I enjoyed this one. As another reviewer said on here, it's 'waltzing with chemistry'. It is a lovely romance story, and the script is strong. Don't get me wrong, the story was quite predictable, a typical Hallmark storyline. That said, what is most important, I think, is whether the film engages me, pulls me in. This one did just that from the start. The bonus here was dancing, the Christmas waltz, that is. The dance sequences were charming. I wonder how long they spent working with the choreographer on this one. I would have loved to see a bit more of the children's performance at the end (John Talan Church was great). The acting was very good. Lacey Chabert's performance was convincing. Indeed, she performs well in this genre of film, which is why she is a Hallmark regular, of course. She has sort of a soft and sweet vibe to her performance here, which worked well, I thought. Will Kemp was great. I first saw him on screen in Reign as Henry Stuart. Good series. I was impressed with his performance here. The chemistry between the two was good, believable. They had several sweet scenes together, which worked well on screen. The supporting cast was strong too. No complaints there. The dancing, along with well-polished scenery, props, and sets, really gave this a Christmas feel to it without having to watch, for example, people building gingerbread houses (which Hallmark is obsessed with) or hang wishes on a tree (seems to be a popular tradition this year). Overall, it is a delightful Christmas movie, which fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy.
59 Reviews
Great Movie
aliyahrocks2 December 2020
One of the better Holiday Hallmark Movies this year. Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp have great chemistry throughout. This is their 2nd movie together and I hope they do more. The movie ended a little abruptly. It needed one last scene to wrap up everything. Overall a good film that will be added to my Christmas Film Rotation. Watch the movie for yourself and then form an opinion.
Throwback to Old Hollywood Classic Christmas Musical Flick
dabigboss302-130 November 2020
Loved this Charming Christmas Flick! Lacey Nicole Chabert is enchanting and Actor Will Kemp does a good job in the role of romantic dance instructor! He is a cross between Actor David Niven and American Actor and Dancer Gene Kelly! Story line could be more believable but the acting, dancing, sets and B roll of New York City is quite effective in making this film an entertaining flick to view around the Holiday Season! Costumes are beautiful and Ms Chabert is quite beautiful in the role of his student and lawyer! A definite must see for the Holiday Season!
Beauty
Jackbv12330 November 2020
This movie reminds me very strongly of another movie that I can't name. (Watched that movie a weeks or two later--"Come Dance with Me" aka "Christmas Dance".) Many details are the same including taking the lessons for a to impress the girlfriend/fiancé, and dancing on the sidewalk. Otherwise, the story is a bit different than many of the Christmas movies coming out every year.
At least one of the developments may be predictable, but it is totally outlandish. That's OK though. I recently pointed out in another review that this type movie is only a couple of steps removed from the Fantasy or SciFi genres for suspending realism. Realism aside, it was quite a beautiful and dramatic development.
Beside the beauty of the dancing, the attraction here is the chemistry between Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp. They also starred in Love, Romance and Chocalate. For me this movie was a great improvement for both of them.
Chabert commented in at least one interview that she had to work hard to even learn the basics for the dancing. She's not a young kid - got to hand it to her for the effort. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying Chabert is ready for professional waltz contests, but for most of us amateur viewers there was some nice dancing together with Kemp.
I get a little uncomfortable in these movies when one of the main male rivals takes on the Neanderthal approach. I guess the outcome of that effort here makes it clear that there is no place for that attitude.
At least one of the developments may be predictable, but it is totally outlandish. That's OK though. I recently pointed out in another review that this type movie is only a couple of steps removed from the Fantasy or SciFi genres for suspending realism. Realism aside, it was quite a beautiful and dramatic development.
Beside the beauty of the dancing, the attraction here is the chemistry between Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp. They also starred in Love, Romance and Chocalate. For me this movie was a great improvement for both of them.
Chabert commented in at least one interview that she had to work hard to even learn the basics for the dancing. She's not a young kid - got to hand it to her for the effort. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying Chabert is ready for professional waltz contests, but for most of us amateur viewers there was some nice dancing together with Kemp.
I get a little uncomfortable in these movies when one of the main male rivals takes on the Neanderthal approach. I guess the outcome of that effort here makes it clear that there is no place for that attitude.
