This is a different kind of Christmas movie: it has more drama and conflict than your typical Christmas romance film. At the center of the story is Kendall Riley (played by Erin Cahill). Kendall runs the family ranch, which she inherited from her father, and is one inspection away from having The Last Chance Ranch certified organic. Clint McCree (played by Nicholas Gonzalez), our other protagonist in this story, has come home to visit and help his sick father (Brick McCree, played by A Martinez) on the family ranch (which borders Kendall's land). The two families have a troubled past. As Christmas approaches, Kendall faces the real possibility that she may lose the ranch due to some dirty tactics used by her neighbor. However, she receives help from a questionable individual: i.e., the neighbor's son Clint. The story is more than simply a romance between Kendall and Clint. The sub-plots try to dig a bit deeper into troubled family relationships between father (Brick) and son (Clint) and (former) husband (Brick) and wife (Lillian, played by Lindsay Wagner). These family dynamics, of course, represent challenges to the leads' romance/relationship along the way. The story engaged me, that is, it pulled me in from the start. The writers do a decent job of developing the main characters in this; they are a bit damaged; they feel a bit more real. The story/script has a bit of a light side to it as well, with some humorous scenes involving snooping and gossiping friends and towns' folk. The acting, overall, was strong. Cahill and Gonzalez both had convincing performances. Moreover, the chemistry between the two worked well on screen, I thought. The supporting cast also had a good performance. Martinez and Wagner both had strong performances individually, though, I thought, their chemistry was a bit lacking. The movie also provides some beautiful scenic views of the ranch/landscape. We do get a couple of scenes that try to instill a bit of Christmas spirit and cheer as well. All in all, as another reviewer on here said, this one is "a nice change from the usual stuff" this holiday season. It is an entertaining new edition to UPtv's Christmas movie lineup.
10 Reviews
Two birds with one stone
TheLittleSongbird22 December 2020
While loving Christmas (a lifelong love too) and having liked/loved many Christmas films, there are plenty of Christmas films that are too sappy and cheese ridden as well as predictable. Have seen quite a few films in the past few years using Christmas on a ranch setting (always an intriguing setting for this particular holiday) and they have varied in success, some are very charming, sweet and engaging while others are too simplistic, dull and silly.
'Christmas on the Range' is among the better ones and generally in the former category, though there are some not unexpected glimpses of the latter adjectives. Was not expecting a classic and didn't get that, but did expect in a way an at least average film that didn't have me wrenching my hair and teeth out. Luckily that was the case here with 'Christmas on the Range'. Not an essential, but there is nothing offensive about it either at the same time.
Shall get the not so good things out of the way. The story is rather basic and too slight, a fair share of familiar elements with not much new done to them (including the obligatory too easily telegraphed and too neat ending). There are moments of dullness early on and some of the dialogue is on the awkward and too sappy side.
Most of the acting is fine, but there are signs of overacting in the supporting cast.
On the other hand, 'Christmas on the Range' looks attractive enough. The scenery is both rustic and festive and the photography doesn't look rushed or drab. The music doesn't come over as too melodramatic while still having some presence. The direction is suitably sympathetic on the most part while taking a little time to find its feet. Erin Cahill and Nicholas Gonzalez are very likeable leads, their chemistry has a lot of charm and their relationship develops realistically, easy to connect with emotionally and is not underused. A Martinez and Lindsay Wagner are fun in support, with Wagner especially bringing a lot of heart to the film.
The dialogue generally gets better as the film progresses, it becomes more natural in the flow and it didn't make me cringe as much. The story on the most part, providing that one doesn't mind that it is predictable and slight, is heart-warming and easy going. And while there is more of a serious edge here than most recently seen Christmas films, it doesn't come over as too serious or heavy-handed.
In conclusion, worth watching. 6/10
'Christmas on the Range' is among the better ones and generally in the former category, though there are some not unexpected glimpses of the latter adjectives. Was not expecting a classic and didn't get that, but did expect in a way an at least average film that didn't have me wrenching my hair and teeth out. Luckily that was the case here with 'Christmas on the Range'. Not an essential, but there is nothing offensive about it either at the same time.
Shall get the not so good things out of the way. The story is rather basic and too slight, a fair share of familiar elements with not much new done to them (including the obligatory too easily telegraphed and too neat ending). There are moments of dullness early on and some of the dialogue is on the awkward and too sappy side.
