Typical early Hallmark fluff...not a lot to it... Problem is the leads dont match, actor just seems too gay and not interested in the (any) actress...woulda been better if he was interested in a guy in the movie and the story focused on the other actress and her beau more.... Nice folks, interesting side characters, all Hallmark Christmas movies are fun...this is ok.
48 Reviews
OK, but not on our repeat viewing list
VetteRanger5 December 2019
The plot here is nothing special, but the writers did make an effort to create the classic antithetical courtship. It started out well, but didn't carry much force through the course of the film.
Massey, however, made the film interesting enough to watch all the way through. He portrayed a character who was sensible and in control of his space, which was a refreshing change from characters who get pushed around by their circumstances.
It was worth the watch, but it isn't one we'll put on our list to watch again in coming years.
Massey, however, made the film interesting enough to watch all the way through. He portrayed a character who was sensible and in control of his space, which was a refreshing change from characters who get pushed around by their circumstances.
It was worth the watch, but it isn't one we'll put on our list to watch again in coming years.
Dog did the best acting...
william-carmichael3 November 2019
Not sure where the director was in this painful movie. Some of the worst acting. Some talent there but writing and directing fell really short. Hallmark is stretching things way too thin just to have stuff out there. They should focus on good original writing.
Antiquing in a Ski Village
beeathome8 November 2019
Location and actors who I haven't seen before drew my interest. Typical Hallmark Christmas themed movie with added theme of antiquing. Ryder's comment about wanting to investigate antique shops is my jam. Loved the traditional Christmas carols too. Different from all the baking/flower shop themes, but I do like ones with interior decorating or home reno plots.
Very Disappointed
agambre27 October 2019
Clumsy
Jackbv1239 November 2019
Was it boring, as some reviewers have said, or was it more that it was awkwardly done. A little off here and there. Clumsy.
Ashley Newbrough has real presence. She is unquestionably beautiful. She has a good voice and delivery. But in this movie, I don't think she shined in a way that lives up to that description. It felt just a little off. A lot of that may have been the actors around her. She really didn't have chemistry with Kyle Dean Massey. It was like they were both acting AT each other rather than acting together. Something else that I don't think helped her was some of the dialogue. And some of the speeches that were supposed to have impact, didn't. That also may have been overused tropes.
The story wasn't sparkling, but many Hallmark movies on the other channel do quite well with similar fare. Most often, those are carried by veteran actors. Newbrough isn't quite a newbie, but she doesn't have the breadth that many of the Hallmark vets do and it shows. But back to the story, it had those overused tropes (he fails to reveal the truth before someone else does, save the family store). The story just didn't grab me. And add to that, the story lacked the touching element that usually makes movies on this Hallmark sister channel (HMM) stand out. It also lacked any real conflict. I thought the apparent conflict toward the end was a little contrived.
An interesting side note. I remarked reviewing Two Turtle Doves (a much better movie) that Hallmark loves to contrast the small town and family values with the big city rat race.
This movie isn't awful, but I can definitely see how one reviewer fell asleep (more than once?) watching it. The characters are pleasant. It's watchable (barely).
Ashley Newbrough has real presence. She is unquestionably beautiful. She has a good voice and delivery. But in this movie, I don't think she shined in a way that lives up to that description. It felt just a little off. A lot of that may have been the actors around her. She really didn't have chemistry with Kyle Dean Massey. It was like they were both acting AT each other rather than acting together. Something else that I don't think helped her was some of the dialogue. And some of the speeches that were supposed to have impact, didn't. That also may have been overused tropes.
The story wasn't sparkling, but many Hallmark movies on the other channel do quite well with similar fare. Most often, those are carried by veteran actors. Newbrough isn't quite a newbie, but she doesn't have the breadth that many of the Hallmark vets do and it shows. But back to the story, it had those overused tropes (he fails to reveal the truth before someone else does, save the family store). The story just didn't grab me. And add to that, the story lacked the touching element that usually makes movies on this Hallmark sister channel (HMM) stand out. It also lacked any real conflict. I thought the apparent conflict toward the end was a little contrived.
An interesting side note. I remarked reviewing Two Turtle Doves (a much better movie) that Hallmark loves to contrast the small town and family values with the big city rat race.
