Hallmark Channel Premiere | October 31, 2021
In this movie, Liz rushes home after her father hurts his arm rescuing a small child from a falling Christmas tree. (You think I am joking, but I am not). Liz and her dad have been estranged since her mother's death, but this Christmas provides a new chance for them to reconnect. While home, she not only discovers that the bank is foreclosing on her father's house, but she also finds a way to use Christmas spirit to fix the problem! Liz and her childhood friend (and love interest, of course) work together to decorate her mom's neglected sailboat for a Christmas parade and grand prize of $25,000. We all know how this one goes, but it's an enjoyable journey nonetheless.
My husband is sometimes forced to watch Hallmark with me, and he appreciated the casting in this one. The actors/actresses were unfamiliar, which helped to avoid his usual confusion over whether he had seen this one before. (Let's be honest, don't we all struggle with this when watching Hallmark?) In addition, the scenery is breathtaking, and, since we sail, this movie had some extra appeal for us. Mostly, there are some sweet moments, like when grandpa decides to decorate for Christmas after years of avoiding it, or when he lifts his granddaughter to put the angel topper on the tree. The romance is pretty good in this one, too, and the story is touching but not overly emotional.
*Note- I was going to give this movie a B+, but it eked out an A- during that light parade at the end.
Hallmark gets an A on: the gorgeous setting; the film camera; the nautical puns; casting some new faces; the grandpa/granddaughter relationship; the father/daughter relationship; the sailboats; the boat parade; the ending
Hallmark gets an F on: not much
Grade: A-
* 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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