This movie does virtually everything right.
The writing is solid with a straight forward plot, a conflict that is established from the beginning, and intelligent dialogue.
The leads are excellent and have a chemistry that develops as the story goes on.
Virtually nothing feels contrived in this movie. Every character interaction feels organic. MAYBE the lawyer should work a little more, but he is only a real estate lawyer and it is Christmas.
Nikki DeLoach plays Sharon Hayes, another of these amazing, extremely-unlikely-to-be-single women who is a genius, attractive and passionate. There is pretty much nothing to dislike about her character. I like Nikki in nearly everything, and this is no exception.
Michael Rady grew on me as the movie went on. Good actor who works well with Nikki.
These movies often have a secondary theme and this one's is grief and loss at Christmas time. Both leads, Sharon and Sam, are dealing with the loss of a loved one. Sharon is back home dealing with the last will and testament of her grandmother. Sam is still obviously grieving over the loss of his wife.
Widowers are common in these movies, but usually it is just mentioned and doesn't play an affectual role in the movie. That isn't the case here. Sam and his daughter dealing with their loss over the holidays is an important part of both character arcs.
In the end, both parties will help each other with their grief.
The conflict is probably Hallmark's #1 suspect with Sharon seemingly having to chose between her career and returning to NYC versus a relationship with Sam and living in her grandma's house.
A weaker part of the movie is that this conflict isn't as straightforward as it is in other movies where there is a clear choice between the old life and the new, between the big city and the small town, between the career and love. I said Sharon "seemingly" had to choose between her career and Sam because it is never explained how Sharon winning a grant would automatically lead to her leaving town and going back to NYC. She merely suggests that is the case.
The ending of this one is well done partially because it was set up by an excellent scene 15 minutes earlier. The end not only sees the resolution of the conflict, but it also brings a big surprise for Sharon (not the audience), which is an added bonus.
Two Turtle Doves is ultimately an entertaining and thoughtful Christmas romance that is among the best for Hallmark in 2019.
34 Reviews
Nice couple not much story
phd_travel5 November 2019
Nikki deLoach and Michael Rady make a nice TV couple as they have in other Hallmark movies. So their romance is believable. But the story isn't about very much. She moves back to settle her grandma's stuff and falls for a widower with a kid. Some fussing about the kid. Totally predictable.
Sad
sfranks-2448628 December 2019
I love it
Kirpianuscus24 December 2020
In essence, I love it for few details: the Christmas ornaments, the portrait of grandmother Vera and her notebooks, for Heidi Fielek, Zach Tinker,John B. Lowe and BJ Harrison, for the young Michaela Russell and for the silhouette of Misses Taylor. The recipe is familiar, the cook is far to be surprising and the dish not extraordinary. But the spices , from cinnamon cookies to the little turtle doves from the box from basement of Taylors are just beautiful. So, I admitt, just I love it.
Two Turtle Doves
JoBloTheMovieCritic9 November 2019
Where is the excitement?
MickyG33316 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
6.5 stars.
I concluded about 87 Hallmark movies back that I am looking for a cheap thrill. No reason to sugar coat it, and this movie does not provide the excitement that I so look forward to. What is that excitement? The romantic tension, the longing, the buildup and explosion of good feelings which splashes all over the wallpaper. Or at least give me some anger and frustration and pure hatred, then utilize those negative feelings to bring us a more satisfying contrast with love as part of the end product
This movie brings more of a long and drawn out average goodness which springs from a dead grandmother and a wish for her granddaughter (Deloach - our lead female) to experience the 12 somethings of Christmas, bring her back to her roots, and what is really important in life. Obviously grandma thinks that granddaughter went way off course by becoming a doctor (of neurology?) and moving to the big city. Grandma left her dying wish in an audio message that the estate lawyer, executor, (lead male) plays for her (Deloach) on his cell phone. It's a sappy little message of: please remember what's important in life etc. She also has a notebook left to her with a list of to do's for the holidays, and she must follow the list if she is to truly be blessed and "ready and able" to determine if she wants to sell grandma's house that she's inherited.
