When I first saw the previews, I was pretty excited about this movie. The charm of the south + Hallmark just has to equal good holiday fun. In addition, I have grown tired of seeing actresses attempt to mimic a southern accent and fail miserably. I've spent time in Albemarle, North Carolina, and I can attest that Kellie's accent is authentic. It may not be Memphis, but it's real.
My first thought about this movie is: does it really snow that much in Memphis? According to my online sources, Memphis receives an average of three inches of snow per year. Given that there are at least three inches in the first two minutes, I call shenanigans on the snow. I also call shenanigans on pretty much everything else in the movie, but I'm not mad. It's hard to get mad at Kellie Pickler.
Honestly, this movie probably deserves a C, but I am feeling generous. At the end of the day, Christmas at Graceland is like cotton candy. It's sweet, and we all love it, but it's really just a lot of fluff.
Hallmark gets an A on: The office Christmas party (sidenote: no one has this much fun at an office Christmas party, but it would be cool if we did); Ice skating; Christmas tree decorating; Carol singing; Final scene with gospel choir
Hallmark gets a D on: Noticeable absence of Elvis impersonators (it's Christmas at Graceland, and it is filmed in Memphis. Not having an Elvis in the movie just seems like a missed opportunity); Unrealistic snow; Studio-produced music (every time that Kellie sings in the movie, it's got so much reverb that it's just silly... there's no way that the acoustics in her hotel suite are that good)
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.
I am in complete agreement with your assessment, and I admit that my review is pretty generous :)
Have you been hitting the egg nog? This movie is a D-. No Elvis, she sings in the snow in an evening gown surrounded by people in parkas, the accent (none of the people in the movie that were actually supposed to live in Memphis had accents that strong), the overproduced music.... Only plus was that Wes Brown is adorable (he gets a B+).