Miss Christmas (2017 TV Movie) User Reviews

Good actors, Not so good Script

[mamachikn · 6/10 · 13 July 2021]

I like Brooke as Holly and Marc as Sam, although they are not compatible in this movie. Not believable that they would fall for each other in one week.

One main thing that bothered me throughout is the idea that killing a 35 year old tree brings joy to city folks for 2 weeks each year. I'm not against tree farms and cut Christmas trees, but really, all Holly's arguments for how important the tree is to be cut down and transported, only to be covered with ornaments and lights, oohed and aahed, viewed for a week or so, cut into boards for homes for veterans, as if that makes killing it justifiable, then next year they have to find Another "Perfect" old 30 foot tall tree.

The acting was fine and the actors are pleasant enough to watch.

The Hallmark tropes are there, however, as in most of their movies: the interrupted kiss, and the overheard half of a conversation resulting in anger and pouting, until they finally realize they were wrong.

This was the second viewing of Miss Christmas to see if I might be mistaken on my rating. No, still a 6, which is an okay movie that I would not watch again.

The acting makes it great

[HotToastyRag · 8/10 · 13 December 2020]

I don't really like the story of Miss Christmas, but I keep coming back to it every year because of the acting. Brooke D'Orsay and Marc Blucas manage to inject drama into the cheesy Hallmark plot and turn it into one of the great ones. If you blew this one off last year because the one-sentence synopsis sounded silly, take my advice and watch it this year when you see it on the Hallmark schedule.

Brooke D'Orsay plays a beautiful peppy career woman in charge of finding the perfect (and gigantic) Christmas tree every year for the annual Chicago lighting ceremony. Because of her festive television appearances, she's acquired the nickname "Miss Christmas". A little boy writes her a letter enclosing a photograph of a perfect (and gigantic) Christmas tree on his family farm, and she travels to the small town to talk his family into donating it. Most people are thrilled to donate their tree and see it on television, but the boy's father, Marc Blucas, adamantly refuses. He explains that the tree is a family heirloom, and while I'm completely on his side, Brooke stays in town a few days to continue the argument. I know the conflict in this story seems a little petty, but trust me and stick with it.

Brooke has an infectious charm that goes beyond the normal Hallmark "Christmas cavity". Even though it's her job to convince them to donate the tree, she's still very sympathetic to their feelings and treats them as real people, rather than sounding boards bouncing off her script. As the movie progresses, you can actually see her breaking down Marc's guard. He's very believable as a divorcée who doesn't want to get hurt again. Falling in love with a businesswoman in town for only a few days is risky, but he just can't help himself. When he describes his feelings, that his new fondness for the holidays is her natural glow rather than just Christmas cheer, he actually gets tears in his eyes. It's a cheesy Hallmark scene on paper, but they make it romantic and moving on the screen. If this type of Hallmark appeals to you, rent Miss Christmas. If this sounds like too much realism, stick with the silly ones like The Sweetest Christmas instead.

You Know How It Will End

[Christmas-Reviewer · 6/10 · 8 November 2017]

I Have Reviewed OVER 400 ( C H R I S T M A S ) MOVIES so beware of fake reviews & reviewers. Many Christmas films only have 1 review. When it's a POSITIVE REVIEW chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. If its a negative review then they may have a huge grudge against the film.

I am fare about these films. The only reason why I review them is to keep track of what "I have seen".

In this film

A lovely lady Nicknamed "Miss Christmas," the official tree finder for Chicago's renowned Radcliffe Tree lighting is left desperate to find the perfect tree. A letter from a young boy promising his tree is perfect sends her to a small town where she learns the young boy's dad isn't willing to part with his tree.

Now any Christmas Film that has a "One Horse Open Sleigh" scene is almost guaranteed to get a rave review from me.

Now what I like about this film is shows us how "Christmas Traditions" in your childhood get carried over when your an adult. In fact you miss the people that you lost the most at Christmas Time.

Now this wasn't the greatest Hallmark Movie however the leads are pleasant. The film has faults but most films do.

I will watch it again

Merry Christmas

Okay film

[Thetruthhurtsss · 6/10 · 15 November 2017]

Run of the mill production from Hallmark. In this film a woman who is in charge of a towns Christmas Tree Festival must look for a new tree when the one she wanted is no longer available.

The tree finder is Chicago's renowned Radcliffe Tree lighting is left desperate to find the perfect tree. A letter from a boy promising his tree is perfect sends her to a small town where she learns his dad isn't willing to part with the tree.