Conveniently the executor fella is fetching and has a most endearing, fun, intelligent, and perfect little 10 year old daughter. Of course the daughter is pivotal in helping our lead female find the Christmas spirit again. The leading man is also very goal and career oriented, but he gave up his career in NYC to pursue his wife's artistic one. I bet you can guess where his wife is. A) dead. B) left him. C) dead. D) dead. E) A, C, D. Correct answer is E. I wonder if one of Hallmark's top investors is the NFDA.
The lead female's pregnant friend, or his brother's wife (I'm not sure where she came in) looks like she had makeup done to look 30 years older. But why would they do that if she's pregnant? Very unsettling. Maybe she is actually pregnant and was retaining water? I don't mean to sound callus but it's just strange.
The chemistry between the leads is stiff. She reacts to him like they are colleagues and her responses to his conversation are sort of distant and vague as if she's off in another place. I notice she crosses her arms a lot which expresses that she is closed off, cold, or uncomfortable and nervous. Body language is the majority of communication and hers screams - NO. But she really is a good actress, so...
"Is Christmas always gonna be a little bit sad?" asks the daughter. This is when the movie finally evokes a hint of emotion in me. The wooden and cold exteriors are chipped away at this moment and finally things start to be tolerable for my viewing experience. There are some tears as the leads well up and have a very heartfelt conversation about bringing joy to a sad Christmas legacy. This is when I realized the main characters should have been the man and his daughter, and she (Deloach) should be the secondary lead. But that wouldn't fit the mold. The lead MUST be the female. That's fine, but get it right, we are supposed to be sympathetic to the lead.
When she grills him for bringing her to a fancy restaurant, sort of accusing him of being a player of sorts... I don't know where that came from. He has given us no indication that he is anything but sincere from the first scene. A very misplaced question in my view. This shows a lack of good writing. Why place that question in there where it doesn't belong? Just to fill in the usual silence and tension on a first date?
And they go skating, so overdone, but why complain. Why don't they go skiing, or ice fishing or something, why always the skating? And these skating rinks, they are like the size of my dining room. Who can skate in such a small rink, it's ridiculous. Then she attempts a kiss and he retracts, and there's tension, and then her reaction, and his explanation... it was awkward and unrealistic. In fact, if there's one thing a man would never do is this, unless he is actually NOT interested, or he had pooped his pants at that moment and had to pull back. The way he reacted indicates his role was originally meant to be played by a female, and her role was the male. I figured it out! The writers switched the roles. That makes so much more sense.
When the children are singing 'Gloria' and the harmonizing kid is belting it out like it's a competition. The discordant harmonizing and strange echoing, is just clumsy and insulting.
At the end she is pleading for him to kiss her, she will stick around. She has to prove to him she will be available. He reveals the missing ornament of 2 turtle doves. Oh, did I forget to mention that part of the plot? If they had hyped it up the way they should have, that reveal could have been epic. But it was so-so and then they kiss and - the end. It was clunky I'll not lie. Oh well, you win some you lose some.
I concluded about 87 Hallmark movies back that I am looking for a cheap thrill. No reason to sugar coat it, and this movie does not provide the excitement that I so look forward to. What is that excitement? The romantic tension, the longing, the buildup and explosion of good feelings which splashes all over the wallpaper. Or at least give me some anger and frustration and pure hatred, then utilize those negative feelings to bring us a more satisfying contrast with love as part of the end product
This movie brings more of a long and drawn out average goodness which springs from a dead grandmother and a wish for her granddaughter (Deloach - our lead female) to experience the 12 somethings of Christmas, bring her back to her roots, and what is really important in life. Obviously grandma thinks that granddaughter went way off course by becoming a doctor (of neurology?) and moving to the big city. Grandma left her dying wish in an audio message that the estate lawyer, executor, (lead male) plays for her (Deloach) on his cell phone. It's a sappy little message of: please remember what's important in life etc. She also has a notebook left to her with a list of to do's for the holidays, and she must follow the list if she is to truly be blessed and "ready and able" to determine if she wants to sell grandma's house that she's inherited.
