When I saw Autumn Reeser at the top of the bill for this movie, I was looking forward to seeing it, as her last two Hallmark Christmas movies were lovely (Christmas Under the Stars and A Bramble House Christmas). To be honest, I was a bit let down by this one. The story did have a warm and gentle flow, which I enjoyed. However, it lacked that 'something extra' like some of the better Hallmark movies this season, such as The Angel Tree (great chemistry between the leads), A Little Christmas Charm (a wonderful little mystery), Christmas Waltz (some beautiful dancing), and Five Star Christmas and The Christmas House (two very funny movies). As a result, I did not engage with the movie, it did not pull me. I had to stop myself from multitasking a couple of times, which is never a good sign. The story and script, in some ways, were quite ordinary. The dialogue between the leads felt routine like, and as a result, it was rather dull to watch at times. The acting was pretty good. Reeser (as Jessica Morgan) had a decent performance, but I felt like she lacked purpose. Arguably, this was what she was going for, as her character was trying 'to find herself', as it were. Antonio Cupo's performance (as Kyle Buchanan) was pretty good too. He had sort of a gentle and warm, yet firm, vibe to his performance. Unlike some of the other reviewers on here, I felt the chemistry between the two wasn't great. It wasn't terrible either, but maybe, it was a bit too subtle for my taste. The supporting cast had a solid performance. Latonya Williams's performance, I thought, was strong. The scenery, props, and sets were well-polished and festive (a Hallmark trademark). The ringing of the bells, however, was a bit of a letdown, I felt. They faded them out rather quickly, which seemed odd given all the buildup in the story. All in all, it is a decent Christmas movie, not one of their best nor one of their worse this 2020 season.
32 Reviews
Aged performer!!!
lyndavanleeuwen21 December 2020
8 for the acting, 6 for the screenplay
tashinaknight21 December 2020
beautiful
Kirpianuscus28 November 2021
The main character of film is Glenbrooke. This makes it beautiful, special, just seductive. The rich girl in the town of his mother , the bell of church represents another good point, like the fireman returning to his birthplace and telling to children The Night before Christmas. The romance - yes, it is present. But better are the drawings from notebook.and not less significant, each actor giving his best, especially the elders. So, a film like a hot cocos cup, with some reasonable cinnamon.
Sweet Movie, but Missing Something
tiffanytallent19813 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Autumn Reeser is one of my favorite Hallmark actresses and she didn't disappoint as Jennifer in this one either. While the actor who played Kyle seemed too stiff. Maybe it was supposed to be part of his character. Kyle started out with a chip on his shoulder and didn't loosen up very much throughout the movie. Apparently, he had been hurt by his ex fiancé and found it difficult to trust again. Jennifer comes to town to reconnect with her past. She is the next CEO of a huge company, owned by her grandfather. Most everyone knows the family name, and typically they just want to get close to her because they want something. So at least Kyle and Jennifer have trust issues in common. Lol
Anyway, what usually happens in these movies, happens. Jennifer spends time with Kyle and they fall in love. However, she neglects to mention who she really is and the fact that she's loaded. To be fair, she tries to tell Kyle twice, but he starts mini rants about how rich people are evil basically. So of course Jennifer stops trying to tell him and later Kyle finds out. He gets upset and sends her away. A coworker of his talks sense into him and he goes and gets her. It ends with a kiss, of course.
What did I like, except Autumn Reeser?
*The actor who plays the grandfather looks so precious.
*Jennifer stands up for her choice not to tell Kyle her position. They both have valid points and share them. Later, they both apologize and explain.
*The town was idyllic for Christmas.
What was missing?
*There was no magic or spark between Jennifer and Kyle. Maybe the actor was trying so hard to have that chip on his shoulder, that it hindered his ability to show emotions. Or facial expressions, except for a few smiles. I just wasn't feeling them together. It was way too awkward at times, even near the end.
