Santa grants you to review the implications of your life choices and try to mend your soul. It's a story line that has been so over used to become a cliche'. Other aspects or situations in this movie are cliche', as well. By the way, why are developers always portrayed as heartless, greedy villains? I am not one, yet my heart feels for them! On the good side, this show provides some new twists to the old yarn and is, definitely, a Christmas tale. Teri Hatcher and James Denton are a good match and live up to the expectations. The result is a likeable movie that delivers kind feelings and emotions, worthy of the season.
49 Reviews
Some Christmas magic in this one...
toddsgraham12 December 2021
Reminiscent of classic 1940s Christmas films such as 'It's a Wonderful Life', 'A Kiss Before Christmas' is an engaging movie with a timeless message, fun and heartfelt script, and, of course, some brilliant acting performances by two leads with great chemistry. The story follows Ethan (played by James Denton), a mid-level real estate development executive who has been passed over for promotion for the last 20 years. Although he has a loving wife (Joyce, played by Teri Hatcher) and two amazing teenage kids, Ethan can't help wondering what his life, especially his finances, would be like if he wasn't always such a 'nice guy' in business. One morning while waiting at a newsstand, he tells a man dressed as Santa that he wishes he had a second chance at his career. And so our journey begins as Ethan awakes to discover that his wish has come true, or has it? He is now the CEO, but he isn't married and doesn't have his kids. And so, we follow Ethan on his quest in discovering what truly matters in life this Christmas. It is a well-written and engaging story. The writers do a great job of capturing the Christmas spirit, delivering a timeless message of what truly matters in a fairly straightforward manner. True, the storyline has been done many times before, but the simplicity of the story and message, along with a slight twist, kept me engaged from the start. What makes this work on-screen, of course, is the acting. Denton was impressive, I thought. He had me smiling, chuckling even, in some scenes (e.g., talking to his coffee machine), while in others, I might have even shed a tear or two. Hatcher too had a very strong performance. Their chemistry was brilliant. They have a wonderful back and forth that pulls you in. Quality stuff. The movie also has a nice Christmas vibe to it that no doubt will get you into the Christmas spirit. All in all, 'A Kiss Before Christmas' is an entertaining movie, delivering some Christmas magic, a dynamic duo performance, a bit of fun and humor, and a timeless Christmas message. I highly recommend it.
Nice movie and nice to see Teri Hatcher
gee-1530 November 2021
The movie itself is nothing particularly innovative. A man feels if he'd made one particular decision at a crucial juncture, his life would have been better. So Santa shows up and let's him see what his life would have been like. Of course, that crucial juncture is what led him to meet and marry his wife. In order to get his old life back, he turns to the woman his wife has become (and she, of course, thinks he's crazy).
Nothing special about the film really but I was struck at how experienced actors (like Denton and Hatcher) come off in a Hallmark movie. Boy, does it make a difference! Many of these films star younger (and less experienced) actors who only underscore the superficiality of the Hallmark movie brand (with some exceptions). But take some pros and the pablum that is Hallmark sure goes down smoothly. Hatcher and Denton don't have to stretch their acting skills much but they bring a confidence and conviction to the roles that makes them very enjoyable to watch. I say put more fifty-somethings in these movies!
Nothing special about the film really but I was struck at how experienced actors (like Denton and Hatcher) come off in a Hallmark movie. Boy, does it make a difference! Many of these films star younger (and less experienced) actors who only underscore the superficiality of the Hallmark movie brand (with some exceptions). But take some pros and the pablum that is Hallmark sure goes down smoothly. Hatcher and Denton don't have to stretch their acting skills much but they bring a confidence and conviction to the roles that makes them very enjoyable to watch. I say put more fifty-somethings in these movies!
James Denton sees his family life from a different perspective
david-thor24 November 2021
In recent years, Hallmark has curtailed the frequency of their Hall of Fame movies. 'A Kiss Before Christmas', although not billed as such, is in the same vein: digging a little deeper into the subject matter, taking a more serious, mature, thoughtful approach. In 'Christmas Carol' fashion, it's James Denton's turn to see what his life might be like in an alternate timeline. He and Teri Hatcher play their roles in a way that one might expect, since they've known each other professionally for years. Although I wish the story had been shortened about 30 minutes, if a successful Hallmark movie is one that makes one feel better for having watched, then I see this as a success - perhaps you will, too.
