34 reviews
- shawneuser
- Jan 4, 2020
- Permalink
Nikki deLoach and Michael Rady make a nice TV couple as they have in other Hallmark movies. So their romance is believable. But the story isn't about very much. She moves back to settle her grandma's stuff and falls for a widower with a kid. Some fussing about the kid. Totally predictable.
- phd_travel
- Nov 4, 2019
- Permalink
I love Nikki but in this one with the 2019 theme of a dead relative she seemed so sad and it made me just sad. I also got bored.
- sfranks-24486
- Dec 27, 2019
- Permalink
In essence, I love it for few details: the Christmas ornaments, the portrait of grandmother Vera and her notebooks, for Heidi Fielek, Zach Tinker,John B. Lowe and BJ Harrison, for the young Michaela Russell and for the silhouette of Misses Taylor. The recipe is familiar, the cook is far to be surprising and the dish not extraordinary. But the spices , from cinnamon cookies to the little turtle doves from the box from basement of Taylors are just beautiful. So, I admitt, just I love it.
- Kirpianuscus
- Dec 23, 2020
- Permalink
- JoBloTheMovieCritic
- Nov 8, 2019
- Permalink
I'm glad this movie wasn't afraid to acknowledge the sadness that many people feel at Christmas because of the loss of loved ones. This movie shows us that celebrating those loved ones with traditions and talking about pur love for them and the sadness that can linger is as important a part of Christmas as any other element of everyone's favorite holiday.
Michael Rady and Nikki Deloach don't seem connected story line so slow.they are 2 of my favorite Hallmark actor and actress.
Couldn't get into this movie.
- mitchellrharl
- Nov 5, 2019
- Permalink
If you've watched many Hallmark Christmas movies, you've seen that there are several things that are actually cliche. In Christmas movies, there are Traditions. I have a joke with my sister that instead of the app that checks off just watching each movie, there should be an app that allows you to check off each tradition in each movie. Decorating the tree, making Christmas cookies, singing carols, ice skating, Santa, and so forth. In this movie, the Traditions are not just a byproduct but one of the main threads of the story.
Another cliche that seems to dominate is the antithesis of the evil big city (New York in particular) vs the welcoming small town. Home. Community. The pressures of career is a closely related theme.
The idea of Memories is tied closely to these themes. A lost spouse or close relative is another. In this movie these themes are explored in depth as the main characters try to move past the sadness of these memories of things lost. This movie touches on what is a big deal for many people in that the Christmas season magnifies this sadness because of the pressure of the season to be happy and joyful vs the reminder of things lost. Is there a bit too much idealism? Perhaps, but there is room for the viewers to resonate and perhaps even to experience some healing themselves.
You could say that the story lacks depth, and in terms of action or events, that is mostly true, but I think I have made a case that the story brings out deeper elements, even if some of these seem overly familiar. The story does have a quest as contained in the title that runs throughout. And there is even a moment of tenderness where Hallmark Movies and Mysteries has been know to excel.
The actors in this do a credible job. DeLoach and Rady connect in a natural way and with some depth. And Christmas movies always benefit from a child. Michaela Russell fills this last role well and without overacting which often occurs with some child actors. {I rewatched this movie already only two months later, and Michaela Russell has grown on me how good she is in this role.}
If you are looking for or expecting Christmas fluff, then this is a 6 or 7 star movie. But it takes a little patience, and then it has the potential to hit home as one of the holiday gems. I think this is a movie that will go on my list to watch again year after year.
Another cliche that seems to dominate is the antithesis of the evil big city (New York in particular) vs the welcoming small town. Home. Community. The pressures of career is a closely related theme.
The idea of Memories is tied closely to these themes. A lost spouse or close relative is another. In this movie these themes are explored in depth as the main characters try to move past the sadness of these memories of things lost. This movie touches on what is a big deal for many people in that the Christmas season magnifies this sadness because of the pressure of the season to be happy and joyful vs the reminder of things lost. Is there a bit too much idealism? Perhaps, but there is room for the viewers to resonate and perhaps even to experience some healing themselves.