Conveniently the executor fella is fetching and has a most endearing, fun, intelligent, and perfect little 10 year old daughter. Of course the daughter is pivotal in helping our lead female find the Christmas spirit again. The leading man is also very goal and career oriented, but he gave up his career in NYC to pursue his wife's artistic one. I bet you can guess where his wife is. A) dead. B) left him. C) dead. D) dead. E) A, C, D. Correct answer is E. I wonder if one of Hallmark's top investors is the NFDA.
The lead female's pregnant friend, or his brother's wife (I'm not sure where she came in) looks like she had makeup done to look 30 years older. But why would they do that if she's pregnant? Very unsettling. Maybe she is actually pregnant and was retaining water? I don't mean to sound callus but it's just strange.
The chemistry between the leads is stiff. She reacts to him like they are colleagues and her responses to his conversation are sort of distant and vague as if she's off in another place. I notice she crosses her arms a lot which expresses that she is closed off, cold, or uncomfortable and nervous. Body language is the majority of communication and hers screams - NO. But she really is a good actress, so...
"Is Christmas always gonna be a little bit sad?" asks the daughter. This is when the movie finally evokes a hint of emotion in me. The wooden and cold exteriors are chipped away at this moment and finally things start to be tolerable for my viewing experience. There are some tears as the leads well up and have a very heartfelt conversation about bringing joy to a sad Christmas legacy. This is when I realized the main characters should have been the man and his daughter, and she (Deloach) should be the secondary lead. But that wouldn't fit the mold. The lead MUST be the female. That's fine, but get it right, we are supposed to be sympathetic to the lead.
When she grills him for bringing her to a fancy restaurant, sort of accusing him of being a player of sorts... I don't know where that came from. He has given us no indication that he is anything but sincere from the first scene. A very misplaced question in my view. This shows a lack of good writing. Why place that question in there where it doesn't belong? Just to fill in the usual silence and tension on a first date?
And they go skating, so overdone, but why complain. Why don't they go skiing, or ice fishing or something, why always the skating? And these skating rinks, they are like the size of my dining room. Who can skate in such a small rink, it's ridiculous. Then she attempts a kiss and he retracts, and there's tension, and then her reaction, and his explanation... it was awkward and unrealistic. In fact, if there's one thing a man would never do is this, unless he is actually NOT interested, or he had pooped his pants at that moment and had to pull back. The way he reacted indicates his role was originally meant to be played by a female, and her role was the male. I figured it out! The writers switched the roles. That makes so much more sense.
When the children are singing 'Gloria' and the harmonizing kid is belting it out like it's a competition. The discordant harmonizing and strange echoing, is just clumsy and insulting.
At the end she is pleading for him to kiss her, she will stick around. She has to prove to him she will be available. He reveals the missing ornament of 2 turtle doves. Oh, did I forget to mention that part of the plot? If they had hyped it up the way they should have, that reveal could have been epic. But it was so-so and then they kiss and - the end. It was clunky I'll not lie. Oh well, you win some you lose some.
A much-needed Christmas movie about coping with grief at the holidays
kahast6 December 2019
I'm glad this movie wasn't afraid to acknowledge the sadness that many people feel at Christmas because of the loss of loved ones. This movie shows us that celebrating those loved ones with traditions and talking about pur love for them and the sadness that can linger is as important a part of Christmas as any other element of everyone's favorite holiday.
Two turtle doves
mitchellrharl6 November 2019
More than it appears on the surface
Jackbv1235 November 2019
If you've watched many Hallmark Christmas movies, you've seen that there are several things that are actually cliche. In Christmas movies, there are Traditions. I have a joke with my sister that instead of the app that checks off just watching each movie, there should be an app that allows you to check off each tradition in each movie. Decorating the tree, making Christmas cookies, singing carols, ice skating, Santa, and so forth. In this movie, the Traditions are not just a byproduct but one of the main threads of the story.
Another cliche that seems to dominate is the antithesis of the evil big city (New York in particular) vs the welcoming small town. Home. Community. The pressures of career is a closely related theme.
