It's the annual *Countdown to Christmas* Event on the Hallmark Channel for the 2020 Christmas Season!
This year the Hallmark Channel will premiere 23 all-new original Christmas Movies, including:
Jingle Bell Bride
Starring Julie Gonzalo and Ronnie Rowe
Premieres: Saturday, October 24, 2020
Wedding planner Jessica Perez (Gonzalo) travels to a remote town in Alaska to find a rare flower for a celebrity client and is charmed by the small town during Christmas, as well as the handsome local (Rowe Jr.) helping her.
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| image courtesy: Hallmark Crown Media |
Chateau Christmas
Starring Merritt Patterson and Luke Macfarlane
Premieres: Sunday, October 25, 2020
Margot (Patterson), a world-renowned pianist, returns to Chateau Newhaus to spend the holidays with her family and is reunited with an ex (Macfarlane) who helps her rediscover her passion for music.
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| image courtesy: Hallmark Crown Media |
One Royal Holiday
Starring Laura Osnes, Aaron Tveit and Krystal Joy Brown
Premieres: Sunday, October 31, 2020
When Anna (Osnes) offers a stranded mother (Clark) and son (Tveit) shelter in a blizzard, she learns that they are the Royal Family of Galwick. Anna shows the Prince how they do Christmas in her hometown, encouraging him to open his heart and be true to himself.
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| image courtesy: Hallmark Crown Media |
On the 12th Date of Christmas
Starring: Mallory Jansen and Tyler Hynes
Premieres: Sunday, November 1, 2020
Two seemingly incompatible game designers team up to create a romantic, city-wide scavenger hunt themed for the “12 Days of Christmas.”
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| image courtesy: Hallmark Crown Media |
Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater
Starring Ashley Williams and Niall Matter
Premieres: Saturday, November 7, 2020
Single mom Maggie (Williams) is facing Christmas alone until Lucas (Matter) crashes into her life and becomes an unexpected houseguest. Together they overcome Christmas while finding comfort in their growing bond.
Christmas With the Darlings
*NOT FAMILY-FRIENDLY - there is a subplot story with a same sex relationship in this movie.
I will NOT be promoting this film.
Christmas in Vienna
Starring Sarah Drew and Brennan Elliott
Premieres: Saturday, November 14, 2020
Jess (Drew), a concert violinist whose heart just isn’t in it anymore, goes to Vienna for a performance. While there, she finds the inspiration she has been missing, and a new love.
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| image courtesy: Hallmark Crown Media |
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| image courtesy: Hallmark Crown Media |
A Timeless Christmas
Starring: Ryan Paevey and Erin Cahill
Premieres: Sunday, November 15, 2020
Charles Whitley (Paevey) travels from 1903 to 2020 where he meets Megan Turner (Cahill), a tour guide at his historic mansion, and experiences a 21st Century Christmas.
A Nashville Christmas Carol
Starring: Jessy Schram, Wes Brown, Wynonna Judd, Sara Evans, RaeLynn, Kix Brooks and Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Premieres: Saturday, November 21, 2020
Vivienne Wake (Schram), a workaholic television producer in charge of a country music Christmas special showcasing newcomer Alexis (Raelynn), never lets personal feelings get in the way of business. On the verge of accepting a job in LA, and with the return of Gavin Chase (Brown), her childhood sweetheart and manager to the special’s headliner, Belinda (Evans), she receives a visit from the ghost of her recently deceased mentor, Marilyn (Judd). Her mentor warns her current path leads to a dark future and has recruited both the Spirit of Christmas Past (Brooks) and the Spirit of Christmas Present (Williams-Paisley) to help her get back on track. The Spirits’ time-jumping adventures force Vivienne to take hold of her life.
The Christmas House
*NOT FAMILY-FRIENDLY - there is a same sex relationship in this movie.
I will NOT be promoting this film.
Heart of the Holidays
Starring: Vanessa Lengies and Corey Sevier
Premieres: Monday, November 23, 2020
Career-driven Sam returns to her hometown for the holidays where she comes face-to-face with her high school boyfriend, Noah. Together they rediscover what matters most in life.
A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado
*NOT FAMILY-FRIENDLY - there is a same sex relationship in this movie.
I will NOT be promoting this film.
Good Morning Christmas!
Starring: Alison Sweeney and Marc Blucas
Premieres: Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Two competing TV hosts (Sweeney and Blucas) are sent to a festive small town over Christmas. While pretending to get along for the sake of appearances, they discover that there’s more to
each other than they thought.
Christmas by Starlight
*NOT FAMILY-FRIENDLY - there is a same sex relationship in this movie.
I will NOT be promoting this film.
Five Star Christmas
Starring: Bethany Joy Lenz and Victor Webster
Premieres: Thursday, November 27, 2020
After moving back to her hometown, Lisa (Lenz) plots with her siblings and grandparents to help her father’s new bed and breakfast get a five-star review from an incognito travel critic (Webster), but ends up falling for him, not knowing he is the real critic.
Christmas Waltz
Starring Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp
Premieres: Saturday, November 28, 2020
After Avery’s (Chabert) storybook Christmas wedding is canceled unexpectedly, dance instructor Roman (Kemp) helps her rebuild her dreams.
