Welcome to Christmas (2018 TV Movie) User Reviews

Started out fair and went downhill

[Jackbv123 · 6/10 · 25 December 2018]

This was a relatively average Christmas movie with most of the usual festivities.

As far as chemistry, there was more between Madison and the kids than her and Gage.

In the title I say it went downhill and it did just before the climax starting with the rival's (Rachal's) "he's mine" speech and right into Madison's sudden misgivings and her attempt to change everyone's mind. That sequence was clumsy and I wanted to speed ahead (but I didn't).

The ending was nice and made some recovery.

Edit added after second viewing: I thought the chemistry between Mabius and Finnigan was great in a witty banter and flirting style. Mabius tends toward the unemotional male as epitomized in his Signed, Sealed, Delivered character. Yet you can see his attraction developing. Finnigan also has a way with characters that hide their emotions but always has a comeback in her dialogue which leads to excellent flirting. In that sense, I thought they were well cast.

A festive mission

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 26 December 2019]

It was not easy telling whether 'Welcome to Christmas' was going to be good or whether it was going to be bad when first hearing of it, reading the plot synopsis and seeing the advertising. The story did sound interesting if not with much to make it unique and it didn't look too bad. Even the mixed response to the film didn't put me off and actually made me intrigued, to see which side of liked it or hated it my opinion would fall on.

Watching 'Welcome to Christmas' as part of my recent Christmas film quest (something that was very much necessary after a tough time), it was for me on neither extreme of brilliant or terrible and found myself neither loving or hating it. If anything my opinion is somewhere in between and am actually pretty conflicted on what my stance is. With there being a fair share of good things but also an equal number of things that didn't work. Can totally understand the mixed response here.

There are good things in 'Welcome to Christmas'. The scenery is lovely and quite picturesque at its best. The music had an affectionate festive atmosphere and had me smiling and humming along, as good music should do. There are moments that amuse and others that are quite sweet.

Did think that the first half is better than the second half, with 'Welcome to Christmas' starting off very promising and there was a nice little twist that wasn't obvious to me at first. Eric Mabius is a very charming lead with great comic timing, and of the quite solid supporting cast Susan Hogan and Sarah Edmondson fare best.

For my tastes, Jennifer Finnigan plays her role too much like the coldest of fishes. Didn't ever find myself warming to her or Madison as a character and Madison's development in the second half didn't ring true because Finnigan's acting felt so cold and disconnected (my opinion though). Also agree that there is very little chemistry between her and Mabius, what little there was would not even thaw the thickest snow and it was hard to believe what Gage saw in Madison.

Moreover, while the first half was promising the latter stages are predictable and clumsy from being more complicated than necessary. This is especially true in a redemptive arc that is too suddenly introduced and rushed through in near throwaway fashion. The dialogue had some amusing and sweet moments but also a good deal of awkwardness and an uneasy mix of cheese and schmaltz. Other than the scenery, 'Welcome to Christmas' doesn't look particularly good with some very sloppy editing.

Overall, alright and not one of the worst Christmas films by any stretch, but nothing exceptional here and nowhere near being one of the best. A very in between 5/10

Jennifer Finnigan is spicy!

[rightisright · 7/10 · 11 December 2018]

Ms. Finnegan is always fun to watch. Besides her beauty, her facial expressions are priceless. Of course, Eric Mabius is always fun to watch. I just would rather see him in a new Postables movie. Hallmark, make it happen!

It's an acceptable Christmas movie

[dontakeitpersonal · 7/10 · 26 December 2020]

Surprisingly not a lot of "evil/jealous ex'es etc". It was an okay watch. Chemistry between the leads was minimal, but much more between the kids and the lead actress. The lead male actor was also quiet "distant" in the movie, like he didn't really care. But other than that, :) a good movie to watch during the holidays

Eric Mabius was charming and Susan Hogan gets to shine

[Christmas-Reviewer · 7/10 · 1 August 2019]

Review Date 8/1/2019

I have Reviewed OVER 600 "Christmas Films, & Christmas Television Movies , & Television Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare. I am on a mission to watch every Christmas Movie ever produced. Since 2014 I average 100 per year.

Resort developer Madison Lane (Finnigan) is tasked with finding a location for a new ski resort. While she's prepared to recommend the resort be placed in Mountain Park, her boss tells her to take a trip to Christmas, Colo., to consider the location and the incentive package they're offering. On her way into town to meet with the mayor, Madison has a minor fender-bender with the town's welcome sign. Town Sheriff Gage McBride (Mabius) gives Madison a ride into town so she can attend the meeting while the car is towed and repaired. Little does Madison know that the town is on a mission to convince Madison that Christmas is the best place for the new ski resort. While stranded, Madison grows to love the community and the spirit of Christmas that runs throughout. Is a resort really the right move for Christmas? Or would the town be better off keeping its charm and traditions intact? Starring Eric Mabius and Jennifer Finnigan.