CHARMING STORY WITH LOVABLE ACTORS
fsogfan22 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The recycled plot is a little worn but James Denton (Ethan) and Teri Hatcher (Joyce) make it charming. After playing a couple for 8 years in Desperate Housewives they slip back into character like a pair of old shoes. They make you believe and root for Ethan as he fights for his family.
Ethan is a commercial real estate project manager who has been passed over for promotions for the last 20 years. Joyce is a private school teacher who wants to be a lawyer so she can fight for the underdog. They have two adopted teens (Colin and Trisha).
On Christmas Eve, Ethan has been dispatched to evict the owner of a newsstand by his boss (Sean) who promises to recommend him for a promotion. While waiting for the newsstand to open, he tells Santa that being a "good guy" has stalled his career. Twenty years ago he met and fell in love with Joyce while they were trapped in an elevator for 4 hours and he missed the meeting that started Sean's meteoric rise. He wishes he had gone up in the other elevator with Sean.
Instantly his Christmas wish is granted and he is whisked away to an alternate reality where he is rich and a partner of the firm but no wife or family. In fact, Joyce hates him. Santa tells him he has until Christmas to learn some lessons and get his wife and family back or his memory will be wiped and his current situation will be permanent.
Ethan is a commercial real estate project manager who has been passed over for promotions for the last 20 years. Joyce is a private school teacher who wants to be a lawyer so she can fight for the underdog. They have two adopted teens (Colin and Trisha).
On Christmas Eve, Ethan has been dispatched to evict the owner of a newsstand by his boss (Sean) who promises to recommend him for a promotion. While waiting for the newsstand to open, he tells Santa that being a "good guy" has stalled his career. Twenty years ago he met and fell in love with Joyce while they were trapped in an elevator for 4 hours and he missed the meeting that started Sean's meteoric rise. He wishes he had gone up in the other elevator with Sean.
Instantly his Christmas wish is granted and he is whisked away to an alternate reality where he is rich and a partner of the firm but no wife or family. In fact, Joyce hates him. Santa tells him he has until Christmas to learn some lessons and get his wife and family back or his memory will be wiped and his current situation will be permanent.
Stick with it
Jackbv12322 November 2021
I really hate the premise where the lead is dropped into an alternate universe with no memory of how he got there or even how to operate. As a result he looks like a fool for a long time after that. Really, the character should be committed or suffer other permanent consequences. This movie takes this whole premise about as far as any I can remember. The characters even acknowledge that he's certifiable. I guess it's supposed to be funny. I just wanted to get past it. And I had looked forward to this pairing of lead stars.
Once you get past the initial pain, things smooth out. Ethan goes from being timid and disheartened with life, to a competent man who is more than just a noble nobody. The story becomes a mutual project to ,,,,, you guessed it, to raise money to save a youth center, which is also part of Ethan getting his old life back. The story uses many of the usual devices, but Teri Hatcher and James Denton carry it off with excellent chemistry.
There is a very sweet twist near the end. It transforms the story into something different. Some will say too sappy, but I love sappy.
Once you get past the initial pain, things smooth out. Ethan goes from being timid and disheartened with life, to a competent man who is more than just a noble nobody. The story becomes a mutual project to ,,,,, you guessed it, to raise money to save a youth center, which is also part of Ethan getting his old life back. The story uses many of the usual devices, but Teri Hatcher and James Denton carry it off with excellent chemistry.
There is a very sweet twist near the end. It transforms the story into something different. Some will say too sappy, but I love sappy.
This is such a wonderful movie!
mchthom22 November 2021
So far this is the best movie of the 2021 Hallmark premier lineup. Terry Hatcher is as gorgeous as ever and James Denton is so handsome. They are both great actors with such good chemistry. Marilu Henner was superb as always. Even the misunderstanding was resolved quickly and the kiss at the end was not fake. I even shed a few tears during a few of the scenes. Keep it up hallmark!
