It is a sweet Christmas movie not the best but a nice one. I recommend it if you want to relax and just be entertained.
27 Reviews
Nice Christmas movie
nat-leisi24 October 2018
Well meaning Christmas
TheLittleSongbird29 March 2023
Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken from late 2019 and still ongoing, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Hallmark's output but not all.
'A Heavenly Christmas' as far as Hallmark's Christmas films go fares quite well and is definitely worth watching and remembering. It is not flawless or a classic, but have come overtime to not expect any of those things watching a Hallmark Christmas film and have always tried to not judge them too seriously. Have seen the two leads in other things and they have shown that they can be good with the right material, which they do have once 'A Heavenly Christmas' gets going.
It is a bit slow to begin with, the set up taking a little too long and some of the dialogue early on is on the ropey side.
Did feel as well that Kristin Davis overdid it at times when it seemed like she was trying too hard to act younger than she was.
However, so much is good. Davis on the whole gives a performance that is committed and deeply felt, even if it isn't flawless. Eric McCormack, proving that he can do drama as well as comedy, and Shirley MacLaine (as the most interesting character) are very good, McCormack is understated and charming and MacLaine is dignified and fun to watch. The characters were on the most part ones easy to get behind and carry the film well.
The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments. The dialogue is not great to begin with but improves when the plot properly kicks in, not being too sweet and it flows at least. The story is sentimental but is also very sincere and moving, with nothing feeling contrived.
Summing up, good if not great. 7/10.
'A Heavenly Christmas' as far as Hallmark's Christmas films go fares quite well and is definitely worth watching and remembering. It is not flawless or a classic, but have come overtime to not expect any of those things watching a Hallmark Christmas film and have always tried to not judge them too seriously. Have seen the two leads in other things and they have shown that they can be good with the right material, which they do have once 'A Heavenly Christmas' gets going.
It is a bit slow to begin with, the set up taking a little too long and some of the dialogue early on is on the ropey side.
Did feel as well that Kristin Davis overdid it at times when it seemed like she was trying too hard to act younger than she was.
However, so much is good. Davis on the whole gives a performance that is committed and deeply felt, even if it isn't flawless. Eric McCormack, proving that he can do drama as well as comedy, and Shirley MacLaine (as the most interesting character) are very good, McCormack is understated and charming and MacLaine is dignified and fun to watch. The characters were on the most part ones easy to get behind and carry the film well.
The production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the music has some pleasant nostalgic moments. The dialogue is not great to begin with but improves when the plot properly kicks in, not being too sweet and it flows at least. The story is sentimental but is also very sincere and moving, with nothing feeling contrived.
Summing up, good if not great. 7/10.
Angels that break the rules!
kz917-118 December 2017
Kristin Davis as a workaholic turned angel after an accident is directed to help grant the wish of a young girl for her uncle (Eric McCormack) to be happy once again. One of the rays of light is Shirley MacLaine as the guardian angel.
This movie hits all the right notes (Eric McCormack sings several tunes) and tugs all the right heart strings!
Enjoyable flick!
This movie hits all the right notes (Eric McCormack sings several tunes) and tugs all the right heart strings!
Enjoyable flick!
Nice Movie...
shopperv2 December 2016
It may not be the greatest Christmas movie ever made but it is sweet. The Chicago Christmas scenes are pretty nice. Another review stated that Kristin Davis was too old for the part. Really??? Kristin is 51 and Eric McCormack is 53. Does that mean that people in their 50's or older can't fall in love? We are never too old to look at our lives and make changes! Yes, it is somewhat predictable but this one had a somewhat surprise ending. Hallmark movies are meant to be enjoyable and take you away from this crazy world for two hours. Christmas movies are fantasy! I for one was touched by A Heavenly Christmas and loved it. Who knew that Eric McCormack could sing? Not bad either! Enjoy the movie!!!