Anyway, what usually happens in these movies, happens. Jennifer spends time with Kyle and they fall in love. However, she neglects to mention who she really is and the fact that she's loaded. To be fair, she tries to tell Kyle twice, but he starts mini rants about how rich people are evil basically. So of course Jennifer stops trying to tell him and later Kyle finds out. He gets upset and sends her away. A coworker of his talks sense into him and he goes and gets her. It ends with a kiss, of course.
What did I like, except Autumn Reeser?
*The actor who plays the grandfather looks so precious.
*Jennifer stands up for her choice not to tell Kyle her position. They both have valid points and share them. Later, they both apologize and explain.
*The town was idyllic for Christmas.
What was missing?
*There was no magic or spark between Jennifer and Kyle. Maybe the actor was trying so hard to have that chip on his shoulder, that it hindered his ability to show emotions. Or facial expressions, except for a few smiles. I just wasn't feeling them together. It was way too awkward at times, even near the end.
Autumn and Latonya shine in this. More Latonya please.
rebekahrox14 December 2020
This was an adequately entertaining Hallmark, and as such I was a little disappointed because I really expect the best from Autumn Reeser. Also Antonio Cupo looked super hot and perfectly cast as the fire chief she falls for. I also like the poor little rich girl trope as well. However, Mr. Fire Chief got off to a bad start with me by yelling at nice Autumn for something that was totally his fault. He was chauvinistic and entitled as Mr. Small Town VIP. He got better, then reverted to type again near the end, where he accused Autumn of the same bad behavior he was guilty of. Latonya Williams was adorable as Ruthie, another firefighter, who tells Antonio a few home truths at the end. Over all it was good, although not problem-free, in addition to the character flaw I noted.
Lovely Christmas movie!
hallmarkmov13 June 2021
Starting Christmas in July early! Missed this movie last Christmas season so gave it a look today and it's a lovely movie! Love these two main leads and they have great chemistry. The setting reminds me of Christmas in evergreen, perfect little Christmas town where everyone knows your name and all your business it seems. Main character comes for vacation and is sucked into yet another fundraiser to save something in the town. Enjoyed watching the leads banter, nice side characters who are just on the cusp of being too nosey but don't quite cross over and stay likeable. It had a nice ending too. Will give it a watch every Christmas!
Cute---but if you love the book, skip it
deeislandgirl7 November 2021
I adore Antonio Cupo and Autumn Reeser together. I got really excited when I saw that the first book of one of my all-time favorite series had been made into a movie. That said, less than 10 minutes in, I saw that they had strayed wildly from the source material except for the name of the town, which was originally in Oregon, and the names of the two main characters.
I decided to keep watching, trying not to compare it to the book and to enjoy it for what it was. I'm having a hard time giving it a fair rating probably because of that.
I decided to keep watching, trying not to compare it to the book and to enjoy it for what it was. I'm having a hard time giving it a fair rating probably because of that.
Typical premise but still a great movie.
tamsmith-8302613 December 2020
Autumn Reeser is delightful. Loved her character's personality and humorous comments. Felt like authentic conversations. I thought there was good chemistry with her and Antonio Cupo. The supporting cast was lovely as well. It didn't feel as stilted as some of the Hallmark movie casts. Also loved how the homeowner/caretaker was so sweet to Jessica. The cast and acting made this one work!
Cute town
rhonnie-431391 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the town!! It was really charming and the backstory about the bells was a great idea.
I noticed no one locked their doors. The lead actress just left her door open for anyone to walk in.
I liked the diversity too. The ending was adequate.
I probably will skip it next time.
I noticed no one locked their doors. The lead actress just left her door open for anyone to walk in.
I liked the diversity too. The ending was adequate.
I probably will skip it next time.
Wealthy heiress goes undercover to small town Colorado where she finds love.
cgvsluis29 October 2021
There is a romantic Christmas story in the town of Glenbrooke that says if you make a wish while the church bells are ringing on Christmas Eve, your wish will come true. It is said that Jessica's mom, who grew up in the town, made just such a wish to one day be married to Jessica's dad.
