This is ION's second original Christmas movie this 2020 season. I am happy to report that it is much better than their first (i.e., better than A Royal Christmas Engagement). However, it was still a disappointment, nowhere near as good as, for example, last year's the Best Christmas Ball Ever, which was a wonderful ION Christmas movie. The plot was ordinary and predictable, though, to be fair, so is much of the TV movie (romance) Christmas genre. That said, the story was sweet and warm. There were a few odd scenes and strange lines here and there (e.g., Mason not knowing where the circuit box was in his own home or his lines in response to Ava when she commented on him taking notes). Indeed, at times, the script and dialogue were quite dull. The acting, overall, was rather mixed. Marc Herrmann's (playing Mason) performance was the weakest link in this one. His performance was often dull and stiff (to be fair, he did smile a lot). More specifically, his performance as a father was unconvincing; it was not believable at all. First, he looked more like an older brother than a father of an 11-year-old. The writer/director/producers were clearly aware of this, as they added some lines/dialogue at the start of the film where Ben (Mason's friend) tells him how young he looks. I laughed, as it was clearly intended to deal with this issue; I suspect it was only added to the script after Herrmann was cast in the role. The other issue was that he simply did not come across as a father. For example, he never touched his daughter; there were no kisses, hugs, acts of affection at all really, other than his lines and a shoulder bump. It was a strange performance in this regard. Anna Marie Dobbins (playing Ava) was much better; she had a pretty good performance overall. Her dialogue with Mia (the daughter) was very strong. I know I am being a bit harsh, but it is a pity that she got stuck opposite Herrmann in this one, as she has talent. The chemistry between the two was rather lacking. This is partly due to the acting and partly due to the script. Regarding the latter, they simply did not have much time on screen together. The supporting cast was decent, though there were some awkward moments here and there. What stood out for me was Rylie Coe (playing Mia) and Vivica Fox (playing Deb). They both had great performances (they kept this one afloat, along with Dobbins). The scenery, props and sets were festive. And I have no complaints about the music; the music and music editing was good. All in all, it is an ordinary Christmas movie with a cute and warm story. Not one ION's best nor is it one of their worse.
48 Reviews
What is with the dads glasses?
froglipp13 December 2020
Really distracting, He even wore the clunky glasses to bed. And I think they had to use a stunt hand to flip the circuit breaker. I am watching just to see if he is like Clark Kent and will turn into Superman. Trying to give the film a chance. I like the women and young daughter they are very believable.
Soooo close to being a really good movie
jagfannn6 December 2020
This is a cute and interesting story and really could have been good. Anna Marie Dobbins does a great job here and is entertaining to watch along with the adorable Rylie Coe, as the Daughter, and Vivica Fox, the neighbor. These 3 alone make this at least watchable. The role of the father however was very poorly cast with Marc Herrmann, who seems like a nice enough guy, but certainly no father of an 11yr old, he's not at all believable. Herrmann just seems in over his head in the role, his lines are simply spoken, monotone, without any emotion or feeling. Had a different actor been cast in this role, it would have made the movie much much better.
Empty in So Many Ways
ellekasey24 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is a movie about too hot Miles who is 20 years old, a professor, an astronomy buff, owns a California house with a guest house, is a widower, has an 11 year old daughter, and some enormous, empty black glasses. Miles doodles in pencil and the close up is colored pencil. Miles' house is quintessential California dreamin' until an exterior shot shows a mismatched what like split foyer? Miles jots down all his pensive thoughts in a tiny notebook just like the too hot (really, she's always got her off the shoulder sweater thing going) surprise houseguest. She's a frustrated artist from NYC who is tired of New York Christmas and her career-obsessed boyfriend, Dean. Dean is a corporate-ladder climbing Neanderthal. For some reason the daughter is student of the month and gives a school presentation to a nutcracker shop lightly populated by "parents and special guests" which already includes her dad and the houseguest. These are no other children in her school scene. She uses a smattering of magazine cuttings which eventually include wisemen and a manger (constantly found in magazines everybody has all the time)to give her presentation. The topic is "The meaning of Christmas" which is totally on the school curriculum at Nutcracker Elementary in Tinsel, CA, and somehow it boils down to Christmas is all about looking for what's missing (cue sexy eyes between Miles' glasses and the houseguest).