Kristin Davis makes this worth watching
phd_travel28 November 2016
Kristin Davis has a unique sweetness and charm so her presence together with her other A list (for Hallmark) co stars Eric Maccormack and the still limber looking Shirley Maclaine elevate this Hallmark Christmas movie to above average. There isn't the usual filmed in Canada look with pleasant looking but not too famous Canadian actors.
Kristin is a work obsessed executive who neglects family and love. After falling and hitting her head on a snowy pavement she becomes an angel and falls for a sad guy Eric Maccormack who lost his sister and cares for his niece. He runs a diner and used to be a singer - so he does get to display his singing voice a fair bit.
She only has a week but romance ensues. The little fix and the end is predictable but it's palatable.
Most hallmark movies are predictable but when you have a good cast it's just that much more watchable.
Want to see more of Kristin Davis on TV.
Kristin is a work obsessed executive who neglects family and love. After falling and hitting her head on a snowy pavement she becomes an angel and falls for a sad guy Eric Maccormack who lost his sister and cares for his niece. He runs a diner and used to be a singer - so he does get to display his singing voice a fair bit.
She only has a week but romance ensues. The little fix and the end is predictable but it's palatable.
Most hallmark movies are predictable but when you have a good cast it's just that much more watchable.
Want to see more of Kristin Davis on TV.
Lacks The Spark Of Some Hallmark Films
atlasmb29 November 2021
Max (Eric McCormack) is unhappy with his life, though he is surrounded by friends and family. Eve (Kristin Davis) is content, though she has no friends and disregards her family as she focuses on moving up the corporate ladder. Circumstances thrust them together, and each reevaluates his or her life.
This Hallmark holiday film relies on the supernatural to move the story along, much like "A Christmas Carol". Shirley MacLaine plays the part of Pearl, an angel who stirs the pot with some predictable results.
McCormack is strong in his role. He is uncle and custodian to Lauren (Jaeda Lily Miller), who lost her parents in an accident. Davis is pleasant, but never very convincing as one side of the burgeoning romance that is central to the final chapter. Unlike some other Hallmark shows, Christmas is not an important part of the story; the action could have occurred at any time of the year.
This Hallmark holiday film relies on the supernatural to move the story along, much like "A Christmas Carol". Shirley MacLaine plays the part of Pearl, an angel who stirs the pot with some predictable results.
McCormack is strong in his role. He is uncle and custodian to Lauren (Jaeda Lily Miller), who lost her parents in an accident. Davis is pleasant, but never very convincing as one side of the burgeoning romance that is central to the final chapter. Unlike some other Hallmark shows, Christmas is not an important part of the story; the action could have occurred at any time of the year.
Kristen Davis Shines But This Is Still An Average Holiday Film
Christmas-Reviewer28 November 2016
Kristen Davis has many fans because of her role as Charlotte York in "Sex and the City". However in this film she isn't playing Charlotte York she is playing Miranda the problem is the role seems to be written for someone in their 30's. Kristen is 20 years too old for the part. Now about the story!
Upon her untimely death, a workaholic finds herself in training to be a Christmas Angel in Heaven. Despite being the worst recruit in the history of Christmas, she's assigned a hard luck case. As she's forced to help solve his problems, she'll start to discover the meaning of Christmas and maybe even fall in love along the way
This whole movie however doesn't have a pulse. The tender moments fall flat. The romance has no sparks and the singing pushes away all plausibility.
This is a film that borrows plots and plot twist from every Christmas film you can think of. If you are going to steel then yes "Steel from the best". The plot however never seems to jell.
This is okay but not worth a repeat viewing!
Upon her untimely death, a workaholic finds herself in training to be a Christmas Angel in Heaven. Despite being the worst recruit in the history of Christmas, she's assigned a hard luck case. As she's forced to help solve his problems, she'll start to discover the meaning of Christmas and maybe even fall in love along the way
This whole movie however doesn't have a pulse. The tender moments fall flat. The romance has no sparks and the singing pushes away all plausibility.
This is a film that borrows plots and plot twist from every Christmas film you can think of. If you are going to steel then yes "Steel from the best". The plot however never seems to jell.
