Ellie (small town) and Nick (big city) clash over automation in a bakery that makes delectable treats known as ... wait for it... Kringles. (PSA - Kringles are a real thing. I googled it.) Ellie accidentally hits Nick with her car door after he falls on the ice, and then we get to see the "You've met?" scene when they discover that they must work together. There is a tree lighting ceremony and festival on Christmas Eve. Ellie's parents offer her lots of advice based on their superior wisdom and experience. Ellie's ex-boyfriend and best friend begin dating, and no one minds at all. Ellie and Nick decorate cookies, then put ornaments on a tree. So far, this sounds like the Hallmark movies that we all know and love. Except it's not.
I knew that we were on the wrong track when Nick mentioned that he was a "workaholic." Hallmark is becoming too self-aware, and I'm not sure that I like it. Yes, we need our workaholic characters, but when they start naming it themselves, we've jumped the shark.
In addition, the characters kiss before their big "fight" based on a misunderstanding, when there are still 30 minutes left in the movie. It left me confused and a little bit uncomfortable.
Finally, in a world in which the small town always wins, the small town does NOT win. New Year's in San Francisco? What? I just hope that they run into horrible traffic, long lines, high prices, and grumpy city folk. That would certainly be what they deserve after leaving White Deer, Missouri.
Hallmark gets an A on: Organization (her craft supply is impressively categorized and labeled, and I'm jealous); Hair; Scarves; Necklaces. In sum, the wardrobe department gets an A plus.
Hallmark gets a D on: Her wreaths (they're ugly, right?); Fake snow; Apple ad placement (it's like they've given up on subtlety); Heavy-handed commentary on automation and resultant layoffs (I get it, but you don't need to beat me over the head with it); General awkwardness
Grade: D
* 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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