I enjoy watching Hallmark Christmas movies, for the most part. I come to them knowing what they are: they are made for TV romance movies with a predictable plot. That said, I usually enjoy their uplifting, cozy feel and their festive spirit. I also learn a lot about 'so-called' Christmas traditions; I expect some genuine and other not so genuine. I was, however, a bit disappointed with this movie. The acting by both Luke Macfarlane and Merritt Patterson was good; I typically like their Hallmark films (e.g., The Mistletoe Promise was good). The acting by the supporting cast, however, was rather weak, especially the mother and sister. Something seemed to be missing as well; it lacked the cozy Christmas atmosphere, which I love about Hallmark movies.
34 Reviews
Not a big fan of this one.
jagfannn2 November 2020
I wasn't a big fan of this one and I can't put my finger on why exactly, it just seemed slow and without any fun or spark. I know it's about classical musicians who may seem reserved in their performances but perhaps they took that too far. I really like both of the leads in most everything they do, and their performances here were very good, just no romantic chemistry
That's what Hallmark does best
DanTheWatcher31 October 2020
Such a lovely movie, "so simple yet charming" is the best way to describe it.
The story is somewhat different but still very familiar to most Hallmark movies, but that's not a bad thing. The musical aspects of the movie gave it an original direction, something more than the standard event planner or bakery angle.
But the best thing about this movie is without a doubt the actors, Margot (Merritt Patterson) is just unbelievable as always, every one of her lines radiates charm effortlessly, as for her co-star Jackson (Luke Macfarlane) he compliments her perfectly, this is definitely one of his better performances.
Another strong aspect of this movie is the supporting cast, without a doubt one of the better ones i have seen in a while, nothing extraordinary, just plain good acting all around with no exception.
I would strongly recommend seeing this delightful movie.
6.9 out of 10 stars.
The story is somewhat different but still very familiar to most Hallmark movies, but that's not a bad thing. The musical aspects of the movie gave it an original direction, something more than the standard event planner or bakery angle.
But the best thing about this movie is without a doubt the actors, Margot (Merritt Patterson) is just unbelievable as always, every one of her lines radiates charm effortlessly, as for her co-star Jackson (Luke Macfarlane) he compliments her perfectly, this is definitely one of his better performances.
Another strong aspect of this movie is the supporting cast, without a doubt one of the better ones i have seen in a while, nothing extraordinary, just plain good acting all around with no exception.
I would strongly recommend seeing this delightful movie.
6.9 out of 10 stars.
the music
Kirpianuscus30 October 2021
The music saves this film to be only another Halmark Christmas film. The reunion of ex lovers, after long period has its charme , to, being fair constructed. And, for the large public of this genre of film, the presence in cast of Merritt Peterson and Luke Macfarlane , their seductive job, to, represents the nice gift. In same measure, the eulogy to family, the references to options after universitarian studies, the lovely presences of Suki Kaiser, Bobby Steward, Hrothgar Mathews and young Alix West Lefter , the inspired portrait of mother , proposed by Jessica Steen and the relation between Kate and Todd are the good virtues, in same measure. Sure, the recipe is more than familiar, but the music gives soul and grace to a story not very rich in surprises. The result is decent and, for few scenes, just seductive.
Another Hallmark Music Focused Movie
jr-595045 December 2020
Another movie where a musician feels that they have lost their passion but important people in their life help them rediscover their passion. Filmed, at least in part, in beautiful Whistler, BC had us looking at the scenes and witching we could experience Christmas there.
Escape to the festive chateau
TheLittleSongbird1 February 2022
If you have seen your fair share of Hallmark Christmas films, like me as a big fan of the holiday, it would be safe to say that you are very likely to know what to expect and one shouldn't expect any more. Have always watched the Hallmark Christmas films, which have been many over the past few years and especially at the end of last year, with mixed expectations. That are either met and even exceeded, or the film completely misses the mark and does little with any potential.