This movie isn't awful, but I can definitely see how one reviewer fell asleep (more than once?) watching it. The characters are pleasant. It's watchable (barely).
Boring...zzz..zzz
fsogfan27 October 2019
I usually love Hallmark movies but this one was a snoozer. The two female leads (Ashley and Lindsey) are pretty competent.
Unfortunately almost every male character has been cast with subpar actors including the male lead (Kyle). There's absolutely no chemistry between the romantic leads and the film just suffers and drags.
Nice Kickoff for Hallmark Christmas
coachbalmer5 January 2020
This a nice, comfortable Christmas love story that showcased stunning Ashley Newbrough and Kyle Dean Massey. Both were good not great but the singing of co-star Lindsey Gort was an attention getter. It had a nice story which kept moving along, and was another time where Hallmark presented a quality, decent family presentation which in this day and age is very welcome. One of the better new movies of the Hallmark Christmas season in my opinion.
Maybe next year?
adamjohns-425757 January 2021
Maybe I'm just in a grump and another time I might have got to the end of this film, I have certainly stuck through worse, but I just wasn't engaged by the characters or the situation, which we have all seen before and done better.
The lead male had potential to be a cutey, but he wasn't enough to keep me watching this time.
I might try again next year, but only once I've seen all the ones that I know are good.
Unscored as unfinished.
The lead male had potential to be a cutey, but he wasn't enough to keep me watching this time.
I might try again next year, but only once I've seen all the ones that I know are good.
Unscored as unfinished.
Inspiring Christmas movie
Rosynani17 December 2020
While enjoyable, it was a weak start for the season.
MIssM1930 October 2019
First impression: this is a HM&M movie, it's supposed to be complex, to have a background story, a purpose for the plot, which was not there, while it was different than the Hallmark movies, sadly, it wasn't amazing.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. I liked the plot, I liked the female lead, however there were times her counterpart's acting was not convicing, he was charming at times though. What I did like was the "attraction at first sight", and the fact the he wanted more of her and he told her so, instead of just ignoring it, but her stubbornness drove me crazy.
Around the 25th minute there was a background conversation (might just have been my video) and it was very confusing having two at the same time.
The ending lacked something. It didn't have the sparks these movies have, and it was a scene of a minute or less, which was disappointing. To sum up, I liked it, but it wasn't strong enough to be the first Christmas movie of the year.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. I liked the plot, I liked the female lead, however there were times her counterpart's acting was not convicing, he was charming at times though. What I did like was the "attraction at first sight", and the fact the he wanted more of her and he told her so, instead of just ignoring it, but her stubbornness drove me crazy.
Around the 25th minute there was a background conversation (might just have been my video) and it was very confusing having two at the same time.
The ending lacked something. It didn't have the sparks these movies have, and it was a scene of a minute or less, which was disappointing. To sum up, I liked it, but it wasn't strong enough to be the first Christmas movie of the year.
Perfect Schmaltzy Love Story
joe-255-27186526 December 2019
This is a nice, schmaltzy romantic movie. It is exactly what one would expect when tuning in to watch a Hallmark Christmas Movie. Character development is not complex or over-developed...which is not what I would want for a Hallmark movie.
I would highly recommend this movie for anyone looking for an enjoyable romantic movie.
Some bad acting by some but overall good
sfranks-2448628 December 2019
Christmas mismatch
TheLittleSongbird1 June 2021
2019 was a very mixed year for Hallmark when it came to their Christmas output, most being in the average and less bracket. There were winners such as 'Two Turtle Doves', 'The Christmas Club' and 'Holiday Hearts'. There were also misfires like 'A Cheerful Christmas', 'Christmas Scavenger Hunt' and 'Christmas at Dollywood'. 'A Merry Christmas Match' was the film that launched Hallmark's 2019 Christmas film batch, so was intrigued in seeing whether it would be a winner or a misfire.
'A Merry Christmas Match' sadly fell into the latter category. It is to me among the worst of the batch and anybody who sees this first before seeing the other films that followed may be put off checking out the others. In my case, many of the other 2019 Hallmark Christmas films were seen before 'A Merry Christmas Match', so knew already that some of the films were above average and the best surprisingly good. So was not put off, but can see why others might.
There are a few good things. The best thing about it is a spirited Lindsey Gort, who comes over as enthusiastic and likeable. Enjoyed her vocal contribution too.