You could say that the story lacks depth, and in terms of action or events, that is mostly true, but I think I have made a case that the story brings out deeper elements, even if some of these seem overly familiar. The story does have a quest as contained in the title that runs throughout. And there is even a moment of tenderness where Hallmark Movies and Mysteries has been know to excel.
The actors in this do a credible job. DeLoach and Rady connect in a natural way and with some depth. And Christmas movies always benefit from a child. Michaela Russell fills this last role well and without overacting which often occurs with some child actors. {I rewatched this movie already only two months later, and Michaela Russell has grown on me how good she is in this role.}
If you are looking for or expecting Christmas fluff, then this is a 6 or 7 star movie. But it takes a little patience, and then it has the potential to hit home as one of the holiday gems. I think this is a movie that will go on my list to watch again year after year.
First, Nikki DeLoach is usually a joy and for most, will still be delightful in this movie. For me, her character seems slightly overdone, and not very warm. The male lead who plays Sam is also very affable, but for some reason, I didn't see a huge connection from him to her. It seemed initially - and throughout - that she was disproportionately interested in him.
The young gal, 'Mikayla', was absolutely a savior to the cast and the movie. She was so authentic and carried herself with the perfect balance of joy and realism.
The plot has been well-summarized, but some of it was just lacking that magnetic draw that so many of us can feel when watching movies, even Hallmark ones. There's usually something that makes you feel attached to the plot resolution, but in this situation, I could see:
1. Nikki's character would be successful, no matter what she did or chose for her future.
2. The ornament would definitely be found.
3. The two would definitely fall in love.
4. The cousin was a typical supporting role, establishing the idea that Nikki's character is surrounded by loving family -- without any challenges or conflicts (not too realistic).
It might have been interesting to explore how a new "mom' would feel to Mikayla, and to draw that out a little. It might have been helpful to see what connected the two romantic leads - other than the fact that they both were grieving. It seemed like Sam was so uncertain of his interest or ability to be romantic (yet); that is realistic for sure, but I didn't get the feeling that once the movie is over, Sam and Sharon would really be together for life.
About the overacting, the example in my mind is right in the beginning when Sharon is saying goodbye to her cousin for a short while. She does this thing with her hands and body while she says "K! Gotta Go! Love you, you're fab, CALL ME??" - or something to that effect. It's just...who does this in real life, when temporarily saying goodbye for a little while?
I loved the ornament idea, and would love to have something like that in my family.
Overall, a fantastic movie, with the possibility of more.
My overall favorite aspect is that they do a great job of balancing how we cope with grief and still have joyful times in life.
The young gal, 'Mikayla', was absolutely a savior to the cast and the movie. She was so authentic and carried herself with the perfect balance of joy and realism.
The plot has been well-summarized, but some of it was just lacking that magnetic draw that so many of us can feel when watching movies, even Hallmark ones. There's usually something that makes you feel attached to the plot resolution, but in this situation, I could see:
1. Nikki's character would be successful, no matter what she did or chose for her future.
2. The ornament would definitely be found.
3. The two would definitely fall in love.
4. The cousin was a typical supporting role, establishing the idea that Nikki's character is surrounded by loving family -- without any challenges or conflicts (not too realistic).
It might have been interesting to explore how a new "mom' would feel to Mikayla, and to draw that out a little. It might have been helpful to see what connected the two romantic leads - other than the fact that they both were grieving. It seemed like Sam was so uncertain of his interest or ability to be romantic (yet); that is realistic for sure, but I didn't get the feeling that once the movie is over, Sam and Sharon would really be together for life.
About the overacting, the example in my mind is right in the beginning when Sharon is saying goodbye to her cousin for a short while. She does this thing with her hands and body while she says "K! Gotta Go! Love you, you're fab, CALL ME??" - or something to that effect. It's just...who does this in real life, when temporarily saying goodbye for a little while?
I loved the ornament idea, and would love to have something like that in my family.
Overall, a fantastic movie, with the possibility of more.
My overall favorite aspect is that they do a great job of balancing how we cope with grief and still have joyful times in life.