More than just another generic Christmas Hallmark movie...
paul_haakonsen8 December 2021
Well, if you enjoy Christmas movies, then you definitely should check out this 2021 Hallmark movie titled "A Kiss Before Christmas".
Sure, when I sat down to watch this movie from writers Mark Amato and Tracy Andreen, I wasn't really expecting more than the usual Christmas sappy cheese that tends to make up the majority of Hallmark Christmas movies. But still, I hadn't already seen the movie, so of course I opted to give it a chance.
And I will say that director Jeff Beesley actually managed to put together a wholesome Christmas movie that has a good storyline, is nicely paced, has good acting performances, and definitely captures the Christmas spirit without succumbing to the usual pitfall of the Christmas cheese that you seen in similar movies.
The storyline told in "A Kiss Before Christmas" was good and well-written. Sure, there were a romantic element to the movie, but it was not the focal point of the movie, which made it all the better and enjoyable. Nay, this movie definitely captured the essence of Christmas and also provided good entertainment at the same time. So it was a sure win.
The movie has James Denton and Teri Hatcher in the lead roles. And it was actually fun to watch them act opposite one another on the screen again. And the movie also have Marilu Henner on the cast list, though in a minor role only.
If you enjoy Christmas movies, and want a movie with more contents to it than just the usual woman meets man and they clash and butt heads, but become forced to work together and end up falling in love and everything becomes happily ever after, then "A Kiss Before Christmas" is a movie for you.
My rating of "A Kiss Before Christmas" lands on a well-deserved six out of ten stars.
Sure, when I sat down to watch this movie from writers Mark Amato and Tracy Andreen, I wasn't really expecting more than the usual Christmas sappy cheese that tends to make up the majority of Hallmark Christmas movies. But still, I hadn't already seen the movie, so of course I opted to give it a chance.
And I will say that director Jeff Beesley actually managed to put together a wholesome Christmas movie that has a good storyline, is nicely paced, has good acting performances, and definitely captures the Christmas spirit without succumbing to the usual pitfall of the Christmas cheese that you seen in similar movies.
The storyline told in "A Kiss Before Christmas" was good and well-written. Sure, there were a romantic element to the movie, but it was not the focal point of the movie, which made it all the better and enjoyable. Nay, this movie definitely captured the essence of Christmas and also provided good entertainment at the same time. So it was a sure win.
The movie has James Denton and Teri Hatcher in the lead roles. And it was actually fun to watch them act opposite one another on the screen again. And the movie also have Marilu Henner on the cast list, though in a minor role only.
If you enjoy Christmas movies, and want a movie with more contents to it than just the usual woman meets man and they clash and butt heads, but become forced to work together and end up falling in love and everything becomes happily ever after, then "A Kiss Before Christmas" is a movie for you.
My rating of "A Kiss Before Christmas" lands on a well-deserved six out of ten stars.
Fresh Take on the "Christmas Wish" plot turns into a charming holiday movie
jamesdolsen-488-71389123 November 2021
Two good actors & a few different twists on an often recycled plot lift this movie above most of the holiday tv fare. Hatcher & Denton have great chemistry and give excellent performances - especially Denton. The screen play is well written with enough twists on the typical plot line to be interesting & kept us engaged. But the acting in a number of pivotal, emotional scenes was remarkable for a Christmas movie. This pair gave an acting clinic that puts most of the Hallmark acting stable to shame - and raised this oft told tale to an 8 rating from me (which is basically a 10 for a Hallmark Christmas movie)
One of the better ones
jakethesnake-4200718 December 2021
Good Enough
PennyReviews26 December 2021
A kiss before Christmas is a well made christmas movie with a nice pace and nicely handled fantasy element. The performances were pretty great too. However, the main plot is about a man who thinks that his life is not what he wanted and he needs to have more. But, his life seems pretty great as it is with a huge house and tons of decorations and xmas lights. If they wanted to be more believable, they should have toned down on the comfy life a little.