When she arrives in town she finds out the owner of the tree doesn't want her to have it.

Heart warming feature. Give it a shot! Now there is someone here attacking another reviewer. I trust his/hers views. They have been on IMDb for years.

I looked at what the reviewer has "Claimed". There are many films that have reviews and the reviewer has only reviewed that film!

I looked at his/her reviews and they are never "rude". I think someone on this board got called out on their behavior!

This is everything you expect from a Hallmark movie.

[MIssM19 · 6/10 · 1 November 2020]

Holly is "Miss Christmas", she is in charge of the Christmas decorations in Chicago, specially the "famous" tree ceremony. She is searching for the perfect tree when she receives a letter from a boy who has the tree she is looking for.

When you search "Hallmark Christmas Movies" this is what you found. This movie had all the cliches we are used to, the baking, the tree lighting ceremony, a meet cute between our leads, a misunderstanding, even the names (Holly, and the city is named Klaus!)

While Brooke's acting wasn't a favorite of mine, I enjoyed the movie, she had good chemistry with Marc, and the rest of the cast. I'm glad the child wasn't super annoying and we had just the right amount of him.

I was pleased with the ending, while I was expecting something like that to happen, I was expecting it to be the other way around (If you watched it, you should understand).

I liked it, however, it wasn't a favorite and may not even watch again. But it is so worth it. It just feels good.

If you're a fan of Hallmark movies, I definitely recommend this one!

[lnishimiya · 9/10 · 24 November 2017]

When you choose to watch a Hallmark movie, you know exactly what to expect. These movies may not have the most original plot line, but you know that you'll walk away with a warm heart and smile on your face. Miss Christmas does exactly that.

There were the typical clichés, but this movie stood out to me because it wasn't as awkward or inorganic. The actors had great chemistry, and the family aspect really stood out. This movie was very uplifting and joyous.

If you enjoy watching these types of movies, I definitely recommend this one!

Lots of background people in film

[TXSally · 6/10 · 1 November 2018]

It's a good movie; your typical predictable Christmas romance. It is really odd there are people in the movie walking on the scenes who are setting up things. You can see a lady's legs walking on the porch is one scene and about three people walking behind the main cast when digging in a box looking for Ana gel for the wreath.

Good one

[Debzreview · 8/10 · 13 November 2017]

I really liked the story of the McNary family and Holly was a sweetheart who fit right in. The tree was so special to the family and it was a tough decision that turned out perfectly. Holly and Sam clicked immediately and had great chemistry. It was great to see Marc Blucas in another Christmas movie, he always plays a wonderful romantic hero.

A Pleasant Diversision

[michelef-91362 · 7/10 · 26 November 2017]

I enjoyed watching this and I recommend it for anyone looking for a typical feel-good Hallmark movie. The leads have chemistry together and the supporting characters were enjoyable to watch. Some thought went into writing the script and there wasn't a lot of "stuff" that didn't make sense or was a ridiculous stretch. Granted, the choosing of a Christmas tree for a large city tree lighting starts 6-9 months, in advance, but who cares ... it's Hallmark. Most of us know what to expect in a Hallmark Christmas movie and the viewers get that ending. The towns that Hallmark uses to film in are usually super cute. I was a little disappointed with this filming location: it could have used more decorations. The snow falling scenes appear to be digitally added and there didn't seem to be a blue sky anywhere, which is a good thing. I did find it interesting that people were running around wearing sweaters, only, in December Wisconsin weather, though.

Tree sentiment

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 26 January 2021]

The title is on the corny side but was appetising and cute enough. There is absolutely nothing novel or innovative about the story, but there was the potential if done decently it could have some charm without being too sweet. Hallmark Christmas films are a very mixed bag and one should never expect too much from them, but they have shown more than once amidst all their average and less efforts that they are capable of above average and even surprisingly good festive films.

'Miss Christmas' left me a bit mixed in terms of what my opinion on it was overall. It is a long way from being a terrible film in my view and served its purpose as a just scraping borderline average, inoffensive film. Other Hallmark Christmas films are far worse written, acted and looking and ones that bored, annoyed and insulted the intelligence more. Sadly, 'Miss Christmas' didn't strike me as particularly good either, with a lot of the usual flaws apparent. It does have good things.

And those good things are going to be mentioned first. Visually, 'Miss Christmas' looks quite good with it being shot and lit well and while standard the settings were appealing at least. The music has some affectionate nostalgia that does give off a festive vibe.