If I Only Had Christmas
Starring Candace Cameron Bure and Warren Christie
At Christmas, a cheerful publicist (Bure) teams up with a cynical business owner (Christie) and his team to help a charity in need.
Premieres: Sunday, November 29, 2020
Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing (Movie #4)
Starring Holly Robinson Peete, Colin Lawrence, Rukiya Bernard, Antonio Cayonne and Barbara Niven
Premieres: Saturday, December 5, 2020
As Michelle’s (Peete) wedding approaches, Hannah (Bernard) steps up to help finish the launch of the new Evergreen museum while questioning her relationship and future with Elliot (Cayonne).
Christmas She Wrote
Starring: Danica McKellar and Dylan Neal
Premieres: Sunday, December 6, 2020
*NOTE: THIS MOVIE MAY NOT BE FAMILY-FRIENDLY; there appears to be a same sex relationship in this Christmas movie.
Until we know further infomation, I will NOT be promoting this film.
When Kayleigh (McKellar), a romance writer, has her column cancelled right before Christmas, she heads home to reconnect with her family. Kayleigh gets an unexpected visit from the man (Neal) who cancelled her column who fights not only to bring her back to the publisher but also for her heart.
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| images courtesy: Hallmark Crown Media |
Love, Lights, Hanukkah!
Starring: Mia Kirshner, Ben Savage and Marilu Henner
Premieres: Sunday, December 12, 2020
As Christina (Kirshner) prepares her restaurant for its busiest time of year, she gets back a DNA test revealing that she’s Jewish. The discovery leads her to a new family and an unlikely romance over eight nights.
Christmas Comes Twice
Starring Tamera Mowry-Housley and Michael Xavier
Premieres: Sunday, December 13, 2020
Emily (Mowry-Housley) is a top newscaster who has achieved her career dreams but still has regrets about the guy (Xavier) who got away five years earlier. When the Christmas carnival comes to town, a ride around the carousel takes her magically back in time to the carnival five years before...giving her a second chance at love before she must return to Christmas present.
A Christmas Carousel
Starring: Rachel Boston and Neal Bledsoe
Premieres: Saturday, December 19, 2020
When Lila (Boston) is hired by the Royal Family of Marcadia to repair a carousel, she must work with the Prince (Bledsoe) to complete it by Christmas.
Cross Country Christmas
Starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Greyston Holt
Premieres: Saturday, December 20, 2020
Former classmates Lina (Cook) and Max (Holt) are traveling home for the holidays, until a storm hits and they have to work together to make it home in time, no matter the mode of transportation.
*Unfortunately, there will not be a "When Calls the Heart" Christmas movie this year; however, Hallmark is promising a special surprise on Christmas Day and 2 extra new episodes for Season 8.
I hope you find many Christmas movies you are looking forward to seeing during this Holiday Season! With some exceptions, I think my must-see watch list might just end up being as long as last year!
*I also want to include a *BIG* Caution here. At this point, we don't know which movies will be family-friendly. I'm hoping there will still be many, but at this time, we just don't know. Throughout the Christmas Season I will do my best to inform you if there is a storyline of concern, and if any of you who follow here catch something - please be sure to share in comments!
Joyous Christmas Blessings to You ~
All throughout the Year! Net
All throughout the Year! Net
Looks great! However, I sure wish I saw Danica's name in there! :(
ReplyDeleteMisty
Yeah, Misty, I totally agree... I think many of us were quite surprised not to see a Christmas movie with Danica, yet, but it's likely something may still be in-the-works! :)
DeleteHallmark's virtual TCA announcement—a.k.a. what they would have announced at the annual press event, had it not been cancelled due to COVID-19.
ReplyDeleteWill Jingle Bell Bride be hallmark's first movie with an interracial couple? That's exciting!:)
ReplyDeleteIt seems like it, but actually, there was an interracial couple in "Dater's Handbook" with Kristoffer Polaha and Meghan Markle and "When Sparks Fly" with Meghan Markle and Christopher Jacot.
DeletePlus, the co-stars in "Christmas at Grand Valley," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered's" Norman and Rita, Geoff Gustafson and Crystal Lowe, "A Midnight Kiss" with Carlos PenaVega and Adelaide Kane, and others...
In the Key of Love
DeleteJake’s Sister; Jennifer (Andrea Brooks) got married her black fiancé; Kyle (Thomas Cadrot)
In the Key of Love with Intercultural Couples
A woman (Laura Osnes) abandons her promising singing career to run her Grandma Evelyn (Colleen Winston) wedding photography business. Just as she's beginning to forget about her former life, her ex-boyfriend (Scott Michael Foster) walks back into the picture.
Well, this is a relief. I was worried about what COVID-19 would do to production schedules of some of the movies that get produced later summer and early fall. It should also be noted that Hallmark is bringing back Fall Harvest with three new movies this fall.
ReplyDeleteKeith, I know exactly what you mean. It was looking like there wasn't going to be any filming for awhile there. We knew Hallmark had a couple Christmas/Holiday movies already filmed, but that sure wasn't going to be anywhere close to last years numbers. So, yes, it is quite surprising Hallmark plans on 40 movies this year, after the virus and everything.
DeleteAs for Fall Harvest, Hallmark has confirmed 2 movies, so far...