- innerlooper96
- Nov 20, 2023
- Permalink
This is the second of three movies that Nikki Deloach stars in with the exact same theme. Why do they put the same actors in the same plot movies? I saw this just now. And seriously? How many times does this poor girl have to star in a picture when a relative who is not her mother, who raised her instead of her mother, dies and leaves her an estate she has to go through trials to inherit? The difference between this and the other two is that this one she's waiting to inherit the house, in the others she's waiting to inherit stores. When I say it's the exact same storyline, I meant it. Different guy each one, but same snarky, know-it-all female character, that figures out her life, falls for the guy, then stays in the small town. I don't understand how they can use the same story, and the same lead, played the same way, and try to sell it as an original. At least put a different actress in it.
- jenrn-09722
- Jul 5, 2021
- Permalink
Dr Sharon Harper is going back home, after her grandma passed away, with one purpose: the house she left behind. There, she meets Sam, the lawyer responsable for her grandma's final affairs and also, her neighbour. There, Sharon discovers that she was left a final to-do list during Christmas time. For every one she crosses of her list, she hangs one of the 12 stockings from the 12 days of Christmas song. Enter, Sam, his daughter and his brother who help Sharon with this list.
I loved this story so much. The plot was beautiful. Nikki and Michael are superb together, they have amazing chemistry. The supporting cast was great (The girl who plays Mikayla worked with them in "Love to the rescue" earlier this year as Nikki's character' daughter). Sam and Mikayla are also grivieng, they lost their wife/mother not long ago and the three of them coming together it's heartwarming, there is a scene in particular between them that is beautiful, I had a lump in my throat the whole time.
My only problem was the typical cliche of having the female lead choose between her professional career and her new found family/love, but I was satifsfied with the ending. I hope Nikki Deloach and Michael Rady make more movies together, both from this year are among my favorites.
I loved this story so much. The plot was beautiful. Nikki and Michael are superb together, they have amazing chemistry. The supporting cast was great (The girl who plays Mikayla worked with them in "Love to the rescue" earlier this year as Nikki's character' daughter). Sam and Mikayla are also grivieng, they lost their wife/mother not long ago and the three of them coming together it's heartwarming, there is a scene in particular between them that is beautiful, I had a lump in my throat the whole time.
My only problem was the typical cliche of having the female lead choose between her professional career and her new found family/love, but I was satifsfied with the ending. I hope Nikki Deloach and Michael Rady make more movies together, both from this year are among my favorites.
Dr. Sharon Harper (Nikki DeLoach) is a successful scientist. She returns home to spend Christmas with her pregnant cousin Lucy. It's the first time back since the death of her beloved Gramma Vera. Vera left her the family home and a journal for the Christmas traditions. Vera's estate lawyer Sam Taylor (Michael Rady) and his daughter Mikayla are her neighbors.
This is nice enough. It's a Hallmark Christmas. It's not going to be dramatic or edgy. It is the safest of Christmas movies. The little girl is cute enough and so is Nikki DeLoach. The romance is safely set at a low simmer with an easily overcome hurdle that gives some heartwarming feels.
This is nice enough. It's a Hallmark Christmas. It's not going to be dramatic or edgy. It is the safest of Christmas movies. The little girl is cute enough and so is Nikki DeLoach. The romance is safely set at a low simmer with an easily overcome hurdle that gives some heartwarming feels.
- SnoopyStyle
- Jul 9, 2022
- Permalink
With a 7/10 rating on here (and higher from many) I had high expectations for this one...but found it overly contrived, mawkish and about as shallow as a children's paddling pool.
The bugbear that ticked me off straight away is that the characters pretend they don't know each other, but it soon transpires they know ALL about each other's lives as Grandma's house is right nextdoor to the lawyer (a widower & very young daughter, who was an 'elf' in Grandma's house, the previous Christmas!) who was hired to take care of Grandma's will & estate after she died at the top of the year.
Pretending they don't know each other was too fake for me as I presume the lawyer/friend/neighbour of Grandma would have attended the smalltown funeral and would have met her beloved granddaughters (cousin x 2) at that point in time...the heavily pregnant cousin also pretended not to know the lawyer given powers of attorney by her late Grandmother either - incredulity stretched by a long mile.
Then the sentimentality over the ornaments inspired by the carol, 'The 12 Days Of Christmas' was also overworked and incredulous - a busy academic working for an imminent fellowship; back in town to tidy up Grandma's estate BUT finds herself getting worked up over the two missing Turtle Doves ornament just made me switch off, I couldn't suspend disbelief any longer after that.
