Have enjoyed Melissa in other Hallmark movies and loved Duane in NCIS, but they had absolutely no chemistry in this. It was excruciating and couldn't watch it til the end. And where was the snow??!!
22 Reviews
No chemistry
lnbalich-4296818 December 2021
If Bridgerton and Yellowstone extras made a bad Xmas movie in an empty MT field, did it really happen?
jimm-derby23 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, I am always down for MJH, and honestly she looked GREAT in this one. I mean, she is looking fine in those cowgirl duds, even though there's no way she could saddle a horse or pitch hay in that some of those, erm, form fitting outfits she's wearing. That said, most of the previous commenters hit all the worst goofs: No snow, bad night filters, weird cowboy costumes, lack of chemistry, low production values (the beautiful scenery notwithstanding). I forgot Kellie Martin directed, I thought MJ was pulling double duty but her stuff is more self assured. Keep workin KM you'll get there.
The "square dance" was the low point for me, it felt more like a drunken house party if the drank was Hawaiian Punch laced with Nyquil. But really there was no energy in this one at all. Zero heat between Merry and Mark (and I realize this is a family film but zzzzzz indeed). I guess the frigidity is to substitute for winter weather? And the attempts at comedy were just sad. Oh no he threw the ax! Everybody duck! Oh look he cant ride a horse yuk yuk....
Biggest disappointment: The city slicker heartthrob is a Brit. For some reason, it made the dynamic between him and Merry weird. The one clip from the preview ("Just a buncha yahoos and giddyups") gave no clue he was English, and it ruined the movie for me. I love a British accent as much as anybody, but it just made things awkward. I was intrigued by an interracial romance, but between the clashing accents, wooden dialogue, and the fact that Duane is literally twice MJ's height undermined whatever romantic connection they were trying to emulate. Only the french toast scene came close to anything resembling a spark. Alas, there's only so much froth one can whip up with a whisk....
Much like the fake starfields previously mentioned, I kept waiting for the stars to morph into something like a winged horse or a polar bear or something, but they just twinkled a 110w glow as the would be lovers stared blankly at the green screen.
The "square dance" was the low point for me, it felt more like a drunken house party if the drank was Hawaiian Punch laced with Nyquil. But really there was no energy in this one at all. Zero heat between Merry and Mark (and I realize this is a family film but zzzzzz indeed). I guess the frigidity is to substitute for winter weather? And the attempts at comedy were just sad. Oh no he threw the ax! Everybody duck! Oh look he cant ride a horse yuk yuk....
Biggest disappointment: The city slicker heartthrob is a Brit. For some reason, it made the dynamic between him and Merry weird. The one clip from the preview ("Just a buncha yahoos and giddyups") gave no clue he was English, and it ruined the movie for me. I love a British accent as much as anybody, but it just made things awkward. I was intrigued by an interracial romance, but between the clashing accents, wooden dialogue, and the fact that Duane is literally twice MJ's height undermined whatever romantic connection they were trying to emulate. Only the french toast scene came close to anything resembling a spark. Alas, there's only so much froth one can whip up with a whisk....
Much like the fake starfields previously mentioned, I kept waiting for the stars to morph into something like a winged horse or a polar bear or something, but they just twinkled a 110w glow as the would be lovers stared blankly at the green screen.
Tired of empty coffee and cocoa cups
mysay-97-58108622 December 2021
Why?? The one scene with the Tim and his "hot cocoa" was totally ridiculous. The least they could have done was put a lid on it. Blah
I have been watching Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies for years, so it's pretty difficult to get a good rating from me.
I had high hopes for this when I saw it was directed by Kellie Martin. She used to be in a lot of the better movies. I won't blame her. I'm sure she did her best. I'm sure it was really cringeworthy for anyone who really knows what Montana weather can be like at Christmas.
I liked the cook and the nanny, they made a better couple than the leads.
I had high hopes for this when I saw it was directed by Kellie Martin. She used to be in a lot of the better movies. I won't blame her. I'm sure she did her best. I'm sure it was really cringeworthy for anyone who really knows what Montana weather can be like at Christmas.
I liked the cook and the nanny, they made a better couple than the leads.
Christmas in September?
matthewjbean18 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Everyone knows it snows in Montana in the winter, so why no snow? This movie should be called "Mistletoe around Labor Day in Montana"
Featuring those wonderful Christmas traditions that we all remember from our own childhood Christmasses-Gather round for archery! A sack race! A lasso lesson!