The idea of Memories is tied closely to these themes. A lost spouse or close relative is another. In this movie these themes are explored in depth as the main characters try to move past the sadness of these memories of things lost. This movie touches on what is a big deal for many people in that the Christmas season magnifies this sadness because of the pressure of the season to be happy and joyful vs the reminder of things lost. Is there a bit too much idealism? Perhaps, but there is room for the viewers to resonate and perhaps even to experience some healing themselves.
You could say that the story lacks depth, and in terms of action or events, that is mostly true, but I think I have made a case that the story brings out deeper elements, even if some of these seem overly familiar. The story does have a quest as contained in the title that runs throughout. And there is even a moment of tenderness where Hallmark Movies and Mysteries has been know to excel.
The actors in this do a credible job. DeLoach and Rady connect in a natural way and with some depth. And Christmas movies always benefit from a child. Michaela Russell fills this last role well and without overacting which often occurs with some child actors. {I rewatched this movie already only two months later, and Michaela Russell has grown on me how good she is in this role.}
If you are looking for or expecting Christmas fluff, then this is a 6 or 7 star movie. But it takes a little patience, and then it has the potential to hit home as one of the holiday gems. I think this is a movie that will go on my list to watch again year after year.
Another cliche that seems to dominate is the antithesis of the evil big city (New York in particular) vs the welcoming small town. Home. Community. The pressures of career is a closely related theme.
The idea of Memories is tied closely to these themes. A lost spouse or close relative is another. In this movie these themes are explored in depth as the main characters try to move past the sadness of these memories of things lost. This movie touches on what is a big deal for many people in that the Christmas season magnifies this sadness because of the pressure of the season to be happy and joyful vs the reminder of things lost. Is there a bit too much idealism? Perhaps, but there is room for the viewers to resonate and perhaps even to experience some healing themselves.
You could say that the story lacks depth, and in terms of action or events, that is mostly true, but I think I have made a case that the story brings out deeper elements, even if some of these seem overly familiar. The story does have a quest as contained in the title that runs throughout. And there is even a moment of tenderness where Hallmark Movies and Mysteries has been know to excel.
The actors in this do a credible job. DeLoach and Rady connect in a natural way and with some depth. And Christmas movies always benefit from a child. Michaela Russell fills this last role well and without overacting which often occurs with some child actors. {I rewatched this movie already only two months later, and Michaela Russell has grown on me how good she is in this role.}
If you are looking for or expecting Christmas fluff, then this is a 6 or 7 star movie. But it takes a little patience, and then it has the potential to hit home as one of the holiday gems. I think this is a movie that will go on my list to watch again year after year.
No Grandstanding Here
glanners-708033 January 2021
A neuroscientist on the brink of being awarded a fellowship grant (Nikki Deloach) returns to her home town to deal with the affairs of her late grandmother who raised her, and meets the widowed attorney who is handling the estate (Michael Rady). The family home has been bequeathed to her on the proviso she completes twelve 'traditions'. Together, with his daughter, they tackle the challenges, along with helping deal with each others' loss. No grandstanding here, just genuine performances dealing with emotions around Christmas. Recommended for at least one watch.
Recycled storyline - again
jenrn-097226 July 2021
This is the second of three movies that Nikki Deloach stars in with the exact same theme. Why do they put the same actors in the same plot movies? I saw this just now. And seriously? How many times does this poor girl have to star in a picture when a relative who is not her mother, who raised her instead of her mother, dies and leaves her an estate she has to go through trials to inherit? The difference between this and the other two is that this one she's waiting to inherit the house, in the others she's waiting to inherit stores. When I say it's the exact same storyline, I meant it. Different guy each one, but same snarky, know-it-all female character, that figures out her life, falls for the guy, then stays in the small town. I don't understand how they can use the same story, and the same lead, played the same way, and try to sell it as an original. At least put a different actress in it.
Heartwarming story, great cast.
