This modern-day take of William Shakespeare's play 'Much Ado About Nothing' is the first-ever original movie from GAC Family. And it is a wonderful start to the season, I must say. All in all, it is a beautiful Christmas movie: a warm and heartfelt story with a fairy-tale-like atmosphere, and some wonderful acting and performances. The story centers on Haley (played by Susie Abromeit), a generous and caring person who is loved by the community for her acts of kindness and support, and Claud (played by Torrance Coombs), an advertising executive who is keen to land a big account. At a charity event hosted by the Lloyd Corporation (the account Claud and his colleagues desperately need), the two meet at a coffee stand, falling instantly in love. However, Haley has a secret, which eventually comes full circle. It is a warm and gentle love story, as we watch the two discover each other and fall in love. The script is well-written for this genre of film with some very romantic scenes and dialogue. There are a couple of touching scenes too, which left me a little teary-eyed. For example, there is one between Haley and her mother, Leona Lloyd (played by Jacinta Mulcahy), towards the end that conveyed a heartfelt message. The acting was simply brilliant. Both Abromeit and Coombs had impressive performances. You could feel the chemistry between the two right from the start at the coffee stand. I know it sounds corny, but it kind of did feel like love at first sight. Again, quite impressive. The acting, along with the cinematography, was excellent in this sense. The supporting cast too was superb. Mulcahy, I thought, had a wonderful performance (noting one of her scenes above). Another aspect of the film that stood out was the props, sets, and scenery. These were absolutely gorgeous. The film had a very charming Christmas feel to it, which I enjoyed. You also got to love Haley's plaid Mini. Overall, this is a lovely holiday romance. One that will almost certainly get you into the Christmas spirit. I highly recommend it.
36 Reviews
Enjoyable
Jackbv12331 October 2021
This is a very upbeat movie. In fact it is a little too Pollyanna. Among other things, there are a couple of shots of Susie Abromeit where her smile is pasted on as a little fake looking.
The story starts in a very vanilla way with almost no tension. The inevitable conflict is very predictable based on Haley's secret. There is the cliché failed attempt at an explanation. Then the secret is revealed to everyone in an unusual way which is kind of clever. This leads into a well done ending.
Abromeit and Torrance Coombs have so much chemistry it contributes to the overly cheerful vibe. It's almost too perfect. Acting is mostly good. The dialogue has some good moments. There are a couple of nice singing scenes including some karaoke which is actually good (as karaoke goes).
I'm glad that neither the boss nor the mother is an ogre. In fact I like mom and daughter's relationship.
The setting is decidedly British, even if it is apparently filmed in Romania.
This is a good kick off for GAC Family's Christmas season.
The story starts in a very vanilla way with almost no tension. The inevitable conflict is very predictable based on Haley's secret. There is the cliché failed attempt at an explanation. Then the secret is revealed to everyone in an unusual way which is kind of clever. This leads into a well done ending.
Abromeit and Torrance Coombs have so much chemistry it contributes to the overly cheerful vibe. It's almost too perfect. Acting is mostly good. The dialogue has some good moments. There are a couple of nice singing scenes including some karaoke which is actually good (as karaoke goes).
I'm glad that neither the boss nor the mother is an ogre. In fact I like mom and daughter's relationship.
The setting is decidedly British, even if it is apparently filmed in Romania.
This is a good kick off for GAC Family's Christmas season.
Shakespeare goes festive
TheLittleSongbird16 August 2022
Modern riffs/updatings on literary classics are very variable, there are some very clever ones such as 'Clueless' and then there are others that are rather derivative and lazy such as the Hallmark updatings of Jane Austen. Shakespeare's timeless 'Much Ado About Nothing' (one of my favourites of his) given a modern festive makeover fascinated me from the get go, and even more so seeing a lot of positive feedback on it from some not easily pleased. It did sound and look good.
And it was. For a film from an non-major and relatively recently rebranded network, 'Much Ado About Christmas' was to me very impressive and as good as the best of Hallmark and Lifetime. Also on par with the best of Hallmark's inconsistent 2021 festive output. As far as lesser known modern updatings on literary classics go, 'Much Ado About Christmas' (again from personal opinion) is one of the best, cleverest and most charming and one of the best of GAC Family's output (the biggest interest point of the film being that it is the first film from them under their rebranding).