'Chateau Christmas' is one of the "film being more or less what was expected" sort, meaning a pleasant enough if not exceptional film. 2020 was a mixed year for Hallmark (not uncommon for previous years) and that is true for their Christmas output too, and 'Chateau Christmas' is around high middle in ranking. The story is nothing extraordinary, but it is worth seeing for seeing two Hallmark regulars doing good jobs and raising their material to a bigger level.
A lot is good. The production values are very pleasing to look at, nice use of locations slickly shot. The music generally captures the Christmas feel very well and is not near as over-scored or intrusive as too many of a lot of Hallmark films, it also plays a big part in the film and turns out to be one of the pleasures. The script can be very corny, but mostly flows nicely and has a light-hearted and sweet tone without being too sugary sweet. It's sympathetically directed without being routine.
Merritt Patterson is an engaging female lead who has a character that was relatable to me, being a musician that has struggled to bounce back after being knocked in confidence. Luke MacFarlane is always worth watching and is subtly charming and confident. Despite having problems with how the relationship was written and used, Patterson and MacFarlane did have chemistry in a more understated way when they were able to show it. The supporting cast do well
While the story isn't perfect, exceptional and is derivative, it is charming, is light on its feet and is heart-warming with nice use of the festive setting. It doesn't take itself too seriously that it becomes too dreary, while not treating things as too much of a joke at the same time. 'Chateau Christmas' has characters that are likeable, with lead characters that are not annoying or stiff like they are in other Hallmark Christmas films.
Did feel however that the central relationship was under-developed and underused, almost getting lost amidst everything to do with the music. As said the story isn't perfect, not just because of it being lacking in originality but also because it is a slow starter, feels too pat at the end and has too many not so realistic coincidences.
Like what was said before, the dialogue can be corny and has a lot of cheese in the first portion.
Overall, not bad at all and made better by the leads despite the uneven storytelling. 6/10.
'Chateau Christmas' is one of the "film being more or less what was expected" sort, meaning a pleasant enough if not exceptional film. 2020 was a mixed year for Hallmark (not uncommon for previous years) and that is true for their Christmas output too, and 'Chateau Christmas' is around high middle in ranking. The story is nothing extraordinary, but it is worth seeing for seeing two Hallmark regulars doing good jobs and raising their material to a bigger level.
A lot is good. The production values are very pleasing to look at, nice use of locations slickly shot. The music generally captures the Christmas feel very well and is not near as over-scored or intrusive as too many of a lot of Hallmark films, it also plays a big part in the film and turns out to be one of the pleasures. The script can be very corny, but mostly flows nicely and has a light-hearted and sweet tone without being too sugary sweet. It's sympathetically directed without being routine.
Merritt Patterson is an engaging female lead who has a character that was relatable to me, being a musician that has struggled to bounce back after being knocked in confidence. Luke MacFarlane is always worth watching and is subtly charming and confident. Despite having problems with how the relationship was written and used, Patterson and MacFarlane did have chemistry in a more understated way when they were able to show it. The supporting cast do well
While the story isn't perfect, exceptional and is derivative, it is charming, is light on its feet and is heart-warming with nice use of the festive setting. It doesn't take itself too seriously that it becomes too dreary, while not treating things as too much of a joke at the same time. 'Chateau Christmas' has characters that are likeable, with lead characters that are not annoying or stiff like they are in other Hallmark Christmas films.
Did feel however that the central relationship was under-developed and underused, almost getting lost amidst everything to do with the music. As said the story isn't perfect, not just because of it being lacking in originality but also because it is a slow starter, feels too pat at the end and has too many not so realistic coincidences.
Like what was said before, the dialogue can be corny and has a lot of cheese in the first portion.
Overall, not bad at all and made better by the leads despite the uneven storytelling. 6/10.
It just wasn't for me...
nyz_snuggle_bunny3 November 2020
This was an okay movie. This wasn't the best and this wasn't the worst for me. It was a little bland for me. I can appreciate the meaning behind the whole movie. I liked that the plot was second chances. Sometimes we can get a second chance but we can't always. I think everyone can relate to the plot on this movie when it comes to regret. I doubt you will find anyone that says there wasn't something they wish they could have done differently.
