I'm a little bit confused by the attempted references to Pride and Prejudice in this one. I mean - there's an Elizabeth Bennet, a Mr. Darcy, and a Pemberley, but the parallels dry up pretty quickly. However, I will forgive Hallmark for the failed literary allusion, because I really liked this movie. I will even forgive Hallmark for throwing in a Santa (a caretaker named Christopher/Kris? Who has his own Santa suit? Who grants Christmas wishes? Who rescues Mr. Darcy with his sleigh on Christmas Eve? It's bad... but forgivable). The fact is that the clever exchanges between Elizabeth and William are fun, their chemistry is palpable, and his misanthropic yet flirtatious manner is charming.
* As an aside - why are breakups always so amicable in Hallmark movies? Elizabeth just brushes George aside, and he doesn't even care. This is a common theme in Hallmark, and it's one I would like to explore.
Hallmark gets an A on: Mr. Darcy's helicopter; Mr. Darcy; Not overdoing the "evil developer" angle; Cookie decorating; Tree lighting; Elizabeth's wardrobe; Use of extras (likely people that were just milling around the set and decided to throw on a scarf and pick up a shovel/box/rake/anything that looked useful); Secondary characters that we somehow care about; Final scene that is actually romantic
Hallmark gets a D on: The many, inappropriately-sized shopping bags; Boss who is mean, then nice; Very fake-looking snow; Sleigh ride scene with laughable background effects; Ridiculous snow-drift/car trouble scene; "Our soloist didn't show so you have to sing!" plot line
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.
コメント