Spoiler alert: when they gather for a group photo, they say, "Christmas Tree!"
Featuring those wonderful Christmas traditions that we all remember from our own childhood Christmasses-Gather round for archery! A sack race! A lasso lesson!
Spoiler alert: when they gather for a group photo, they say, "Christmas Tree!"
Zzzz
Jackbv12318 December 2021
The story has no highs or lows and no tension or surprises. The dialogue is blah. The acting is terrible almost all around. The wardrobe is ridiculous. There is no chemistry between the leads unless you count all the moon eye they give each other across the set. The sets are cheap. There are a couple of nice shots of scenery.
I saw some comments about weather and I noticed it too. The worst case is when they take refuge from a blizzard in a remote barn. They draw attention to the fact there is no fire or other heat and the weather outside is supposed to be frightful. Yet neither one wears gloves, ear covering, or a scarf and Duane Henry's coat is open.
I'll give the director credit that when they are looking at stars there are no bright lights around them which is a mistake most of these movies make.
I saw some comments about weather and I noticed it too. The worst case is when they take refuge from a blizzard in a remote barn. They draw attention to the fact there is no fire or other heat and the weather outside is supposed to be frightful. Yet neither one wears gloves, ear covering, or a scarf and Duane Henry's coat is open.
I'll give the director credit that when they are looking at stars there are no bright lights around them which is a mistake most of these movies make.
Painfully bad
nldwilliams18 December 2021
This was one of the worst Christmas movies, ever!! The acting was terrible. The clothes were ridiculous; over the top city cowboy clothes. The ranch was a low budget set. The daughter was the best actress. So fake!!
Pretty good
tinatalksavon19 December 2021
Pretty good movie. Nothing was 'saved' - like a bakery, bookstore or town.
The cowboy theme was a little 'over-the-top'.
What I DID get from this movie is to put your work aside and enjoy life and your kids. And also, that kids CAN survive without electronics and social media!!!
The cowboy theme was a little 'over-the-top'.
What I DID get from this movie is to put your work aside and enjoy life and your kids. And also, that kids CAN survive without electronics and social media!!!
Soft light filter, really?
ssc718 December 2021
I like MJH, but the soft light filter was horrific and so distracting. Such a cliched movie. City Slickers meets Harlequin. The lead man was not good, his accent super over the top and the daughter was bad. Jamie wasn't too bad as well as the son. MT in winter haha, this was maybe early fall. I live here, no outdoor markets in December, no cold breath and Montanans don't dress that way ridimg a horse. Made us all laugh. Even at Dude ranches they don't talk like that either. Those rodeo belt buckless had me in stitches. So regardless of all the fake western stuff, zero chemistry, bad acting and lame story or lack there of. If you're looking for Holiday in Handcuffs, this isn't even close. Bummer was looking forward to this.
When you need a distraction
Cookiebaker10122 December 2021
Yes, there are flaws, but when I need a distraction I don't focus on the negative. Duane Henry did well in this role and I look forward to more of his movies.
As far as the mistakes, I don't take them seriously and have to laugh when the clothing, makeup, and hair don't reflect what would happen in real life. Ditto for the indoor and outdoor decorations. Of course, if they did reflect real life, there would be complaints.
The snow, or lack thereof, is a glaring error and I am not certain why the decison was made to film a Montana winter without snow.
If you need perfection in your movies, this is not for you, but if you like Duane Henry or you want to just escape the pressures of the season, this is a good choice.
As far as the mistakes, I don't take them seriously and have to laugh when the clothing, makeup, and hair don't reflect what would happen in real life. Ditto for the indoor and outdoor decorations. Of course, if they did reflect real life, there would be complaints.
The snow, or lack thereof, is a glaring error and I am not certain why the decison was made to film a Montana winter without snow.
If you need perfection in your movies, this is not for you, but if you like Duane Henry or you want to just escape the pressures of the season, this is a good choice.
Cute story but accent & pronunciations bothered me
doodled8 January 2022
We did square dancing in school in the 1970's; loved that scene and costumes. The man said Doe Sigh Doe; every movie and school said Doe SEE Doe. The Ansel Adams scene he said An-Cell; after researching I found true correct pronunciation Ansill (one syllable). I've been to Montana and the accent for Pops seemed too exaggerated and exaggerated for someone from Montana based on the storyline.
It's A Christmas Movie On Lifetime People
fbchristian18 December 2021
I usually don't watch Christmas movies on Lifetime or Hallmark Channel unless my friend is playing an extra on them. But I saw Duane Henry (killed off of NCIS😡) and Jamey Sheridan was in it so decided to watch.