Truthfully I watched this movie for Luke, I'm a fan of his work. I also found myself enjoying the mother more than I enjoyed the lead actress. Again I enjoyed the plot and I think the whole cast worked seamlessly together but I won't be watching this again.
Truthfully I watched this movie for Luke, I'm a fan of his work. I also found myself enjoying the mother more than I enjoyed the lead actress. Again I enjoyed the plot and I think the whole cast worked seamlessly together but I won't be watching this again.
This movie is about second chances.
MIssM1928 October 2020
Margot is a well known pianist who is going through a rough patch, musically. She reunites with her family for the holidays. Jackson plays the cello, and they used to date. He is offered the position to direct the Christmas concert at the place where they are staying, the "Chateau", so they both come together to create something beautiful.
I like Merritt as a lead although she is not a favorite of mine. Luke, on the other hand, is becoming one of my favorites. I think they had good chemistry but not necessarily a romantic one, in my opinion. (I felt that she wasn't that into him). But I will accept all the Luke Macfarlane movies Hallmark gives us.
I know nothing about instruments, I don't know if any of the actors were actually playing them but they had me fooled.
I don't have any major complaints about this. It was such an "elegant" movie, if that means anything to you. There was not fooling around, not funny montage,, which made it kind of slow at times. . The final scene had me smiling from ear to ear. I know it's only the second movie of the Christmas season (lol, it's not even Halloween yet) but it was a good one. Nothing spectacular, but if you enjoy these, i'd recommend it.
"A second chance doesn't come along very often and when it does, you gotta grab it"
I'm confused about what to rate it, either 7 or 8. I will consult with the pillow. May change it later.
I like Merritt as a lead although she is not a favorite of mine. Luke, on the other hand, is becoming one of my favorites. I think they had good chemistry but not necessarily a romantic one, in my opinion. (I felt that she wasn't that into him). But I will accept all the Luke Macfarlane movies Hallmark gives us.
I know nothing about instruments, I don't know if any of the actors were actually playing them but they had me fooled.
I don't have any major complaints about this. It was such an "elegant" movie, if that means anything to you. There was not fooling around, not funny montage,, which made it kind of slow at times. . The final scene had me smiling from ear to ear. I know it's only the second movie of the Christmas season (lol, it's not even Halloween yet) but it was a good one. Nothing spectacular, but if you enjoy these, i'd recommend it.
"A second chance doesn't come along very often and when it does, you gotta grab it"
I'm confused about what to rate it, either 7 or 8. I will consult with the pillow. May change it later.
O Holy Night!
adamjohns-425757 December 2020
I really liked this one. How could I not with Jesse Hutch AND Luke Macfarlane in it. I wish he would just realise he loves me already and leave Wentworth.
I didn't like Jesse's new haircut though.
It's a sweet story and I loved the musical element of it. Sometimes I wish these films were a bit more like "Glee" and showed the concerts in a bit more detail.
It's got all that Christmas fun, the romance, the reuniting of estranged lovers and beautifully played seasonal songs.
I've probably scored it high, because of Luke and Jesse, but they are lovely guys!
It's a sweet story and I loved the musical element of it. Sometimes I wish these films were a bit more like "Glee" and showed the concerts in a bit more detail.
It's got all that Christmas fun, the romance, the reuniting of estranged lovers and beautifully played seasonal songs.
I've probably scored it high, because of Luke and Jesse, but they are lovely guys!
Ms. Patterson Is The Highlight
atlasmb24 November 2020
This Hallmark holiday romance tells the story of two exes who have been apart for years. She has become a world-celebrated pianist who constantly travels. He has settled into a teaching job. They meet again at Chateau Neuhaus during the Christmas season, and she agrees to perform for the Christmas program.
The chemistry between the two is believable. And the acting, in general, is adequate, even if the roles are not so demanding. The story is quite nice, especially when it veers into a side story about the reunion of a long-defunct musical quartet.
