just don’t tell Jane Austen about Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen | C+

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Premiere | December 1, 2019

I made you a business plan and bought the snowman scarf. I'm a keeper.

Ah, yes, it's time for Hallmark's annual tip of the hat to Jane Austen. Last season it was Christmas at Pemberley Manor (which they should have named Pride, Prejudice & Pipers Piping), and this year brings us a festive version of Austen's first novel, Sense and Sensibility (A+ on adding Snowmen to this one). I have no doubt that Ms. Austen would be appalled by these developments. However, it is fun to ponder the victorian Elinor and Marianne having access to a dating app.

Similar to other Hallmark attempts, this movie falls flat as a true homage to Austen. The characters' names will ring a bell, but that's about it. So I'll move on to judging this as a Christmas movie and nothing more.

In this movie, sisters Ella and Marianne are Christmas party planners who work with toy company CEO Edward. Edward is strait-laced, type-A, and wouldn’t know tinsel from a tree topper (finial d’arbre if you are in Christmas at the Plaza or if you just want to sound pretentious.) Ella not only helps Edward find his Christmas spirit, but she also inspires him to have more fun at work. He does, after all, run a toy company.

This movie is cute and mindless. Unlike other recent Hallmark movies, you’re not going to be blindsided by tragic heartbreak or orphaned kids. (The Dashwood girls did lose their parents, but it’s hardly noticeable.) This one is not my favorite of the season, but it’s watchable.

In other news, Apple is back as a sponsor. Either that, or the Hallmark crew ran out of silver tape.

Hallmark gets an A on: sister plotline; cute banter; real snowmen; her mittens; the final party

Hallmark gets a D on: ridiculous French accents; his hat; the names of both of their companies; contrived arguments; lack of depth

Grade: C+

* 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.