It's not a bad movie and the acting isn't bad either. It's the typical from-Christmas movie so expect cheesy storylines. It's not bad in my opinion. Would I watch it again? Probably not.
It's not a bad movie and the acting isn't bad either. It's the typical from-Christmas movie so expect cheesy storylines. It's not bad in my opinion. Would I watch it again? Probably not.
Very disappointed
cntyagl2 November 2022
I'm from MT. I get that filming took place in summer and outdoor scenes were shot in early fall to get snow on the mountains, but we DO NOT have sunlight at 6 am in December. We don't have green grass in December, you cannot sit outside at a campfire or wear such light clothing in December. There's no snow on trees and Kalispell/Flathead Lake area would be super cold and covered in snow at Christmas. I'm really disappointed that this is not a more accurate depiction of what MT really looks like. I live 30 miles from East Helena where the town scenes were shot, so I know what it should look like. I love Kelli Martin and Melissa Joan Hart, I thought it would've been better. I watched Melissa posting on FB while she was here and our local news posted the filming, so I'm not guessing at this stuff... content was good though.
What a joke of a movie!
jrigler-5214527 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I've lived in Montana my whole life, and nothing in this movie except the scenery is authentic. Why would the owner and hired hand spend every minute with one family of guests?? Like there's nothing else to do when you run a dude ranch??
Cheesy dialogue, no snow, concern about bears in December (when bears hibernate), people wearing no jackets in winter, terror over a raccoon, a dude ranch with only one family as guests, obviously phony sky full of close stars, the owner buys her guest a parka for Christmas, etc., etc.
Hideous over-acting, ridiculous and predictable plot, stereotypical pairing up of couples, laughable things like the hired hands play cards with the guests while the owner goes out to rescue a cow, etc.
This movie is only watchable if you are drinking!
Cheesy dialogue, no snow, concern about bears in December (when bears hibernate), people wearing no jackets in winter, terror over a raccoon, a dude ranch with only one family as guests, obviously phony sky full of close stars, the owner buys her guest a parka for Christmas, etc., etc.
Hideous over-acting, ridiculous and predictable plot, stereotypical pairing up of couples, laughable things like the hired hands play cards with the guests while the owner goes out to rescue a cow, etc.
This movie is only watchable if you are drinking!
Worst Christmas movie ever
bernadettebarnes2 January 2022
I have never seen Melissa Joan Hart smile like EVER! So she DOES have teeth!
imdb-2528818 December 2021
I have watched TV films with MJH before and I never once understood her appeal. She always has played her every part "itchy bee" (if you catch my drift, and if you don't, reverse the words) and her one expression was dull and her one emotion was ever exasperated. So much so that you think "what a miserable person, I would hate to have her in my life".
So I tune into this, because the man (lead actor) seemed very charismatic in the previews, and I did see MJH smile in them, so this I had to see! I'm 7 min in or less, she'd already snapped at someone. Then she remembered to smile. It seems like someone might have talked to her or she finally watched herself and realized "Why do I do this (scowl/frown at people/not smile all the time?" and "Would I enjoy watching myself in this film?" and realized she needed to change.
Well, folks! It worked. Her like-able quotient went thru the roof. The other thing I noticed right off the bat, is how pretty she looks. What happened to blonde women? You see them and you think they're blondes but their hair has turned to dull brown or mousey yellow. Not here. Beautiful blonde hair that flatters her coloring to perfection and I had never seen her look this gorgeous before! (Those blue eyes!) I saw another mention "soft light filter". Is that the reason for her flawless complexion? Well, girlfriend, whatever works, she looks stunning.
For the rest, most Lifetime movies are cheesy. This one actually has good production values (where are these crew people with all the boring Lifetime garbage reel they have been serving us? Hire these people, Lifetime!) Melissa has great chemistry with the actor (I have no idea what is name is or his character's and can't look it up without crashing this.) Well I like these two together. Melissa is even very sweet with his little boy, thank goodness! I'd hate to have "old MJH" give the little boy her default itchy bee face and exasperated attitude.
It is clear MJH has made a TREMENDOUS effort smiling and having a NICE disposition. She's pleasant. She easy on the eyes. She's a good actress. Sadly, the girl (the man's daughter) ruins this TV movie. Who cast her!? Who does casting at Lifetime?? You should know the one weakest link can and WILL ruin a movie. She's unpleasant, she has absorbed Melissa's former nasty demeanor and face and she's pulling the mean faces for the camera at every turn. Not only that, in many scenes she looks 34 instead of 12 (or however her character's age is supposed to be.)