Brooke D'Orsay is appealing in the female lead role and Marc Blucas is a charming leading man who looks comfortable and looked engaged with the material. They do have a nice natural, genuine chemistry together, it's standard but there is spark and charm with them. Some of the film is heart-warming and sweet, with good intentions evident and doesn't feel too heavy.

However, 'Miss Christmas' is easy to criticise regardless of how one approaches the film and tries to take it for what it is. None of the supporting actors stand out and provide very little variation on nearly every character cliche in the book. Or at least that's how it felt like. The story doesn't have enough to it. Actually don't mind awfully that it was very formulaic.

What bothered me was that there was very unimaginatively executed, was really not much of one at all, had some fairly contrived situations and the film gets so sweet (too much so) in places it was almost sickly. Everything with the tree started off well but got ridiculous later. The script is similarly thin and quite routine, tending to have an awkward flow and was excessively cheesy and schmaltzy. By the end, which while sweet can indeed be seen from miles off, of the film it was one big pile of sloppy mush. Pacing can be a problem, with the story being too little a lot of the film crawls along and feels over-stretched. The direction is only functional at best and can be on the leaden side of things.

Overall, watchable but merely average. 5/10

If you're a fan of Christmas movies, this is a must watch!

[Anonnamus · 10/10 · 19 January 2019]

In a sea of cookie-cutter Christmas movies, this one stands out. The genuine chemistry between each and every cast member is rare. I can't say enough good things about it. I've always been a huge fan of Blucas ever since the late 90s so it was great to see him again after so many years. This film had me smiling and tearing up through the entire thing. I definitely recommend this one.

nice

[Kirpianuscus · 7 November 2019]

Maybe, "nice" is not the most inspired word. Because the story is far to be credible, too forced, because the end is a sort of compromise and the love story almost deep fake. Because I do not feel any emotion or presence of "noble spirit" . But, sure, it is just another Christmas movie in Hallmark style and to expect too much from it seems childish. But it deserves be better.Brooke D Orsay seems be part of campaign for shampoon, Marc Blucas is too soft as Sam and the little Luke Roessler is not the best Joey. But , sure, a cup of milk and few cookies around it are good motifs for see , eating them, "Miss Christmas".

Solid Chrismas Romance

[herrcarter-92161 · 7/10 · 19 August 2023]

As both a Hallmark Christmas movie and a Hallmark romance, this movie checked all the boxes. You had the irresistibly positive Christmas lover winning over the curmudgeonly Christmas-phobe. You had a small, cute town whose charm was bound to win over our city-dwelling heroine and make her decide to quit her high-powered city job and opt for small-town life. You had the obligatory Christmas activities (the only ones they missed were ice skating and a snowball fight). And you had the single dad and his adorable kid, ripe for the picking by our heroine, who was otherwise "too busy" for a relationship.

There's nothing in this movie we haven't seen before, so it lives or dies based on the performances of the actors. In this case, those performances were good. Brooke D'Orsay as the titular Miss Christmas (or Holly in real life) was wonderful. She was happy, upbeat and engaging through the whole movie. Marc Blucas was also decent as Sam. He was very down-to-earth and relatable, with a certain amount of charm, not based on being funny or clever, but being authentic and sincere. I liked the supporting characters in the McNary family, too. They all seemed like folks you would enjoy getting to know better.

Was there chemistry between Holly and Sam? Maybe a little, but I felt like she had much more chemistry with the rest of his family than with him. Their interactions with each other seemed kind of awkward, even cringy at times. I also thought the initial confrontation phase of their relationship, a seeming requirement of most Hallmark romances, was kind of forced and fake. So, he meets an attractive, nice girl who's from out of town, and he immediately starts insulting her for being a city girl. Really? It just seemed weird. Also, I never quite bought him being a Christmas Grinch. He seemed too nice.

The whole plotline about trying to get the cherished family tree for the Christmas display in Chicago seemed unrealistic to me. I would think the whole family would be against this, but they are all in favor, except for lone holdout Sam. Why would these small-town folk be so willing to give up a precious tree for the 2-week enjoyment of a bunch of city dwellers? It never rang true. The end, where they keep the tree but have it be decorated on-site, rather than chopping it down, seemed fairly predictable.

So, all in all, this was a sold Hallmark Christmas romance movie, buoyed by decent performances and providing all the elements that Hallmark fans want and expect. The romance part was weak, but otherwise, it was a good film that will doubtless please fans of the genre.

As with all Hallmark Christmas movies, you know how it will end.

