This is my 7th Hallmark Christmas movie of the 2020 season. Overall, it was a good movie, I thought. I am a fan of Ashley Williams Hallmark movies; she performs really well in such roles. Niall Matter is also another one of my Hallmark favourites. Individually, they were great here again. My biggest critique, however, was there was no real chemistry between the two. Thru-out the film, it felt like they were becoming 'good friends' as opposed to 'falling in love'. The only scene where I got a glimpse of the latter was in the final scene of the movie. It is a pity, as the script/dialogue between the two was at times really good, in the sense of them getting to know each other (e.g., when they decorated the Christmas tree together). There is plenty of Christmas cheer, and the movie provides that Christmas atmosphere, which I have grown to love about Hallmark films. Fans of Hallmark movies will not be disappointed; it is worth a watch.
48 Reviews
Seemed like someone was telling a true story
ginostoian3 January 2022
Went into this expecting a classic, silly Christmas movie (of which there are a ton), but I have been very pleasantly surprised.
I congratulate the movie makers and the actors for creating a movie that actually felt real. Everything line of the movies was like real, every day people talk, instead of the eye rolling lines you usually hear.
Good movie!
I congratulate the movie makers and the actors for creating a movie that actually felt real. Everything line of the movies was like real, every day people talk, instead of the eye rolling lines you usually hear.
Good movie!
Nothing out of this world, but still adorable.
MIssM197 December 2020
Maggie accidentaly hurts Lucas while she is carring a Christmas Tree. So, feeling guilty, she offers him to stay at a cottage she usually rents. While there, Lucas, who lost the Christmas spirit (as usual), joins Maggie in her activities: helping those in need.
That's it, that's the "plot", it's quite plain, but enjoyable nonetheless. Niall Matter and Ashley Williams, the duo we didn't know we needed. They had good chemistry, and after watching so many movies with them I don't get tired.
The whole movie is predictable, including the ending, and we can't forget that moment in which one character assumes something they shouldn't (please, stop it). There was one scene, one of the last ones, which was emotional, and that alone gain one more star. I also really liked the fact that the relationship developed quite naturally.
Nothing extraordinary, but quite sweet, if you like Hallmark movies, I totally recommend it.
That's it, that's the "plot", it's quite plain, but enjoyable nonetheless. Niall Matter and Ashley Williams, the duo we didn't know we needed. They had good chemistry, and after watching so many movies with them I don't get tired.
The whole movie is predictable, including the ending, and we can't forget that moment in which one character assumes something they shouldn't (please, stop it). There was one scene, one of the last ones, which was emotional, and that alone gain one more star. I also really liked the fact that the relationship developed quite naturally.
Nothing extraordinary, but quite sweet, if you like Hallmark movies, I totally recommend it.
Heart warming
Gordon-1119 July 2021
Touched the Heart
jrbusiness-6449910 November 2020
I really enjoyed this movie.
It was sweet and had a nice feel good to it. Touched the heart.
The cast was great and I liked the main leads together.
Being ex military and spending time away, this touched my heart.
It was a really nice movie.
It was sweet and had a nice feel good to it. Touched the heart.
The cast was great and I liked the main leads together.
Being ex military and spending time away, this touched my heart.
It was a really nice movie.
Much better than the title suggests
TheLittleSongbird15 March 2022
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.
Despite being pleasantly surprised by some of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films, part of me was expecting to be very corny and cheesy for some reason with a title like 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater', which is more akin to a list of "not to do" things written during secondary school. With no prior knowledge of the source material, that was my impression. 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater' is one of those films where one shouldn't judge a film by its title and it is not near as corny as it sounds. As far as 2020 Hallmark Christmas films go, it's one of the better faring ones.
Admittedly, the plot structurally and in terms of events is nothing special and is quite typical, not much new here. A lot of what happens here can be seen from a long way off. The gingerbread house plot was agreed on the rushed and silly side, cute idea not quite executed right.
Maybe it took a little too long to get going and maybe the central relationship could have been developed a little more.
Taking all that into account, a lot is good though. It is particularly well compensated by the acting, Ashley Williams and Niall Matter are Hallmark regulars and while Williams' performances have varied wildly Matter's Hallmark popularity on the whole is more than justified here. Both are good here. Williams has a very infectious smile that to me is not overused and is also photogenic and charming, mannerisms are not overdone and she doesn't hold back. Matter is more than comfortable and is a very sympathetic and subtly charismatic partner, nothing dull about him. While the relationship could have been developed more in the writing, the chemistry between the two is natural and feels real. Kayden Magnuson stands out in support and gives one of the more appealing younger performances of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films.
