Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Premiere | October 31, 2020
I gave this movie a B because it exceeded my expectations. The quality of the sets, scenery, wardrobe, and filming was quite good. The story was, in the end, sweet. Based on those criteria, it should probably get an A. However, I just can't do it.
First of all, this didn't feel much like a Christmas movie. It took place at Christmas, and it highlighted plenty of Christmas traditions such as cookie baking, tree decorating, and a uniquely-themed Christmas festival (cranberries this time). Despite the fact that it was practically bursting with Christmas paraphernalia, this was really a movie about a failing marriage. Because of this, it was often depressing, overly-serious, and way too heavy to spread Christmas cheer (except for Grandma, who was just awesome.)
In this movie, Dawn and Gabe have been separated while Dawn travels to market their successful business and Gabe stays home to work the cranberry farm. Dawn appears on TV with celebrity host Pamela Franks, who offers the married couple their own show. As Dawn and Gabe pretend to be happily married for the cameras, they privately analyze where they went wrong, because nothing says Merry Christmas like a crumbling marriage.
In the end, things work out perfectly, because this is Hallmark and not real life. Dawn and Gabe compromise by agreeing to film a reality show on their expanding cranberry farm, which makes them both happy. (Reality shows do not have a great track record when it comes to maintaining successful marriages, so I take issue with this resolution.)
Hallmark gets an A on: Nikki DeLoach (Dawn); Ben Ayres (Gabe); Grandma; meddling parents; beautiful sets and scenery
Hallmark gets a D on: making a Christmas movie about something depressing
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.
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