33 reviews
There was nothing that particularly stood out in this movie, although I was impressed with Megan Park whom I've never noticed before. I hope we get to see more of her in the future. She plays a sweet, gentle and mostly humble young woman who just stumbles into meeting a famous country singer.
As in movies I like most, Park and Josh Henderson spend a lot of screen time together and have a quiet chemistry.
The movie throws in a few short stanzas of Christmas songs here and there, but with one longer performance of an original song.
The story is nothing more than two people making there way across country fighting detours to get home for Christmas where they happen to live in the same area.
As in movies I like most, Park and Josh Henderson spend a lot of screen time together and have a quiet chemistry.
The movie throws in a few short stanzas of Christmas songs here and there, but with one longer performance of an original song.
The story is nothing more than two people making there way across country fighting detours to get home for Christmas where they happen to live in the same area.
How does Hallmark manage to consistently produce a bunch of movies where only one character, in a family, has an accent? Could the Lee character NOT have had an accent in this? And the lip synching- blame the director and editors for that, it's not as if Henderson doesn't sing.
Besides all that, it's a fairly low key, nice sentiments Christmas movie. No overacting, over gesturing, looks like they're stoned-on-Christmas-candy female leads here, so thank you for that Hallmark!
Besides all that, it's a fairly low key, nice sentiments Christmas movie. No overacting, over gesturing, looks like they're stoned-on-Christmas-candy female leads here, so thank you for that Hallmark!
A nice Hallmark road movie style Christmas film, with Josh Henderson and Megan Park being some pleasing newer faces among the Hallmark ranks.
I thought this was good fun, it was warm and the storyline held up.
For those getting bogged down by accents I'd say just sit back and enjoy this easy-going romantic comedy for what it does well instead.
I thought this was good fun, it was warm and the storyline held up.
For those getting bogged down by accents I'd say just sit back and enjoy this easy-going romantic comedy for what it does well instead.
- JoBloTheMovieCritic
- Jul 19, 2019
- Permalink
Two people who share the heartache of loss find each other at Christmas and open themselves up to experiencing a trek through the holiday on their way back home. Well written and acted. The scenery and staging was beautiful. Well done Blake and Mom!
Romance movies involving two people road tripping across the country together are hit or miss. Many of them are too cheesy to even get through and just aren't natural. Granted, I seriously doubt a 'regular' person doing one of these trips with a country star, ever really happens. Still yet, this movie flowed naturally. The leads, Heath and Karah, had good chemistry. I especially liked how well the actor playing Heath was able to show so many emotions, with just a look. When he felt awkward, I felt awkward. When he felt hurt, I felt it too. And the way Heath looked at Karah, when she wasn't looking sped up MY heart. Lol
It's easy to connect with Karah and Heath because we get to know about their parental losses, family dynamics, friendships, and dreams in life. They seem like normal people in the real world, not actors pretending. There's not a big wow factor in this. It is just one of those feel good, makes you want to fall in love, be with family, kind of movies.
It's easy to connect with Karah and Heath because we get to know about their parental losses, family dynamics, friendships, and dreams in life. They seem like normal people in the real world, not actors pretending. There's not a big wow factor in this. It is just one of those feel good, makes you want to fall in love, be with family, kind of movies.
- tiffanytallent1981
- Jul 8, 2021
- Permalink
- rightisright
- Dec 15, 2018
- Permalink
To say I was disappointed is an understatement! I honestly couldn't wait for this movie to end! I kept think it would get better, but it was just more painful to watch. I thought the acting was terrible, plus I couldn't see any chemistry between the characters. I really wanted to like this movie, especially the way it was promoted. Honestly, don't waste your time. I did, however, thoroughly enjoyed it's sequel? Time For You to Come Home For Christmas starrng Allison Sweeny. That's worth watching, not this one. I believe they were both produced by Blake Shelton, which was one reason I was looking forward to watching.
I see many people did enjoy this movie. I honestly don't understand how or why. Take my advice, should you decide to watch and aren't enjoying it, just switch to a different movie. It doesn't improve or get any better.
I see many people did enjoy this movie. I honestly don't understand how or why. Take my advice, should you decide to watch and aren't enjoying it, just switch to a different movie. It doesn't improve or get any better.