Did like too that the characters were appealing ones, grew rather than not changing or being too perfect and felt like real people, not always the case with Hallmark. They're not complex but they are not simplistic either and the interaction never looks stiff. It pleases visually too, especially the appropriately festive locations that are not drably shot or too drab in colour scheme. Once 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater' gets going and things get better, 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. It is not as slight as most Hallmark Christmas films too, again though once it gets going. The ending is not a surprise but was touching.
Overall, not great but nicely executed. 7/10.
Despite being pleasantly surprised by some of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films, part of me was expecting to be very corny and cheesy for some reason with a title like 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater', which is more akin to a list of "not to do" things written during secondary school. With no prior knowledge of the source material, that was my impression. 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater' is one of those films where one shouldn't judge a film by its title and it is not near as corny as it sounds. As far as 2020 Hallmark Christmas films go, it's one of the better faring ones.
Admittedly, the plot structurally and in terms of events is nothing special and is quite typical, not much new here. A lot of what happens here can be seen from a long way off. The gingerbread house plot was agreed on the rushed and silly side, cute idea not quite executed right.
Maybe it took a little too long to get going and maybe the central relationship could have been developed a little more.
Taking all that into account, a lot is good though. It is particularly well compensated by the acting, Ashley Williams and Niall Matter are Hallmark regulars and while Williams' performances have varied wildly Matter's Hallmark popularity on the whole is more than justified here. Both are good here. Williams has a very infectious smile that to me is not overused and is also photogenic and charming, mannerisms are not overdone and she doesn't hold back. Matter is more than comfortable and is a very sympathetic and subtly charismatic partner, nothing dull about him. While the relationship could have been developed more in the writing, the chemistry between the two is natural and feels real. Kayden Magnuson stands out in support and gives one of the more appealing younger performances of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films.
Did like too that the characters were appealing ones, grew rather than not changing or being too perfect and felt like real people, not always the case with Hallmark. They're not complex but they are not simplistic either and the interaction never looks stiff. It pleases visually too, especially the appropriately festive locations that are not drably shot or too drab in colour scheme. Once 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater' gets going and things get better, 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. It is not as slight as most Hallmark Christmas films too, again though once it gets going. The ending is not a surprise but was touching.
Overall, not great but nicely executed. 7/10.
One Of Hallmark's Best
atlasmb14 December 2020
Maggie O'Donnell (Ashley Williams) is a second grade teacher with a dormant passion for painting. She plans to spend Christmas alone--an opportunity to accomplish various tasks and reorganize her guest house as an artist's studio-because daughter Ellen (Kayden Magnuson) is spending Christmas with her father and his new wife. However Maggie's plans have to be adjusted when she "accidentally" meets Lucas Cavelli (Niall Matter), an architect from out of town.
This is one of the better Hallmark holiday romances. First of all, the actors are terrific. Special credit goes to Ashley Williams and Kayden Magnuson, who are very convincing as mother and daughter; I missed the daughter during the time she was away at her father's.
Secondly, the romance is believable and heartwarming. Matter plays a guy who is cool to all things Christmas, but warms to the sentiment of the season due to Maggie's enthusiasm and kindness.
This is a very ambitious film, but it does not overextend. Besides the standard romance plus Christmas format, it also deals with self-fulfillment and patriotism of the best kind. Finding the job that makes one truly happy is a recurrent theme in Hallmark films, and Lucas re-examines every aspect of his life accordingly. At the same time, he and Maggie contribute their time to enriching the lives of children whose parents are in the military and stationed overseas during the holidays.
All the child actors in this film are fun to watch. And there are plenty of tender moments to make this a wonderful viewing experience.
This is one of the better Hallmark holiday romances. First of all, the actors are terrific. Special credit goes to Ashley Williams and Kayden Magnuson, who are very convincing as mother and daughter; I missed the daughter during the time she was away at her father's.
Secondly, the romance is believable and heartwarming. Matter plays a guy who is cool to all things Christmas, but warms to the sentiment of the season due to Maggie's enthusiasm and kindness.
This is a very ambitious film, but it does not overextend. Besides the standard romance plus Christmas format, it also deals with self-fulfillment and patriotism of the best kind. Finding the job that makes one truly happy is a recurrent theme in Hallmark films, and Lucas re-examines every aspect of his life accordingly. At the same time, he and Maggie contribute their time to enriching the lives of children whose parents are in the military and stationed overseas during the holidays.
All the child actors in this film are fun to watch. And there are plenty of tender moments to make this a wonderful viewing experience.