Country at Heart - October 3, 2020
Neverbrides - October 10, 2020
There's still time, though... they could easily add in something else.
Hallmark could add more Summer Nights movies
DeleteJust for the Summer
Brant Daugherty & Hayley Sales
Love is a Piece of Cake
Lindsay Gort & Greyston Holt
Blueprint to the Heart
Dennis Andres & Laura Mitchell
Hallmark will gonna air this movie in August, February, March, April, or May
Love at Daisy Hills
Cindy Busby. & Marshall Williams
Hallmark could add more Fall Harvest movies
Love at Look Lodge
Noah (Jonathan Keltz), a hotel guest, finish planning his sister Justine's (Kathryn Kohut) Autumn wedding at a remote picturesque lodge.
Starring Clark Backo, Jonathan Keltz, Kathryn Kohut, Chris Violette
Harvest to the Heart
Jonathan Bennett & Alix Angelis
Deliver By Christmas & Jingle Bell Bride with intercultural couples
ReplyDeleteI’m so excited to see this is actually happening and I will cherish these movies so much more this year. Thank goodness for so many of our favorite actors returning and excited to see some new faces! No Danica though?! Hopefully she will join the lineup. I was also hoping to see the sequel to Nine Lives of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThe "Nine Lives of Christmas" sequel was just recently announced, so it's looking like (and this is just a guess) it will probably be next year, but who knows, Hallmark can get a production going pretty quickly, if the right actors are ready!
DeleteTo be honest I'm not sure I'm keen on this.
DeleteNine Lives Of Christmas is one of THE great Hallmark Christmas Movies with one of their best ever endings.
I'd really rather they just left things alone - I could watch the original over and over.
I
The nine lives of Christmas is one of my favorite movies ! Such a cute couple Brown Abe MaryLee !! And the kitties were adorable Ambrose and Quennie ❤️ But my favorite movies of all are the Evergreen Tidings of Joy , Ketters to Santa and the very first one 💜💜 so adorable little Christmas town
DeleteLourdes (Miami Fl)
Can't wait to see who the leading men are for Candace and Lacey.
ReplyDeleteI hope it’s Lacey Chabert & Jonathan Bennett for Christmas Waltz
DeleteLacey Chabert and Jonathan Bennett: Bennett told IBT the “big thing” they’re trying to do for next year is a 2020 Hallmark Christmas movie starring him and Chabert. “I think it’s time to reunite us on camera,” he added, before going on to explain what he might want the movie to be about.
“I think we should go somewhere in New York City. Like a ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ in New York City,” he said. “We’re gonna start the hashtag, #JonathanAndLacey2020, and tag Hallmark Channel.”
Of the idea of doing a movie with her fellow “Mean Girls” alum, Chabert said it “would be so much fun. I love him so much. He’s such a good guy, and we’ve known each other forever.”
They starred in “Elevator Girl” & Mean Girls
So much wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteJingle Bell Bride is in production. Based on the book by the same name by Scarlet Wilson. :)
Thank you for sharing, Denise! I love that book/movie title! I'll have to check out the story details on Scarlet's book.
DeleteThere’s another Scarlet Wilson’s book called; “The Christmas Contest”
DeleteGreat idea, Jim! It's likely virus free there!
ReplyDeleteThey do have to quarantine for 14 days before being on set, and there are some strict guidelines. I'm sure it's not a lot of fun, but they are making it work, for now.
I hope Hallmark will do movies in the future are based on the books
ReplyDeleteAutumn in Verona by Melissa Hill
A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan
A Recipe for Thanksgiving by Nancy Warren
Starlight Wedding by Frank Thomas
Mother of the Bride by Marita Conlon McKenna
CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS, filmed early this year and starring Beverley Mitchell & Mark Ghanime, debuted last night on W Network in Canada, part of their Hallmark Channel Christmas in July.
ReplyDeleteHow was it?
DeleteMisty
I am glad to see Dancia's movie. It sounds cute. I also am looking forward to Tamera's movie. I really liked the one she did for HMM last year. I will note them down to possibly buy.
ReplyDeleteWasn't that one movie with Tyler Hynes was supposed to be about her playing the violin? Seems to be totally different!
Misty
Thank you so much for all you do keeping up with all the new movies!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your listings and this year you have made me happier to keep an eye here since you are now alerting us to the "not family friendly" movies.
I appreciate it!! :)
May you be blessed as you continue helping us to find good movies!!! :)
God's Kid, Bless You! Your comment is just what I needed today!
DeleteMy heart is to always follow Christ in every thing I do, and I will always do my best to be careful in what I watch and promote here. Please know... unfortunately, it's not always possible to know the content in each film, but I'll do my best to let you all know if there's anything of concern. And I am so grateful for the followers here - who share information too.
I must tell you, I have received some hateful responses from those who disagree with my stance, but that's okay - I'll always stand on God's word, no matter what anyone else says.
I am so grateful for your kind and thoughtful comment and amazing support! You don;t know how much I appreciate it!
God's Blessings to you!!! :)
So excited about the new Christmas movies coming out! Like many others, I was afraid Covid would interfere with production. I would love to see a new “Signed, Sealed Delivered” movie...there hasn’t been one for a while. Have you heard any news about that? Thank you so much for all you do to keep this wonderful site going...I know it’s a lot of work, and sometimes a thankless task, I’m sure! I have been following you for years and just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you!