My one complaint about the film is that the musician characters are not convincing as performers who actually play their instruments. And one piano piece is distractingly substandard if viewed within the context of virtuoso music.
On the other hand, Merritt Patterson, who plays pianist Margot Hammond, is the highlight of the film. She is beautiful and she exudes great energy. Luke Macfarlane, who plays her ex-boyfriend, Jackson, matches up with her well.
The chemistry between the two is believable. And the acting, in general, is adequate, even if the roles are not so demanding. The story is quite nice, especially when it veers into a side story about the reunion of a long-defunct musical quartet.
My one complaint about the film is that the musician characters are not convincing as performers who actually play their instruments. And one piano piece is distractingly substandard if viewed within the context of virtuoso music.
On the other hand, Merritt Patterson, who plays pianist Margot Hammond, is the highlight of the film. She is beautiful and she exudes great energy. Luke Macfarlane, who plays her ex-boyfriend, Jackson, matches up with her well.
I like Merritt Patterson, but this movie annoyed me
MichaelByTheSea1 January 2022
I grade Hallmark movies on a curve because I love them. And I really enjoy watching talented beautiful actresses like Merritt Patterson (especially in The Christmas Cottage and Forever in My Heart). But I just didn't feel a lot of chemistry between her and her old boyfriend (played by Luke Macfarlane). I did, however, like the relationship between the estranged couple that was part of the Lafayette Quartet.
The reason I went to the trouble of writing this review is because I really really hated the movie's emphasis on the very BIG and IMPORTANT concert that ended up taking place in what seemed like a small banquet room with maybe 30-40 people in attendance (including family). And then, when the BIG night arrived, Merritt's Patterson's character came out and played just one song. She's the "famous" headliner of a BIG concert that needed her old boyfriend to be the concert director- and she plays one song for 30-40 people???? And it's somehow a great success? With the boyfriend praised for his "leadership" as the director? What??
I realize that Hallmark movies are made on a tight budget but somebody should've invested in a CGI team to make it look like there were more people there. That same team could be used to fill out the crowds at every festival or a big event that's featured in virtually every Hallmark movie (most of which also seem sparsely attended).
And the Director and Editor should have made it seem like the headliner played more than just one song.
Most of us Hallmark fans are happy to buy into the fantasy of a love story full of familiar tropes and a guaranteed happy ending. But they need to try and make the rest of a movie like this seem plausibly realistic. They failed in this movie and it ruined the rest of it for me.
The reason I went to the trouble of writing this review is because I really really hated the movie's emphasis on the very BIG and IMPORTANT concert that ended up taking place in what seemed like a small banquet room with maybe 30-40 people in attendance (including family). And then, when the BIG night arrived, Merritt's Patterson's character came out and played just one song. She's the "famous" headliner of a BIG concert that needed her old boyfriend to be the concert director- and she plays one song for 30-40 people???? And it's somehow a great success? With the boyfriend praised for his "leadership" as the director? What??
I realize that Hallmark movies are made on a tight budget but somebody should've invested in a CGI team to make it look like there were more people there. That same team could be used to fill out the crowds at every festival or a big event that's featured in virtually every Hallmark movie (most of which also seem sparsely attended).
And the Director and Editor should have made it seem like the headliner played more than just one song.
Most of us Hallmark fans are happy to buy into the fantasy of a love story full of familiar tropes and a guaranteed happy ending. But they need to try and make the rest of a movie like this seem plausibly realistic. They failed in this movie and it ruined the rest of it for me.
A Very Pleasant and Enjoyable Movie
jimtinfo29 October 2020
It was a very enjoyable movie. I was amazed at the talent of the people in the movie, especially the ones that played the instruments. Any movie that has romance, music, christmas, a cute couple (actually two) and a girl with beautiful blue eyes is quite a combination that creates a pleasant evening.
one of the better movies of this season
taylornan29 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this movie, the chemistry between the lead actors was good. Actually I was more interested in the story line between Sam and Sarah of the "old music quartet" in the movie. The music and scenery was good, it was worth the watch.