[eapepin-01129 · 5/10 · 29 November 2017]

This one is no different. Hallmark churns these out like they have an assembly line. Grab a producer; then a director. Look thru the inventory of available actors (they pretty much use the same pool of about 25) and take the next three in the queue and book them. Make sure at least the producer or the screen writer and one of the movie leads is from Canada. That way you get the tax breaks from the Canadian Film Commission. That's why They shoot these in Canada. This one takes place in Klaus, Wisconsin? Don't think so. Doesn't exist. Unfortunately, they shoot their Christmas movies (like this one) in July and August. Hardly the snow season, hence the wet streets, free of snow and the fake stuff sitting on bushes and sidewalks. In this one, stock footage is used for wide shots of snow-covered towns and forests, except where the son is finding and cutting his first tree. Look at his feet and you can see the soap suds blowing around his feet. Hallmark does shoot some of its movies in cold locations, where you can actually see the actor's breath frosting as they speak. The movie "Christmas Cookies" is a good example, but that was shot in Utah.

Nothing new happens in this movie. There are no surprises and there really is no drama. You know exactly what's going to happen and it does. Slight twist at the end, but nothing that's going to make you spill your milk and cookies while you watch. The only technical glitch was when he showed her the initials carved in the tree by his parents some 30 odd years ago. Just as clear and crisp as if they have just been carved, when, in reality, the chemical makeup of the tree would have treated that carving as a wound to its bark and would have secreted a chemical to heal itself, and after 30 years, made the carving unrecognizable.

But hey, it's Hallmark, and if you watch the credits roll, the one crew member you don't see is a continuity director.

BTW, it's "Fair", not "Fare". 'Fare' is a fee you pay for travel. And "Steal", not "Steel." 'Steel' is what you get when you add carbon to molten iron.

Miss Christmas(?) - NEVER! 'Tis The Best Season Ever.

[P3n-E-W1s3 · 6/10 · 23 November 2022]

Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to my considerations and recommendation of Miss Christmas.

Story: 1.00/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.50/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.25/2

Total 6/10

Life is tough for a Christmas Tree Wrangler. Imagine taking an entire year to find and take care of the future noble tree to be decorated for the season of goodwill. The chosen pine will become a symbol of hope for the city of Chicago - what a great responsibility. The strange thing is that in this weird world, I can believe somebody actually has this dream job. One year's pay for three months of work - awesome. Sadly, this season, the role of Chicago's Christmas Tree Wrangler became tougher. The chosen pine has developed a sickness that means it's no longer a viable option. So, with little time to spare, the hunt is on for a new spruce. Enter Miss Christmas, the Christmas Tree Wrangler. Apart from the silly job, the movie isn't too bad. It embellishes the Christmas Spirit and possesses a gentle romanticism: It's your typical boy meets girl flick. Of course, they have the usual ups and downs, with both eagerly grabbing at the wrong end of the stick to add more drama for the viewers. And, therefore, add more sentimentality to the climax. The good thing is that the characters are likeable to varying degrees - with no real Scrooge or Grinch turning up in the picture. The characters are also well enough developed to entertain you for an hour and a half, and the actors and actresses deliver credible portrayals of each. Though the direction is pretty standard, it works to move the story along at a steady pace and adds nicely to the heartwarming atmosphere.

If you enjoy romantic Christmas Movies, Miss Christmas is worth a look-see.

Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.

Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.

Little things add up

[Jackbv123 · 10/10 · 6 November 2017]

From the start of this movie I kept being impressed by the little things. Say what you like about the acting or the story or the production, and I will, but these things are the sum of how the story teller masters the little things.

You could tell quickly that Brooke D'Orsay was going to convince us how wonderful Christmas is. And you could tell that she and Marc Blucas were going to connect. They did the little flirty things and the uncertainty, but most of all they did the emotions. And they kept doing it through the whole movie. Luke Roessler did his part too, as the 8 year old that sent the letter that started it all. The director didn't overwhelm us with him - his part was just right.

The story did the little things too. We had most, if not all, of the Christmas traditions like hot chocolate and decorating. The story gave us the heart felt emotions of a man who finds again the Christmas that his late mom loved, and the woman who finds again what home is. And just when we thought there would be no surprise, we get that too (if the TV previews didn't give it away) and the story teller presented that well too, including a sweet little speech.

I'm sure that there will be those who find this movie too sappy, or too much by formula, or too something. But this is a Hallmark Christmas romance movie. Sit down and expect just that and then watch as the story unfolds sweetly using all the little things of Christmas tradition and love.