This is okay but not worth a repeat viewing!
Hard to get past the dreadful cast to enjoy a silly movie
imdb-2528827 June 2022
I channel surfed onto this. I thought it was going to be good due the seasoned actors. But yeah: Kristin Davis is too old for the part. No, it's not the way she looks. It's not that older people can't fall in love (loved Betty White & Leslie Nielsen in their romantic comedy!) it's that Kristin Davis, much like Britney Spears, is stuck in teenage mode and making the faces that worked for her in SATC. Her face looks bizarre trying to pull them off.
Not just because of the deep lines below her eyes making her tired and her crepey forehead but because she KNOWS she's too old for the part and she knows she's TOO OLD TO PLAY INGENUE and yet, that's what she gives us. Why can't she adapt her behavior, her demeanor and her personality to go along with her aged face? THAT is the problem. So there's incongruence between the way she looks and the way she acts. And the fact that she knows it means she projects awkwardness, but not cute character awkwardness. She projects self-consciousness.
Then the other problem I'm having is having seen the very graphic pix of her deepest most private self that she took and uploaded online for the world to see. They were linked right here, back when they were forums and I had no idea what I was clicking and there you go! I can't believe she's shown her face on TV ever since that fiasco! She should have retired early. And then there's the guy: he's typecast as per his own previous role and personal inclings. Hard to believe him interested in a woman. He's trying to kiss her now and he looks like he's bracing to suck on a tube of anchovy-flavored toothpaste. It just doesn't work!
Poor casting. Then there's living corpse, MacLaine. Didn't she die way back when? Mandela Effect? Well anyway. This channel makes hokey movies. There's a market for that. But for goodness sakes, can't they hire a capable casting director?! That's who I blame for this fiasco. Three extremely oversexed leads trying to play meek: it doesn't work because we know exactly what you are and what you've done. Oversharing? Check check check! (1 wrote a book, 1 posted her own images and the other prefers men!) And somewhere in there, there's an annoying kid! (Someone ought to have told "Charlotte" she wasn't it!)
Skip this one, it would have worked so much better with better cast leads. 4 stars for the costumer, cinematographer, location lead and the props master.
Not just because of the deep lines below her eyes making her tired and her crepey forehead but because she KNOWS she's too old for the part and she knows she's TOO OLD TO PLAY INGENUE and yet, that's what she gives us. Why can't she adapt her behavior, her demeanor and her personality to go along with her aged face? THAT is the problem. So there's incongruence between the way she looks and the way she acts. And the fact that she knows it means she projects awkwardness, but not cute character awkwardness. She projects self-consciousness.
Then the other problem I'm having is having seen the very graphic pix of her deepest most private self that she took and uploaded online for the world to see. They were linked right here, back when they were forums and I had no idea what I was clicking and there you go! I can't believe she's shown her face on TV ever since that fiasco! She should have retired early. And then there's the guy: he's typecast as per his own previous role and personal inclings. Hard to believe him interested in a woman. He's trying to kiss her now and he looks like he's bracing to suck on a tube of anchovy-flavored toothpaste. It just doesn't work!
Poor casting. Then there's living corpse, MacLaine. Didn't she die way back when? Mandela Effect? Well anyway. This channel makes hokey movies. There's a market for that. But for goodness sakes, can't they hire a capable casting director?! That's who I blame for this fiasco. Three extremely oversexed leads trying to play meek: it doesn't work because we know exactly what you are and what you've done. Oversharing? Check check check! (1 wrote a book, 1 posted her own images and the other prefers men!) And somewhere in there, there's an annoying kid! (Someone ought to have told "Charlotte" she wasn't it!)
Skip this one, it would have worked so much better with better cast leads. 4 stars for the costumer, cinematographer, location lead and the props master.
Good movie but...
jewhitmer2519 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this movie even though it was an obvious ripoff of an earlier Hallmark movie "Christmas Magic" made in 2011. I expected something special and original in a Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie.
Point by point 1. Both lead women are workaholics in their chosen fields.