Have nearly always liked the scenery in Hallmark's films, while authenticity is not a strong suit (i.e. Being able to tell that a film was not shot in winter or not filmed in the cited place) the scenery is still lovely regardless. That's the case with that in 'A Merry Christmas Match' and it's well complemented by the photography. The music fits nicely, Hallmark films do tend to be over-scored but for me it wasn't a problem here.
Everything else however sadly has issues. Ashley Newborough goes through the motions and gives a flat performance, plus her character is just irritating and spoiled rich girl-like. Kyle Dean Massey shows more emotion, but he doesn't always look at ease and could have done with more charisma, also felt that his character's sensibility is overdone to the point of being naive. The two have absolutely no chemistry together, it was like they didn't get along but it was hard to buy them as people on at least good terms and impossible to buy them as people in love. The rest of the supporting cast don't stand out and almost everybody, excepting Gort, is bland or annoying.
Found the writing to be awkward and too cheese and sentiment heavy, while the direction is at best indifferent. The story just didn't grab me, it was too thin and dull to begin with and then got very rushed and contrived towards and at the once again too easily resolved end. It's also in the minus figures when it comes to scoring the story on originality, none on sight here, and it would have been better if the relationship had more time to develop rather than starting at one point and not doing much with it for a while.
Concluding, pretty weak. 3/10.
'A Merry Christmas Match' sadly fell into the latter category. It is to me among the worst of the batch and anybody who sees this first before seeing the other films that followed may be put off checking out the others. In my case, many of the other 2019 Hallmark Christmas films were seen before 'A Merry Christmas Match', so knew already that some of the films were above average and the best surprisingly good. So was not put off, but can see why others might.
There are a few good things. The best thing about it is a spirited Lindsey Gort, who comes over as enthusiastic and likeable. Enjoyed her vocal contribution too.
Have nearly always liked the scenery in Hallmark's films, while authenticity is not a strong suit (i.e. Being able to tell that a film was not shot in winter or not filmed in the cited place) the scenery is still lovely regardless. That's the case with that in 'A Merry Christmas Match' and it's well complemented by the photography. The music fits nicely, Hallmark films do tend to be over-scored but for me it wasn't a problem here.
Everything else however sadly has issues. Ashley Newborough goes through the motions and gives a flat performance, plus her character is just irritating and spoiled rich girl-like. Kyle Dean Massey shows more emotion, but he doesn't always look at ease and could have done with more charisma, also felt that his character's sensibility is overdone to the point of being naive. The two have absolutely no chemistry together, it was like they didn't get along but it was hard to buy them as people on at least good terms and impossible to buy them as people in love. The rest of the supporting cast don't stand out and almost everybody, excepting Gort, is bland or annoying.
Found the writing to be awkward and too cheese and sentiment heavy, while the direction is at best indifferent. The story just didn't grab me, it was too thin and dull to begin with and then got very rushed and contrived towards and at the once again too easily resolved end. It's also in the minus figures when it comes to scoring the story on originality, none on sight here, and it would have been better if the relationship had more time to develop rather than starting at one point and not doing much with it for a while.
Concluding, pretty weak. 3/10.
Disappointing Start to the Christmas Countdown
shawneuser4 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I was really looking forward to this first premier of the Miracle of Christmas for 2019. For one because I am a big fan of Hallmarks Christmas movies, and secondly because Ashley Newborough is one of my favorite actresses on Hallmark. She starred in the preceding season's A Small Town Christmas,which was one of my favorites of the year.
Sitting down and watching this one, it didn't take long for the disappointment to settle in. I have two central issues that make this one of my least favorite Hallmark movies of 2019. For one, I don't care for the lead male character. It isn't so much the actor, who seems competent. It is the character he attempts to portray. Secondly, which certainly affects the first problem. the writing is clumsy, both with the plot and with the dialogue.
The main gal's character arc is the opposite of Ashley's character arc in Small Town Christmas. In this one, she is a talented woman with big dreams who is being held back by her father's antique store in a small town. I actually give credit to Hallmark for going against their own grain here by making the big city the ideal destination instead of the small town. However, the story is so ham-fisted in how it handles this arc that is comes off as annoying rather than compelling.