DeleteEstella, Thank you so much for your delightful comment! You don't know how much this means to me. I'm so grateful you enjoy visiting here and sharing about movies with us.
DeleteThere is a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff here that I do, but I enjoy it and I love "meeting" and chatting with wonderful people, like you! Since you love “Signed, Sealed Delivered,” I know you must be a kindred spirit!
There were plans to film a new SSD movie this year, but that was derailed when the virus came along. All of us POstables fans are hoping they will be able to film next year. To my knowledge, it has yet to be announced. My feeling is, either one of the cast members will share details on social media or it may be announced at the TCA event after Christmas.
I'm certainly hoping along with you - we will see more of SSD!
Thank you, again, for your warm, wonderful comment... God's Blessings to you!
Net, I am so sorry to read that you get any hateful comments. You are one of the few places I like to go for positive thoughts and outlook. Thanks for what you do!
ReplyDeleteMisty
Misty, Thank you! Your kind words soften any hateful comments that have come my way. It truly means so much to me to have your friendship.
DeleteWith your incredible support and all of this dear *It's a Wonderful Movie* family, I'm going to keep on spreading the True JOY of Christmas!!!
Thank you! Thank you - for being such a faithful follower here! Bless you!!! :)
Hi Net, it truly hurts me to hear that a kind and loving person like yourself is receiving hateful comments because of your stance! But I know that because of your strong faith that you will never let others "bring you down"!
DeleteIf only everyone could remember that we are all children of God, and even though there may be disagreements among us, we should always show love to one another, never hate!
I pray for your continued strength and never forget what a strong IAWM family you have supporting you all the way! And as always, thank you for everything you do for us!
Mark25 - Thank you so much for your prayers and unwavering support. I know we both stand strong on Godly values and principles, so your comment means so much to me. When we as children of God hold tight to our Christian Biblical views, it's no surprise that people of this world will attack us for the morals we hold dear.
DeleteI'm so glad you are a part of this IAWM family - my Brother in Christ!
God bless you! Net
You sure A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado isn’t family friendly, there may have been a mix up with this title all I find in reviews is a woman trying to win the heart of a fireman etc, seems May need to re look into this title ok overall I’m like you I prefer the traditional style type of hallmark romance, Christmas tales I mean no offence to anyone’s thoughts or beliefs to each their own...
ReplyDeleteJarodkyle, Thank you for your comment and sharing our traditional views here.
DeleteSomeone involved with the making of this movie revealed that the main story is the typical Hallmark romance, but there is also another romance in the movie that is a same sex relationship.
My guess is it will probably be a lot like "Love Under the Olive Tree."
That is all of the information I have, at present. Hope that helps.
I was wondering the same thing, but I did see a photo on hallmark's website of two men holding hands
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteI thought Jingle Bell Bride was quite cute. Loved the lead actor and actress (I also liked that she and her sister occasionally lapsed into a Spanish phrase here or there - it added a realistic depth to the characters).
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Jane, Glad you enjoyed "Jingle Bell Bride," it's also on my to-watch list!!! :)
DeleteChateau Christmas was cute and family friendly. Loved the cozy location - I want to go stay there for Christmas and some skiing!! Merritt Patterson is such an adorable actress. I enjoyed the music theme of this one (just as I enjoyed the music theme from Christmas Tree Lane).
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Jane, Wonderful review for "Chateau Christmas!" I always like when they add a music theme to the movies, so I'm sure I'll enjoy this one. So good to know it's family friendly. Thank you!
DeleteOne Royal Holiday. Loved it! For the most part, I'm not a fan of all the Hallmark "Royal" movies; usually, my eyeballs are in jeopardy of getting stuck up in my head because I roll them so much during these movies. But, THIS Royal movie was, to me, just right. It got a little Hallmark silly/sappy at the very end, but that was easy to overlook. Nothing was too terribly "over-done" or "over-acted" (well.... as non-"over-done" as a movie about falling in love with a Royal prince of a make-believe country can be!! Hah!!). The setting was lovely and Christmas-cozy and I want to go live at that Connecticut inn!!! The entire cast was perfect. The carol-singing was beautiful; I love when they sing carols that give glory to Jesus instead of just secular carols (I like all Christmas carols, but I appreciate when movie directors don't exclude the true meaning of Christmas by just doing Frosty and O, Christmas Tree). Maybe I just happened to be in the right mood to watch this movie, but I'm thinking this is definitely a keeper for my dvr and possibly a purchase when it comes out on dvd. Family friendly.
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Re: "Christmas with the Darlings" -- yes, according to a couple of other review sites, there is a subplot where the female lead tries to set up her female best friend with another woman. Yuck. So glad I popped in here to see your warning in time to delete the movie from my recorder.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't aware that you'd gotten negative comments, but that makes me sad. Stay strong in your faith, and please keep letting us know which movies are truly family friendly. God bless!
I, too, am going to delete the movie from my dvr. I was looking forward to watching it.
DeleteI deleted Christmas with the Darlings from the dvr. And it's a shame because the commercials for this movie looked so cute. I wish Hallmark wasn't trying to be so "woke"!!