"Get your priorities right darling!", was the thought that crossed my mind with this nonsensical sentimental distraction.
Three quarters way through I lost complete interest and stopped watching.
I've seen much better quality TV films in this genre in recent weeks than this under-roasted festive bird served up with cold stuffing & corked wine.
Only 3/10 from me.
The bugbear that ticked me off straight away is that the characters pretend they don't know each other, but it soon transpires they know ALL about each other's lives as Grandma's house is right nextdoor to the lawyer (a widower & very young daughter, who was an 'elf' in Grandma's house, the previous Christmas!) who was hired to take care of Grandma's will & estate after she died at the top of the year.
Pretending they don't know each other was too fake for me as I presume the lawyer/friend/neighbour of Grandma would have attended the smalltown funeral and would have met her beloved granddaughters (cousin x 2) at that point in time...the heavily pregnant cousin also pretended not to know the lawyer given powers of attorney by her late Grandmother either - incredulity stretched by a long mile.
Then the sentimentality over the ornaments inspired by the carol, 'The 12 Days Of Christmas' was also overworked and incredulous - a busy academic working for an imminent fellowship; back in town to tidy up Grandma's estate BUT finds herself getting worked up over the two missing Turtle Doves ornament just made me switch off, I couldn't suspend disbelief any longer after that.
"Get your priorities right darling!", was the thought that crossed my mind with this nonsensical sentimental distraction.
Three quarters way through I lost complete interest and stopped watching.
I've seen much better quality TV films in this genre in recent weeks than this under-roasted festive bird served up with cold stuffing & corked wine.
Only 3/10 from me.
- rossmcfarlen
- Dec 3, 2020
- Permalink
They list this under "Goofs" but it isn't... If Sharon grew up in this town, she would know that she has to go to his law office for the meeting... Duh.....
When Sharon and Sam make an appointment to meet for the first time, they mention a time but not a locale before they part company.
When Sharon and Sam make an appointment to meet for the first time, they mention a time but not a locale before they part company.
- markawyman
- Nov 28, 2020
- Permalink
A neuroscientist on the brink of being awarded a fellowship grant (Nikki Deloach) returns to her home town to deal with the affairs of her late grandmother who raised her, and meets the widowed attorney who is handling the estate (Michael Rady). The family home has been bequeathed to her on the proviso she completes twelve 'traditions'. Together, with his daughter, they tackle the challenges, along with helping deal with each others' loss. No grandstanding here, just genuine performances dealing with emotions around Christmas. Recommended for at least one watch.
- glanners-70803
- Jan 2, 2021
- Permalink
Having watched nearly every single Hallmark Christmas movie over the last 10 years, I have started getting little bored the last year or two. They become reminiscent of the same themes and, often, the lead actors lack chemistry or suffer from over-exposure. But every year there are at least two or three that may join the cluster of special movies that I still look forward to seeing again. Movies like: "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year", "A Grandpa for Christmas", "The Christmas Card", and those really special ones with Peter Faulk, like "A Town Without Christmas".
I enjoyed this one--much for the same reasons as stated in the review by Jackbv123. This made you think about some deeper meanings about Christmas and all the memories and traditions that one might have or wish for.
- Jazzie-too
- Nov 6, 2019
- Permalink
Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace. There are a fair share of them though that are surprisingly above average and even good amidst the many average and less ones.
2019 was a very hit and miss and somewhat unimpressive year for Hallmark and their Christmas output. 'Two Turtle Doves' to me, and many others it seems, managed to be one of the best from that year and actually among their best Christmas films in general. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch, then again is that expected from Hallmark, or flawless. But 'Two Turtle Doves' does show that Hallmark do have a good film in them if given a chance.
Sure not all the dialogue is great, Hallmark tend to be over-scored and there are times, not constantly, where that is applicable to 'Two Turtle Doves'.
There are instances too where the pace drags when the film is less eventful.