It wasn't bad. but nothing out of the very ordinary.
rebekahrox9 November 2020
I'm a fan of both Ashley and Niall. They both bring credibility to any project they are in. However, lately Ashley has apparently heard or read once too often about her own famous megawatt smile. Some of her scenes have a definite "insert smile here" feel. This was well made and Hallmark pulled out their A-Game for two of their most popular stars. They put a little more work into the plot, this time. Not one of their cookie cutter jobs, although they couldn't resist the usual flirty snowball fight. However, truth be told, the story was a little boring, and Ashley's character was a little too sweet and good. Sometimes her behavior with grumpy-pants Niall was kind of cringeworthy. She just would not leave him alone. For me it did not rise past the slightly above average rating. Kudos for having her ex-husband and his wife make appearances and her daughter was very appealing. Oh, and I do like Brandon Zub. He needs more starring roles. Oh Oh. The search for the out of print book was true to life and exactly right. Loved that.
Top 10 List for Sure
vintagegeek16 December 2020
Follows the predictable path and events but with panache. Ashleigh Williams is marvelous. Her emotions and facial expressions sell the scenes and events nicely. Niail Matter complemented her ver well. And didn't go over the top with his efforts with the kids. The teenage daughter and ex's behaved and played their parts well. No meddling mom. No overwhelming office shenanigans to interrupt the flow. Definitely could watch again every year.
Liked it, but lead actress made it difficult to.
rg7991210 January 2021
I've always struggled to watch the lead actress. She comes across as fake in her sweetness. She tries too hard to be cutesy and bubbly and comes off fake and a bit deranged at times instead. I love the Hallmark actresses and actors who are relaxed and seem natural and not like they're trying. The male actor was good. He seemed more natural and himself. The actress seems manic though constantly trying to bug her eyes out. I think if she we to tone all the fake aspects down and not try as hard, then she would be enjoyable to watch. I just struggle to enjoy her acting and movies because of it. I found her character to be clingy and kind of pushy because of her acting. I felt bad for the male lead character a couple times and thought he should run from the crazy lady, rather than rooting for them to fall in love.
Sorry, but...
shobbs-8608119 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I really really wanted to like this movie, but it's so saccharine and silly that I just couldn't buy in. The most distracting oddity is the happy optimistic almost-always smiling heroine. Just unbelievable and hard to imagine anyone really getting romantic with her one-dimensional cardboard characterization... if you want real Hallmark feel-good, this isn't it.
Great movie
dianamarinelli28 December 2020
Lots of Fun To Watch (Except For One Major Flaw)
YabbaDabbaDabba3 December 2021
This was a warm and friendly combination Christmas movie and love story. It's well worth the watch.
My only observation is that the Hallmark boring and routine formula of a misunderstanding near the end and a make up at the end is tiring to see. And what bothers me the most about this is that one or the other person turns from really nice to a mean underbelly of anger. In this movie, in one scene the star went from very nice to downright nasty. Why? With a better script & director for that scene she could have accomplished the same thing without the fake meanness. It's so tiring, so, so tiring (and unoriginal). Hey guys, do better in the future. Try a professional approach to scripts for a change.
My only observation is that the Hallmark boring and routine formula of a misunderstanding near the end and a make up at the end is tiring to see. And what bothers me the most about this is that one or the other person turns from really nice to a mean underbelly of anger. In this movie, in one scene the star went from very nice to downright nasty. Why? With a better script & director for that scene she could have accomplished the same thing without the fake meanness. It's so tiring, so, so tiring (and unoriginal). Hey guys, do better in the future. Try a professional approach to scripts for a change.
Ashley Williams needs to go back to acting class.
malachite-7843224 November 2020
While I like this movie, I can't watch Ashley Williams without constantly noticing her annoying acting affectation of saying UH at the end of her words.
No-uh! I don't know-uh! I can't-uh! Okay-uh! Bye-uh! Hi-uh! Thank you-uh!
Once you see this, unfortunately, you will never be able to unsee it. She does it in every movie that she's in.
This is a cute movie, and Niall Matter is always good, but she brings it down by her dumb affectation.
Many of the young female actresses use this ridiculous technique, but Ashley is their queen.
I've even noticed the young children starting to do it, *shudders* mostly the little girls, but I just heard a little boy do it in a movie today, during the Hallmark Christmas marathon.
I know it will never go away, but it's getting in the way of the characters that they play.
I wish that someone would inform her that it's not necessary to do this. She's a good actress but this is just too much-uh!
Her smile..
ts-000018 November 2020
Feels artificial or she comes across,overly excited about everything.
Even in serious roles,it doesn't seem sincere.
Hallmark needs to rethink casting,for some movies..
Overuse of the same actors,locations or storyline gets boring.
Just a bit mixed over the review of this movie,didn't hate it but nothing special.
Have found myself watching Lifetime,more with their holiday selections.
It's cute but there's no plot
angelsusan8 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The beginning was promising but then the movie moved slow. The chemistry between Ashley Williams and Niall Matter was ok, too. I like both these actors but I wish there was more of a story or some kind of drama.