For the rest, there's nice horsees. Melissa wears Larimar earring which I'm guessing are passing as Turquoise? (They're pale sky blue, turquoise is bright medium blue.) Some nice trees but where are the Montana mountains? Where swas this filmed?
Also my one, HUGE pet peeve with this Xmas movies? 1) Way TOO MUCH SUN!!! 2) WHERE IS THE SNOW? Can't they be filming now in anticipation of next year's run? Why do they have to film in (I'm guessing) July? It's distracting thinking how these poor (ok, rich) actors are sweltering in their 7 layers of puffer coats, sweaters, jackets, long johns and lumberjack shirts.
All in all, MJH is one of the strongest actresses for Lifetime. There were others, where have they gone? Possibly to feature films. But yeah, the 2 leads share the chemistry, the directing is good, the lighting is great, the camera angles good and the decor is alright. What else? I'm giving it a 6/10. It was a toss up between that and a 7. There's much room for improvement. Lifetime: take your time and do audition more actors of one same type! Unless it's nepotism, I have no idea why that girl beat out others for the part? She should have never been cast!
The stars scene was weird: a photo of fake stars looking like a bad baby-Pollack painting gone botched, with a silly shooting star and a too obvious day-for-night filter for Hart and companion.
Finally: a review in not a plot summary. There's no need to describe anything of what happens. I'm not Siskel nor Ebert, too many people would do well to move their pseudo-reviews to the appropriate pages, namely the plot pages. (If you've ever stopped by Adam 12 and read episode reviews, you'll get what I mean... one StrictlyConfidential is guilty of just that: never leaves their opinion, just describes a bit of what happens, really weird!)
So I tune into this, because the man (lead actor) seemed very charismatic in the previews, and I did see MJH smile in them, so this I had to see! I'm 7 min in or less, she'd already snapped at someone. Then she remembered to smile. It seems like someone might have talked to her or she finally watched herself and realized "Why do I do this (scowl/frown at people/not smile all the time?" and "Would I enjoy watching myself in this film?" and realized she needed to change.
Well, folks! It worked. Her like-able quotient went thru the roof. The other thing I noticed right off the bat, is how pretty she looks. What happened to blonde women? You see them and you think they're blondes but their hair has turned to dull brown or mousey yellow. Not here. Beautiful blonde hair that flatters her coloring to perfection and I had never seen her look this gorgeous before! (Those blue eyes!) I saw another mention "soft light filter". Is that the reason for her flawless complexion? Well, girlfriend, whatever works, she looks stunning.
For the rest, most Lifetime movies are cheesy. This one actually has good production values (where are these crew people with all the boring Lifetime garbage reel they have been serving us? Hire these people, Lifetime!) Melissa has great chemistry with the actor (I have no idea what is name is or his character's and can't look it up without crashing this.) Well I like these two together. Melissa is even very sweet with his little boy, thank goodness! I'd hate to have "old MJH" give the little boy her default itchy bee face and exasperated attitude.
It is clear MJH has made a TREMENDOUS effort smiling and having a NICE disposition. She's pleasant. She easy on the eyes. She's a good actress. Sadly, the girl (the man's daughter) ruins this TV movie. Who cast her!? Who does casting at Lifetime?? You should know the one weakest link can and WILL ruin a movie. She's unpleasant, she has absorbed Melissa's former nasty demeanor and face and she's pulling the mean faces for the camera at every turn. Not only that, in many scenes she looks 34 instead of 12 (or however her character's age is supposed to be.)
For the rest, there's nice horsees. Melissa wears Larimar earring which I'm guessing are passing as Turquoise? (They're pale sky blue, turquoise is bright medium blue.) Some nice trees but where are the Montana mountains? Where swas this filmed?
Also my one, HUGE pet peeve with this Xmas movies? 1) Way TOO MUCH SUN!!! 2) WHERE IS THE SNOW? Can't they be filming now in anticipation of next year's run? Why do they have to film in (I'm guessing) July? It's distracting thinking how these poor (ok, rich) actors are sweltering in their 7 layers of puffer coats, sweaters, jackets, long johns and lumberjack shirts.