Delete~~Jane
On the 12th Date of Christmas. Loved it! A light, fun movie with good Christmas "feels". I liked the scavenger hunt twist for this movie. Tyler Hynes is fast becoming one of my favorite actors; his facial expressions and the way he times the delivery of his lines is perfection. And he seems to work well with whatever actress Hallmark pairs him with; he and Mallory Jansen were a lot of fun together. This one is a keeper for my dvr and possibly a purchase of the dvd in the future. Family friendly.
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Hynes' line delivery is great. I totally agree with you Anonymous, it's a keeper!
DeleteSo far my favorite movies are One Royal Holiday and Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater. I've DVRd others but haven't viewed then yet.
ReplyDeleteNever Kiss A Man In A Christmas Sweater is the best Hallmark Channel movie I have seen this season. Watched twice already! Ashley Williams and Niall Matter are great together. Very sweet story too.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking Danica's movie will be like the 'Darlings' one, but with a male gay best friend.
ReplyDeleteMisty
Misty, thank you for sharing this heads up. Please let us know if you happen to catch any more details.
DeleteI can confirm that from the trailer. It's an actor I just don't care for in any role, so I won't watch it.
DeleteNever Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater. How fun!! Love Ashley & Niall. Family friendly. This one is a keeper for my dvr and most likely a purchase of the dvd when it comes out.
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Christmas in Vienna. What a sweet movie. Loved the setting! There were moments where I felt like Sarah's character was too young for Brennan's diplomat character (it almost felt like she and her bff were just out of college and almost closer in age and life experience to his daughter than to him). But, overall, I thought Sarah did a good job of bringing maturity to her character and making the whole thing more believable. The movie got a bit Hallmark-silly at the end when they threw in a Sound of Music von Trapp Family singers kind of thing, which was sweet but hokey. Other than those two small quibbles I really liked this movie and it's a keeper for my dvr. Family friendly except for commercials.
ReplyDeleteI suggest fast-forwarding through the commercials. There was an ad for movies on Showtime and these were movies I would not want young children to see the trailers for (including an up-close shot of a detailed kiss between a gay couple, and other violence and sexual situations -- basically previews of R rated movies -- NOT what I want to see during family Christmas movie night!!).
~~Jane
Jane, Fantastic, as always! I so enjoy and look forward to your wonderful reviews. I feel just like my friend has called me up on the phone and shared what she liked about the most recent movie. Can't wit to see this one and "Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater" now after your great reviews on both of them! THANK YOU!!! :)
DeleteWhatever happened to some of the wonderful Fall and Thanksgiving themed movies on Hallmark? Like The Thanksgiving House (not shown this year), Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (only shown one time) and Midnight Masquerade (hasn't been shown in several years). Yet in the Fall of the year we see Valentine Movies and Christmas movies!
ReplyDeleteI know just what you mean. I always think it's a shame they have all of these Holiday movies from October to December and they can't create one Thanksgiving movie??? Really? Or, they could at least do a movie that starts at Thanksgiving and ends up at Christmas.
DeleteBy the way, I still love love love "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade," and even though I have it on DVD, I recorded it the other night/early morning to re-watch. What a great movie it still is. I sure wish they would play it more, especially since Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo are together again this year!!!
I love, "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade" too. One of their very best!!
DeleteI reached out to Hallmark but they did not respond. Thank you that you take the time and the care to respond to us. It is a shame. Those movies are such a great segue from summer to Christmas and help us not let the beautiful fall season and Thanksgiving holiday slip by. Like you, I guess I will have to purchase those movies on DVD. And excited to see Antonio Cupo in Hallmark movies this year and with Autumn again. That should be good. One of my favorite actors is Kristoffer Polaha. Haven't seen his name show up in any Christmas movies this year. A shame. Well, Blessed Thanksgiving to you. Our God Reigns!
ReplyDeleteA Timeless Christmas. I thought this one was okay, it was kind of sweet, but it really didn't win me over (not a keeper for my dvr). I love historical period dramas but my logical brain has a hard time wrapping itself around any kind of time travel story. I've liked Ryan and Erin in other movies, but don't think this was the best fit for either of them. Family friendly.
ReplyDelete~~Jane
I LOVED A Timeless Christmas. Easily my favorite that I've seen so far. I'm a big fan of time travel stories and found this one to be a whole lot of fun and very sweet. I thought Ryan and Erin had great chemistry, and Ryan definitely fit the part of a dashing gentleman from 1903. I enjoyed every minute of the movie and didn't want it to end. I'll be watching it again.
ReplyDeleteThe Angel Tree was such a disappointment. I really looked forward to this movie because of the two leading actors from previous movies but not only was there no chemistry, the story line plodded along. They even seemed bored in character. Some of the actors "over acted" which made it seem fake. I fast forwarded through parts just to get to the end and get it over with. The leads have both been in several great movies; this was just not one of them. It was family friendly if you are looking for that. Several children in important roles in the movie.