I am not sure what Eric Mabius job was as a producer but if he had anything to do with getting "Susan Hogen" a decent part then bravo.

I love the fact that this Hallmark movie let many people shine. The film is a joy and captures that holiday feeling

Annoyed

[Lauraasnyd · 13 December 2018]

I read the book Trouble with Christmas of which this movie is based. It's totally different story with the same names and similar silly situations. I'm bummed

mundane but it is Christmas

[jonathanrspalding · 6/10 · 13 December 2018]

When you do twenty plus movies for Christmas some are goind to the filler. This movie is one of the fillers. It was okay, but I did not see the Chemistry between the leads. I thought the plot was overly complicated but did appreciate the twist ( a very little twist) at the end. Though as a business decision that was a really poor one for the company because it could never work. I enjoyed watching it one time this year, but I will not be looking for its return in next year.

Be careful what you wish for!

[kz917-1 · 4/10 · 19 August 2019]

I love Eric Mabius in Hallmark's Signed, Sealed, & Delivered movies so I had high hopes for this one! Jennifer Finnigan is the female lead and I know her from something, but I just can't put my finger on it!

This was an ok movie. Eric Mabius should never have his hair slicked back again. He looked skeevey, think used car salesman & he was the town sheriff in this caper. Finnigan as Lane comes to town to prospect for a company looking to build a resort.

I appreciated the minor storylines & touches the moments Lane has with each of the kids. But overall it was just subpar at the finest moments!

Well Pooh on you guys, I liked it

[texasfolk · 9/10 · 14 December 2018]

No one plays blonde better than Jennifer Finnegan. She has an infectious smile. Great smiling eyes. Eric Mabius played his role to perfection. His comedic timing and delivery is unmatched. Use him more. The supporting cast were all believable. Yes, Hallmark makes a lot of movies. Yes, some are better than others. Have you watched Christmas movies on other channels?? You'd think it was any other day of the week. Yep, mushy feel good marshmallow monotony. THANK GOD. still THE best channel on cable. Keep it up Hallmark. I'll keep watching. This is a well written movie, well directed with great photography.

Forced

[nananow · 6/10 · 13 December 2018]

I love Jennifer Finnegan but this was not her strength. She is not giggly, coy or flirty. Her strong suit is up front and straight forward. No chemistry with actors. And the sisters hair; seriously?

Not impressed

[dfvalent-98714 · 2/10 · 22 January 2019]

I love Eric Mabius. The co-star, not so much. She seems uppity in every movie she's in. I only see her relaxed around the kids in this one, and even that seems a bit forced. The plot is boring, and that's saying a lot for a Hallmark movie (which I watch a lot of). The main stars have no chemistry. And, lastly, the camera work seems shoddy. This was a miss.

Enjoyable

[cindi-34402 · 9/10 · 13 December 2018]

Though the Hallmark movies churned out every year now are pretty predictable, the chemistry and banter between the romantic leads were better than the norm.

Mostly ok

[editing_budgie · 7/10 · 10 December 2018]

Fun performances and it moves at a nice clip. Editing is god-awful though, almost makes on seasick.

Alternative truth

[benny1700 · 1/10 · 24 December 2018]

I can't believe the reviews I'm reading. This movie is incredibly bad. There's no excuse for a movie to be so bad. I can't think of a single positive thing to say about it except that it ended.

How many towns can hallmark name Christmas!?

[rebeccak_johnson · 10 December 2018]

I am someone who can understand the value of the marshmallow- gooey nonsense that is hallmark. These movies have a light-hearted, happy ending one enjoys in a messed up and cold world of December. However this one was a bit too heavy on the poor acting, and poorly written dialogue. I honestly couldn't pay much attention to the movie because the camera work in this film was so bad it looked like a 12 year old did it. I expect more of a big company like Hallmark, yes, even for them to put out 23 new Christmas Movies every year- more than 4 should be of good quality.

Get over yourself, Roger Ebert.

[lafiii215-233-717726 · 7/10 · 14 February 2021]

This is a good example of what a Hallmark Christmas Romance should be. There are times I want cerebral, suspenseful, edgy Cinema. THIS YEAR IS NOT ONE OF THEM!

This movie is exactly what it needs to be, no more no less. Simple, idyllic, with a handsome guy, some chemistry, and tied up in a bow at the end.

Some Hallmark romances are unwatchable. This was PLEASANT GOD DAMNIT. Thank you.

Christmas In A Small Town

[atlasmb · 6/10 · 23 December 2023]

This Hallmark holiday romance lacked the sense of magic that many Hallmark films strive for. I think it is due to the lack of chemistry between the two leads.