A kiss before Christmas 2021 with James Denton
sambballsm20 December 2021
I seriously loved watching this movie. It's another one of my favourites with James Denton. It was so nice to see James and Teri together. Having both of them in this movie was amazing and the chemistry that they have it was extremely exciting to see them together in this movie. Although I do miss seeing James in the show Good witch since it's not on anymore. I was excited to hear about this movie and how James was the producer. Watching all the interviews with James and Teri about the movie and their reunion after housewives, this was definitely a Mike and Susan happily ever after moment that people didn't get a chance to see when Mike got killed off. I hope they do more movies together and also more that he gets to produce. James Denton is an amazing actor in all the movies and tv shows he's in and he's also an amazing dad in real life too.
Good to see Denton and Hatcher together again.....
apriceaboverubies2923 November 2021
....I just wish the movie had been better. The 'It's a Wonderful Life' plot conceit has been run into the ground, especially with these Hallmark Christmas movies. Still the production is lushly photographed and Hatcher and Denton are game players.
A real surprise made for TV festive film.
lisafordeay28 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A Kiss Before Christmas is a 2021 fantasy comedy starring Teri Hatcher and James Denton(who both appeared on ABC's Desperate Housewives back in 2004). Ethan Holt(Denton) met his wife Joyce Hollander(Hatcher) 20 odd years ago in an elevator. Fast forward and Ethan is now a father to two kids(who he adopted) and is working for a CEO. Dissatisfied with his life he wishes that things could be different. Magically he wakes up the next day as a single man who now works as the boss for his company and his wife now hates him and has no idea that she was married to him.
Will Ethan get his life back again?. This film is a cross between Its A Wondeful Life meets another film that I've heard of(I think it's got Nicolas Cage in it The Family Man).
If you like any of the actors in this film you might enjoy it.
Will Ethan get his life back again?. This film is a cross between Its A Wondeful Life meets another film that I've heard of(I think it's got Nicolas Cage in it The Family Man).
If you like any of the actors in this film you might enjoy it.
Awesome Movie
jewelch23 November 2021
I love it !
Kirpianuscus1 December 2023
I admitt , I just love it !
For so many reasons than it is unfair to define them. From the cast to the story, from the touch of 1946 It' s a wonderful life to the fair answer about imagined better life , easy temptation for many from us to the lovely Santa.
Indeed, far be original, it works in beautiful manner, including for sweet reference to desperate Housewife couple.
But a good , real precious good point is the basket of themes, from adoption and significance of youth center to the kindness as fundamental vulnerability, from the newspapers lady and her job as family tradition to the huge business, destroying with cinism and expected good price for unused locations.
In short, lovely at whole and first time when I can say, sure, not high voice, "well done, Hallmark !"
For so many reasons than it is unfair to define them. From the cast to the story, from the touch of 1946 It' s a wonderful life to the fair answer about imagined better life , easy temptation for many from us to the lovely Santa.
Indeed, far be original, it works in beautiful manner, including for sweet reference to desperate Housewife couple.
But a good , real precious good point is the basket of themes, from adoption and significance of youth center to the kindness as fundamental vulnerability, from the newspapers lady and her job as family tradition to the huge business, destroying with cinism and expected good price for unused locations.
In short, lovely at whole and first time when I can say, sure, not high voice, "well done, Hallmark !"
A Kiss Before Christmas
JoBloTheMovieCritic27 November 2021
Put a little love in your heart
splashpont23 November 2021
Unsure if I would be as open minded as one of the the main characters are, but the idealism and kindness that is a hallmark of the season (see what I did?) Is vitally necessary for today's society and especially the children to see, appreciate, and to do likewise.
This is a grown up reverse retelling of Family Man.
cgvsluis7 January 2022
Ok, James Denton, Marilu Henner and Teri Hatcher...what a phenomenal cast! ( I am soooo going to miss James Denton in The Good Witch!)
James Denton plays, Ethan Holt. He met his wife Joyce, played by Teri Hatcher, twenty years ago on Christmas Eve in an elevator. This was a defining moment in his career. They are the proud parents of two teenagers, but Ethan wonders what would have happened if he had made some different choices.
Two kids:Colin who plays football and aspires to be a baker and Trisha who is a sophomore in high school and thinking about College. Joyce is thinking about going back to college now that the kids don't need her as much...but the family is struggling financially.