Jessica's parents passed away and she has been raised by her wealthy grandfather. She is on the cusp of taking over her grandfather's real estate dynasty and before all the craziness begins she decides to take one last Christmas vacation to where everything began for her parents...in Glenbrooke. She also decides to use a fake name do no one will know she is a wealthy heiress.
Her first encounter in Glenbrooke is when she almost runs over the town fire-chief (Kyle) and his boxes of cookies...aka the ginger-apocalypse. Not having ever lit a fire she ends up meeting the fire chief the second time in his official capacity when she forgets to open the flue and the cottage she is renting (which coincidentally is the one her mom grew up in) fills up with smoke.
Jessica ends up being surprised at how friendly and well informed the towns members are as to the goings on around town...like her arrival, smoke and ginger-apocalypse! Lots of Christmas events going on around Glenbrooke, but the one disappointment the Christmas bells are not functioning due to a burnt out motor.
Our fire-chief is more than meets the eye, he had an engineering degree from MIT, but grew up in Glenbrooke and wanted to come home.
Initially a little awkward at the start of the tree trimming, but this romance did grow and become more natural.
Can we send the ugly Christmas sweaters back to the purview of the fun uncles and spinster aunts?
"Well, I am pretty sure romantic and fire station have never been used in the same sentence."-Jessica.
Jessica ends up getting roped in to helping at the art center and organizing a fundraiser to get the bells up and ringing by Christmas.
Will Kyle be ok with her being a millionaire? You will have to watch and see in this sweet Hallmark holiday romance.
Not my favorite of Hallmark's Christmas films...but still a good one and worth a watch.
Jessica's parents passed away and she has been raised by her wealthy grandfather. She is on the cusp of taking over her grandfather's real estate dynasty and before all the craziness begins she decides to take one last Christmas vacation to where everything began for her parents...in Glenbrooke. She also decides to use a fake name do no one will know she is a wealthy heiress.
Her first encounter in Glenbrooke is when she almost runs over the town fire-chief (Kyle) and his boxes of cookies...aka the ginger-apocalypse. Not having ever lit a fire she ends up meeting the fire chief the second time in his official capacity when she forgets to open the flue and the cottage she is renting (which coincidentally is the one her mom grew up in) fills up with smoke.
Jessica ends up being surprised at how friendly and well informed the towns members are as to the goings on around town...like her arrival, smoke and ginger-apocalypse! Lots of Christmas events going on around Glenbrooke, but the one disappointment the Christmas bells are not functioning due to a burnt out motor.
Our fire-chief is more than meets the eye, he had an engineering degree from MIT, but grew up in Glenbrooke and wanted to come home.
Initially a little awkward at the start of the tree trimming, but this romance did grow and become more natural.
Can we send the ugly Christmas sweaters back to the purview of the fun uncles and spinster aunts?
"Well, I am pretty sure romantic and fire station have never been used in the same sentence."-Jessica.
Jessica ends up getting roped in to helping at the art center and organizing a fundraiser to get the bells up and ringing by Christmas.
Will Kyle be ok with her being a millionaire? You will have to watch and see in this sweet Hallmark holiday romance.
Not my favorite of Hallmark's Christmas films...but still a good one and worth a watch.
Autumn is great with great supporting cast.
texasfolk13 December 2020
Finally a Hallmark movie that didn't make me want to use the fast forward button. Who would want to fast forward any of Ms. Resser? Antonio, not so much. I loved the performances by ALL of the support cast. Well written and beautifully acted.
Autumn expertly and believably plays a rich woman incognito. Antonio played his part as written.
It's the "little people" that made this movie work. Nice twist and turns and some new twists from Hallmark. A really nice movie which could have been a classic tear jerker. I'm just sayin'.
Thanks Hallmark.
Worth a watch
VetteRanger26 November 2022
We'd watched the movie as it came out and thought it so-so, but I'm not sure we really paid that much attention the first time. With the yearly glut of Christmas movies these days, some of them tend to run together.