Jennifer Finnigan plays the role of Madison, who travels to the small town of Christmas to assess its suitability for a new resort development. She is convinced there is a better alternative, but her boss asks her to investigate. When she arrives, she meets Gage (Eric Mabius), the town sheriff, who becomes her unofficial liaison with the community.

The entire town dedicates itself to convincing Madison that Christmas is the better choice, pulling out all the stops. Madison is stranded in Christmas longer than she wanted, giving her opportunities to interact with the locals, especially Gage's family. When it is time for the final decision, Madison's feelings come into play, and there is a final twist.

Eric Mabius plays the sheriff with a gruffness that Madison has to break through---a typical plot point in such romances. But we never see him thawing to her character, giving loving looks. Still, like many Hallmark films, this one honors the value of small towns and the people who live there.

Quintessential Hallmark?

[MickyG333 · 6/10 · 20 November 2023]

6.4 stars.

I would normally give this a 7.0, which means, middle of the road, perfectly average in every possible way. The leads have average chemistry. The story is average. The acting is average. You get the idea.

Every single frustrating little pet peeve is included in this film, which makes me wonder if Hallmark didn't establish all future guidelines to pattern every Christmas movie from 2018 and onward, to 'Welcome to Christmas'. It's as if they are saying to the audience they have overhauled Christmas films from now on, 2017 is the final season of the "old fashioned" Hallmark, now we make things different, we flip it all on its head, we shake things up a little. Every Christmas movie since then seems to have the same conflicts and resolutions of said conflicts, style interactions, structure of sentences, dialogue, same cliches, you name it. As I watched this, I was thinking I've already seen this movie literally 100 times.

Ok, so it's average at 7.0, but now I deduct points. The lead female is not my favorite. The "bad" female who is trying to sabotage her chances with the lead male is devious, yet oddly portrayed. The children are fine, both are endearing and delightful. The grandma, or aunt, whatever, she is fine. The townsfolk seem ok, but there is so much foolishness happening, and everyone is so confused and just plain weird. The female lead's co-worker who suggests the town of Christmas as the location for the resort...well he's just creepy. This movie does not hit the right nerve. Reduction in points = 6.4.

Lacking chemistry

[smilingbecs · 2/10 · 29 December 2018]

This movie dragged on and every emotion seemed very forced. There was zero chemistry between the two leads.

Acting was good

[blisskissholly · 8/10 · 3 April 2020]

It was nice to see a little different spin from some of the Hallmark format because the sheriff has two daughters. Movie is enjoyable and worth watching

Didn't work for me

[BurberryGal · 5/10 · 3 January 2019]

No chemistry between the lead characters or likeability. This movie did not work. please hallmark channel do better then this !!

Welcome to Christmas

[mitchellrharl · 9/10 · 2 November 2020]

Love Eric Mabius need a better woman Lead Jennifer Finnigan so bland and boring.Susan Hogan is great the man that plays Mayor good too .cute story but classic cookie cutter being raised by an aunt parents killed in car wreck hallmark you need better writers and story lines rating 8 because of Eric and Susan

It is the same stale Xmas theme.

[ffxaxrx · 5/10 · 17 February 2019]

Hallmark sticks with formulaic template and this is no different. However, it does have a comedic element that works for it. It is the saving grace for this movie. Woman decides to scope out another location for a ski resort and would not really want to do it. The sheriff unbeknownst to this woman is close to the welcoming party who don't know her true intent. She obviously spews a lot of hatred for this mission and reveals to the sheriff. My question is who does that? Blabbing your mouth off. Very tacky and unprofessional for her.

Terrible Christmas movie - at no point did I believe the couple even cared a bit for each other!

[MsMovie · 3/10 · 23 August 2019]

Christmas movies on Hallmark are schmaltzy, they're predictable, they're feel good movies - this movies was as formulaic as they come. Successful businesswoman comes to small town to check it out for big resort meets local sheriff and his kids, blah blah blah.

The thing is, there was NO chemistry between the couple that I saw. Yeah, she fell in love with the kids, but where was the OMG they're in love moment?

There are dozens of Hallmark movies that I have watched over and over and they are heartwarming, feel good, christmassy, and they make you believe in love.

Skip this one - it's no Christmas Card, Operation Christmas, etc etc.

One of my favorites!

[jamawag · 9/10 · 13 November 2023]

I don't watch a lot of Hallmark - and I get the criticisms - but they do have some terrific actors and Finnegan and Mabius are among my favorites. (I watched another film he was in after seeing this and he was SO different. His comic timing and delivery are terrific. Dunno why they're not using him more in comedic roles.) Charming little story. Supporting cast were great too - especially the kids and Susan Hogan. Wish they'd make more with these 2. I'd give it a 10, but the story line was predictable and some of the supporting cast was a little weak. That said, I watch this every year when they run it.