ReplyDeleteThe Angel Tree was such a disappointment. I really looked forward to this movie because of the two leading actors from previous movies but not only was there no chemistry, the story line plodded along. They even seemed bored in character. Some of the actors "over acted" which made it seem fake. I fast forwarded through parts just to get to the end and get it over with. The leads have both been in several great movies; this was just not one of them. It was family friendly if you are looking for that. Several children in important roles in the movie.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, sorry you did not like The Angel Tree. Suppose life would be boring if we all liked the same things. This is one of my favorites for this year. It is hilarious! I have watched this numerous times and will buy the DVD. Did not notice any over-acting, but I did notice what great actors Jill and Lucas are. I think they had great chemistry. Enjoyed reading your perception of this movie.
DeleteHeart of the Holidays. I rather enjoyed this one. I liked all the actors, there wasn't anything too over-the-top or silly, just a nice little Christmas movie. Not sure if I'd buy the dvd, but I'll probably keep it on the dvr and re-watch at some point (so long as the dvr doesn't run out of space -- I've been taping way too many old Christmas movies and I'm running out of room for all the old and new -- I need more hours to actually watch all of these!!). Family friendly (and I think the commercials were okay, as well?).
ReplyDelete~~Jane
I was looking forward to Good Morning Christmas because I know Marc and Alison are fantastic together, and it did not disappoint. Very cute, romantic, and festive. The characters' connection was palpable. I was grinning through the whole thing and rewatched the ending several times. Family friendly.
ReplyDeleteI really, really liked "Good Morning, Christmas." Really cute, great story, couple had lots of charisma together and who wouldn't love to watch the "Bright and Mary!" show!
DeleteI loved, "Dashing Home for Christmas" on UPtv. I really liked the couple, and the male lead especially. He reminded me of Christopher Reeve playing Superman, with his black glasses, great sense of humor, willingness to help anyone who needed him, and watching him fall in love was beyond precious!! One of my favorites this year!
DeleteAmy & Kathy - so GOOD to know how much you both enjoyed "Good Morning, Christmas!"
Delete(Plus, Kathy... "Dashing Home for Christmas" on UPtv too!)
Somehow I could just tell in the promo "Good Morning, Christmas!" was going to be a fun one - the energy seemed high, and the story seems lighthearted and fun. and, of course, we know Ali & Marc are great together. That was clever of Hallmark's casting to pair them together again.
Thank you both, again, for the great reviews - I've added them to the Movie Review Page!
I tried to get into If I Only Had Christmas. I thought it was boring. It came off very preachy and the romance was meh. I think Postables will like the movie, because the of the other characters gave that type of vibe. I am a bit surprised they didn't have the cast from that show do this movie.
ReplyDeleteMisty
Five Star Christmas should be fine for viewing by anyone.
ReplyDeleteIf I Only Had Christmas. Kinda cute, but not a keeper for me. I love some of Candace's other Christmas movies (bought the dvd's), but this movie didn't "wow" me. My favorite part was her adorable house; least favorite part was her headbands - enough already with the huge honker headbands ALL the time (does she have a side business that sells these or something??). Family friendly.
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Five Star Christmas. This one was a lot of fun, I enjoyed it. Fantastic ensemble cast. I've not been the biggest fan of Bethany Joy Lenz, especially when she's over-acting (like she does in the very first scene of this movie); but when she finally settles into her role, she's very natural and realistic. I'm starting to really like her. This movie was kind of light on the romance, but I almost liked it better because of that -- less sappiness and more about family relationships. Not sure yet if I'd buy the dvd but this is definitely a keeper for the dvr. Family friendly.
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Is there any problem with Hallmark's Christmas She Wrote with Danica McKellar?
ReplyDeleteThey're still showing it as airing on 06 Decemeber but it's not in your Upcoming Movies Scedule.
From the promo that was provided for "Christmas She Wrote," there appears to possibly be a same sex pairing in the sub-plot of this movie. For those who believe in traditional marriage, as I do, this is a movie we will be skipping; and I will not be promoting it, unless I hear otherwise.
DeleteI didn't realise there was a same-sex couple in this - wouldn't have thught it of Danica McKellar.
DeleteWon't be watching it now.
A Nashville Christmas Carol. Really liked it!! It's a keeper, I may even buy the dvd. Family friendly.
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Jane, Thank you so much for ALL of your wonderful, fantastic, insightful reviews... you're definitely a keeper!
DeleteI've added them all to the Movie Review page, and I know many are grateful for the info you've shared.
Hope you enjoy some of the new ones coming up this weekend.
Merry Christmas to You!
Christmas by Starlight has a sub-plot with a same-sex coupe. This is not a family friendly movie. It is a shame considering the whole cast was good and Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell have been in a number of favorites.
ReplyDeletePremieres: Friday, November 26, 2020
Annie (Sustad), a lawyer, must help her loved ones this holiday season. Her family’s restaurant, The Starlight Café, is slated for demolition. The heir to the development firm responsible, William (Campbell), makes her an unlikely proposition: he’ll spare the café if Annie spends the w
Thank you for sharing about Christmas by Starlight. It's unfortunate they included this in this movie. I added your review - here.
DeleteMerry Christmas!
Seriously?? I am so appalled at hallmark. Literally only 4.5% of the population chooses to live in this sinful lifestyle and hallmark has to include it this many times???
