Similar to Christmas at Pemberley Manor, this movie attempts to make some literary allusions to a certain Jane Austen novel that Hallmark fans are sure to know and love. Once again, I don't think that it lives up to Jane Austen, and the only parallels seem to be names of characters and places, but I don't mind. It's not like we watch Hallmark for its literary prowess.
While it may not have much in common with Pride and Prejudice, this movie does appear to be a festive, holiday version of Jerry Maguire, so we can have loads of fun finding the parallels there. (CliffsNotes version: Lacey Chabert = Tom Cruise; Brendan Penny = Renée Zellweger.) For example, Darcy proposes that her company make a change that is both moral and admirable, and her co-workers steal her clients and push her out. Thankfully, one client sticks with her, because he values her integrity and the personal attention she promises to her customers (this is the Cuba Gooding Jr. character in case you are lost). Like Jerry, Darcy feels that something is missing, and she finds the true meaning of life (aka Christmas) by putting people first. Finally, she and her new partner have to scramble to create a successful business model (aka Christmas charity auction) and fall in love in the process. See? It's fun. You should try it.
Hallmark gets an A on: The "you two know each other?" scene (it never gets old); leading couple's debate team history (fun and different); Lacey Chabert (of course); Brendan Penny; tree lot scene; dancing in the kitchen
Hallmark gets a D on: predictability (I realize that Hallmark movies are, by definition, predictable. However, this one gave me a ridiculously strong sense of déjà vu); awkward family moments; unlikeable characters (excluding our two leads); choir behind the curtain (the filming of this is so weird); misinterpreted breakup (this breakup is so friendly that I don't blame Luke at all for his mistake. Can't someone act even a little bit upset at the end of a relationship?)
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.
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