Just stinking adorable!!
txharrington2 December 2020
Enchanting
maryo-9104029 December 2020
This has become my favorite movie. It's beautifully written, elegantly filmed, and leaves me with the urge to go out and follow my dream, as Avery did. The story line is simple yet compelling, as two people fall in love as they help each other make their dreams come true. Can't say enough about lovely Lacey Chabert and elegant Will Kemp. What a talented pair, and such wonderful chemistry on screen. The ending is awesome. Can't wait for it to be available on dvd. Thank you Damians, for this thoroughly enjoyable entertainment.
Joyful to watch
Gordon-1126 December 2020
more dance
SnoopyStyle18 July 2021
Busy New York lawyer Avery (Lacey Chabert) is getting married to David. He tells her that he took a big job in Boston. He wants to put a pin on the wedding. She cancels it instead and it's right after signing up for dance lessons with the both of them. The studio owner Roman Davidoff (Will Kemp) offers to be her substitute dance partner.
This is cute for a Hallmark romance. Lacey Chabert is adorable as always. The coupling is adorable. There is something about learning to dance together. There is inherent trust being built between the couple as they dance. Dancing is romance in visual form. It's also adorable to see Lacey try to dance. She's not an expert but she looks cute doing it. In fact, the movie could do more with her learning to dance. Unlike her, the kid is an obvious dance ringer. This is all very adorable if somewhat lightweight. Lightweight thy name be Hallmark and that's not unexpected. David's return is a waste of time. He's not worth the juice. In the end, this is adorable although it would be more fun if Lacey has more dance lesson scenes.
This is cute for a Hallmark romance. Lacey Chabert is adorable as always. The coupling is adorable. There is something about learning to dance together. There is inherent trust being built between the couple as they dance. Dancing is romance in visual form. It's also adorable to see Lacey try to dance. She's not an expert but she looks cute doing it. In fact, the movie could do more with her learning to dance. Unlike her, the kid is an obvious dance ringer. This is all very adorable if somewhat lightweight. Lightweight thy name be Hallmark and that's not unexpected. David's return is a waste of time. He's not worth the juice. In the end, this is adorable although it would be more fun if Lacey has more dance lesson scenes.
A Change of Pace and Fabulous!
monkoftuscany18 December 2020
To begin with, I loved this movie !. It just makes you happy watching it. I think Lacey plays all her parts on Hallmark very well in any movie I have seen. She is genuine and her giggle plays very well in this movie. Her banter with Roman(Will) is engaging and fun to watch. And I saw Lacey say she wasn't a dancer before this movie. It shows how much she worked and practiced because her dancing was very well done. But, Will Kemp's dancing was amazing!. I enjoy his other movies as well.He is so elegant, fluid and graceful when he is dancing. It reminded me of the old dancing greats, Astair and Kelly. The street dancing scene was so wonderful and well done. Enough can't be said about the fabulous last waltz scene in the movie. I have watched this movie many many times and smile and feel good every time I see it. They have wonderful chemistry together. It will lifts your spirits and realize as Lacey's character did, that a negative can be turned
into a positive .. Smart of Hallmark to utilize the many talents of their actors, like dancing and singing in addition to their acting.
A Merry Dance.
adamjohns-4257527 December 2022
A Christmas Waltz (2020) -
Although Will Kemp as Roman was very British for a Russian, he was actually quite lovely and charming. Sometimes a Brit in films like these can really stand out as awkward, but he worked nicely, without laying on a cockney or royal accent too thickly.
I also really liked the connection that he made with Lacey Chabert as Avery, although the upsets and walking away all the time got to be a tad boring. But, at least the falling out that always happens was more genuine this time. It was a believable scenario and not just a misheard conversation or a sudden lack of trust. To be fair, she obviously didn't love her fiancé David either.
I honestly wasn't expecting to like this one because the dance ones are usually terrible, but this wasn't at all.
I also liked that the two leads were both capable dancers and it wasn't just bodged and blagged. I've seen so many of these films where "Amazing" and "Professional" dancers perform to save the town, Etc and they look like an old, paraplegic, football player on week one of 'Strictly Come Dancing' (2004-) / 'Dancing With The Stars' (2005-), so it was nice to see that the final result was a show that I would actually be happy to pay to see.
Even the kids were good dancers, I could have easily believed that the stage show element was real footage from an actual paid for performance and the audience was real.
I will definitely watch this one again and hopefully enjoy it as much as I did this time.
7/10.
Although Will Kemp as Roman was very British for a Russian, he was actually quite lovely and charming. Sometimes a Brit in films like these can really stand out as awkward, but he worked nicely, without laying on a cockney or royal accent too thickly.