Dull and dry
ncspam22 November 2020
I usually enjoy Hallmark's Christmas movies, but this one just didn't appeal to me or my girlfriend. We both thought it was bland and unimaginative. I don't recall any humorous or cheesy parts. The dialog was flat. The editing was also poor. Keep your eye out for Margot talking with her sister in the chateau lobby and in the next cut she's talking with her mother in the very same spot.. I guess you could say that was an unintentionally funny moment. It made it seem like her sister morphed into her mom. This seemed like a lazy effort to crank out a movie for their Christmas lineup.
Pleasant Hallmark movie with a musical theme.
TxMike28 November 2021
Like most Hallmark movies it is filmed in Canada but set somewhere else, in this case Boulder Colorado and surrounding areas. It is nearing Christmas and many families are vacationing at the Chateau.
It revolves around two 30-something musicians who were once in a serious relationship but parted when she became a world-renowned pianist and began touring the world to perform. He stayed in Colorado and eventually got his PhD in music and became a music professor. Now they surprise each other by being at the Chateau at the same time. Further their old college friend talks them into helping the Chateau put on a big Christmas concert.
Being a Hallmark movie we know what will happen and it is fun watching it get there. Just a nice, clean story and pleasant entertainment. I was feeling I was in Pleasantville.
At home, my wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library.
It revolves around two 30-something musicians who were once in a serious relationship but parted when she became a world-renowned pianist and began touring the world to perform. He stayed in Colorado and eventually got his PhD in music and became a music professor. Now they surprise each other by being at the Chateau at the same time. Further their old college friend talks them into helping the Chateau put on a big Christmas concert.
Being a Hallmark movie we know what will happen and it is fun watching it get there. Just a nice, clean story and pleasant entertainment. I was feeling I was in Pleasantville.
At home, my wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library.
Cha-two in the Chateau
youandmeandhallmarkmakesthree29 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Halloween 2020 is just days away, but Hallmark is already knocking things out of the park with their Christmas lineup. Today we're watching Hallmark's latest release, "Chateau Christmas," an all-too-familar tale of a successful woman leaving the big city, travelling back home, finding a lost love, saving a winter festival, or a Christmas tree farm, or a concert or whatever. You've seen it before, I've seen it before. Let's see where the journey takes us.
Margo can play a piano - we know this because she's preoccupied with her latest review from her arch-nemesis Evelyn March (yes, THE Evelyn March), wherein Evelyn dropped a load of bricks on Margo. "Lacks musicality!" Margo is also in trouble because her theater is leaking through the roof, and there's a good possibility of electrical fires breaking out, but forget that for minute - for one, Evelyn's review is most important now. And for two, because none of this has any bearing on what will happen in the future. Margo just needs to bounce.
Introducing Jackson - we know he's available because he mentions it twice in the span of three sentences. We get it Jackson, stop being so obvious. Jackson gets voluntold to handle the Christmas concert at his buddy's hotel, which he graciously accepts, but seems a little below the soon-to-be Chair of the music department at the nearby college. On the other hand, Emily Dawson is coming ("Voice of an angel!" "Broadway pedigree!") so it should be a smash.
Psych! Forget everything about Emily Dawson - we never meet her, and she has laryngitis anyway. Voice like a garbage disposal, am I right? Evelyn March sends her worst.
So who's going to fill in for this newly open spot? Enter Margo. Margo needs about six seconds of prompting before she accepts and... wait, what is this?! A piano? Right here in the restaurant? Margo breaks out a completely unrehearsed "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" so moving the entire restaurant puts down their warmed-over Carando ham and quiche and gives her standing ovation. Can we start the concert right now?
No, we can't. Jackson needs to convince his old flame Margo to headline his concert, and for that he needs to break out all the stops. "All the stops" in this case meaning, "here's some chocolate." Look: these two have a history stretching back to the beginning of time - the chocolate is just a metaphor.
