Christmas She Wrote | C

Hallmark Channel Premiere | December 6, 2020

Danica just realized that she should have held out for a better script

In this movie, Kayleigh's popular advice column is canceled when her new boss Tripp arrives and tries to improve the newspaper's bottom line. He quickly realizes his mistake when his boss, an evil Scrooge-like character in a limo, tells him that he needs to get Kayleigh back or he'll be out of a job. Tripp flies to California, where Kayleigh is visiting her sister, and begs her to come back to New York and her old job.

I always enjoy Danica McKellar in Hallmark's movies, and this one is no exception. I'm not as crazy about Dylan Neal (Tripp), who would make an excellent gameshow host. In addition, the plot is a bit too simple and predictable. Yes, I realize that this is what Hallmark does, but this movie left me especially bored. Oh- and the "we're having fun getting to know each other while doing Christmasy things" montage came way too late.

When I'm on the fence about a movie, I ask myself if there is any chance that I will watch this again when Hallmark airs it next year. For this one - the answer is no.

Hallmark gets an A on: the wardrobe; Danica McKellar (Kayleigh); the real tree

Hallmark gets a D on: the pairing of McKellar and Neal; Tripp's email alert (ridiculous); Dan; the very awkward dinner scene; the stupid fight at the end; the misleading title (I was hoping for a Christmas murder mystery)

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.