We'd just watched Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, which we think is an absolute hoot, and I noticed this film as the same lead actors for the romance, so we decided to give them a second shot.
It's not as good as 'Love at ...", but we did find it very watchable. Where "Love at ..." starts a bit slow and picks up speed and humor in the second half, we thought this one started out with lots of personality and lost steam in the second half, and the ending was just a bit too contrived.
It worth seeing, but this second time will likely be our last.
We'd just watched Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, which we think is an absolute hoot, and I noticed this film as the same lead actors for the romance, so we decided to give them a second shot.
It's not as good as 'Love at ...", but we did find it very watchable. Where "Love at ..." starts a bit slow and picks up speed and humor in the second half, we thought this one started out with lots of personality and lost steam in the second half, and the ending was just a bit too contrived.
It worth seeing, but this second time will likely be our last.
Another Predictable Plot
mamachikn15 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
To start with, this is one of my favorite Hallmark couples, with I Do! I Do! I Do! And Thanksgiving Day Parade starring Autumn and Antonio being 2 of my absolute favorites! Had to mention it, because this movie is NOT.
So this one starts off interesting, about an heiress in the big city. Of course she must travel back to a small town, hiding her identity. And falling in love with a local guy who declared he values honesty above all things and believes that money changes people for the worse. Yup, she doesn't tell him when she has a chance, he finds out, gets mad and walks away. He's a jerk. Being attracted to someone you've known for 3 days or so is not the same as "falling in love".
Who would want to be in love with someone who gets offended so easily?
(She meets this guy when he walks in front of her car and then blames her.) Everything is SO predictable. Terrible script. She decides she can be the CEO of her company right in the little town. She's rich, he's anti-rich. She decides to be an art teacher.
"I just want to be wherever you are" What drivel. Gimme a break...
So this one starts off interesting, about an heiress in the big city. Of course she must travel back to a small town, hiding her identity. And falling in love with a local guy who declared he values honesty above all things and believes that money changes people for the worse. Yup, she doesn't tell him when she has a chance, he finds out, gets mad and walks away. He's a jerk. Being attracted to someone you've known for 3 days or so is not the same as "falling in love".
Who would want to be in love with someone who gets offended so easily?
(She meets this guy when he walks in front of her car and then blames her.) Everything is SO predictable. Terrible script. She decides she can be the CEO of her company right in the little town. She's rich, he's anti-rich. She decides to be an art teacher.
"I just want to be wherever you are" What drivel. Gimme a break...
Sweet movie
dianamarinelli21 December 2020
A nice movie to watch but hard to get behind.
rg7991210 January 2021
I haven't been sold on Autumn Reeser before this movie. She has always seemed to be cast as a character 10-15 years younger than she is. She has just always seemed so old to me and therefore unbelievable with the guys she was cast with. I never felt chemistry between her and other characters. She's finally playing a character closer to her age I guess, so she is much more believable. However, the poor uber wealthy woman looking for true love was a dumb idea. I didn't sympathize with her because she literally had nothing to worry about and no struggle in her life. Her life seems charmed even despite her parents passing when she was little. She seemed spoiled at first and her tastes so upper class that I found it hard to believe that she had "normal people" clothes and enjoyed the rustic decor. Her character didn't seem believable, especially when drinking a beer. The male lead was good though. Never seen him in a movie before I don't think, but I enjoyed his character. He was way too quick to show his heart though and came off way too eager and desperate, but also snobbish and contradicting about wealth. I still enjoyed it though despite all that. It just wasn't very believable and there too many confusing contradictions. For example, she was quick to throw money, except when it was the most important and needed the most. I'm sure the writer could've done better. Let her donate anonymously, but also let her still do the art show and let it be about the students and a scholarship program. That would've been better. The townspeople were stressing over the bell and the money to fix it, and she could've spared them that easily and anonymously. She let them continue in that way for what seemed like her own glory. This movie had some real flaws, but still I enjoyed it for the Hallmark feels.