MIssM192 November 2019
Dr Sharon Harper is going back home, after her grandma passed away, with one purpose: the house she left behind. There, she meets Sam, the lawyer responsable for her grandma's final affairs and also, her neighbour. There, Sharon discovers that she was left a final to-do list during Christmas time. For every one she crosses of her list, she hangs one of the 12 stockings from the 12 days of Christmas song. Enter, Sam, his daughter and his brother who help Sharon with this list.
I loved this story so much. The plot was beautiful. Nikki and Michael are superb together, they have amazing chemistry. The supporting cast was great (The girl who plays Mikayla worked with them in "Love to the rescue" earlier this year as Nikki's character' daughter). Sam and Mikayla are also grivieng, they lost their wife/mother not long ago and the three of them coming together it's heartwarming, there is a scene in particular between them that is beautiful, I had a lump in my throat the whole time.
My only problem was the typical cliche of having the female lead choose between her professional career and her new found family/love, but I was satifsfied with the ending. I hope Nikki Deloach and Michael Rady make more movies together, both from this year are among my favorites.
I loved this story so much. The plot was beautiful. Nikki and Michael are superb together, they have amazing chemistry. The supporting cast was great (The girl who plays Mikayla worked with them in "Love to the rescue" earlier this year as Nikki's character' daughter). Sam and Mikayla are also grivieng, they lost their wife/mother not long ago and the three of them coming together it's heartwarming, there is a scene in particular between them that is beautiful, I had a lump in my throat the whole time.
My only problem was the typical cliche of having the female lead choose between her professional career and her new found family/love, but I was satifsfied with the ending. I hope Nikki Deloach and Michael Rady make more movies together, both from this year are among my favorites.
Hallmark Christmas
SnoopyStyle10 July 2022
Dr. Sharon Harper (Nikki DeLoach) is a successful scientist. She returns home to spend Christmas with her pregnant cousin Lucy. It's the first time back since the death of her beloved Gramma Vera. Vera left her the family home and a journal for the Christmas traditions. Vera's estate lawyer Sam Taylor (Michael Rady) and his daughter Mikayla are her neighbors.
This is nice enough. It's a Hallmark Christmas. It's not going to be dramatic or edgy. It is the safest of Christmas movies. The little girl is cute enough and so is Nikki DeLoach. The romance is safely set at a low simmer with an easily overcome hurdle that gives some heartwarming feels.
This is nice enough. It's a Hallmark Christmas. It's not going to be dramatic or edgy. It is the safest of Christmas movies. The little girl is cute enough and so is Nikki DeLoach. The romance is safely set at a low simmer with an easily overcome hurdle that gives some heartwarming feels.
High Scores From Where Exactly?
rossmcfarlen4 December 2020
With a 7/10 rating on here (and higher from many) I had high expectations for this one...but found it overly contrived, mawkish and about as shallow as a children's paddling pool.
The bugbear that ticked me off straight away is that the characters pretend they don't know each other, but it soon transpires they know ALL about each other's lives as Grandma's house is right nextdoor to the lawyer (a widower & very young daughter, who was an 'elf' in Grandma's house, the previous Christmas!) who was hired to take care of Grandma's will & estate after she died at the top of the year.
Pretending they don't know each other was too fake for me as I presume the lawyer/friend/neighbour of Grandma would have attended the smalltown funeral and would have met her beloved granddaughters (cousin x 2) at that point in time...the heavily pregnant cousin also pretended not to know the lawyer given powers of attorney by her late Grandmother either - incredulity stretched by a long mile.
Then the sentimentality over the ornaments inspired by the carol, 'The 12 Days Of Christmas' was also overworked and incredulous - a busy academic working for an imminent fellowship; back in town to tidy up Grandma's estate BUT finds herself getting worked up over the two missing Turtle Doves ornament just made me switch off, I couldn't suspend disbelief any longer after that.
"Get your priorities right darling!", was the thought that crossed my mind with this nonsensical sentimental distraction.
Three quarters way through I lost complete interest and stopped watching.
I've seen much better quality TV films in this genre in recent weeks than this under-roasted festive bird served up with cold stuffing & corked wine.
Only 3/10 from me.