Also, there is a puppy. But, the puppy is not nearly as central to the plot (no matter how hard they tried) as Miles' big, black, empty glasses. Thank goodness for those glasses, without them I would have noticed the acting and I don't think that would have gone well for any of us.
Also, there is a puppy. But, the puppy is not nearly as central to the plot (no matter how hard they tried) as Miles' big, black, empty glasses. Thank goodness for those glasses, without them I would have noticed the acting and I don't think that would have gone well for any of us.
Male lead mis-cast
jfsc-042078 December 2020
Biggest problem is the actor cast as the male lead and father of the young daughter. He looks like he's 24, which is problematic with an 11 year old daughter. Why did they cast him in this role? Ridiculous. As someone else noted, he doesn't act affectionate with his daughter. Zero chemistry. Female lead does a much better job, as does the actress playing the daughter. I'm no head of casting, but I could have done way better in creating a father that the audience would accept. I'm all for other networks doing Christmas movies (Hallmark re-uses the same actors too many times), but if you're gonna dip your toe into the romance genre, get your casting right. Actually, as I think of it, why not write the story with the male lead as her older brother, struggling to raise his younger sister on his own. Easy fix and a compelling backstory that would intrigue the female lead and the audience. Holy cow, I think I just came up with a new career for myself. Head of casting or executive producer? Hmm. I couldn't do worse than whoever did this.
Doesn't come together
TheLittleSongbird26 December 2023
'Christmas Together' (2020)
Opening thoughts: Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary (though am refraining as much as possible from reiterating too much). Have liked Vivica A Fox in other things, though more in supporting roles than lead, so that was another reason for watching 'Christmas Together'. This was watched with a real attempt to like it.
This reviewer has seen far worse films, Christmas and overall, and the film is more tasteful than the title sounds, but 'Christmas Together' is still not particularly good. Actually thought that in general it was rather weak, with a few good things but they are outweighed by the numerous very badly done things. A waste of a quite cute premise, and while Fox is the main reason for the film not being any worse she has been represented so much better in other work.
Good things: Starting with the good things, Fox gives a very amiable and spirited performance that is better than the film deserves.
Did like the scenery too and there are pleasant moments in the soundtrack.
Bad things: However, the rest of the acting is subpar at best with a lot of over-compensating. The chemistry between the actors is unnatural and never fully connected, the romantic chemistry non existent pretty much. Didn't care for any of the characters, the overwritten character flaws make them impossible to endear to and they are never developed really, too much of one level. This includes Fox's later on, despite her valiant efforts.
Furthermore, the script is very cheesy and awkward, while the story when there is any is excessively predictable (even when expecting it to be), full of corn and completely unrealistic. One of the worst offenders being one of the most contrived endings for any Christmas film in recent memory. Too much of the photography has a disorganised, frenzied look reminiscent of hasty straight to DVD quality.
Concluding thoughts: Overall, weak.
3/10.
Opening thoughts: Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary (though am refraining as much as possible from reiterating too much). Have liked Vivica A Fox in other things, though more in supporting roles than lead, so that was another reason for watching 'Christmas Together'. This was watched with a real attempt to like it.
This reviewer has seen far worse films, Christmas and overall, and the film is more tasteful than the title sounds, but 'Christmas Together' is still not particularly good. Actually thought that in general it was rather weak, with a few good things but they are outweighed by the numerous very badly done things. A waste of a quite cute premise, and while Fox is the main reason for the film not being any worse she has been represented so much better in other work.
Good things: Starting with the good things, Fox gives a very amiable and spirited performance that is better than the film deserves.
Did like the scenery too and there are pleasant moments in the soundtrack.
Bad things: However, the rest of the acting is subpar at best with a lot of over-compensating. The chemistry between the actors is unnatural and never fully connected, the romantic chemistry non existent pretty much. Didn't care for any of the characters, the overwritten character flaws make them impossible to endear to and they are never developed really, too much of one level. This includes Fox's later on, despite her valiant efforts.
Furthermore, the script is very cheesy and awkward, while the story when there is any is excessively predictable (even when expecting it to be), full of corn and completely unrealistic. One of the worst offenders being one of the most contrived endings for any Christmas film in recent memory. Too much of the photography has a disorganised, frenzied look reminiscent of hasty straight to DVD quality.
Concluding thoughts: Overall, weak.
3/10.