2. Both women are in comas following an accident 3. Both women are assigned to help someone before Christmas.
4. Both women had a guardian angel advising them 5. Both guardian angels had their own former lives on earth 6. Both women are warned not to fall in love.
7. Both women fell in love with their subject.
8. Both women must not contact anyone from their former life.
9. Both men formerly had music careers.
10. Both men are in the restaurant business 11. Both men are grieving the loss of a loved one.
12. Both men are raising a child alone.
13. Both little girls recognize that the woman is an angel.
14. Both women are given the chance to return to their former life.. 15. Both women awake from a weeks long coma and hop out of bed and are home the next day.
16. Both couples get a happy ever after. (But that is common in HM movies.)
Minor differences in the story but basically the same movie. There is no way the script writer or at the very least Hallmark itself did not have prior knowledge of "Christmas Magic". Was this an intentional reworking of a previous movie or source material or was this plagiarism?
Now, about this movie. The cast was great, I loved Kristan Davis and Eric McCormack together. It was nice to see older actors and not just the 20 somethings falling in love. Also, Shirley MacLaine was wonderful. It was a feel good movie. However my enjoyment was lessened by knowing exactly what was going to happen next, since I had already watched "Christmas Magic".
My advice - it's well worth watching, but you'll just enjoy it more if you have not already seen "Christmas Magic".
Point by point 1. Both lead women are workaholics in their chosen fields.
2. Both women are in comas following an accident 3. Both women are assigned to help someone before Christmas.
4. Both women had a guardian angel advising them 5. Both guardian angels had their own former lives on earth 6. Both women are warned not to fall in love.
7. Both women fell in love with their subject.
8. Both women must not contact anyone from their former life.
9. Both men formerly had music careers.
10. Both men are in the restaurant business 11. Both men are grieving the loss of a loved one.
12. Both men are raising a child alone.
13. Both little girls recognize that the woman is an angel.
14. Both women are given the chance to return to their former life.. 15. Both women awake from a weeks long coma and hop out of bed and are home the next day.
16. Both couples get a happy ever after. (But that is common in HM movies.)
Minor differences in the story but basically the same movie. There is no way the script writer or at the very least Hallmark itself did not have prior knowledge of "Christmas Magic". Was this an intentional reworking of a previous movie or source material or was this plagiarism?
Now, about this movie. The cast was great, I loved Kristan Davis and Eric McCormack together. It was nice to see older actors and not just the 20 somethings falling in love. Also, Shirley MacLaine was wonderful. It was a feel good movie. However my enjoyment was lessened by knowing exactly what was going to happen next, since I had already watched "Christmas Magic".
My advice - it's well worth watching, but you'll just enjoy it more if you have not already seen "Christmas Magic".
An Okay Film for a Hallmark
docm-3230422 December 2020
Overall, it's not a bad flick nor as sophomoric as most Hallmarks, so points for that. There are some glaring holes in the character developments, but you get used to it. It's a nice story and the characters are likable. If I was going to say anyone was too old for the casting, it would be Ms Maclaine as she looks like a corpse.
I could have done without Kristin
eapepin-0112927 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Overall, the movie concept was interesting and well plotted, but Kristin Davis was totally mis-cast for this role. First, she was way to old for the person she was playing and I think she knew it and tried to compensate by acting, talking and constantly smiling like a teenybopper. Her constant over-the-top expressions and voice made me think she really needed to lay off the caffeine. Basically, she just completely over acted the role. Shirley Maclaine was pretty much reading from the same playbook. Her chin to floor cover up outfits were very distracting. I'm guessing the wrinkles were not supposed to show. That being said, take her and MacLaine out of the roles and replace them with almost anybody else and the movie would be up there with some of the Hallmark Channel's best. This time, though, not so much.
One of the very best
salika-8155512 December 2022
I'm picky about movies, especially those with a christmas theme. This one knocked me off my feet, one of the best christmasmovies out there.
Naturally everyone has different tastes, but this movie I simply felt that I could relate to. The acting is good, the surprising elements and the chemistry between the characters are all there.