I also really liked the connection that he made with Lacey Chabert as Avery, although the upsets and walking away all the time got to be a tad boring. But, at least the falling out that always happens was more genuine this time. It was a believable scenario and not just a misheard conversation or a sudden lack of trust. To be fair, she obviously didn't love her fiancé David either.
I honestly wasn't expecting to like this one because the dance ones are usually terrible, but this wasn't at all.
I also liked that the two leads were both capable dancers and it wasn't just bodged and blagged. I've seen so many of these films where "Amazing" and "Professional" dancers perform to save the town, Etc and they look like an old, paraplegic, football player on week one of 'Strictly Come Dancing' (2004-) / 'Dancing With The Stars' (2005-), so it was nice to see that the final result was a show that I would actually be happy to pay to see.
Even the kids were good dancers, I could have easily believed that the stage show element was real footage from an actual paid for performance and the audience was real.
I will definitely watch this one again and hopefully enjoy it as much as I did this time.
7/10.
Just ok
LtlHippo5 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Need more new actresses. tired of Lacey, Danica and Candace. This one was complete with all the nauseating giggling. Things happened WAY too fast, like her and the whole breakfast making thing the morning after he fell. And During the first hour, I was just waiting because I KNEW the ex fiancee would want to get back with her again. Just not one of my favorites. Have to say she sure did get over that break up pretty darn fast.
As sweet as it could get
TheCheeseMistress4 January 2021
This movie felt like it was 10 minutes long, I didn't get bored or distracted for a second!
It's as feel-good as a romantic TV movie could get: adorable female lead, simple and predictable story that you know exactly what's going to happen but you want to watch it anyway because of how sweet and cute it is. Only that, for a change, it's done the way it's supposed to be.
It's as feel-good as a romantic TV movie could get: adorable female lead, simple and predictable story that you know exactly what's going to happen but you want to watch it anyway because of how sweet and cute it is. Only that, for a change, it's done the way it's supposed to be.
The Christmas Waltz
JoBloTheMovieCritic29 November 2020
Fast-food for the heart
spquental3 December 2020
I'm a romantic, but there are minimum standards: the least we can ask for is the storyline to be believable and the actors to have some quality. On the contrary, this movie is so bad in all respects, it feels insulting. It's pure fast-food for the heart. I swallowed it and felt the immediate indigestion, not the hunger satisfied.
Nice film
lisafordeay8 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Lacey Chabert(Mean Girls) and Will Kemp(Royal Matchmaker) reunite again for another film reunion,this time in a festive dancing romantic comedy. Lacey plays Avery a young woman who broke up with her uptight fiance who moved to Boston for a job position.
Lonely she decides to sign up for dancing lessons where she meets a handsome instructor named Roman (Kemp) who she becomes smitten with. But when her fiance shows up out of the blue,will Avery choose her uptight fiance Jack or Roman?.
Overall it was a cute movie
Overall it was a cute movie
Lacey gets to dance!
HotToastyRag5 December 2023
"A woman dumped by her fiancé takes the dance lessons intended for her wedding." The one-sentence synopsis sounds silly, but The Christmas Waltz has its fair share of dramatic moments. Lacey Chabert has a few bad days after her fiancé jilts her weeks before their wedding. Every girl has plans and dreams for the big day, but it's much more than that. She doesn't know how the rest of her life is going to play out, and she doesn't know her own identity if it's not "someone else's wife". When she takes dance lessons from Will Kemp, it's more than just twirling around and smiling; sometimes feelings come up for her and she leaves mid-lesson.
But on the lighter side, she does get to rebound pretty quickly and save her broken heart. As she and Will dance together, she gets to find out that there's more than one type of man in the world, and that someone else is interested in getting to know her. It's a cute romance with both people helping each other grow. And as a bonus for the viewers, there are lots of fun dance sequences! For those of you who don't know, Lacey Chabert got her start as a child on Broadway; she finally gets a chance to show off her dancing talents in a Hallmark movie! If you don't already love her, you will after this Christmas flick.
But on the lighter side, she does get to rebound pretty quickly and save her broken heart. As she and Will dance together, she gets to find out that there's more than one type of man in the world, and that someone else is interested in getting to know her. It's a cute romance with both people helping each other grow. And as a bonus for the viewers, there are lots of fun dance sequences! For those of you who don't know, Lacey Chabert got her start as a child on Broadway; she finally gets a chance to show off her dancing talents in a Hallmark movie! If you don't already love her, you will after this Christmas flick.