Not the best
lisaeveboden11 September 2022
For the past two weeks (in August) I've been watching all the cheesy Christmas films I can get. When life gives you lemons, watch a Christmas movie. Just what I need at the moment. This one however isn't particularly great. I managed to watch it all, so it can't be that dire. The father just doesn't feel very fatherly. He's so young and although he's a likeable actor he seemed a bit wooden. Loved the neighbour and his best friend. I liked Ava and Mia.
It has all the things needed to be in the top of the cheesy films. But there is just something missing. I think if I was to narrow it down it would be due to my he dad character. He just isn't believable.
Look for better Xmas movies, save this one until you run out of all the good ones.
It has all the things needed to be in the top of the cheesy films. But there is just something missing. I think if I was to narrow it down it would be due to my he dad character. He just isn't believable.
Look for better Xmas movies, save this one until you run out of all the good ones.
Nerd alert!
adamjohns-425756 December 2022
Christmas Together (2020) -
The acting in this film was pretty ropey and Marc Herrmann as Mason, the least capable actor in the entire film, was obviously not the nerd they tried to make him out to be with those glasses. His character was actually so wet that he almost dripped right off the screen.
Ava, played by Anna Marie Dobbins wasn't exactly that arid either, so maybe they were perfect for each other, but it was all VERY forced and there first kiss was more than a little bit awkward.
It always annoys me how quickly they move on from a break up or how they seem to start a new romantic relationship before finishing another. I know that's sometimes how it happens, but there never seems to be a lot of guilt about it in these films.
Right from the beginning and throughout there was some serious consideration about turning it off on my part and way before the end I wished that I had, but I had already committed to it by then.
Vivica A. Fox, playing neighbour Deb, gave a better performance than I have seen from her lately and even Rylie Coe as Mia wasn't the worst child actor to appear in a made for TV Christmas film either, but ultimately that just showed up the rest.
It could have been a sweet film, but it seemed so badly put together in most respects and Marc Herrmann was really quite bad.
2.75/10.
The acting in this film was pretty ropey and Marc Herrmann as Mason, the least capable actor in the entire film, was obviously not the nerd they tried to make him out to be with those glasses. His character was actually so wet that he almost dripped right off the screen.
Ava, played by Anna Marie Dobbins wasn't exactly that arid either, so maybe they were perfect for each other, but it was all VERY forced and there first kiss was more than a little bit awkward.
It always annoys me how quickly they move on from a break up or how they seem to start a new romantic relationship before finishing another. I know that's sometimes how it happens, but there never seems to be a lot of guilt about it in these films.
Right from the beginning and throughout there was some serious consideration about turning it off on my part and way before the end I wished that I had, but I had already committed to it by then.
Vivica A. Fox, playing neighbour Deb, gave a better performance than I have seen from her lately and even Rylie Coe as Mia wasn't the worst child actor to appear in a made for TV Christmas film either, but ultimately that just showed up the rest.
It could have been a sweet film, but it seemed so badly put together in most respects and Marc Herrmann was really quite bad.
2.75/10.
Could be better
bl-639749 December 2020
Confused
cjbourgeois-526675 January 2022
I normally don't comment but this movie was hard to watch. Girl is sitting on bed with a burgundy sweater on petting dog with a party hat on. Next is shows a body sitting on bed with a black coat with a red scarf patting a dog with no hat. Then guy sits on bed and dog has no hat and dog looks different. I keep reversing it and watching it again because I thought I missed something. UP TV movies are D rated, not good enough for Hallmark channel. I tried to watch it but it was bad.
God Awful
tdobrien-485888 December 2020
The only decent thing was Rylie Cole as Mia. She is the only one that could act. The squeaky voices of all the others made me wonder if I was watching munchkins. Apparently there are no more writers in Hollywood. Cheesy and pretentious and contrived. Tinsel?! (Tinsel Town)
Don't bother, it made me nauseous.
Don't bother, it made me nauseous.
A 9 for cheesy chick flick Christmas movies, but you gotta love Christmas & romance stories
little_lulu_scraps21 August 2021
I enjoy a good cheesy Christmas movie as much as the next, lol. It was a fun plot, I think it was cute, but do agree that the daughter and father ages are messed up because he is so young looking. I liked the fact that he is kinda like a Clark Kent type, adorably laid back. I would watch it again.
Sappy Christmas movie again
pmsgo24 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Does wearing glasses with no lenses make one a better Doctor ?!
LoL Vivica Fox is always So Beautiful!!
