - lame.
Solid Assessment! Any thoughts on the lack of a villain here - No heartless developer, no crook boss, no evil banker? Might have made the first 90 minutes more bearable.