Btw.. building a tiny house out of wood and calling it a gingerbread house doesn't make it one.
Also, I noticed that the ex-husbands wife wore the exact same dress to party at the end (but in black/silver) that Ashley wore in the movie Holiday Hearts - she's actually wearing it on the movie cover in dark red/silver.
There's the typical misunderstanding at the end- overhearing a conversation and misinterpreting it by not sticking around to actually listen to the whole thing.
Not a bad movie but I hoped for a little more.
Also, I noticed that the ex-husbands wife wore the exact same dress to party at the end (but in black/silver) that Ashley wore in the movie Holiday Hearts - she's actually wearing it on the movie cover in dark red/silver.
There's the typical misunderstanding at the end- overhearing a conversation and misinterpreting it by not sticking around to actually listen to the whole thing.
Not a bad movie but I hoped for a little more.
Nice movie
limmet-7504313 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Lovely decorations, trees, lights, the main character accidentely hitting the guy with a Christmas tree was actually funny and a different way to make them stick together. I appreaciate that. The title is funny and unique. Heartwarming message for the kids at the end. A good watch.
Cheerful plot
Pete-Claus21 December 2020
First part soso, ending much better
eb99914 November 2021
I really like Niall Matter and enjoyed his work in this film. He's a consistently excellent actor. However, there didn't seem to be much chemistry between the two romantic leads. Also, I was somewhat disappointed by Ashley William's performance. In the past, I've generally enjoyed her work, but in the beginning of this film, her relentless perkiness and big-eyed smiling was really irritating. This undercut any potentially serious moments. Also, if I were Niall Matter's character, in light of his mood at the time, I would have wanted to slug her for her tireless good cheer and intrusive sociability. However, towards the end of the film and especially the last 15 or 20 minutes, when she showed some sadness and disappointment, I was pleasantly surprised by her performance. The contrast was so obvious that I wondered if the problem was in Ms. Williams acting or was it perhaps in the directing.
Fun
Jackbv1238 November 2020
Never heard of this premise before. There are a few of the usual Christmas tropes, but some of them are done a little differently, like building a gingerbread house - big enough for kids to go into. And another twist on gingerbread houses as well.
Another thing that sets the movie apart is the leads, Ashley Williams and Niall Matter. Williams is perfect for the role as a super-enthusiastic woman whose words come out of her mouth faster than an auctioneer. (OK, maybe not quite that fast.) You want chemistry? Well based on how much fun Williams and Matter looked like they were having in this movie, I'd say the chemistry meter was pegged to the max.
There's a serviceman angle and you can pretty much see it coming, but seeing things like that still get me.
The ending is predictable, of course. There was one little twist I didn't really anticipate, but I probably should have.
I don't know if this was an intended consequence, or just part of setting up the story, but there was a moment that totally fits current events (Winter in the first year of Covid19). One of the participants at the White Elephant party participated by video chat.
This one's a definite re-watch.
Another thing that sets the movie apart is the leads, Ashley Williams and Niall Matter. Williams is perfect for the role as a super-enthusiastic woman whose words come out of her mouth faster than an auctioneer. (OK, maybe not quite that fast.) You want chemistry? Well based on how much fun Williams and Matter looked like they were having in this movie, I'd say the chemistry meter was pegged to the max.
There's a serviceman angle and you can pretty much see it coming, but seeing things like that still get me.
The ending is predictable, of course. There was one little twist I didn't really anticipate, but I probably should have.
I don't know if this was an intended consequence, or just part of setting up the story, but there was a moment that totally fits current events (Winter in the first year of Covid19). One of the participants at the White Elephant party participated by video chat.
This one's a definite re-watch.
Christmas Sweater Coziness :D
ginasharp10 November 2020
Not bad, but...
JeffT14145 November 2021
This movie is not bad, but it's one of those movies I will only watch once. I loved the scenery and the decorations. Even the ugly Christmas sweaters were nostalgic. However, I never could just get into the story. It just moved a little too slowly for me.
A cute Christmas movie.
sailingStu15 November 2020
I like the Hallmark movies that just want to provide a couple hours of wholesome distraction. This one fits the bill. Nice chemistry between the two leads. A nice touch for the soldiers away from their families over the Holidays. without being a distracting PC side story.
Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater
JoBloTheMovieCritic19 November 2020
Another hallmark Christmas movie in the vault of feel good holiday films.
cgvsluis2 January 2021
I really like Niall Matter and he didn't disappoint in this hallmark Christmas film. Driven career architect takes a sabbatical and meets single mom school teacher. Together they volunteer, helping others, to not think about their sorrows.
It was nice to have two male college friends portrayed and a healthy brother relationship as well.
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