Who should she pick?
The new naive guy?
Or the idiot boyfriend who's a jerk?
Predictable but good to add to your binge list for Christmas movie watching.
Or a rainy day. Stuck on the sofa.
I love the Christmas magic But the male acting is awful.
Makes me sad that children lose their mom When they are so young.
But warms my heart when good husbands are great dads!
The little girl is so intuitive but in the real world could get in to trouble.
But it's small town America, so it's ok.
Enjoy it!!
LoL Vivica Fox is always So Beautiful!!
Who should she pick?
The new naive guy?
Or the idiot boyfriend who's a jerk?
Predictable but good to add to your binge list for Christmas movie watching.
Or a rainy day. Stuck on the sofa.
I love the Christmas magic But the male acting is awful.
Makes me sad that children lose their mom When they are so young.
But warms my heart when good husbands are great dads!
The little girl is so intuitive but in the real world could get in to trouble.
But it's small town America, so it's ok.
Enjoy it!!
was off to a good start
sandcrab2771 January 2022
Where do they find these guys like doofus.marc herrmann ? ... and the fake horn rim glasses make it even worse .. if he has a phd its also fake because he behaves like a naive school girl ... viv fox plays her usual rotund nosy self ...the only redeeming salvation for this lame film was the child ... if dad had got her a dog, this dog would have been unneccessary.
Brutal male leading acting
UTR118 December 2020
Very good acting by the actress playing Mia and leading female, but unfortunately the lack of any acting ability by the male lead spoilt the movie. I could only watch first hour and couldn't push myself any further . He had zero expressions, and also had zero chemistry with any other character, no connection between characters and as a result left the movie unwatchable
A Really Sad Mistake
omijer10 December 2022
It is true that Christmas movies tend to follow a formula. That is what makes us watch them with the comfort and anticipation that comes with familiarity. This movie had all the components of a typical holiday movie. A romance breaks up, the leading lady travels to a new town, she meets a precocious and bright little pre-teen girl who makes the visitor feel welcome and optimistic. And then one meets the little girl's father.
Somewhere along the way. This handsome man was not directed appropriately for his role. He is a widower, father of a charming little girl, an academic, a star-gazer, and a man with a perpetual, empty, vacant, meaningless smile.
It almost felt as though this actor was auditioning for a toothpaste commercial. What was the possible reason for his smiling in every single scene for the entire time he was shown on screen? He chats with an old buddy (who is speaking seriously about the dad's widowhood,his single parenting, his reluctance to try a new dating life, etc..) and still,the fellow sits and smiles.
It was baffling to watch this poor fellow acting without any nuance or any direction.
Well, probably every holiday movie can't quite make the top ten list. This one surely had along way to go. It had every promising component, but one very glaring feature was its distraction from success.
The young girl was wonderful to watch. She is a real actress. The leading lady was charming, had a captivating , nuanced style. The neighbor, played by Viveca A. Fox looked as though her makeup was bit overdone. Her face and color looked waxy. Her role, however, was beautifully played and had mature meaning.
This film could have been a real winner. Sadly, no one was supervising when the young dad smiled his way though every minute of every scene. The story around him was charming and very sweet. Better direction next time!
Somewhere along the way. This handsome man was not directed appropriately for his role. He is a widower, father of a charming little girl, an academic, a star-gazer, and a man with a perpetual, empty, vacant, meaningless smile.
It almost felt as though this actor was auditioning for a toothpaste commercial. What was the possible reason for his smiling in every single scene for the entire time he was shown on screen? He chats with an old buddy (who is speaking seriously about the dad's widowhood,his single parenting, his reluctance to try a new dating life, etc..) and still,the fellow sits and smiles.
It was baffling to watch this poor fellow acting without any nuance or any direction.
Well, probably every holiday movie can't quite make the top ten list. This one surely had along way to go. It had every promising component, but one very glaring feature was its distraction from success.
The young girl was wonderful to watch. She is a real actress. The leading lady was charming, had a captivating , nuanced style. The neighbor, played by Viveca A. Fox looked as though her makeup was bit overdone. Her face and color looked waxy. Her role, however, was beautifully played and had mature meaning.
This film could have been a real winner. Sadly, no one was supervising when the young dad smiled his way though every minute of every scene. The story around him was charming and very sweet. Better direction next time!