The Vice President position is dangled in front of Ethan, dependent on him getting a third generation news stand lady to sign off on vacating. Ethan comes up with an alternative solution that prevents him from getting the position. ...Enter Santa and some loose words spoken by Ethan and in a true Family Man fashion, Ethan wakes up in an alternate life where he got on a different elevator and didn't meet his lovely wife. Sure he is successful...but is he happy feeding the insatiable money machine?
This is a complete reverse retelling of one of my favorite films The Family Man. The one thing I missed is the adorable kid and the interaction with their new alien dad (one of the best parts of the original Family Man).
"Being a good guy is what's held me back my entire life."-Ethan.
I loved the cast and I really enjoyed a more mature story line with more mature actors. It is an interesting moral dilemma and even more interesting that it is a puzzle that he has to solve by Christmas Day or he will loose his whole past life.
"I talk to my wife. We have been together since high school and I trust her more than anyone."-Gus.
James Denton plays, Ethan Holt. He met his wife Joyce, played by Teri Hatcher, twenty years ago on Christmas Eve in an elevator. This was a defining moment in his career. They are the proud parents of two teenagers, but Ethan wonders what would have happened if he had made some different choices.
Two kids:Colin who plays football and aspires to be a baker and Trisha who is a sophomore in high school and thinking about College. Joyce is thinking about going back to college now that the kids don't need her as much...but the family is struggling financially.
The Vice President position is dangled in front of Ethan, dependent on him getting a third generation news stand lady to sign off on vacating. Ethan comes up with an alternative solution that prevents him from getting the position. ...Enter Santa and some loose words spoken by Ethan and in a true Family Man fashion, Ethan wakes up in an alternate life where he got on a different elevator and didn't meet his lovely wife. Sure he is successful...but is he happy feeding the insatiable money machine?
This is a complete reverse retelling of one of my favorite films The Family Man. The one thing I missed is the adorable kid and the interaction with their new alien dad (one of the best parts of the original Family Man).
"Being a good guy is what's held me back my entire life."-Ethan.
I loved the cast and I really enjoyed a more mature story line with more mature actors. It is an interesting moral dilemma and even more interesting that it is a puzzle that he has to solve by Christmas Day or he will loose his whole past life.
"I talk to my wife. We have been together since high school and I trust her more than anyone."-Gus.
One of Hallmark's best
briane-9058018 December 2021
Not bad but somehow too long
aeszeki22 December 2023
Good quality actors, way above average for these movies. I was looking forward to see it, mostly because of the cast. Good chemistry between the two leads. They make this watchable.
The plot, while predictable, is a nice respite from the usual holiday romance movie themes. The villain is a bit of a caricature, though.
All this being said, it became boring soon enough. It fails to get me invested.
The conflicts are artificial. The lead comes through as spineless and aloof. Some decisions are stupid/naive. He realises almost instantly what he wants but focuses on something else.
A lot of missed opportunities.
The plot, while predictable, is a nice respite from the usual holiday romance movie themes. The villain is a bit of a caricature, though.
All this being said, it became boring soon enough. It fails to get me invested.
The conflicts are artificial. The lead comes through as spineless and aloof. Some decisions are stupid/naive. He realises almost instantly what he wants but focuses on something else.
A lot of missed opportunities.
you've seen this dream before
montgomerysue28 November 2021
Denton and Hatcher are good, likable actors, but the script here really lets them down. They deserve way better than this predictable and often told story. The only performer to survive with her acting reputation intact is Marilu Henner, but even she can't save this balderdash. Too bad, a real missed opportunity by Hallmark to give a good cast something memorable to do.
One of James Denton's Best Performances
fran-veal18 December 2021
I've been a fan of James Denton all the way back to his role as the bad guy Mr. Lyle on the Pretender. That said, he really sells this role as a good guy tempted to compromise his principles in order to get that bump in salary to give his family all those extras he feels they need and deserve.
Denton and Terri Hatcher have an undeniable onscreen chemistry. Their scenes together are electric, and you can really see them as a couple. The story is sweet, and you can really feel Denton's character's desperation to get back to his real life and to his family.
Definitely the best Hallmark Christmas movie this season.