Great Chemistry, Story, and Movie
Clovis23316 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I have watched more than my fair share of Hallmark movies, and this is far and away the best. Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp are perfection together, and I would love to see them together again. Maybe even as these same characters. This was standard "boy meets girl (or vice versa), loses him or her, wins in the end", but it's done so much better then it normally is. Neither character is childish or leaves in a snit. Even in the scene where we know things are going south, you can tell both characters are hurting, rather than angry. And, they don't meet and fall madly in love. You can tell the seeds of a relationship are growing, but it unfolds very organically. I agree with another reviewer that the ending was somewhat abrupt, but I still loved this movie, and many of the characters in it. The young man who played Nickie was adorable.
But for the dancing
MickyG3338 December 2023
7.4 stars.
The dancing is good. I didn't know either one of these actors could do those steps, but they demonstrate right in front of us, and it's fun to watch. The plot is as basic as they come, nothing original to stimulate the viewers. What it lacks in originality, it compensates for with an entertaining portrayal of a dance instructor helping a woman who has suffered a recent breakup. As they dance their way into love, we are caught up in the magic.
As the formula goes, Chabert's character has been rejected by her fiance, because he has placed his career above their plans for marriage. In spite of the breakup, she follows through with their pre-wedding dance classes and decides to attend solo. As it goes, she and the dance instructor hit it off. The last 10 minutes elevates the movie, so stick with it.
There are a few things difficult to believe. This dance instructor at his age, as handsome as he is, and equally charismatic, would NOT be single. He has seemingly no life outside of his studie, and yet he is immediately attracted to Chabert's character? The odds he would be smitten by a forlorn woman with no dancing skills is a stretch of the imagination. I find the whole chain of circumstances to be unlikely.
The major snag of the film is the disinformation we are fed. Hallmark writers often characterize the other guy as being the "bad guy" as he pursues what appears to be a distasteful course of action. In this case, after the breakup, the ex-fiance has a change of heart and delivers dozens of flowers to her office. Subsequently he tracks down the dance instructor and puts him in his place. Of course, he is civilized in his scolding, telling the instructor that his "services" are no longer required, because he is back in his ex-fiance's life (which isn't true). The film deliberately portrays the ex-fiance as a bully, casting a shadow on him. And yet, social norms dictate that every action he takes in this story would be effective in winning her back. Listen to the millions of women who say the one reason she finally decided to say "yes" was because of his persistence. "He never gave up", or "I couldn't shake him no matter how many times I tried." Sure, in this situation he seemed a bit too forceful with the dance instructor, but that's how you guard your territory. Let's face it, the responsibility of securing a long-term relationship rests upon the man or woman who is willing to fight, to do whatever it takes. Any woman will tell you that the man who fought most fiercely for her affections was the one she married. Once again, nice guys finish last everywhere but Hallmarkland.
The dancing is good. I didn't know either one of these actors could do those steps, but they demonstrate right in front of us, and it's fun to watch. The plot is as basic as they come, nothing original to stimulate the viewers. What it lacks in originality, it compensates for with an entertaining portrayal of a dance instructor helping a woman who has suffered a recent breakup. As they dance their way into love, we are caught up in the magic.
As the formula goes, Chabert's character has been rejected by her fiance, because he has placed his career above their plans for marriage. In spite of the breakup, she follows through with their pre-wedding dance classes and decides to attend solo. As it goes, she and the dance instructor hit it off. The last 10 minutes elevates the movie, so stick with it.
There are a few things difficult to believe. This dance instructor at his age, as handsome as he is, and equally charismatic, would NOT be single. He has seemingly no life outside of his studie, and yet he is immediately attracted to Chabert's character? The odds he would be smitten by a forlorn woman with no dancing skills is a stretch of the imagination. I find the whole chain of circumstances to be unlikely.
The major snag of the film is the disinformation we are fed. Hallmark writers often characterize the other guy as being the "bad guy" as he pursues what appears to be a distasteful course of action. In this case, after the breakup, the ex-fiance has a change of heart and delivers dozens of flowers to her office. Subsequently he tracks down the dance instructor and puts him in his place. Of course, he is civilized in his scolding, telling the instructor that his "services" are no longer required, because he is back in his ex-fiance's life (which isn't true). The film deliberately portrays the ex-fiance as a bully, casting a shadow on him. And yet, social norms dictate that every action he takes in this story would be effective in winning her back. Listen to the millions of women who say the one reason she finally decided to say "yes" was because of his persistence. "He never gave up", or "I couldn't shake him no matter how many times I tried." Sure, in this situation he seemed a bit too forceful with the dance instructor, but that's how you guard your territory. Let's face it, the responsibility of securing a long-term relationship rests upon the man or woman who is willing to fight, to do whatever it takes. Any woman will tell you that the man who fought most fiercely for her affections was the one she married. Once again, nice guys finish last everywhere but Hallmarkland.