Great movie
kenishaliyanage15 December 2020
A heiress goes back to her roots before taking over an empire. Her mother's home town is different in many ways than the environment she is living and brings a lot of surprises. There was good chemistry between the two characters and the storyline was great comparing to some of the other Hallmark movies that came out this year.
The Bells
jpyshny20 December 2023
Well written, well acted Hallmark Christmas story.
Los Angeles real estate heiress goes back to the small town in Colorado where her parents got engaged. Art teacher doesn't show up, so she fills in. The bells of the church break, and she's going to figure out a way to get them fixed. And, on top of all that she's falling for the fire chief.
Of course, his last girlfriend was "upper crust" and she couldn't see herself being married to a fireman. So, he has a dislike in his heart for wealthy people.
Will it work out? Will the broken Church bells get fixed? If they do fix their relationship, how will they work it out between Colorado and Los Angeles?
It's Hallmark, what do you think?
Los Angeles real estate heiress goes back to the small town in Colorado where her parents got engaged. Art teacher doesn't show up, so she fills in. The bells of the church break, and she's going to figure out a way to get them fixed. And, on top of all that she's falling for the fire chief.
Of course, his last girlfriend was "upper crust" and she couldn't see herself being married to a fireman. So, he has a dislike in his heart for wealthy people.
Will it work out? Will the broken Church bells get fixed? If they do fix their relationship, how will they work it out between Colorado and Los Angeles?
It's Hallmark, what do you think?
Wealthy kind girl melts cold fire chief
MickyG3334 December 2022
7.8 stars.
Reeser is a great lead as usual. I'm impressed how she can act any part put in front of her. Rich, but generous, humble and kind, or another movie where she was a workaholic, prude, weirdo. Either way, she pulls it off. Mr. Cupo, well I don't have to say much. He comes off as a very talented actor who can also play many parts. His dark and angry side is scary, and feels so real. His lighter side, was also shown in this, but it took a while for him to warm up to her. I think she brought out the best in him because he was a real bummer of a fire chief at first.
The story captured my cravings for good romance, so I would highly recommend this. I will watch this every year if I can, although it's not in my top 10 (I believe this is my 57th review of HM this year), but I'm pretty sure it's in the top 20.
Reeser is a great lead as usual. I'm impressed how she can act any part put in front of her. Rich, but generous, humble and kind, or another movie where she was a workaholic, prude, weirdo. Either way, she pulls it off. Mr. Cupo, well I don't have to say much. He comes off as a very talented actor who can also play many parts. His dark and angry side is scary, and feels so real. His lighter side, was also shown in this, but it took a while for him to warm up to her. I think she brought out the best in him because he was a real bummer of a fire chief at first.
The story captured my cravings for good romance, so I would highly recommend this. I will watch this every year if I can, although it's not in my top 10 (I believe this is my 57th review of HM this year), but I'm pretty sure it's in the top 20.
Better than some
kas-8054119 December 2021
This movie is one of the better Christmas movies courtesy of Hallmark, with good performances by an attractive cast.
A huge plus for me was that I could actually understand what the actors were saying, their diction was so good, which isn't always the case in Hallmark movies (female actors. In particular, often either talk like machine-gun, have shrill voices, or sound like frogs croaking).
A huge plus for me was that I could actually understand what the actors were saying, their diction was so good, which isn't always the case in Hallmark movies (female actors. In particular, often either talk like machine-gun, have shrill voices, or sound like frogs croaking).
An alright Christmas
TheLittleSongbird5 December 2021
After being pleasantly surprised by the previous Christmas and Mysteries Hallmark film 'The Christmas Bracelet', despite a underwhelming first act, part of me was eager to see 'A Glenbrooke Christmas'. Despite the subject not being as appealing. 2020 was a mixed bag for Hallmark, though could have been a lot worse considering the circumstances, with some real surprises as well as some average or less ones. Not too dissimilar to previous years.