Most of the acting is fine, but there are signs of overacting in the supporting cast.
On the other hand, 'Christmas on the Range' looks attractive enough. The scenery is both rustic and festive and the photography doesn't look rushed or drab. The music doesn't come over as too melodramatic while still having some presence. The direction is suitably sympathetic on the most part while taking a little time to find its feet. Erin Cahill and Nicholas Gonzalez are very likeable leads, their chemistry has a lot of charm and their relationship develops realistically, easy to connect with emotionally and is not underused. A Martinez and Lindsay Wagner are fun in support, with Wagner especially bringing a lot of heart to the film.
The dialogue generally gets better as the film progresses, it becomes more natural in the flow and it didn't make me cringe as much. The story on the most part, providing that one doesn't mind that it is predictable and slight, is heart-warming and easy going. And while there is more of a serious edge here than most recently seen Christmas films, it doesn't come over as too serious or heavy-handed.
In conclusion, worth watching. 6/10
Not typical Christmas Romance
Jackbv12312 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is a little edgy for a Christmas movie. A lot of screen time is taken up with the feud between the two leads' families. Brick McCree has been sabotaging the Riley ranch. McCree also spreads false rumors about Riley to keep possible business interests away from Riley. He also has his sidekick cut fence wire and other damage to the ranch. The bitter tone of the feud pervades much of the movie.
One subplot is the silly gossiping by a group in the beauty shop. In those scenes overacting is common, presumably for comedic effect.
I'm a fan of Erin Cahill, but I didn't think this was her best acting job. I also wasn't impressed with any chemistry between Cahill and Nicholas Gonzalez. There is not enough screen time between them for that to fully develop. Screen time is taken up by the feud, gossip, and work on Kendall's ranch.
There are backstories that are reveled slowly through the movie. Clint knew Kendall's father and apparently it was more than casual. Brick and Kendall's father had a long term bitter feud but we don't immediately know the details. It turns out to be a cliché.
There's a major development late in the movie of such stupidity that it really degrades the climax. It should lead to legal consequences that effectively end the feud forever. The characters ignore bringing justice. The grand gesture made in response is far too little too late. It may bring a temporary financial solution, but it can't make up for the wrongs already done.
The movie has little to do with Christmas other than the time of year.
One subplot is the silly gossiping by a group in the beauty shop. In those scenes overacting is common, presumably for comedic effect.
I'm a fan of Erin Cahill, but I didn't think this was her best acting job. I also wasn't impressed with any chemistry between Cahill and Nicholas Gonzalez. There is not enough screen time between them for that to fully develop. Screen time is taken up by the feud, gossip, and work on Kendall's ranch.
There are backstories that are reveled slowly through the movie. Clint knew Kendall's father and apparently it was more than casual. Brick and Kendall's father had a long term bitter feud but we don't immediately know the details. It turns out to be a cliché.
There's a major development late in the movie of such stupidity that it really degrades the climax. It should lead to legal consequences that effectively end the feud forever. The characters ignore bringing justice. The grand gesture made in response is far too little too late. It may bring a temporary financial solution, but it can't make up for the wrongs already done.
The movie has little to do with Christmas other than the time of year.
On the range
krichter-2472430 December 2019
One of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Great that it had some action in it. Great chemistry between Erin and Nicholas. I hope they make a sequel and soon. I wish they would make a series out of this. Love, loved it!!! Thanks Karen
More dramatic than the usual Christmas movie
phd_travel8 December 2019
It's a nice change from the usual fluff to have a slightly more serious Christmas movie about 2 rival ranches and a budding romance. I like the cast. Erin Cahill is pretty and believable. There is some diversity here with a biracial element. Hispanic actors A Martinez and Nicholas Gonzales Star. Good to see Lindsay Wagner - a lovely actress who hasn't ruined her face with plastic surgery. Looks so much better than some of her contemporaries.
Good western Christmas drama
lsskater23 December 2021
Christmas movie
judyharl3 March 2022
Wonderful movie!
emandmom4 December 2022
I really enjoyed this movie. It was well acted, a cut above many of the Hallmark/Gac/UP movies in my opinion. While I wouldn't really call this a Christmas movie per se there was smatterings of Christmas here and there and some places were nicely decorated for Christmas.
The two leads, both very good looking, had great chemistry! The story unfolds slowly as does the romance which kept me engrossed in the story/movie. There was action, romance, angst, anger, humor, jealousy and Love! All human emotions played out perfectly in this unfolding drama with a touch of Christmas.