However, 'Two Turtle Doves' is visually pleasing and has a professional look. The appropriately festive locations especially. Enough of the soundtrack is nostalgic and pleasant enough. he direction is accomodating while not going through the motions. Nikki DeLoach and Michael Rady don't overplay, any mannerisms not overdone, and neither do they hold back too much. Their likeability shines through and their chemistry is a warm and genuine one that develops more naturally and realistically than usual. Michaela Russell is appealing too.
Moeover, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. Did appreciate too that there was more to usual. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Actually cared for these characters, not the case with a lot of recently seen Christmas films.
In conclusion, very well done and one of the best Hallmark Christmas films from 2019. 8/10
2019 was a very hit and miss and somewhat unimpressive year for Hallmark and their Christmas output. 'Two Turtle Doves' to me, and many others it seems, managed to be one of the best from that year and actually among their best Christmas films in general. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch, then again is that expected from Hallmark, or flawless. But 'Two Turtle Doves' does show that Hallmark do have a good film in them if given a chance.
Sure not all the dialogue is great, Hallmark tend to be over-scored and there are times, not constantly, where that is applicable to 'Two Turtle Doves'.
There are instances too where the pace drags when the film is less eventful.
However, 'Two Turtle Doves' is visually pleasing and has a professional look. The appropriately festive locations especially. Enough of the soundtrack is nostalgic and pleasant enough. he direction is accomodating while not going through the motions. Nikki DeLoach and Michael Rady don't overplay, any mannerisms not overdone, and neither do they hold back too much. Their likeability shines through and their chemistry is a warm and genuine one that develops more naturally and realistically than usual. Michaela Russell is appealing too.
Moeover, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. Did appreciate too that there was more to usual. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Actually cared for these characters, not the case with a lot of recently seen Christmas films.
In conclusion, very well done and one of the best Hallmark Christmas films from 2019. 8/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Nov 30, 2020
- Permalink
Michael Rady and Nicki Deloach were great in "Love to the Rescue". This unfortunately just doesn't compare and falls flat. Disappointing.
Also, why bother filming in Winnipeg if you're not actually going to film in winter or early spring at least? You can do fake snow anywhere.
Also, why bother filming in Winnipeg if you're not actually going to film in winter or early spring at least? You can do fake snow anywhere.
I know just by looking in to Michael Rady's eyes that he is the nicest, kindest, most lovely guy. They are just so warm and his smile is so genuine. He makes watching any of the festive made for TV films that he's in, easily watchable. You can't wait to see him fall in love and be happy, because you want it to happen to you.
I also even like Nikki Deloach in this film, she's definitely one of the better actors in these films.
Even the kid is cute and not annoying for a change. Also Zach Tinker is hot! I'm assuming that his character here is gay, just because, if it's true, they can make a sequel where he falls in love with me.
You can believe the love blossoming in this one and the feel of Christmas is almost tangible. I like the idea of the 12 Days of Christmas ornaments and their relevance here helps the story along nicely.
Sweet, easy viewing and enjoyable.
You can believe the love blossoming in this one and the feel of Christmas is almost tangible. I like the idea of the 12 Days of Christmas ornaments and their relevance here helps the story along nicely.
Sweet, easy viewing and enjoyable.
- adamjohns-42575
- Jan 25, 2021
- Permalink
- doctorsmoothlove
- Nov 22, 2019
- Permalink
Good and touching story. Michael Rady and Nikki Deloach give their best!
Besides both of them are such good actors. Bravo! Well done!
- constantina-dellopoulou
- Nov 3, 2019
- Permalink
Michael Rady is the best imo, and together with Nikki Deloach they hit this one out of the park! This movie is in a league of its own. Will be hard to top!!! LOVED IT!!!
- happybenes
- Nov 2, 2019
- Permalink
This is a classic Hallmark holiday film. Very little conflict, lot's of Christmas decorations and traditional Christmas activities. This is another feel good holiday film in which a single-father/widower bonds of shared grief and coping mechanisms with a Nero-scientist who has just lost her grandmother who raised her.
Cute kid, missing ornament, that's it.
Lovely, heartwarming and fresh! Both characters had wonderful chemistry. Beautiful movie! I don't watch the movies to be challenged; I watch them for the kindness and graciousness they exude! This one is a winner! Will be watching all season long!
- GeeJoDeeGee
- Nov 1, 2019
- Permalink