It isn't perfect, with the ending being a little too neat and rushed and it being slightly too vanilla to begin with.
Torrence Coombs is a little stiff to begin with, but that he is based on a character who is very bland in the play plays some part in this.
Once he relaxes however, he becomes very easy going, subtly charismatic and charming. He also shares great chemistry with radiant and immensely likeable Susie Abromeit that has a real cheerfulness and charm, while not being too romantic too soon. Really connected to their characters, Abromeit's in particular is relatable without being too perfect. The supporting cast are great, especially the witty turns of James Rottger and Emma Colling, Colling has the most interesting role and relishes it without overacting. Loved the playfulness and initial tension between them.
Production values are attractive enough, especially the scenery, while the music has personality without being intrusive. The script has plenty of cheerful wit, light hearted charm and heart, with no cheese, awkwardness or over sentimentality. The story is both lively and heart-warming, with the take on the play full of liveliness and nothing lazy.
Summing up, very well done. 8/10.
And it was. For a film from an non-major and relatively recently rebranded network, 'Much Ado About Christmas' was to me very impressive and as good as the best of Hallmark and Lifetime. Also on par with the best of Hallmark's inconsistent 2021 festive output. As far as lesser known modern updatings on literary classics go, 'Much Ado About Christmas' (again from personal opinion) is one of the best, cleverest and most charming and one of the best of GAC Family's output (the biggest interest point of the film being that it is the first film from them under their rebranding).
It isn't perfect, with the ending being a little too neat and rushed and it being slightly too vanilla to begin with.
Torrence Coombs is a little stiff to begin with, but that he is based on a character who is very bland in the play plays some part in this.
Once he relaxes however, he becomes very easy going, subtly charismatic and charming. He also shares great chemistry with radiant and immensely likeable Susie Abromeit that has a real cheerfulness and charm, while not being too romantic too soon. Really connected to their characters, Abromeit's in particular is relatable without being too perfect. The supporting cast are great, especially the witty turns of James Rottger and Emma Colling, Colling has the most interesting role and relishes it without overacting. Loved the playfulness and initial tension between them.
Production values are attractive enough, especially the scenery, while the music has personality without being intrusive. The script has plenty of cheerful wit, light hearted charm and heart, with no cheese, awkwardness or over sentimentality. The story is both lively and heart-warming, with the take on the play full of liveliness and nothing lazy.
Summing up, very well done. 8/10.
Nicely enjoyable Hallmark-style movie set in snowy Europe.
TxMike6 December 2021
This is not a Hallmark movie but it has all the earmarks of one. Attractive single man and woman, they are quickly attracted to each other, a misunderstanding wounds the relationship, they have to work, with the help of others, to get things back on an even keel.
The setting is very nice, in the mountains and with snow all over, suitable for a Christmas theme. My wife and I watched it on Peacock streaming movies, we enjoyed it.
The setting is very nice, in the mountains and with snow all over, suitable for a Christmas theme. My wife and I watched it on Peacock streaming movies, we enjoyed it.
Not a Hallmark-killer, but worth watching
jensenholmesPA31 October 2021
This first GAC Family Christmas movie has a lot riding on it. Bill Abbott left Hallmark (he was CEO of Crown Media) and went to GAC Family to recreate it (but, presumably, the 'old' Hallmark, before they cared about, you know, diversity).
So anywho, how was it? I'd say this movie out-Hallmaked Hallmark--which isn't necessarily all a good thing. Every scene was *Christmas done to the 9s*. Visually, they couldn't have crammed in one more nutcracker or ornament, and the production was high-end, glitzy, and perfect. So they nailed that. The female lead (Susie Abromeit) was very appealing. The male lead (Torrance Coombs) less so, but decent. I'd rank him in about the middle-to-low-end of current Hallmark male stars. The romance plot was fine. Nothing groundbreaking, and not as well-written as the 5 new Hallmark Christmas movies to debut so far this season, which have had above-par scripts for Hallmark (all except You, Me and the Christmas Trees, which was meh). But I liked the "billionaire/prince in reverse" angle because this time it was the girl who ws the secret heiress. (shocking, I know) And she was sweet.