I loved seeing the ever gorgeous and great actress Lindsay Wagner. I really hope we see more of her in the future.
The other actors in the movie did a great job and they all brought a lot of humor to the movie.
I will rewatch this movie again next Christmas. I highly recommend this movie.
The two leads, both very good looking, had great chemistry! The story unfolds slowly as does the romance which kept me engrossed in the story/movie. There was action, romance, angst, anger, humor, jealousy and Love! All human emotions played out perfectly in this unfolding drama with a touch of Christmas.
I loved seeing the ever gorgeous and great actress Lindsay Wagner. I really hope we see more of her in the future.
The other actors in the movie did a great job and they all brought a lot of humor to the movie.
I will rewatch this movie again next Christmas. I highly recommend this movie.
Bit darker in parts than usual - includes a Christmas punch - but that makes it different, so not necessarily a bad thing
SunnyDaise18 December 2022
I assumed this would be another run-of-the-mill Christmas movie. It has a slightly darker feel so I sort of found the uptempo festive music slightly at odds - but it comes together in the end. There is a bit of light relief in the salon - which also feels disconnected but ties in eventually. The salon slightly reminds me of Runaway Bride so I have expected Erin Cahill to come in and make a platypus face, but alas no. Ultimately this is still a feel-good movie and in some ways the bitterness makes it sweeter. Also, the end credits are quite quirky and definitely unique to this movie - raises the festive nature after the struggles.
Standard Hollywood ranch drama
MickyG33331 December 2023
7.8 stars
'Christmas on the Range' is my favorite Hallmark ranch adventure thus far. Maybe not my favorite romance on a ranch, but for farm and cowboy themes, this takes the cake. The reason for it is because there is actual drama and tension and it's more authentic than most.
First of all, you have a son who has been estranged from his father for years because of a feud between two families. His father is apparently the "villain" of the story. This is beyond standard Hallmark conflict and adrenaline. For Hollywood this would be considered light drama and action, and is obviously blunted for the Hallmark audience. There is even a physical altercation, almost nonexistent for the average family oriented "romance". However, this is not a romance film by any means. That aspect is downplayed, but still sweet with the limited amount afforded us. They certainly make up for the lack in the last 7 minutes, but it should've have come sooner.
The primary story is about a long history of anger and resentment that Clint's (Gonzalez) father Brick (Martinez) has harbored toward Kendall's (Cahill) family for decades. The cause is not immediately shown and we have to stick around for about 90 minutes before it's revealed. At the start, Clint and Kendall begin a shaky friendship based on misconceptions and bitterness due to the feud between their families. Eventually they discover there is much more to this squabble than they realized and immediately get to work figuring out how to mend fences. With the help of Clint's mom (Wagner) and the townsfolk, maybe it will work itself out, but Brick is a tougher nut to crack than anticipated.
The actors are at their best, this is a first-rate campaign featuring a cowgirl vs the ranch baron.
'Christmas on the Range' is my favorite Hallmark ranch adventure thus far. Maybe not my favorite romance on a ranch, but for farm and cowboy themes, this takes the cake. The reason for it is because there is actual drama and tension and it's more authentic than most.
First of all, you have a son who has been estranged from his father for years because of a feud between two families. His father is apparently the "villain" of the story. This is beyond standard Hallmark conflict and adrenaline. For Hollywood this would be considered light drama and action, and is obviously blunted for the Hallmark audience. There is even a physical altercation, almost nonexistent for the average family oriented "romance". However, this is not a romance film by any means. That aspect is downplayed, but still sweet with the limited amount afforded us. They certainly make up for the lack in the last 7 minutes, but it should've have come sooner.
The primary story is about a long history of anger and resentment that Clint's (Gonzalez) father Brick (Martinez) has harbored toward Kendall's (Cahill) family for decades. The cause is not immediately shown and we have to stick around for about 90 minutes before it's revealed. At the start, Clint and Kendall begin a shaky friendship based on misconceptions and bitterness due to the feud between their families. Eventually they discover there is much more to this squabble than they realized and immediately get to work figuring out how to mend fences. With the help of Clint's mom (Wagner) and the townsfolk, maybe it will work itself out, but Brick is a tougher nut to crack than anticipated.
The actors are at their best, this is a first-rate campaign featuring a cowgirl vs the ranch baron.
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