- mammamia701
- Jul 6, 2020
- Permalink
Cara (Megan Park) and famous country singer Lee (Josh Henderson) accidentally meet at the airport when he spills coffee on her. She doesn't know who he is and he enjoys that she does not know. You can see that they just enjoy being with each other. But they keep parting ways and fate keeps bringing them back together (fun to watch). At one point they run into a little boy Alex and play cards with him. When Lee gives Alex something of his dad's, Cara knows he's a good guy. The movie to its success focuses on the two in a way that makes one feel joy to be part of it. Loved when the two little girls sang the song for their mom on Christmas morning. This movie is just filled with these treasured moments.
Megan Park played the young girl in Road to Christmas (2006) when she was actually 20 and was a bright spot in My Christmas Love (2016) which was not that good. She was GREAT here. Although the scenes where she was supposed to be singing were not that effective. Josh Henderson was perfect in this role, but the singing (lipping?) just wasn't quite right. The music scenes overall were effective. We have Susan Hogan in her 4th Christmas movie of the season as the mom and it almost failed but was saved at the end. Eric Keenleyside played Cara's dad and this was just OK. The movie was about the two special days of Lee and Cara and that was magical takeaway. Watch it. I still think Megan Parks looks a lot like Amber Marshall from Heartland.
Megan Park played the young girl in Road to Christmas (2006) when she was actually 20 and was a bright spot in My Christmas Love (2016) which was not that good. She was GREAT here. Although the scenes where she was supposed to be singing were not that effective. Josh Henderson was perfect in this role, but the singing (lipping?) just wasn't quite right. The music scenes overall were effective. We have Susan Hogan in her 4th Christmas movie of the season as the mom and it almost failed but was saved at the end. Eric Keenleyside played Cara's dad and this was just OK. The movie was about the two special days of Lee and Cara and that was magical takeaway. Watch it. I still think Megan Parks looks a lot like Amber Marshall from Heartland.
- athompsonblue
- Nov 6, 2023
- Permalink
While it was far from innovative, part of me did like the concept of 'Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas' (appealing title too). It did sound very sweet and likeable, and could easily be if executed right. Though sentimentality and awkwardness were definitely potential traps, as they can be found a lot in Hallmark's festive output and was apparent in a lot of their 2018 output. Hallmark did do some very bad Christmas films but some were surprisingly good.
'Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas' for me fitted in neither category. Not a bad film but not a great one either and there is nothing extraordinary here throughout. Regarding whether it executed the concept sweetly and likeably or too heavy on the sentiment and awkwardness, there are elements of all of that. Not one of the best 2018 Hallmark Christmas films. Not one of the worst either. Somewhere firmly in the middle more like, and that can all be said for overall too.
Megan Park and Josh Henderson give charming enough lead performances and neither of their characters bored or annoyed me. Even if they did lack depth and complexity, they were not personality deprived. Park's vulnerability was relatable and Henderson's sympathetic charm endeared. Personally thought that the two did have chemistry and one that progressed more realistically than most Hallmark Christmas films from that year, though it is a very understated one. A sweet and natural one at the same time too. The supporting cast do well too.
Production values are decent and don't look amateurish, regardless of any questions of authenticity the scenery is very easy on the eyes and complemented by the photography well. Hallmark does not always do very well when it comes to their music, but the music fares fine here. It fits, it's not too loud and the sound of it appeals.
For those good things, 'Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas' does have shortcomings and they are not small. The dialogue does sound very awkward a lot of the time, gets very corny and the sentiment does get too much in the second half. Do agree that the lip synching is very distracting and too blatantly obvious, one would never think that any of the music was performed live.
Although it does have its good moments, the story is very predictable and has too many forced and over-schmaltzy moments when it finally starts to get going. After a rather dull and uneventful start that has no real atmosphere or emotion to it. Am not somebody that picks on films usually for bad accents and generally find that criticism nit-picky unless it/they is/are distractingly bad and take one out of the setting, which is sadly the case here.
In conclusion, watchable enough but it never wowed me. 5/10
'Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas' for me fitted in neither category. Not a bad film but not a great one either and there is nothing extraordinary here throughout. Regarding whether it executed the concept sweetly and likeably or too heavy on the sentiment and awkwardness, there are elements of all of that. Not one of the best 2018 Hallmark Christmas films. Not one of the worst either. Somewhere firmly in the middle more like, and that can all be said for overall too.