We only have nine days to prepare though, and Emily Dawson has left a huge hole in the program. Margo and Jackson work tirelessly, night and day, to put on the finest hotel restaurant Christmas concert ever performed. Margo waffles back and forth on what piece to play as the curtain closer - should I play "Deck the Halls?" Where's Evelyn March? I'll show you my musicality!
"O Holy Night" graces our presence, and Margo takes this one for a *walk*. It's unending. You hear that Evelyn?!? Eat it! Here's my musicality! Also, all of your programs can now be folded up and placed under your uneven table legs, as Margo has rendered them all out-of-date trash. Margo gets a standing ovation once again, but oddly not as big as the ovation she received during brunch. Her sister also oddly remains seated. Jealously? Close friend of Emily Dawson? I smell sequel - "Chateau 2: Electric Boogaloo"
And what of Margo and Jackson? Where will this rekindled love bring us? Who's to say? But in the end, "Chateau Christmas" reminds us all that the true meaning of the chateau is in our hearts.
Editors Note: Do NOT confuse "Chateau Christmas" with the far inferior older sibling "Christmas at the Chateau." There are only so many hours this Christmas season - use them wisely.
Score Card:
Girl going back home - 1x
Dead parent - 1x
Lost love - 2x
Christmas tree lighting - 2x
Family members uncomfortably prodding about relationships - unending
Total: 7/10
Margo can play a piano - we know this because she's preoccupied with her latest review from her arch-nemesis Evelyn March (yes, THE Evelyn March), wherein Evelyn dropped a load of bricks on Margo. "Lacks musicality!" Margo is also in trouble because her theater is leaking through the roof, and there's a good possibility of electrical fires breaking out, but forget that for minute - for one, Evelyn's review is most important now. And for two, because none of this has any bearing on what will happen in the future. Margo just needs to bounce.
Introducing Jackson - we know he's available because he mentions it twice in the span of three sentences. We get it Jackson, stop being so obvious. Jackson gets voluntold to handle the Christmas concert at his buddy's hotel, which he graciously accepts, but seems a little below the soon-to-be Chair of the music department at the nearby college. On the other hand, Emily Dawson is coming ("Voice of an angel!" "Broadway pedigree!") so it should be a smash.
Psych! Forget everything about Emily Dawson - we never meet her, and she has laryngitis anyway. Voice like a garbage disposal, am I right? Evelyn March sends her worst.
So who's going to fill in for this newly open spot? Enter Margo. Margo needs about six seconds of prompting before she accepts and... wait, what is this?! A piano? Right here in the restaurant? Margo breaks out a completely unrehearsed "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" so moving the entire restaurant puts down their warmed-over Carando ham and quiche and gives her standing ovation. Can we start the concert right now?
No, we can't. Jackson needs to convince his old flame Margo to headline his concert, and for that he needs to break out all the stops. "All the stops" in this case meaning, "here's some chocolate." Look: these two have a history stretching back to the beginning of time - the chocolate is just a metaphor.
We only have nine days to prepare though, and Emily Dawson has left a huge hole in the program. Margo and Jackson work tirelessly, night and day, to put on the finest hotel restaurant Christmas concert ever performed. Margo waffles back and forth on what piece to play as the curtain closer - should I play "Deck the Halls?" Where's Evelyn March? I'll show you my musicality!
"O Holy Night" graces our presence, and Margo takes this one for a *walk*. It's unending. You hear that Evelyn?!? Eat it! Here's my musicality! Also, all of your programs can now be folded up and placed under your uneven table legs, as Margo has rendered them all out-of-date trash. Margo gets a standing ovation once again, but oddly not as big as the ovation she received during brunch. Her sister also oddly remains seated. Jealously? Close friend of Emily Dawson? I smell sequel - "Chateau 2: Electric Boogaloo"
And what of Margo and Jackson? Where will this rekindled love bring us? Who's to say? But in the end, "Chateau Christmas" reminds us all that the true meaning of the chateau is in our hearts.
Editors Note: Do NOT confuse "Chateau Christmas" with the far inferior older sibling "Christmas at the Chateau." There are only so many hours this Christmas season - use them wisely.