Virtually every character that comes in contact with the female lead, from the beginning of the movie, scolds her for staying in town to handle her father's store, even her own mother. It is especially annoying when the male lead does the same thing, considering he just met her. It apparently doesn't bother Corey that a man she just met thinks he can make better life choices for her than she can. To me, he comes off as conceited and utterly dismissive of anything important to her.
She even tells her friends this after meeting him for the first time. However, her friends insist that she likes him, regardless of the fact that everything she said about him were actually good reasons to not like him. None of that matters. He is handsome and rich, and so naturally she must like him.
I get that it is realistic that people sometimes like each other on first sight, that merely being physically attractive is enough. However, a compelling story that does not make, nor does this movie add anything to their courtship to make it more compelling.
Seriously, during their second conversation with each other, Corey points out two constellations that meant something to her childhood. The lame male lead actually points to a third and says,"That must be mine... It crossed yours." Seriously, dude? You just met this girl.
Also, as pointed out by others, this movie doesn't have a lot to do with Christmas. Fortunately, there are better movies immediately ahead.
The main gal's character arc is the opposite of Ashley's character arc in Small Town Christmas. In this one, she is a talented woman with big dreams who is being held back by her father's antique store in a small town. I actually give credit to Hallmark for going against their own grain here by making the big city the ideal destination instead of the small town. However, the story is so ham-fisted in how it handles this arc that is comes off as annoying rather than compelling.
Virtually every character that comes in contact with the female lead, from the beginning of the movie, scolds her for staying in town to handle her father's store, even her own mother. It is especially annoying when the male lead does the same thing, considering he just met her. It apparently doesn't bother Corey that a man she just met thinks he can make better life choices for her than she can. To me, he comes off as conceited and utterly dismissive of anything important to her.
She even tells her friends this after meeting him for the first time. However, her friends insist that she likes him, regardless of the fact that everything she said about him were actually good reasons to not like him. None of that matters. He is handsome and rich, and so naturally she must like him.
I get that it is realistic that people sometimes like each other on first sight, that merely being physically attractive is enough. However, a compelling story that does not make, nor does this movie add anything to their courtship to make it more compelling.
Seriously, during their second conversation with each other, Corey points out two constellations that meant something to her childhood. The lame male lead actually points to a third and says,"That must be mine... It crossed yours." Seriously, dude? You just met this girl.
Also, as pointed out by others, this movie doesn't have a lot to do with Christmas. Fortunately, there are better movies immediately ahead.
Just OK
toncincin27 October 2019
Quite frankly, I was so bored for most of the movie, I fell asleep. Good thing I was watching it on my DVR - I was able to back it up - SEVERAL times. Didn't hold my interest. Still not sure what the basis of the story was supposed to be. I kind of got the general premise - but just wasn't a good movie or story. Loved seeing Stefanie Kramer though ... loved her as DeeDee McCall on Hunter ...
A Merry Christmas Match
mitchellrharl6 November 2019
Beautiful story the 2 leads have no chemistry Ashley is so cold and Kyle is a gentle rich man.Hallmark need to do costars better makes for an enjoyable Christmas movie Jillian has a beautiful voice love Cole the mother and Jillian's boyfriend beautiful scenery rest of cast is great
Ashley is a real hard core feminist acts like everyone owes her something like that in all movies she is in.Hallmark should rethink her same with Candace Cameron Bure,Jen Lilley,Jill Wagner,Danica McKellar
Don't Listen to the Mob's Reviews
instazome24 July 2020
Multiple reviews on here criticizing lead male character, and at least one (I stopped reading after a while) admitted it was because he was "too gay." The actor actually is gay... and meanwhile straight Hallmark actors like Brendan Penny and Brant Daugherty come across as wayyyyyyyy gayer (as if it matters...) yet reviews love em. What people were mad about with this one, was it was not the usual actors they love to see for a start of Miracles of Christmas. Plus their homophobia.
Lead male character doesn't "seem gay" at all; is hot; and is as well-acted as any Paul Greene or Chad Michael Murray Hallmark that everyone laps up.
It's funny when crabby people complain about a Hallmark or Lifetime movie on IMDB reviews, while saying arbitrary things like "the acting was so bad." What does that mean? Can you specify a specific part? Acting is varied and complex. A Parajanov film's acting will not be like a Jon Jost film's acting.... It's an irrelevant point.