Megan Park and Josh Henderson give charming enough lead performances and neither of their characters bored or annoyed me. Even if they did lack depth and complexity, they were not personality deprived. Park's vulnerability was relatable and Henderson's sympathetic charm endeared. Personally thought that the two did have chemistry and one that progressed more realistically than most Hallmark Christmas films from that year, though it is a very understated one. A sweet and natural one at the same time too. The supporting cast do well too.
Production values are decent and don't look amateurish, regardless of any questions of authenticity the scenery is very easy on the eyes and complemented by the photography well. Hallmark does not always do very well when it comes to their music, but the music fares fine here. It fits, it's not too loud and the sound of it appeals.
For those good things, 'Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas' does have shortcomings and they are not small. The dialogue does sound very awkward a lot of the time, gets very corny and the sentiment does get too much in the second half. Do agree that the lip synching is very distracting and too blatantly obvious, one would never think that any of the music was performed live.
Although it does have its good moments, the story is very predictable and has too many forced and over-schmaltzy moments when it finally starts to get going. After a rather dull and uneventful start that has no real atmosphere or emotion to it. Am not somebody that picks on films usually for bad accents and generally find that criticism nit-picky unless it/they is/are distractingly bad and take one out of the setting, which is sadly the case here.
In conclusion, watchable enough but it never wowed me. 5/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 12, 2020
- Permalink
7.3 stars.
Talk about a leisurely pace. This romance doesn't even begin until it's over. On the other hand this is not necessarily a romantic film. This is a drama about two important people who meet on the way back home for Christmas. He is a famous country artist, and she operates a successful family owned company.
Neither one of them knows who the other is. When she finds out he's famous, her reaction is not favorable. When he finds out, he's surprised a little, but pleasantly.
There is a lot of heart and soul in this film, about how fame, success, money, and popularity take second fiddle to loyalty, generosity and trust.
The acting is above average all around. The lead female I've seen in some HM movies, and she is very sultry and shy, yet firm. I enjoyed her take on the role, albeit she intermittently exuded distrust and seemed somewhat melancholy. The lead male was a good choice to play a famous singer, he embodied the aura of a celebrity. He is the shining star of this film in my opinion, and that says a lot since I generally watch these sappy movies for the sweet romance and lovely women.
I was hoping the romance would blossom a bit sooner, but alas that was not the intent, and I'm fine with it. Maybe it was purposefully engineered that way to focus more on the morality aspects and a bit less on the passion.
It was a comforting and relaxing experience watching this. I suppose I'd see this again in a few years, to be repeated every so often.
Talk about a leisurely pace. This romance doesn't even begin until it's over. On the other hand this is not necessarily a romantic film. This is a drama about two important people who meet on the way back home for Christmas. He is a famous country artist, and she operates a successful family owned company.
Neither one of them knows who the other is. When she finds out he's famous, her reaction is not favorable. When he finds out, he's surprised a little, but pleasantly.
There is a lot of heart and soul in this film, about how fame, success, money, and popularity take second fiddle to loyalty, generosity and trust.
The acting is above average all around. The lead female I've seen in some HM movies, and she is very sultry and shy, yet firm. I enjoyed her take on the role, albeit she intermittently exuded distrust and seemed somewhat melancholy. The lead male was a good choice to play a famous singer, he embodied the aura of a celebrity. He is the shining star of this film in my opinion, and that says a lot since I generally watch these sappy movies for the sweet romance and lovely women.
I was hoping the romance would blossom a bit sooner, but alas that was not the intent, and I'm fine with it. Maybe it was purposefully engineered that way to focus more on the morality aspects and a bit less on the passion.
It was a comforting and relaxing experience watching this. I suppose I'd see this again in a few years, to be repeated every so often.
This was the movie that started a tradition of a holiday collaboration between Blake Shelton and his mom. Actually it started with a song Blake wrote...and then his mom wrote a book inspired by it...and then they collaborated on this movie. Since they have gone on to collaborate each Christmas since on a new "Time to Come Home For Christmas" movie, but this is the first. This also is the movie that loosely follows the original book about a country singer whose father passed away and he has been avoiding going home who meets a woman in his travels who is also grieving a parent. The two keep ending up together on a wild journey home to Oklahoma.
Candy bar pie topping? Not sure I would try it especially on a jam pie. Is that really a thing?
The two actors picked for the leads were great. This was a simple and sweet story...that I recommend to all holiday romance fans.