To me, 'A Glenbrooke Christmas' is towards being in the weaker end of Hallmark's Christmas films for 2020, while being nowhere near one of the worst films overall. As far as Hallmark goes, 'A Glenbrooke Christmas' is an average middling effort with good things but with not much that makes one go wow. If asked whether it's recommended, my answer would be a small y but only as a one time watch rather than one of those worthy of repeat viewings sort of films.
Beginning with the good, there is nothing to blame the production values for. The scenery is truly lovely, magical even at its best, and appropriately festive. Makes one want to go there and definitely at Christmas. The photography complements them beautifully.
There are moments of affectionate nostalgia in the soundtrack, with sprinklings of Christmas song favourites. Although it took me a while to warm to her character, who was a little too neurotic to begin with, Autumn Reeser gives a committed and charming performance. Matching her in the charm department is Antonio Cuopo, whose performance was a little more consistent and quite liked its subtlety. The supporting cast are fine, zesty Latonya Williams standing out.
However, a lot of things could have been done better. The chemistry between Reeser and Cuopo could have been a lot stronger, it was too underplayed and could have done with more warmth. The writing for the romance doesn't help, did find the romance rather underdeveloped and erratic in how quickly it moves, taking too long to begin with and then rushing too conveniently. The conflict is contrived and predictable, it takes a while for anything to progress and any development comes out of nowhere and is rushed through.
Did feel that the characters in general were underwritten and little more than typical Hallmark cliches, while Reeser and Cuopo do well it took time for their characters to connect with the viewer and relax (particularly Reeser's). Furthermore, the story is dull as dishwater from being way too thin and excessively predictable from being the same formula as with most Hallmark films with all the long well worn out cliches done to tired effect. Some of it is very repetitive too, the final act is contrived and lacking in realism and the ending is too neat and can be seen from miles away, Hallmark really do need to get some new ideas. The script is very stilted and is full of cheese and sugar to the point that it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. The music generally is on the drab side.
Overall, alright but not much more. 5/10.
To me, 'A Glenbrooke Christmas' is towards being in the weaker end of Hallmark's Christmas films for 2020, while being nowhere near one of the worst films overall. As far as Hallmark goes, 'A Glenbrooke Christmas' is an average middling effort with good things but with not much that makes one go wow. If asked whether it's recommended, my answer would be a small y but only as a one time watch rather than one of those worthy of repeat viewings sort of films.
Beginning with the good, there is nothing to blame the production values for. The scenery is truly lovely, magical even at its best, and appropriately festive. Makes one want to go there and definitely at Christmas. The photography complements them beautifully.
There are moments of affectionate nostalgia in the soundtrack, with sprinklings of Christmas song favourites. Although it took me a while to warm to her character, who was a little too neurotic to begin with, Autumn Reeser gives a committed and charming performance. Matching her in the charm department is Antonio Cuopo, whose performance was a little more consistent and quite liked its subtlety. The supporting cast are fine, zesty Latonya Williams standing out.
However, a lot of things could have been done better. The chemistry between Reeser and Cuopo could have been a lot stronger, it was too underplayed and could have done with more warmth. The writing for the romance doesn't help, did find the romance rather underdeveloped and erratic in how quickly it moves, taking too long to begin with and then rushing too conveniently. The conflict is contrived and predictable, it takes a while for anything to progress and any development comes out of nowhere and is rushed through.
Did feel that the characters in general were underwritten and little more than typical Hallmark cliches, while Reeser and Cuopo do well it took time for their characters to connect with the viewer and relax (particularly Reeser's). Furthermore, the story is dull as dishwater from being way too thin and excessively predictable from being the same formula as with most Hallmark films with all the long well worn out cliches done to tired effect. Some of it is very repetitive too, the final act is contrived and lacking in realism and the ending is too neat and can be seen from miles away, Hallmark really do need to get some new ideas. The script is very stilted and is full of cheese and sugar to the point that it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. The music generally is on the drab side.