Even though the theme is at the beginning similar to a femal scrooge the movie redeems itself with any shortcomings. It is not too little or too much. Im so happy that I found this gem and I hope others will enjoy it as much as I did. With that being said. Happy holidays everyone.
Naturally everyone has different tastes, but this movie I simply felt that I could relate to. The acting is good, the surprising elements and the chemistry between the characters are all there.
Even though the theme is at the beginning similar to a femal scrooge the movie redeems itself with any shortcomings. It is not too little or too much. Im so happy that I found this gem and I hope others will enjoy it as much as I did. With that being said. Happy holidays everyone.
a little off for me
sherilcarey11 December 2021
I always find it a little odd in the more modern films when they make it sort of feel like it is all about it being wholesome and good except the beliefs and values they show are like pale reflections of real beliefs and values. Older black and white films often pull it off some because the films feel more like fantasy and less like the real world. But the modern ones remind me that the movie makers don't understand the deepest and most important things. It is sad. Otherwise this would have been as high as 7 or 8 stars for me.
Beautiful Story
moviemaker41 December 2016
What a beautiful story. Kristin Davis, Eric McCormack, Shirley MacLaine as well as the little niece were all wonderful. Thank you for bringing joy, Hope and happiness to others. Not only was the story line inspiring, the music, city views, holiday decor was awesome. I have loved Shirley MacLaine since I was a child. I am a huge fan of Will and Grace and Sex and City. I own the DVD's of all seasons for both so I am very fond of Kristin Davis and Eric McCormack. To see Eric sing was a treat, very talented! Kristin is just as adorable as ever. Beautiful Story Thank you all for bringing joy, hope and happiness to others. Thank you Hallmark for all of your masterpieces. I've enjoyed them through the years.
The angelic winners from Hallmark go on and on and on.....
inkblot114 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Eve (Kristin Davis) is a workaholic investment counselor. Very successful, she has sacrificed nearly everything to be a partner at a young age. Once close to her brother and his family, she sends her PA out to buy them gifts and squeezes in a few minutes with them here and there. Even after sharing a cab ride with an amazingly handsome man, Max (Eric McCormack), she isn't fazed, even though he seems to have eyes for her. Beyond that, her pushy schedule makes him lose a musical audition, as he arrives too late. Ah, but Eve is about to get a reckoning. One day near Christmas, she slips and falls on the ice. When she awakes, she finds she is in Heaven and being lectured by a talkative angel, Pearl (Shirley MacClaine). It seems that, yes, Eve has landed beyond the pearly gates but, her time on earth is not finished. Pearl instructs her that THEY are going back to bring happiness to a sad gentleman and his young niece. Wouldn't you know the man who lost his sister and singing partner happens to be Max? Can Eve truly change and focus on human relationships instead of work? What if she falls for Max and then has to go back to her Heavenly mansion? Wait, this is Hallmark, so there must be some secrets! What a lovely Xmas romance, another in the long, long line of beautiful, funny, touching Hallmark films. McCormack is one of those handsome, talented guys who is tailor made to play the romantic lead while Davis, very lovely, has a sweetness that belies her pushy role. MacClaine, too, is a treasure at all times while the young lady playing Max's niece does a fine job, too. Naturally, the film has been carefully made with great costumes, sets, a clever script and a touching direction. Maybe you missed this one during the rush up to Christmas? Look for it in the coming year as it is welcome any day, any hour, any month.
Sweet story that will leave you feeling happy and Christmasy
erika-3535230 November 2016
I wanted to see a movie that had a happy ending and made me feel christmasy inside and that is exactly what I got! I have enjoyed all of the actors in other films and t.v. shows. I thought Kristin Davis was solid as the workaholic turned Christmas Angel in training though I may have liked to see the workaholic side a little less sweet and cheerful. Eric McCormack was for me, for the first time, surprisingly crush-worthy and I thought the chemistry between the two was good. Who knew he could sing and play guitar?! The actress who plays his young niece is especially good! She is sweet but refreshingly real and a little goofy. Shirley MacLaine is really the cherry on top of this Christmas treat. Her "keepin' it real" style as the angel who trains the workaholic is great! It would be fun to see a sequel to this film that mostly follows her on her "training angels" job. The writer, Gregg McBride, did a beautiful job of weaving the story together with humor and kindness and, with a few call-back lines, makes us feel like we have a shared history with the characters. The film is sweet but not cloying. I thought the production values were great...especially outdoor scenes and scenes in the diner. If you want to watch a feel good Christmas movie, this should be your pick!