A Hallmark Xmas Movie with nonroyals waltzing?
skylerjharvey14 December 2020
A Hallmark Christmas movie featuring non-royals waltzing? Heck yeah!!
What a lovely Christmas present Hallmark has given us this year with this enchanting holiday offering! The story is fresh and unique, and the actors are totally believable with the leads sharing some great chemistry. This movie also features an unexpected homage to " Singing in the Rain" that is probably my favorite scene from any Hallmark movie EVER. Just a delicious little watch that will leave you wanting to brush up on your waltz skills. Here's hoping Hallmark pairs these two actors again in future projects!
What a lovely Christmas present Hallmark has given us this year with this enchanting holiday offering! The story is fresh and unique, and the actors are totally believable with the leads sharing some great chemistry. This movie also features an unexpected homage to " Singing in the Rain" that is probably my favorite scene from any Hallmark movie EVER. Just a delicious little watch that will leave you wanting to brush up on your waltz skills. Here's hoping Hallmark pairs these two actors again in future projects!
I just can't...
mbiv4 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This was an ok movie as Hallmark movies go, but the ending!
The star is stuck in traffic and can't make the big show?! Didn't seem to affect ANYBODY else. 😁
Oh well. I had to grade it down for that, but it's not terrible. I just had to laugh at that.
Lacey And Will Do It Again
atlasmb30 November 2020
Hallmark re-teams Lacey Chabert (Avery) and Will Kemp (Roman) for this holiday romance about a jilted fiancée who makes the best of the situation.
Avery decides to take the dance lessons that were to prepare her for her wedding day. At the studio, she meets studio owner and dance instructor Roman, who encourages her to challenge herself.
The film features a strong cast and believable chemistry between the leads. Will Kemp, especially, deserves praise for his acting, which is supplemented by his classical dance experience. The dance sequences were choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux.
Watch for J T Church, the talented young dancer who appears to have an acting career in his future. You might remember him as a junior dancer on "Dancing with the Stars".
The satisfying ending includes a finale that is reminiscent of "Dirty Dancing".
Avery decides to take the dance lessons that were to prepare her for her wedding day. At the studio, she meets studio owner and dance instructor Roman, who encourages her to challenge herself.
The film features a strong cast and believable chemistry between the leads. Will Kemp, especially, deserves praise for his acting, which is supplemented by his classical dance experience. The dance sequences were choreographed by Jean-Marc Genereux.
Watch for J T Church, the talented young dancer who appears to have an acting career in his future. You might remember him as a junior dancer on "Dancing with the Stars".
The satisfying ending includes a finale that is reminiscent of "Dirty Dancing".
Another wrong actor choice..
edpopp7 December 2020
Waltzing with Chemistry
tenthkingdom30 November 2020
Lacey and Will have incredible onscreen chemistry. They were awesome together in the Valentines Chocolate flick from 2019, and that chemistry is on fire in Christmas Waltz. The story exudes a classic Hollywood love story, as opposed to other more recent Hallmark movies. The story of a woman stepping outside of her comfort zone to try something new and find herself along the way, certainly isn't a new one, but these two actors do it with grace, fire and a spark. I hope Hallmark continues to cast these two actors together.
Pure fun
wildmontanaskies-476139 December 2020
First review ever. Have mercy! Mr Kemp is a professional dancer. I know the style in Christmas Waltz isn't his specialty. But who would know? He was such a delight to watch. And his comedic scenes were so enjoyable. I laughed out loud. Often. Ms Chabert is classic, and the dance skills she acquired for the movie were quite good. I have watched 3 times since the debut, and get more nuance out of it every time.
not her best
montgomerysue13 December 2020
Lacey Chabert is always good, and it is fun to see her dance in this movie, but the story is mediocre and the chemistry with Will Kemp is lacking. Kind of predictable and slow. She did two Hallmark movies this season, and the other, Time For Us To Come Home For Christmas, is just terrific in all aspects. Check that one out before this.
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