There were some major annoyances. The story takes place in some mythical European (I think) town. Which apparently required all the American actors to use terrible British accents. I mean, BAD. And then the female lead's accent was 100% American despite her mother and everyone else n this city trying to sound British. So go figure that one, A few Christmas-y bits were way, way overdone in a bad way. I'm looking at you, Christmas karaoke scene. But the visuals were a feast of Christmas cheer and the romance had some sweet moments. The ending was as happy and glamorous as you could hope for.
So. Not a Hallmark-killer, at least not this movie. But worth watching once. And I'm all for even more choice in holiday fare.
So anywho, how was it? I'd say this movie out-Hallmaked Hallmark--which isn't necessarily all a good thing. Every scene was *Christmas done to the 9s*. Visually, they couldn't have crammed in one more nutcracker or ornament, and the production was high-end, glitzy, and perfect. So they nailed that. The female lead (Susie Abromeit) was very appealing. The male lead (Torrance Coombs) less so, but decent. I'd rank him in about the middle-to-low-end of current Hallmark male stars. The romance plot was fine. Nothing groundbreaking, and not as well-written as the 5 new Hallmark Christmas movies to debut so far this season, which have had above-par scripts for Hallmark (all except You, Me and the Christmas Trees, which was meh). But I liked the "billionaire/prince in reverse" angle because this time it was the girl who ws the secret heiress. (shocking, I know) And she was sweet.
There were some major annoyances. The story takes place in some mythical European (I think) town. Which apparently required all the American actors to use terrible British accents. I mean, BAD. And then the female lead's accent was 100% American despite her mother and everyone else n this city trying to sound British. So go figure that one, A few Christmas-y bits were way, way overdone in a bad way. I'm looking at you, Christmas karaoke scene. But the visuals were a feast of Christmas cheer and the romance had some sweet moments. The ending was as happy and glamorous as you could hope for.
So. Not a Hallmark-killer, at least not this movie. But worth watching once. And I'm all for even more choice in holiday fare.
GAC Off to Great Start with Much Ado
stelmoqn31 October 2021
Hallmark look out because your old sheriff is the new top brass at GAC and they are off to a fine start. The formulaic Christmas movie felt fresh with Much Ado in no small part to the writing and production values which always seem to come from Michael and Janeen Damian. However the real clincher for me was the believable chemistry between the leads and how as a viewer I actually really watched the movie instead of just having it on and scrolling through my phone simultaneously.
All in all found it an enjoyable watch even my husband the Grinch didn't mind viewing! Kudos on a great start GAC...keep it up!
All in all found it an enjoyable watch even my husband the Grinch didn't mind viewing! Kudos on a great start GAC...keep it up!
Nice and enjoyable
burnsannona31 October 2021
Eh same old same old
Lollylovesmovies12 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It's the exact same set up as every single Hallmark movie ever made. They meet, fall in love, break up and get back together all in a couple of days. The acting was abysmally. Especially these lead actress. She is awful. So much overacting from all of them but she was the worst. The bizarre facial expressions all the time. What's up with that? And her "directing" the childrens choir was even weirder. Torrence Coombs is the only one I have ever heard of and he is usually gives a good performance but not this time. Could have been a much better movie. The scenery was gorgeous though. Why I gave it 5 stars. Clearly not England but they try to pass it off as it. All in all if you have absolutely nothing else to do watch it. Or don't.
Amazing!
oksankadrobakha9 November 2021
Sorry, not a good one. Mild spoilers but you probably shouldn't care.
MarioTee17 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The story of this movie is so simple it could have ended in 40 minutes or less. Basically - a girl and a boy meet, the girl has a rich mother and she wanted to hide it from the boy to be judged on how she is rather than on her wealth. Fair enough, but once both the mother and the boy found out they both were "ohhh so you are ashamed of me", the explanation from the girl could be plausible easily in a sentence or two.