Nice movie
dianamarinelli1 February 2021
A nice midsummer relief from Covid19
nenms1116 July 2020
Learn your lesson well.
adamjohns-4257518 November 2020
Usually if they are using genuine Christmas songs (You know, ones we all actually know) and they have more than one 'Star' in the film, it should be one of the better ones and this one is true to that form.
We know Kristin from "Sex And The City" and Eric from "Will & Grace" and Shirley is a Hollywood legend, so we already have talent and interest from the beginning.
The concept is good, similar to "Unlikely Angel" with the amazing Dolly Parton and a number of others that have followed since, but it's a good telling.
The kid, that is usually a brat in these films, was actually bearable, there are two cats in it (Always a winner for me) and there's a good Christmas vibe covered in fake snow. There is a cringey moment or two when Eric gets it out and sings, but he's not as bad as most.
A quality filled festive hit.
We know Kristin from "Sex And The City" and Eric from "Will & Grace" and Shirley is a Hollywood legend, so we already have talent and interest from the beginning.
The concept is good, similar to "Unlikely Angel" with the amazing Dolly Parton and a number of others that have followed since, but it's a good telling.
The kid, that is usually a brat in these films, was actually bearable, there are two cats in it (Always a winner for me) and there's a good Christmas vibe covered in fake snow. There is a cringey moment or two when Eric gets it out and sings, but he's not as bad as most.
A quality filled festive hit.
One of the best ever on Hallmark
richardbbaptist1 December 2016
Not a big fan of Eric McCormack or Kristin Davis. Didn't watch much of either of their hit TV shows. However I found them both delightful and the movie one of the best Christmas movies ever on Hallmark. The plot is not unique in the least but it was different just enough to make it the best feel good Hallmark Christmas Movie so far. Trust me I don't say that lightly as some of the other movies that I have seen are great and the stars more my favorites. I give it a ten. This movie will please people in repeats for years to come. Good show Hallmark. Hope there is more this quality in December. I will watch this I am sure many more times in the coming years.
It was Heavenly to Watch
gehewe1 January 2017
This movie was well done. It was successful. The fantasy made it fun and there was a good surprise ending.
The leading actress and actor were the main characters with a young girl in the mix (she also played on Operation Christmas). The actress was superb. Actor was great. Loved the change in the actress which added to the film.
Definitely would want to watch it again mainly due to the actress. Enjoyed how they used the neighbors green Christmas sweater to show the change that occurred in our main character Eve. Oh yes Shirley McClain plays an angel who bends the rules.
The leading actress and actor were the main characters with a young girl in the mix (she also played on Operation Christmas). The actress was superb. Actor was great. Loved the change in the actress which added to the film.
Definitely would want to watch it again mainly due to the actress. Enjoyed how they used the neighbors green Christmas sweater to show the change that occurred in our main character Eve. Oh yes Shirley McClain plays an angel who bends the rules.
It Is A Heavenly Christmas Mr. Jordan
oceansroar26 November 2016
First off, you might notice the high score and think I am crazy. It is a Hallmark film. I rate films differently than most people. I rate them in their genre, so Hallmark Films are rated differently than films released in the cinema.
Secondly, this film copies many other films. If you have seen any film where the person dies and the angels brings to back to Earth to do a good deed, then you have seen this film. If you have seen Heaven Can Wait, then you have seen this film. I like this type of fantasy film. Heaven Can Wait was one of my favourite films which i could watch over and over.
