Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Premiere | October 24, 2020
In this movie, Meg is a music teacher/music store owner whose business is threatened by an evil developer. She falls for the architect who works for (gasp!) the very corporate and very evil developer in question. But don't worry, folks, Christmas Tree Lane will survive. It is the cutest and most festive street in America, after all.
Nate is an architect who laments the fact that he designs "cold, sterile high-rises" and enjoys the classic character of the buildings on Christmas Tree Lane. In case you don't understand the subtext here, the movie includes lines such as, "We'll keep your drafting table in storage" and "I need your management expertise more than I need your drawing skills." Nate just wants to architect, and he will use the Christmas Tree Lane project to stand up to his unfeeling, corporate boss (also his father). In the process, developer Dad will discover the Christmas spirit that he lost when he embraced modern architecture.
So far, I have watched two new Hallmark premieres without an unlikeable boyfriend/amicable breakup. I approve of this new direction and hope it holds. It's more fun watching people fall in love when they are not already attached to someone else.
In the end, this is a very well-done iteration of the classic Hallmark movie. The small town wins, the evil developer has a change of heart, and the couple falls in love while tree shopping, decorating, ice skating, and drinking hot beverages. The Christmas concert at the end is just the icing on the gingerbread cookie.
Hallmark gets an A on: the small town; the reminder that music on vinyl is just better; Alicia Witt* (Meg); the music; the romance; the parents; the dress; using classic Hallmark elements in a fun way
*note - Alicia Witt not only starred in this movie, but she also wrote it, produced it, and wrote two original songs for it. She sings, too!
Hallmark gets a D on: the architecting
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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