Great movie if you're in the mood for a cozy Christmas film. Nothing too intense, good actors, good pacing.
Lead male character doesn't "seem gay" at all; is hot; and is as well-acted as any Paul Greene or Chad Michael Murray Hallmark that everyone laps up.
It's funny when crabby people complain about a Hallmark or Lifetime movie on IMDB reviews, while saying arbitrary things like "the acting was so bad." What does that mean? Can you specify a specific part? Acting is varied and complex. A Parajanov film's acting will not be like a Jon Jost film's acting.... It's an irrelevant point.
Great movie if you're in the mood for a cozy Christmas film. Nothing too intense, good actors, good pacing.
Slightly Clumsy
Christmas-Reviewer29 October 2019
Review Date 10/28/2019
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.
Corey lives in a ski village where she works at a local antique shop. When recently named Christmas Catch Ryder comes into her shop, sparks fly and she starts to wonder what could be. Stars Ashley Newbrough and Kyle Dean Massey.
The plot is slightly unbelievable but the story moves at a brisk pace. Being a huge "Halloween Movie Fan" I was happy to see Halloween 4' star Kathleen Kinmont. She plays against type and proves she is a very capable actress.
What was great about this film was that the rich parents are actually not played as stereo typical snobs. Worth watvching!
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.
Corey lives in a ski village where she works at a local antique shop. When recently named Christmas Catch Ryder comes into her shop, sparks fly and she starts to wonder what could be. Stars Ashley Newbrough and Kyle Dean Massey.
The plot is slightly unbelievable but the story moves at a brisk pace. Being a huge "Halloween Movie Fan" I was happy to see Halloween 4' star Kathleen Kinmont. She plays against type and proves she is a very capable actress.
What was great about this film was that the rich parents are actually not played as stereo typical snobs. Worth watvching!
Not Memorable
kall669527 October 2019
I try to rate based on acting, plot, etc. This movie was simply average. Not that memorable, actually. A woman manages her deceased father's antique store and a man walks in and breaks a chair within and then wants to buy an antique clock. The usual misunderstandings occur. Not seeing any shred of chemistry between the main actors. Ashley Newbrough in the female role is, sadly, flat. As is the male protagonist. If you meet someone and feel an attraction to them and want to see more of them, perhaps a bit more flirting, long gazes, some emotion?
There were some "original songs" in the movie, but I have yet to find out what they were called and who sings them. Unfortunately, many of the Hallmark Brand Christmas movies are so formulaic that they have no actual novelty and the performances are uninspiring. Exceptions: Journey Back to Christmas. That was exceptional!
There were some "original songs" in the movie, but I have yet to find out what they were called and who sings them. Unfortunately, many of the Hallmark Brand Christmas movies are so formulaic that they have no actual novelty and the performances are uninspiring. Exceptions: Journey Back to Christmas. That was exceptional!
I don't understand the bad reviews
mrsed5102 January 2021
average Hallmark
SnoopyStyle20 November 2022
Corey Calvin (Ashley Newbrough) and her mother run the faltering family antique shop in a small ski resort town. Hollywood star and lifelong best friend Jillian Winters (Lindsey Gort) wants her to live in L. A. Hot catch Ryder Donnelly (Kyle Dean Massey) arrives with Jillian's new boyfriend. Corey is split between starting something new or continuing the dying family business in her late father's memories.
The guy is a dud. The girl's life is sad. It's Hallmark Christmas. It's perfectly average Hallmark. I really like Newbrough, but she's not getting anything more than things like this. It's too bad.
The guy is a dud. The girl's life is sad. It's Hallmark Christmas. It's perfectly average Hallmark. I really like Newbrough, but she's not getting anything more than things like this. It's too bad.
A Merry Christmas Match
JoBloTheMovieCritic3 November 2019
Needed a better title
gibsonb7414 November 2021
These Hallmark movies are pretty predictable. So if you're expecting some riveting plot, please go elsewhere. These are strictly for holiday warmth and nostalgia. I like this one more than some because the leads are better than others that get recycled through these Hallmark movies. Other reviewers say the acting is bad. They haven't seen other Hallmark movies. These two are much more natural. Not a whiny or over the top arrogant boyfriend. Not the mousy under confident female. Much more enjoyable.
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