All the actors do a great job at making their characters believable in the unbelievable. Shirley MacLaine is the same in everything.
I think this is really a cute film for Christmas. It has all the usual Hallmark sappy hooks. In my opinion, this is a 8.5 out of 10, but we cannot rate it a half point, so i score up or down depending on the feeling. I could watch it again next year or the year after.
Secondly, this film copies many other films. If you have seen any film where the person dies and the angels brings to back to Earth to do a good deed, then you have seen this film. If you have seen Heaven Can Wait, then you have seen this film. I like this type of fantasy film. Heaven Can Wait was one of my favourite films which i could watch over and over.
All the actors do a great job at making their characters believable in the unbelievable. Shirley MacLaine is the same in everything.
I think this is really a cute film for Christmas. It has all the usual Hallmark sappy hooks. In my opinion, this is a 8.5 out of 10, but we cannot rate it a half point, so i score up or down depending on the feeling. I could watch it again next year or the year after.
Beautifully written.
rosiecas27 November 2016
There are so many things to love about this Hallmark movie. Between Kristin Davis, Shirley Maclaine and Eric McCormack, the cast could not have been better. The movie was written in such a way that the elements of love, laughter, magic and surprise, wove together a movie that was uplifting yet kept the plot from being predictable. Also, these elements did not only come together for the sake of entertainment. The writing conveyed a very clear message for the viewers. "A Heavenly Christmas", had a beautiful story line, with a lot of depth to the topic. This fun movie managed to include some heavy topics such as death and afterlife. There seems to be a very clear invitation for viewers to reflect on how they live their lives now. Still, this movie is suitable for all ages. This the perfect Christmas movie for the entire family.
Eric McCormack does a great job
HotToastyRag18 June 2017
It's Christmas! Which means there will be an abundance of "mean person changes her ways" stories. In A Heavenly Christmas, two beloved television stars unite. . .and whatever romantic tension that was intended by the script fizzles miserably. Eric McCormack gives his all, and I dare any woman in the audience not to fall in love with him this holiday season, but chemistry can't happen with only one person's attempt. Kristin Davis either absolutely hated her costar (in which case, she should have implemented those acting lessons she desperately needed) or is just a terrible actress (hence being in need of acting lessons). For the life of me, I don't understand how any actress, when face to face with a lovelorn Eric McCormack, would be capable of such a lousy performance.
My criticisms of Kristin Davis aside (which, believe me is never-ending), I'll definitely watch this movie again next Christmas. McCormack gives a wonderful performance, and at Christmas, I'm always more forgiving about less-than-stellar movies. It's not the best one out there, but give it a try and take the good from it!
My favorite part of the movie (besides the eye candy) is Shirley MacLaine. Lately, she's been typecast as a "sassy, old broad" with gruff one-liners, but in this dual-role performance, she shows much more than a hard shell. In one of the roles, she's warm, friendly, and full of sunshine.
My criticisms of Kristin Davis aside (which, believe me is never-ending), I'll definitely watch this movie again next Christmas. McCormack gives a wonderful performance, and at Christmas, I'm always more forgiving about less-than-stellar movies. It's not the best one out there, but give it a try and take the good from it!
My favorite part of the movie (besides the eye candy) is Shirley MacLaine. Lately, she's been typecast as a "sassy, old broad" with gruff one-liners, but in this dual-role performance, she shows much more than a hard shell. In one of the roles, she's warm, friendly, and full of sunshine.
Warm, engaging romance
herrcarter-9216125 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This Hallmark movie is a warm, engaging romance that leaves you with a big smile on your face. I've long been a fan of movies like this, where a human returns to earth in angel form to accomplish a task. It's a plot we've seen before, but it's still fun.