I was not really amused by this one. Well, perhaps the last 30 minutes were good enough. The acting was fine, at moments it was over-acting but still fine, and most characters are not annoying. But it's just dull. Also, there are so many shots of various European cities (I recognized Krakow and Zurich), I guess to set the story in a nice place, but if you know the basics of European geography, it just doesn't make sense. It also looks very fake, but I guess it's due to the low budget. And, I am usually not the one who cares about those things, but there are almost no black characters. One relevant Asian person. Even the white actors are mostly blue-eyed. What is this, north Finland? Well, there are at least many eye candies, no matter if you like men, women, or both.
All in all, it's a nice story and some sets are beautiful, but there are so many solid Christmas movies that this one probably shouldn't be considered.
I was not really amused by this one. Well, perhaps the last 30 minutes were good enough. The acting was fine, at moments it was over-acting but still fine, and most characters are not annoying. But it's just dull. Also, there are so many shots of various European cities (I recognized Krakow and Zurich), I guess to set the story in a nice place, but if you know the basics of European geography, it just doesn't make sense. It also looks very fake, but I guess it's due to the low budget. And, I am usually not the one who cares about those things, but there are almost no black characters. One relevant Asian person. Even the white actors are mostly blue-eyed. What is this, north Finland? Well, there are at least many eye candies, no matter if you like men, women, or both.
All in all, it's a nice story and some sets are beautiful, but there are so many solid Christmas movies that this one probably shouldn't be considered.
Great Christmas Premier
FridayGal5 November 2021
It was interesting to see Shakespeare's pairs flipped. Beatrice & Benedict (aka Ben) are now the secondary pair with Hero (aka Hailey) & Claudio (Claude) moved to the primary romance. I found both pairs engaging and well matched. The location was lovely. Ditto sets, music, costumes. I thought it was a great premiere movie for the new GAC Christmas season. Congrats!
Great way to start off Christmas
lawport-258-78976631 October 2021
Muddled but Attractive
rgluckada25 December 2021
A beautiful setting that is supposed to be somewhere in England but is clearly Bucharest. The indoor scenes are very nicely decorated. An attractive cast forced to chew through some pedestrian dialogue and head smacking plotting. It is snowing in every outdoor scene. The main characters fall madly in love in just a week.
A Strong Debut from the New Kid on the Block
rebekahrox12 November 2021
I always enjoy modern riffs on classic works particularly Jane Austen ones. This is Shakespeare and it was well done. Setting it in England, presumably London, and all of the English accents added to the overall charm. I like that they explained why the American mother and daughter's home was in England.
A sweet young couple fall in love, practically at first glance. He is a young advertising executive, Claude, who, along with Ben, works for Don. They are about to try to win a contract with Leona Lloyd, a rich and powerful head of a major corporation. She is also the mother of Haley, who is sweet and down-to-earth. She heads the charitable end of the corporation, and is the best friend of Bea, who once dated Ben, Claude's friend. It did not end well. Anyone who is familiar with the Shakespeare comedy can guess where this will go. The conflict between the young lovers, Claude and Haley, comes not from suspected infidelity, but because Haley does not tell Claude the truth about who her mother really is. She just wants to be treated like a normal girl. When he finds out the truth, in a very dramatic fashion, he is humiliated and dumps her and she is devastated.
The casting was on point. I've never seen Susie Abromeit before but she was fantastic. I was not impressed with Torrance Coombs in a previous Hallmark production, but he was perfect in this, playing Claude. Sweet and love-struck when called for, and cold and unyielding when needed as well. The Bea and Ben romance was wisely very much in the background. The relationship between Leona, Hailey and Bea, and the advertising agency's efforts to win Leona's favor provided interesting background to the romance.
Although there have been some stale plots and casting in Hallmark Christmas movies this year, in general, they have upped their game. If this is because of strong competition from other productions like this one, I'm all for it.
A sweet young couple fall in love, practically at first glance. He is a young advertising executive, Claude, who, along with Ben, works for Don. They are about to try to win a contract with Leona Lloyd, a rich and powerful head of a major corporation. She is also the mother of Haley, who is sweet and down-to-earth. She heads the charitable end of the corporation, and is the best friend of Bea, who once dated Ben, Claude's friend. It did not end well. Anyone who is familiar with the Shakespeare comedy can guess where this will go. The conflict between the young lovers, Claude and Haley, comes not from suspected infidelity, but because Haley does not tell Claude the truth about who her mother really is. She just wants to be treated like a normal girl. When he finds out the truth, in a very dramatic fashion, he is humiliated and dumps her and she is devastated.