Denton and Terri Hatcher have an undeniable onscreen chemistry. Their scenes together are electric, and you can really see them as a couple. The story is sweet, and you can really feel Denton's character's desperation to get back to his real life and to his family.
Definitely the best Hallmark Christmas movie this season.
Favorite 2021 Premier So Far
leahwilliams-5901222 November 2021
This is my favorite 2021 premier so far! With all the movies hallmark is putting out they've lost the special something- more quantity over quality....but this movie is cute and has depth- I really felt connected. Loved the moral of the story that people are more important than money.
A Tale as Old as Time
rebekahrox23 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Alternate time plots are very popular. And for good reason. As oft repeated ad nauseum as they are they also automatically offer a lot of opportunity for and promise of drama, comedy, wonder, suspense, and emotion. Usually, at least at Hallmark, a woman is dissatisfied with her current circumstances, and magic happens. She goes back in time to a fork in the road. This time she takes the other fork and experiences what her life would then have been like. At the end, no matter what the permutations in the actual plot, she ends up embracing family and during November and December, "The true meaning of Christmas." It's a tale as old as time.
In this one, in a change of pace, it is the man who takes a time trip. Joyce and Ethan are a happily married couple in their mid '40s. Teri Hatcher and James Denton are each pushing 60, but they are very attractive and it was a suspension of disbelief I was happy to roll with. I believed them. James is a successful lawyer, but he is over-worked and is not at the top of his profession. So he has middle class life style rather than the affluent, luxury-filled position of his colleague, Sean. He is an ethical good guy, and not willing to be ruthless and unscrupulous in his pursuit of success. But now financial concerns and family tensions due to his lack of family time are starting to get to him. Enter magic Santa. He goes back to that turning point and takes the other path. He now has the luxurious home, the fancy car and the big office. But no family. Luckily Ethan's two kids were adopted so they still exist and are not wiped off the face of the earth. So that metaphysical and spiritual dilemma is avoided, thank goodness. His wife is no longer a school teacher but a high-profile lawyer who is constantly at loggerheads with Ethan's firm. She wants to save things, they want to tear them down. He enlists her help.
He can't go back to his old life until he learns his lesson. Actually, he learns his lesson pretty early, but magic Santa shows no mercy, until the pain and horror of losing his family bring him to the brink of despair. Magic Santa ain't playing.
Adding to the enjoyment is Marilu Henner, the owner of the law firm who is there to ensure Ethan will still get his promotion while doing the right and ethical thing and that Sean, his corrupt bully of a colleague gets his comeuppance. Teri and James had great chemistry (no surprise there) and took a well-worn plot to the next level.
In this one, in a change of pace, it is the man who takes a time trip. Joyce and Ethan are a happily married couple in their mid '40s. Teri Hatcher and James Denton are each pushing 60, but they are very attractive and it was a suspension of disbelief I was happy to roll with. I believed them. James is a successful lawyer, but he is over-worked and is not at the top of his profession. So he has middle class life style rather than the affluent, luxury-filled position of his colleague, Sean. He is an ethical good guy, and not willing to be ruthless and unscrupulous in his pursuit of success. But now financial concerns and family tensions due to his lack of family time are starting to get to him. Enter magic Santa. He goes back to that turning point and takes the other path. He now has the luxurious home, the fancy car and the big office. But no family. Luckily Ethan's two kids were adopted so they still exist and are not wiped off the face of the earth. So that metaphysical and spiritual dilemma is avoided, thank goodness. His wife is no longer a school teacher but a high-profile lawyer who is constantly at loggerheads with Ethan's firm. She wants to save things, they want to tear them down. He enlists her help.
He can't go back to his old life until he learns his lesson. Actually, he learns his lesson pretty early, but magic Santa shows no mercy, until the pain and horror of losing his family bring him to the brink of despair. Magic Santa ain't playing.
Adding to the enjoyment is Marilu Henner, the owner of the law firm who is there to ensure Ethan will still get his promotion while doing the right and ethical thing and that Sean, his corrupt bully of a colleague gets his comeuppance. Teri and James had great chemistry (no surprise there) and took a well-worn plot to the next level.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