DeleteI loved Love, Lights, Hanukkah! It was the same kind of sentimental movie I love on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. It was just so special combining the celebration of both Hanukkah and Christmas. Christina didn't want to be alone after the death of her adoptive mother so she took a DNA test and found a loving new family that she was a part of. It was the same kind of movie as Holly and Ivy that I loved too-- that pulls on your heartstrings.
ReplyDeleteOne Royal Holiday
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly. This movie was alright, nothing special. It ranks 20 out of the 23 new ones I’ve seen. It was enjoyable to watch but has already been deleted off my DVR. The chemistry between the leads was lacking and the story isn’t memorable. I love Laura Osnes but she was just TOO perfect in this movie, so much so that I just couldn’t like her (and she is so lovable and full of life that it made me sad that I didn’t like her un-realness!). I like a little “real” with all the “unreal” that is a girl falling in love with a prince. I get tired of all the glamorous actresses that look like their hair and make-up is always picture perfect.
In short, while One Royal Holiday was clean, sweet, and had Christmas cheer, it really isn’t a keeper for me. Emphasis on me; this is my opinion and I do not want to offend anyone who absolutely loved this film!
Rissa
A Nashville Christmas Carol
ReplyDeleteFamily friendly. I enjoyed this one but it wasn’t my favorite. I love traditional country music and enjoyed seeing Wynona and Kix Brooks. I like both artists as well as Kimberly Williams-Paisley but if George Strait had been in it….I think it would be my new favorite movie!! Haha. If only. The music was fun and I felt like I was actually watching Country Christmas Live!
While I love Jessy Schram (she was wonderful in her role) I didn’t love her and Wes Brown together. They were a solid pairing but didn’t really stand out for me. I enjoyed the take on A Christmas Carol; it was fun and felt fresh. I think my favorite Christmas Carol rendition is still A Shoe Addict’s Christmas though!
*Mild spoilers: I’m glad there was no “Ghost of Christmas Future,” because as Marilyn (Wynona Judd) says, “you make your own future.” How right that is. Vivian (Jessy Schram), as someone else mentioned, wasn’t a bad person; she was actually a good person at heart who just needed a little help getting back on track. As the Ghost of Christmas Present said, Vivian’s lesson to learn wasn’t that she is a horrible person but that she is a wonderful person, which is a harder lesson to learn (and accept). I like this take on the story. Many of us don’t realize our worth and it is a hard lesson to learn to love ourselves. I’m glad that Vivian was shown this and realized who she is.
Rissa
Rissa, How sweet of you to add so many great reviews! I loved reading your fresh point of view on so many of these.
Delete"A Nashville Christmas Carol" was one that I felt perplexed on. I wanted to love it since it had so many great country stars and I adore Wes Brown and Jessy Schram, but it was just missing something for me. I agree with you, they just didn't stand out amongst others.
Also, not sure if you caught it or not, but Jane mentioned she watched "Too Close for Christmas" based on your positive review and was glad she did - because she enjoyed it very much. You can see Jane's comment - *HERE* !
Thank you, again, for sharing! I added all of your reviews to the main *2020 Christmas Movie Reviews*!
Happy New Year! Blessings, Net
Christmas Comes Twice. I quite liked this one. Not a keeper for the dvr, but a cute little Christmas movie good for a one time watch. I really liked the lead male actor, thought he did a great job; and also the actress that played Miss Nelson. I'm not a huge fan of time travel movies, but I liked this one better than 'A Timeless Christmas'. I perhaps liked this one better because the time travel was only a matter of five years during contemporary times instead of a hundred-plus years. (I just don't think Hallmark can truly pull off a well done historical period drama production in the space of ninety minutes. You need the BBC or A&E to do it well. Although, Hallmark does okay with something like 'When Calls the Heart', so long as they have plenty of time to produce it and only one time period is their focus instead of trying to jump back and forth through time travel.) Family friendly.
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Of all this years Christmas movies, these are our favorites: One Royal Holiday(not the usual princess movie), Christmas Bow, Christmas Ring, On the 12th Date of Christmas, Christmas Doctor, Deliver by Christmas, Love Lights Hanukkah, Little Christmas Charm and Time for us to come Home for Christmas. Oh and USS Christmas. There were so many we still haven't seen some. Would like to see all these on dvd, hopefully this year. Still hoping for Return to Christmas Creek, Mingle all the Way, Farewell Mr. Kringle, Thanksgiving House, Finding Christmas and Love in Paradise to come out on dvd. My dvr is really full of Hallmark movies not on dvd. Hope everyone has a Happy New Year. God Bless. RG
ReplyDeleteRG, I've seen most of the new ones you mentioned, and I loved many of those Christmas movies too, especially "USS Christmas," "The Christmas Ring," "On the 12th Date of Christmas," etc...! Let's hope we see lots of releases this upcoming holiday season - including the older ones you mentioned. I'm really surprised neither "Return to Christmas Creek" or "Mingle all the Way" have been released, yet.
DeleteGod bless you, too, and Happy New Year!!!
Cross Country Christmas. I liked it. Parts of it stretched the believability factor. But, overall, it was a sweet, funny movie. The dialogue between the lead actor & actress was good and I enjoyed watching their trail of mishaps as they got to know each other better. As stated by others, the romance wasn't sizzling but I actually prefer to see couples grow their friendship and respect for each other before they lock lips and live happily ever after (and I'm thinking these two characters may have started the foundation for a good love relationship). Family friendly.