All in all, MJH is one of the strongest actresses for Lifetime. There were others, where have they gone? Possibly to feature films. But yeah, the 2 leads share the chemistry, the directing is good, the lighting is great, the camera angles good and the decor is alright. What else? I'm giving it a 6/10. It was a toss up between that and a 7. There's much room for improvement. Lifetime: take your time and do audition more actors of one same type! Unless it's nepotism, I have no idea why that girl beat out others for the part? She should have never been cast!
The stars scene was weird: a photo of fake stars looking like a bad baby-Pollack painting gone botched, with a silly shooting star and a too obvious day-for-night filter for Hart and companion.
Finally: a review in not a plot summary. There's no need to describe anything of what happens. I'm not Siskel nor Ebert, too many people would do well to move their pseudo-reviews to the appropriate pages, namely the plot pages. (If you've ever stopped by Adam 12 and read episode reviews, you'll get what I mean... one StrictlyConfidential is guilty of just that: never leaves their opinion, just describes a bit of what happens, really weird!)
Happy fun Christmas movie
papayapal-775085 December 2022
Mistletoe In Montana is a fun enjoyable Christmas movie! Yes the costumes are a bit silly but Christmas movies don't need to be academy award material. The simplicity is a part of the charm and yes we groan a bit my family plays Hallmark bingo with squares that say Mom is dead , lost the farm, old boyfriend in town etc but they make you smile and are great fun.
Christmas movies take the time to help people remember what really matters.we live in a rushed often cynical world and if they are a bit simplistic so what! Sit back enjoy and laugh but remember to listen and hopefully your world will be a bit better.
Christmas movies take the time to help people remember what really matters.we live in a rushed often cynical world and if they are a bit simplistic so what! Sit back enjoy and laugh but remember to listen and hopefully your world will be a bit better.
Wonderful Christmas Fluff!
nygaardjensenmette21 December 2022
I'm a sucker for everything about this movie. Especially now in 2922, when there's so much garbage going on. The cast was great, rhe landscape gorgeous. Plus, a *lot* of the production is female and the director is female. I'm all in!
Maybe I'm biased because I grew up on a diet of Clarissa Explains it All. But this movie was such an easy, enjoyable watch. My boyfriend also had a blast watching with me.
Fantastic escapism for Christmas time. If you came here to complain about a movie about Christmas romance, what are you doing with your life?
Now where's the soft focus setting for my face?! Melissa, crawl me.
Maybe I'm biased because I grew up on a diet of Clarissa Explains it All. But this movie was such an easy, enjoyable watch. My boyfriend also had a blast watching with me.
Fantastic escapism for Christmas time. If you came here to complain about a movie about Christmas romance, what are you doing with your life?
Now where's the soft focus setting for my face?! Melissa, crawl me.
Beautiful Holiday Movie! A Must Watch!
mahaliabutler-3211222 December 2021
I'm a fan of Lifetime movies, so this one definitely hit the nail on the head for me. The entire cast was excellent. I enjoyed watching the budding romance between the leads, Melissa Joan Hart (Merry) and Duane Henry (Mark). The spark between Jasper (Sam Marra) and Debbie (Harley Bronwyn) was also very cute, there's great chemistry between both couples. The relationship between Becca (Mallian Butler) and Stan (Jamey Sheridan) was the sweetest. Despite their age difference, they connected through a common interest and it was delightful watching their interaction on screen. Hero Hunter(Timmy) was the cutest and the entire cast delivered a heartwarming performance. I definitely felt more of the Christmas spirit after having tuned in to the movie. The story line is clever and unexpected; my interest was piqued from the start. I also loved how Becca (Mallian Butler), the daughter, arrived to the ranch completely disinterested in anything other than social media and loaded with typical teen antics, so her obvious change of heart- as the movie progressed- was absolutely delightful. She did an excellent job bringing out her character's self absorbed/pretentious attributes, which is why her switch to the "girl who learns the true meaning of Christmas" is so lovely. The nanny's relationship with the family is also beautiful. Overall, it's a 10/10 feel good holiday film. Kellie Martin did an awesome job directing this awesome cast. I definitely recommend adding this one to your watchlist. Congratulations to the entire production; this movie is a winner and instant holiday classic.
Disappointment would be a HUGE understatement!!
blasthoff3629 December 2021
I am secretly a sucker for Christmas feel good/romance movies. However, this film was way "off the wall" BAD!! I can not and will not blame the actors because whoever was cast couldn't have helped this mess one iota!! The script, the production, and the directing were horrible to be kind!! I was so looking forward to seeing Henry and Hart working in something even minimally good but this didn't even come close!
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