The best thing about this movie was the performances. Kristen Davis as our reluctant angel Eve was perfect. She has cute, fun, and likable down to a science. Her smile and endearing facial expressions are worth every penny they spent to have her in this movie. Eric McCormack as Max, our sensitive musician and uncle/father figure to 10-year-old Lauren, was also wonderful. He is not your classic Hallmark pretty-boy leading man, but he comes across as very down-to-earth and relatable. The two of them have great chemistry together and you sincerely want them to get together, though it seems impossible, given Eve's temporary situation as an angel. And veteran actress Shirley MacLaine, as overseer angel Pearl, was awesome, with her dry wit and charm. This was a Hallmark Hall of Fame production, and, as such, it was a cut above your average Hallmark channel film, and that's mainly because of the caliber of the stars.
The story was decent, and it kept you involved, wondering how Eve and Max would ever be able to get together, and wondering how she would help Lauren's wish to God become reality, with Max resuming his music career and Lauren's guardianship being resolved. The resolution was fairly satisfying, though the surprise ending, where it turns out she isn't really dead after all, but in a coma (similar to other movies such as "Just Like Heaven") was a bit of a cheat. I felt like they rushed the romance at the end also. Of course, Eve and Max had to get together in the end, even though they didn't remember each other, but it seemed too unrealistic that Max and Lauren would just get invited at the last minute and go to Eve's party, even though, as far as they knew, she was a complete stranger. That could have been handled a bit better.
If I had to find something to be critical about in this movie, it would be the age of the two leads. They are both wonderful actors, of course, but both were in their 50's when this movie was made, which is really too old to be playing leads in a rom-com. Also, Eve was just at the point in her career where she was about to make partner, something you would expect for someone in their 30's, not their 50's. And Max, being a pop musician and winner of an American-Idol-like TV show in his 50's? And they're both still single and never married? Come on! Granted, Davis and McCormack both look very good for actors in their 50's, but you can't pass them off as the 30-somethings that this script was clearly written for.
To summarize, this movie was a fun, feel-good romance and Christmas movie that will warm the heart of anyone who's a fan of romance, Christmas, or Hallmark movies. Definitely worth a watch.
The best thing about this movie was the performances. Kristen Davis as our reluctant angel Eve was perfect. She has cute, fun, and likable down to a science. Her smile and endearing facial expressions are worth every penny they spent to have her in this movie. Eric McCormack as Max, our sensitive musician and uncle/father figure to 10-year-old Lauren, was also wonderful. He is not your classic Hallmark pretty-boy leading man, but he comes across as very down-to-earth and relatable. The two of them have great chemistry together and you sincerely want them to get together, though it seems impossible, given Eve's temporary situation as an angel. And veteran actress Shirley MacLaine, as overseer angel Pearl, was awesome, with her dry wit and charm. This was a Hallmark Hall of Fame production, and, as such, it was a cut above your average Hallmark channel film, and that's mainly because of the caliber of the stars.
The story was decent, and it kept you involved, wondering how Eve and Max would ever be able to get together, and wondering how she would help Lauren's wish to God become reality, with Max resuming his music career and Lauren's guardianship being resolved. The resolution was fairly satisfying, though the surprise ending, where it turns out she isn't really dead after all, but in a coma (similar to other movies such as "Just Like Heaven") was a bit of a cheat. I felt like they rushed the romance at the end also. Of course, Eve and Max had to get together in the end, even though they didn't remember each other, but it seemed too unrealistic that Max and Lauren would just get invited at the last minute and go to Eve's party, even though, as far as they knew, she was a complete stranger. That could have been handled a bit better.
If I had to find something to be critical about in this movie, it would be the age of the two leads. They are both wonderful actors, of course, but both were in their 50's when this movie was made, which is really too old to be playing leads in a rom-com. Also, Eve was just at the point in her career where she was about to make partner, something you would expect for someone in their 30's, not their 50's. And Max, being a pop musician and winner of an American-Idol-like TV show in his 50's? And they're both still single and never married? Come on! Granted, Davis and McCormack both look very good for actors in their 50's, but you can't pass them off as the 30-somethings that this script was clearly written for.
To summarize, this movie was a fun, feel-good romance and Christmas movie that will warm the heart of anyone who's a fan of romance, Christmas, or Hallmark movies. Definitely worth a watch.
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