The casting was on point. I've never seen Susie Abromeit before but she was fantastic. I was not impressed with Torrance Coombs in a previous Hallmark production, but he was perfect in this, playing Claude. Sweet and love-struck when called for, and cold and unyielding when needed as well. The Bea and Ben romance was wisely very much in the background. The relationship between Leona, Hailey and Bea, and the advertising agency's efforts to win Leona's favor provided interesting background to the romance.
Although there have been some stale plots and casting in Hallmark Christmas movies this year, in general, they have upped their game. If this is because of strong competition from other productions like this one, I'm all for it.
Quite misogynistic.
willraye16 November 2021
Completely delightful!
vrhooper-7084314 November 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and it was fun to notice the similarities to Much Ado About Nothing. It was well acted, beautifully staged, and held my interest throughout. I am so thankful for good, family-friendly movies from GAC Family!
Thumbs up.
gfrasmd31 October 2021
Yes, another Christmas movie, not extremely original and predictable. Yet, the production is rich enough, the characters are pleasing and the story flows well. All together, the results are charming. A nice start for GAC channel.
Watch it only if you're desperate for a Christmas movie.
Avidviewer-0284726 November 2021
It's not the quality of a Hallmark movie or a movie from a major network. . Instead of doing a take off of "Much Ado About Nothing" with fake English accents, they should have stuck with a regular romance/comedy. The script is bad.
The results make me think it was rushed through production, it's just not refined. Casting, makeup, hair and costumes weren't that good..
Bucharest is beautiful in winter.
The results make me think it was rushed through production, it's just not refined. Casting, makeup, hair and costumes weren't that good..
Bucharest is beautiful in winter.
Great Christmas Movie
abb-7074229 December 2021
so so bad
JulesRules7722 November 2021
OMG what a waste. I know GAC is trying to clone Hallmark, but why copy everything that Hallmark does not do well. Like taking a classic and putting a modern spin on it. The story had nearly nothing to do with Shakespeare, and the acting was slow and boring. It was just cringeworthy all the way through.
Great movie
ISmellSnow5 November 2021
Loved it!!!
smithduke9 November 2021
Congrats GAC! I loved this movie! I wasn't expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this movie. Premise: A woman mistakes a wealthy man for a waiter. They hit it off and he keeps his identity secret because he wants to be liked for his personality and not his money. Predictable but well done. Loved the choice of the male lead!
Absolutely terrible. Butchering Shakespeare and Accents
mirvelt5 November 2021
Solid movie
hypzrkunt3 December 2021
Simliar but different than most Hallmark type movies. The storyline and characters worked especially the two leads. The ending was a little weak but I would watch again and best movie I have seen on GAC except maybe Kindhearted Christmas.
Susie Abromiet ( spelling) was exceptional. Keeps me watching the movie as does her best friend. Mr Combs never one I looked out for in movies was awesome as well. The nerdy rival was over the top a bit but what was worse was Susie's charachter never challenged his garbage as she should have directly.
Just an opinion.
Susie Abromiet ( spelling) was exceptional. Keeps me watching the movie as does her best friend. Mr Combs never one I looked out for in movies was awesome as well. The nerdy rival was over the top a bit but what was worse was Susie's charachter never challenged his garbage as she should have directly.
Just an opinion.
Low Rent
jen523929 November 2021
The lead actress in this film is ok. The rest of the cast is total cringe. I had high hopes for the new holiday offerings from GAC Family. With the former head of Crown Media on board, and their poaching of Hallmark Channel movie actors for the 2022 season, I really thought they would have their stuff together this year. Everything about this film and this channel comes off as Hallmark's low rent cousin. For example, the promos for upcoming movies look like they were made in the 90's. This movie is even more white bread than Hallmark, resulting in a tepid love story about tepid people.
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