ReplyDeleteAs to the children's nativity play. It could've been handled better, but this scene did not bother me as much as it perhaps would/will bother others. It was a quick blip in the movie, not central to the story line. Maybe it should bother me more, but it didn't. It seemed like a homespun production where the kids do things like use the family cat as a stand-in for the shepherd's sheep or use one of their toys as a wise man's gift, and they didn't have a plastic baby doll available for the baby Jesus so they used the beloved family puppy. ??? I don't know. It wasn't a great scene, but I didn't feel they were specifically trying to make a laughingstock of the nativity (it was just a kid's play gone off the rails into chaos). Hollywood doesn't have a true grasp on what Christmas is all really about but, nevertheless, I didn't take offense. Now, if Hollywood meant to be offensive, that's another story! But I didn't read it that way. I take more offense when Hollywood throws a "Christian" pastor character into a story and they give some sort of new-age spiritual drivel counseling or words of "wisdom" to other characters in the movie that has absolutely no Biblical basis, or the Christian character comes off looking like a backwoods doofus.
~~Jane
Christmas Waltz. Loved it! Definite keeper. Will buy the dvd. This one was better than the "chocolate" movie they were in together. Loved that Will Kemp is actually a trained dancer and wasn't Hallmark-pretending. My only critique would be about the ending to the movie, it was a bit abrupt, I would've liked one more scene or an epilogue. Family friendly.
ReplyDelete~~Jane
Jane, Thank you for all of these wonderful reviews - I added them all to the *2020 Christmas Movie Review* list.
DeleteI'm so excited to hear that you enjoyed "Christmas Waltz" even more than "Love, Romance & Chocolate," because I just love that movie and the sweet letters they read from her grandparents to one another. It's so romantic!
Net, now I need to watch the chocolate one again. I think I liked this current movie better because of the dance angle. I also think middle age is causing my brain to forget things! Hah! On a re-watch, who knows, I may end up liking "Love, Romance & Chocolate" better than "Christmas Waltz"! I should check my dvd's and see if I own that one and should then immediately watch and compare before I forget the waltz one. Oh my, I might need some ginkgo biloba to help my memory! :)
Delete~~Jane
Jane, you are so sweet and witty... you crack me up! Hope you enjoy the re-watch! :)
DeleteFinished watching some more Christmas movies. Wasn't sure where to post my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Christmas. I really liked this cute movie. Good chemistry between the leads. Keeper. Family friendly.
A Christmas Carousel. Oh, dear, I’m going to have to disagree with others on this site. This one is not a keeper for me. The best part was the first fifteen minutes but it then went downhill for me. I think the worst part had to be the absolutely ridiculous “royal” costumes - they looked like they ran out of money in the budget and had to use hand-me-down costumes from some high school theatre’s costume box. And I felt the writing/directing left something to be desired. If you love, love, love, love “royal” movies (and I do NOT), then maybe this is worth a watch for you. The lead actors are nice to look at (although I really wasn’t feeling any chemistry between them) and the carousel theme is kind of cute. But in the “royal” movie category, my opinion is that this year’s "One Royal Holiday" far, far outshone this one. Family friendly.
Love, Lights, Hanukkah. I loved the “feel” of this movie. Warm, cozy traditions. Refreshing. Loved the food and restaurant angles. Loved the family – felt natural. There were sentimental parts where I teared up. But I didn’t love everything about this movie. I’m not crazy about the DNA angle (I’m against putting one’s DNA in the hands of an online company – I’ve had to do it for medical reasons, but I really wish I hadn’t). And the whole dna thing was a little too coincidental, “poof” she finds her mother??!? I almost quit watching, but I kept going and I’m glad I did. The movie grew on me and left me with warm fuzzies despite the contrivances in the plot. The romance in this one, to me, wasn’t the highlight – and that’s okay. The highlight was family and traditions and warmth and love. The actors were not the standard Hallmark, polished cookie-cutters, but rather a breath of fresh air. At first I thought this movie was not a keeper, but just a really nice one-time watch; but the warm feeling of this movie has stayed with me and, therefore, that makes it a keeper. Family friendly.
~~Jane
Jane, This was the perfect place to post these reviews!
DeleteI loved the way you described "Love, Lights, Hanukkah"... I agree, it did have a certain warm feel about it - and I felt the slow developing romance between Mia Kirshner and Ben Savage's characters was very sweet.
Thank you so much for sharing these lovely reviews of these Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. I posted them on the 2020 Christmas Movie Review Page - here!
Rewatched Heart of the Holidays tonight as well. -Maria
ReplyDeleteFigured this would be the perfect time to rewatch Christmas Waltz on DVD.:) And did anyone notice that the Christmas card Avery was reading was signed by Jeanne and Michael (as in the Damiens? ðŸ¤ðŸ˜‰) -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, I love that!!!! What a cool find!!! I will definitely look for that Christmas card scene the next time I watch Christmas Waltz; it's one of my favorite movies! Wonder if there are any other Easter eggs in it???
DeleteRe-watched Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater today. -Maria
ReplyDelete