Candy bar pie topping? Not sure I would try it especially on a jam pie. Is that really a thing?
The two actors picked for the leads were great. This was a simple and sweet story...that I recommend to all holiday romance fans.
This movie fits well with Christmas, I found the connection between the stars seemed natural! Josh comes across as really nice person!
- mpetretich
- Dec 13, 2018
- Permalink
I watched three of the later films in the 'time to come home' series, but I was hesitant to watch this one because Megan Park played a superficial character in 'Once upon a prince.' I wasn't certain if that was due to her acting or just bad writing/directing. However, this is a well-written script and a well-directed film. And, I have now learned not to judge a Hallmark actress by her previous film.
The 'time to come home' series avoids static Hallmark plot lines, by giving each character their own realistic storyline, and one overarching plot to unite the film. Cara has a failing business while Heath handles family concerns. But both must travel to the same community for the holidays.
This is the standard warm hearted road trip film without the standard cliches. Cara at least shows initial believable hesitance at sharing a car with an absolute stranger. And there is no forced one bed scenario. Instead the various interactions with Heath's fans and family create a warm holiday atmosphere.
I realize I could not be a Hallmark heroine because I would never accept an already opened alcoholic beverage from a stranger, let alone drive in a car with him for days.
Considering this is the fourth film I have seen in this series, even if I have to put up with several lowkey country music ads, I feel I can reliably say the focus on bittersweet reality (although this is the first Hallmark small business with a realistic holiday idea) that helps keep the script accessible yet warm.
The 'time to come home' series avoids static Hallmark plot lines, by giving each character their own realistic storyline, and one overarching plot to unite the film. Cara has a failing business while Heath handles family concerns. But both must travel to the same community for the holidays.
This is the standard warm hearted road trip film without the standard cliches. Cara at least shows initial believable hesitance at sharing a car with an absolute stranger. And there is no forced one bed scenario. Instead the various interactions with Heath's fans and family create a warm holiday atmosphere.
I realize I could not be a Hallmark heroine because I would never accept an already opened alcoholic beverage from a stranger, let alone drive in a car with him for days.
Considering this is the fourth film I have seen in this series, even if I have to put up with several lowkey country music ads, I feel I can reliably say the focus on bittersweet reality (although this is the first Hallmark small business with a realistic holiday idea) that helps keep the script accessible yet warm.
- anicho01-944-812539
- Dec 8, 2023
- Permalink
Great writing and well acted. It will be a classic for years to come. Thank you Hallmark.
- rick-16339
- Dec 14, 2018
- Permalink
If you don't mind the terrible fake southern accents, bad lip sink and awkwardness you might enjoy this movie. I found it mediocre at best and I am a fan of most of the Hallmark cliche Christmas Movies.
- momster0005
- Jul 3, 2019
- Permalink
I enjoyed this even though it's an over-used plot. I liked the chemistry between the actors and the subplots are heartwarming and/or fun.
I didn't like the song at the end at all, but it's not bad enough to sink the movie.
What a needy lady. The whole WHAT ABOUT YOUR FIANCÉE? Stupid. Then she tells him to leave her home. He should have dropped her like a hot potato.
Here is why I gave it an 8; it is an "8" in the Hallmark movie universe, not the "Gone With The Wind", "Sound of Music" universe.
Yes Hallmark movies are cheesy and yes you know EXACTLY how it is going to end, you just aren't sure HOW they are going to get there.
The movie was warm, implausible, cheesy, joyful and most importantly, entertaining. There ain't nuthin' wrong with cheesy, happy ending movies; Lord knows we can use a little happy escapism these days.
If you liked the other movies in this series, you'll enjoy this one too.
Yes Hallmark movies are cheesy and yes you know EXACTLY how it is going to end, you just aren't sure HOW they are going to get there.
The movie was warm, implausible, cheesy, joyful and most importantly, entertaining. There ain't nuthin' wrong with cheesy, happy ending movies; Lord knows we can use a little happy escapism these days.
If you liked the other movies in this series, you'll enjoy this one too.
- scottca075
- Jun 26, 2022
- Permalink
- herrcarter-92161
- May 8, 2023
- Permalink
Absolutely loved this so much. The movie takes place during Christmas time. However, I can definitely watch this any time of the year. Josh's rendition of the title track is better than the original!