Overall, alright but not much more. 5/10.
Loved this movie
bevr-635-54260324 December 2020
Disappointed
Jackbv12313 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I had high hopes for this movie after watching previews. Jessica is rich and everyone she meets wants something from her for that reason. She wants to meet people who accept her without the riches. Of course this premise has been done, but somehow it sounded interesting.
But this movie has what I like to call the "hanging secret" which is a trope I hate (which I realize is kind of self-contradictory). Even when the secret is justified, it's always treated the same as an outright lie. This movie is no different.
Almost all of these movies are required to start out with at least one antagonistic encounter between the leads. So Director, if you have to do it, at least do it reasonably. As shown on screen, Kyle did walk out in front of oncoming traffic that wasn't even moving that fast. There's no reason for him to act so self-righteous.
Much of the movie is spent establishing that Kyle distrusts rich people. Of course, it's obvious what's going to happen and I just wanted it to be over with. I also didn't buy into the rescuing device used at the end. It didn't really make sense to me.
Other well used themes are: money needs to be raised to save something; newcomer sets out to raise the money; newcomer steps in to fill a missing role and has huge impact on the people; and the two biggies - the leads are from different worlds that can't coexist, and big city bad, small town good.
I didn't really see chemistry between Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo. They never seem natural together. Another reviewer called Reeser twitchy which seems apt to me.
Unfortunately, this movie turns out to be a rehash of the same old stuff and the characters don't draw me in enough to make up for it.
But this movie has what I like to call the "hanging secret" which is a trope I hate (which I realize is kind of self-contradictory). Even when the secret is justified, it's always treated the same as an outright lie. This movie is no different.
Almost all of these movies are required to start out with at least one antagonistic encounter between the leads. So Director, if you have to do it, at least do it reasonably. As shown on screen, Kyle did walk out in front of oncoming traffic that wasn't even moving that fast. There's no reason for him to act so self-righteous.
Much of the movie is spent establishing that Kyle distrusts rich people. Of course, it's obvious what's going to happen and I just wanted it to be over with. I also didn't buy into the rescuing device used at the end. It didn't really make sense to me.
Other well used themes are: money needs to be raised to save something; newcomer sets out to raise the money; newcomer steps in to fill a missing role and has huge impact on the people; and the two biggies - the leads are from different worlds that can't coexist, and big city bad, small town good.
I didn't really see chemistry between Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo. They never seem natural together. Another reviewer called Reeser twitchy which seems apt to me.
Unfortunately, this movie turns out to be a rehash of the same old stuff and the characters don't draw me in enough to make up for it.
Actually Pretty Good for a Christmas Movie
joshua_vale10 November 2023
In the run up to Christmas I watch a LOT of Christmas Movie's. Most are cheesy, some are terrible. This one's actually pretty good. The actor's don't act like this is their first acting job, the setting is fun and it's all together a pretty watchable movie.
Would definitely recommend this movie to anyone who's a fan of Christmas stuff.
For more detail - the main charachter is the heiress/CEO to an important corporation and ends up travelling back to the small town where her parents used to live to relax and take some time in small town USA before taking over as CEO at the family firm. Along the way she meets lovely small town people & has a revelation.
Would definitely recommend this movie to anyone who's a fan of Christmas stuff.
For more detail - the main charachter is the heiress/CEO to an important corporation and ends up travelling back to the small town where her parents used to live to relax and take some time in small town USA before taking over as CEO at the family firm. Along the way she meets lovely small town people & has a revelation.
Some realistic, original details.
SunnyDaise19 December 2023
Whilst the main couple's conflict is not original, the detail is. This movie may be set thousands of miles from where I live, but the small town's underlying fear is believable as it happened to my village and many others in my country, and these areas' cultures and way of life are dying off now. The difference in this story is that the lead prioritises the community's way of life rather than making changes to suit her lifestyle, she respects the past and wants to maintain the status rather than regenerate. She supports and nurtures people's skills and occupations rather than bringing in big chains.
See also
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