There are four types of Hallmark movies that I avoid: 1) movies in which a character wakes up over and over again on the same day à la Groundhog Day, 2) amnesia movies, 3) body switch movies, and 4) movies that involve any variation on Dickens, especially if there is a ghost of Christmas past, present, or future. This plot not only revolves around a woman who loves shoes (it seems silly to me, but then again I'm not a shoe person), but it also has a ghost of Christmas past element, so I almost threw in the towel before it began. However, my 10's of fans are waiting to hear what I think, so I watched it for them. You're welcome.
I gave this movie a B- because, as my rubric indicates, I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to. The shoes ended up being kind of fun, and her final shoe transport was well worth suffering through the others. There was also a lot to like. Candace Cameron Bure and Luke Macfarlane could carry any movie, and they certainly lived up to expectations in this one. In addition, there's a nice message, with some heartwarming scenes and thought-provoking theological questions (of the light, sugar-coated variety of course).
Hallmark gets an A on: Wardrobe; Shoes (duh); Candace Cameron Bure; Luke Macfarlane; Father/daughter storyline (sweet); Ending (the only scene in which I liked the shoe/time travel motif)
Hallmark gets a D on: Time travel element; Horse-drawn carriage that shows up when they want a cab (it's too much, even for Hallmark); the career switch that comes together all-too-easily (again, it's too much, even for Hallmark)
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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