Perfect

[majoq · 9/10 · 16 November 2020]

Loved it from beginning to end. What's wrong with knowing how it will end? IT'S A HALLMARK MOVIE!! The chemistry between the main characters are so real. Yes, she's annoyingly cheerful LOL and positive. But that's what Christmas is all about, isn't it?

Yet another Hallmark Christmas movie...

[paul_haakonsen · 5/10 · 9 June 2018]

Yeah, this was yet another mass produced Hallmark Christmas movie, that broke no new ground.

It was as generic and scripted as they come, and I say that in the most possible positive manner, because this was not a bad movie. But it was one that follows a very over-used formula of 'how-to-make-a-Christmas-movie' that Hallmark uses repeatedly.

The storyline in "Miss Christmas" was predictable, as it tends to be for movies such as this, and you knew exactly how the movie was going to end. However, there were some nice enough moments throughout the movie to make it worthwhile actually sticking with it to the very end.

And I will say that both Brooke D'Orsay and Marc Blucas were performing quite well and really carried the movie quite nicely, which made it all the more enjoyable to watch.

Fan!

[mglickteig · 10/10 · 3 January 2020]

I'm a fan of Miss Christmas. If you're looking for a good Hallmark movie this is a nice one. I like it for its goodness. Miss Christmas is a nice character but she is so desperate to find a Christmas tree and under so much pressure she questions if she even wants to be Miss Christmas anymore. It would help a lot if she had a family to share it with. How will Hallmark fix this situation? Well they do. They always do.

Oh Christmas tree

[Prismark10 · 4/10 · 6 December 2018]

Miss Christmas is one of the more pleasant festive films from Hallmark.

Holly is a Christmas tree finder for Chicago's annual Radcliffe Tree lighting.

When a mishap occurs to the tree that was originally selected, Holly sets out to find a last minute replacement when she gets a letter from a little boy with a photo of the perfect Christmas tree.

Holly goes off to the small town, the little boy's dad is reluctant to part with the tree. In fact dad is not feeling very festive but he is divorced and sort of hot looking.

Holly needs to persuade dad and his family why the tree should go to Chicago.

Corporates in Chicago pressurise her to do a deal quickly and even tell her that her job is on the line.

Well it is not a Hallmark Christmas film without a subtext that small town homeliness is good, corporate city living is bad.

GREAT all round movie

[ncmathura · 8/10 · 28 October 2018]

GENERALLY.....these movies are "feel good" movies and in this spirit, I would say that it came across very well.....story line was good and of course....girl meets boy......all in all ,good movie to watch with ypur boo.

Oh Christmas Tree!

[adamjohns-42575 · 8/10 · 24 November 2020]

I don't know if it's because I'm so used to him from Buffy The Vampire Slayer, but I really find Marc Blucas a natural in these rolls. Why Buffy would ever dump such a gorgeous guy I don't know? He even makes goofy Christmas sweaters look good, despite playing a bit of a Grinch.

This film, not just thanks to Marc I add, is really cute. The kid is a sweetheart and the situation, although it has been done before in various guises, is a good one. It's full of festive cheer and fun activities and revolves around a giant Christmas tree. I really like it.

A real positive vibe to keep you in the mood at the best time of year.

How to convince a man to KILL A BEAUTIFUL YEARS OLD EVERGREEN that was his mom's and dad's (initials on the trunk)

[druatlax · 3/10 · 10 June 2022]

Story was not good-disjointed at best.......seems killing a 40year old tree is justiable. Sorry,no way Beautiful scenery and the tree's setting were best.

Blucas and D'Orsay are fine as leads. Blucas has enough chemistry to carry the love type theme through it's usual Hallmark way.

I still do not believe this is for the entire family. I was upset, my two nephews were also when scenes about cutting down this remarkable tree were shown. Label it for adults only would be better... or for those that think Christmas Trees are Just a commodity.

Lovely Christmas fairytale

[boo-94821 · 10/10 · 27 November 2018]

I really loved this film, its probably one of my favourite Christmas films. I genuinely cannot wait to watch it again.

Not good enough

[PennyReviews · 2/10 · 17 January 2020]

What was wrong about this movie was that the idea of having to cut down that tree was wrong to begin with. They were trying to justify it by saying that in the end the wood will be in good use, but her persistance on cutting it down even though it was not only beautiful, but also had historical and sentimental value to the family, was ridiculous. Plus, it was obvious where this one was going. But, at least, the ending was okay.