Score Card:
Girl going back home - 1x
Dead parent - 1x
Lost love - 2x
Christmas tree lighting - 2x
Family members uncomfortably prodding about relationships - unending
Total: 7/10
Hallmark with a difference
angelicsk200128 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I was all too excited to see this movie mostly because of Luke Macfarlane whom I absolutely enjoy watching even outside of Hallmark movies. If this review was just based on him being in the movie then the rating would have been a definite 20/10 :-)
Merritt Patterson I've seen in other Hallmark movies and it's really nice to see her grow and mature into each of the roles that she's played thus far. She was a delight in this movie, I will continue to watch out for any of her upcoming roles.
The storyline was more or less the same as past Hallmark movies. There was the ex bf/gf bumping into each other after breaking up years ago so that one party can go and live their dream while the other stays in the hometown. There is regret for the decision and love still lingers between the two ex-lovebirds. There were also various coincidences that seemed too coincidental.
What I did enjoy was the peel away from the normal jobs that are used....writer, business owner, high profile corporate, journalist, artist, photographer, etc, etc, etc. I also liked that it didn't end in the normal fashion either....one person giving up their life to be with the other but instead both have an understanding and leaving it to be seen where the relationship can go given the already established careers. All this made the movie feel like fresh air whooping back in after the stale air settled for a long time.
Though there could have been a little more romance between the two characters, this movie was a charming one to watch. I'll definitely give this one a watch again.
Merritt Patterson I've seen in other Hallmark movies and it's really nice to see her grow and mature into each of the roles that she's played thus far. She was a delight in this movie, I will continue to watch out for any of her upcoming roles.
The storyline was more or less the same as past Hallmark movies. There was the ex bf/gf bumping into each other after breaking up years ago so that one party can go and live their dream while the other stays in the hometown. There is regret for the decision and love still lingers between the two ex-lovebirds. There were also various coincidences that seemed too coincidental.
What I did enjoy was the peel away from the normal jobs that are used....writer, business owner, high profile corporate, journalist, artist, photographer, etc, etc, etc. I also liked that it didn't end in the normal fashion either....one person giving up their life to be with the other but instead both have an understanding and leaving it to be seen where the relationship can go given the already established careers. All this made the movie feel like fresh air whooping back in after the stale air settled for a long time.
Though there could have been a little more romance between the two characters, this movie was a charming one to watch. I'll definitely give this one a watch again.
Plesant
limmet-7504326 December 2020
Wonderful musical Christmas emotion
imacmee1 November 2020
I enjoyed much about this movie. The lead actors were wonderful to watch and supporting actors added enjoyment. Well done! The music was beautiful and really made this a touching Christmas movie for me. Definitely one to enjoy again!
A classical music Christmas second chance romance
cgvsluis11 January 2022
Margot is a classical pianist whose playing now lacks "passion and heart" according to a critic. Her holiday performances are canceled due to damage to the facility she was booked to play in, leaving her able to join her family for Christmas at the Chateau.
Meanwhile Jackson, a college friend and fellow musician, is talked in to directing the Chateau Christmas concert after their director pulls out...only that isn't the only problem with their show, they also loose their headliner. There is just days till the performance...so after running in to Margot, he talks her in to performing.
The two of them are at a local music shop and run into part of a famous quartet...who they systematically convince to join their Christmas performance at the château.
Not only were Jackson and Margot fellow musicians and classmates, but they had a romantic relationship that ended when Margot went off to fame and travel.
Jackson fits right in with Margot's family as they alternate working on the concert and doing family Christmas activities.
Beautiful classical music in this holiday romance.
((I am confused a)Why Margot's family is at the Château and b)Why they are decorating a tree in their suite with family ornaments?))
"I've been so busy, I forgot how fun playing can be."-Jackson.
What Margot was going to play for the concert was completely predictable once it was mentioned. Margot and Jackson have Chemistry, the supporting cast was good and the music was beautiful.