Could be worse.
dsaucedo-9739727 November 2021
Erm, a dog is for life, not just for Christmas
SunnyDaise31 December 2022
Generally there is nothing bad about this movie - it is just unoriginal and average. However the real problem is that the 10 year old kid wants a puppy, yet has big plans for college / gap year etc when turning 18. Dogs live to around 15 years, so what do they all think will happen to the dog half-way through its life? Therefore this particular plotline is irresponsible and sets a bad example so I couldn't buy into the adults not explaining this in their reasons to not get a puppy. Sadly it is pretty realistic though as I've seen so many real-life people make the same mistake. I also find the neighbour realistically annoying!
The worst acting ever
antic-jelena8314 December 2023
Ok i like hallmark Christmas movies, i know, always the same story, but in a Christmas time i like to watch them.
This movie is awful, just because acting is the worst, i don't know who is worse, mail or female actor..the only person in this movie who actually can act is that little girl. She is awesome. I would love to see her in some other movies.
What's up with that face expression ? The female actor made some weird face expressions..probably trying to act. And Mason , the father, who has like 20 something years and daughter of 11..really?
Viv Fox was amazing as usual, i didn't recognize her at first, but then i heard her voice.
This movie is awful, just because acting is the worst, i don't know who is worse, mail or female actor..the only person in this movie who actually can act is that little girl. She is awesome. I would love to see her in some other movies.
What's up with that face expression ? The female actor made some weird face expressions..probably trying to act. And Mason , the father, who has like 20 something years and daughter of 11..really?
Viv Fox was amazing as usual, i didn't recognize her at first, but then i heard her voice.
Not too bad
vkbqgfxv6 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Have seen some bad movies overtime. This one isn't all that bad, has moments that make you wonder of course. Be your own judge though and watch it as everyone's tastes are different obviously. No movie is perfect and directors/producers don't always get everything right. Actors can only go by their scripts and if something isn't written good then they do their best. I do however agree the connection of the father/ daughter wasn't very good to those I've seen in other hallmark movies. Also their is an error, when female lead is painting they show as entente looking painting (going but brush strokes and thickness) but when they pan out you can see through the canvas to the point of seeing the shadows of the branches hanging over it and when showing what she painted it's more a water colour but again even then you would see an outline or dark patches .
Painful
empasam2 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love Christmas & I love Christmas films, but wish I hadn't bothered. Every time I saw the 'Dad' I wanted to put 2 fingers through his glasses to see if there was glass in them. Everything and everyone in the town is too coincidental - Ava goes into a shop & they know exactly where she's staying & everything about the Dad & daughter. She's looking at an empty shop & the owner walks past who proceeds to tell her what she wants to happen to it - which matches Ava's plans exactly! The way everyone tries to force them together is a bit creepy. I'm not even sure I found out what happened to the dead wife, I might have nodded off for that bit.
Better than half the hallmark movies
RktDr22 December 2020
I enjoyed this better than both hallmark premieres that were on Sunday night. And I have see n a lot of hallmark movies more than once. Didn't care for the New York boyfriend, but how could you not like the rest of the cast. Will probably see it again.
Worst acting in known universe
mandadrene8 December 2021
Okay I've seen hundreds of these movies specifically because they're hilariously terrible. This one though, man, this one. The female love interest is probably the worst actor I've ever watched, someone please tell her making constant pouty faces isn't acting. She needs to hear it. Very odd to watch a lifeless monotone come out of a face contorting so unceasingly and excessively, I think she thought she was in a silent film? I wish it had been one.
The male lead is bland, seemingly 25 but with a 13 year old daughter, bland, wearing ridiculously huge glasses frames with no lenses, and is also so bland he doesn't deserve even another adjective to describe him. Just bland.
Vivica A. Fox, the queen of Xmas films, was perfect as always. She earned the only stars this film gets.
The male lead is bland, seemingly 25 but with a 13 year old daughter, bland, wearing ridiculously huge glasses frames with no lenses, and is also so bland he doesn't deserve even another adjective to describe him. Just bland.
Vivica A. Fox, the queen of Xmas films, was perfect as always. She earned the only stars this film gets.
So Bad It's Good
tmcgrath2620 December 2020
My first review
lynnejones-8814415 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Man, this show is awful. She doesn't want a serious relationship or kids but rents a house and loves spending time with the kid, gets upset over the breakup, and loves the small town. The acting is terrible and the plot is severely lacking.
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