Meanwhile Jackson, a college friend and fellow musician, is talked in to directing the Chateau Christmas concert after their director pulls out...only that isn't the only problem with their show, they also loose their headliner. There is just days till the performance...so after running in to Margot, he talks her in to performing.
The two of them are at a local music shop and run into part of a famous quartet...who they systematically convince to join their Christmas performance at the château.
Not only were Jackson and Margot fellow musicians and classmates, but they had a romantic relationship that ended when Margot went off to fame and travel.
Jackson fits right in with Margot's family as they alternate working on the concert and doing family Christmas activities.
Beautiful classical music in this holiday romance.
((I am confused a)Why Margot's family is at the Château and b)Why they are decorating a tree in their suite with family ornaments?))
"I've been so busy, I forgot how fun playing can be."-Jackson.
What Margot was going to play for the concert was completely predictable once it was mentioned. Margot and Jackson have Chemistry, the supporting cast was good and the music was beautiful.
Good actors, plausible relationship.
lyndavanleeuwen13 November 2020
We enjoyed this film; hubby is a big fan of Merritt Patterson, I enjoy watching Luke MacFarlane!
I'm going to repeat my traditional complaint: Could you please find a hairdresser that doesn't give every female ringlets in her hair!?! Little girls maybe wear ringlets, but ADULT women can get their hair styled like adults!!! I'm so tired of every female wearing silly ringlets!! Thank goodness Merritt Patterson wears an ADULT hairstyle!
Classical Christmas
Jackbv12328 October 2020
The one mostly uncommon aspect of this movie is the instrumental performances of Christmas music with a classical flavor. Much of the rest of the story is the usual stuff revolving around the lead characters' quest for musicians to fill slots for a big concert.
As for developments in the plot, most of them were telegraphed taking away much of the surprise. I thought the movie tried too hard at times and overplayed some things where a little more subtlety might have worked better. One example is the repeated influence of the critic, Evelyn.
By now, Merritt Patterson is one of Hallmark's veterans, at age 30. She is talented and beautiful with eyes that capture the viewers' attention. Luke MacFarlane, at age 40, is equally a Hallmark veteran. I wish I thought their chemistry was great, but I'd give it more of a C grade. Margot, Patterson's character, is supposed to be a reserved professional concert performer and that's what we get - reserved.
One aspect which I thought was quite striking was Patterson's dress for the concert. It fit the tone perfectly. It was classically beautiful.
BTW observation: I would be curious to know if any of the actors contributed with the instruments they appeared to play. I don't expect so, but I would be pleasantly surprised if they did.
PS after second viewing - for me this movie fails the test - do I want to watch it over and over. After second time through, despite my like for both leads, I have no desire to watch this again.
As for developments in the plot, most of them were telegraphed taking away much of the surprise. I thought the movie tried too hard at times and overplayed some things where a little more subtlety might have worked better. One example is the repeated influence of the critic, Evelyn.
By now, Merritt Patterson is one of Hallmark's veterans, at age 30. She is talented and beautiful with eyes that capture the viewers' attention. Luke MacFarlane, at age 40, is equally a Hallmark veteran. I wish I thought their chemistry was great, but I'd give it more of a C grade. Margot, Patterson's character, is supposed to be a reserved professional concert performer and that's what we get - reserved.
One aspect which I thought was quite striking was Patterson's dress for the concert. It fit the tone perfectly. It was classically beautiful.
BTW observation: I would be curious to know if any of the actors contributed with the instruments they appeared to play. I don't expect so, but I would be pleasantly surprised if they did.
PS after second viewing - for me this movie fails the test - do I want to watch it over and over. After second time through, despite my like for both leads, I have no desire to watch this again.
Harmless but boring.
teebear81720 December 2020
Exceptional concert
bookandcandle2 November 2020
Loved Margot and Jackson chemistry, and the second chances theme. Exceptional concert Christmas story and performances, but can Hallmark please stop the annoying "bing-bong" music with the sharp, jolting notes when the characters speak? Put light background music in instead. Thank you.
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