The bugbear that ticked me off straight away is that the characters pretend they don't know each other, but it soon transpires they know ALL about each other's lives as Grandma's house is right nextdoor to the lawyer (a widower & very young daughter, who was an 'elf' in Grandma's house, the previous Christmas!) who was hired to take care of Grandma's will & estate after she died at the top of the year.
Pretending they don't know each other was too fake for me as I presume the lawyer/friend/neighbour of Grandma would have attended the smalltown funeral and would have met her beloved granddaughters (cousin x 2) at that point in time...the heavily pregnant cousin also pretended not to know the lawyer given powers of attorney by her late Grandmother either - incredulity stretched by a long mile.
Then the sentimentality over the ornaments inspired by the carol, 'The 12 Days Of Christmas' was also overworked and incredulous - a busy academic working for an imminent fellowship; back in town to tidy up Grandma's estate BUT finds herself getting worked up over the two missing Turtle Doves ornament just made me switch off, I couldn't suspend disbelief any longer after that.
"Get your priorities right darling!", was the thought that crossed my mind with this nonsensical sentimental distraction.
Three quarters way through I lost complete interest and stopped watching.
I've seen much better quality TV films in this genre in recent weeks than this under-roasted festive bird served up with cold stuffing & corked wine.
Only 3/10 from me.
NOT actually a Goof
markawyman29 November 2020
They list this under "Goofs" but it isn't... If Sharon grew up in this town, she would know that she has to go to his law office for the meeting... Duh.....
When Sharon and Sam make an appointment to meet for the first time, they mention a time but not a locale before they part company.
When Sharon and Sam make an appointment to meet for the first time, they mention a time but not a locale before they part company.
Will Christmas always be sad?
innerlooper9621 November 2023
First, Nikki DeLoach is usually a joy and for most, will still be delightful in this movie. For me, her character seems slightly overdone, and not very warm. The male lead who plays Sam is also very affable, but for some reason, I didn't see a huge connection from him to her. It seemed initially - and throughout - that she was disproportionately interested in him.
The young gal, 'Mikayla', was absolutely a savior to the cast and the movie. She was so authentic and carried herself with the perfect balance of joy and realism.
The plot has been well-summarized, but some of it was just lacking that magnetic draw that so many of us can feel when watching movies, even Hallmark ones. There's usually something that makes you feel attached to the plot resolution, but in this situation, I could see:
1. Nikki's character would be successful, no matter what she did or chose for her future.
2. The ornament would definitely be found.
3. The two would definitely fall in love.
4. The cousin was a typical supporting role, establishing the idea that Nikki's character is surrounded by loving family -- without any challenges or conflicts (not too realistic).
It might have been interesting to explore how a new "mom' would feel to Mikayla, and to draw that out a little. It might have been helpful to see what connected the two romantic leads - other than the fact that they both were grieving. It seemed like Sam was so uncertain of his interest or ability to be romantic (yet); that is realistic for sure, but I didn't get the feeling that once the movie is over, Sam and Sharon would really be together for life.
About the overacting, the example in my mind is right in the beginning when Sharon is saying goodbye to her cousin for a short while. She does this thing with her hands and body while she says "K! Gotta Go! Love you, you're fab, CALL ME??" - or something to that effect. It's just...who does this in real life, when temporarily saying goodbye for a little while?
I loved the ornament idea, and would love to have something like that in my family.
Overall, a fantastic movie, with the possibility of more.
My overall favorite aspect is that they do a great job of balancing how we cope with grief and still have joyful times in life.
The young gal, 'Mikayla', was absolutely a savior to the cast and the movie. She was so authentic and carried herself with the perfect balance of joy and realism.
The plot has been well-summarized, but some of it was just lacking that magnetic draw that so many of us can feel when watching movies, even Hallmark ones. There's usually something that makes you feel attached to the plot resolution, but in this situation, I could see:
1. Nikki's character would be successful, no matter what she did or chose for her future.
2. The ornament would definitely be found.
3. The two would definitely fall in love.
4. The cousin was a typical supporting role, establishing the idea that Nikki's character is surrounded by loving family -- without any challenges or conflicts (not too realistic).
It might have been interesting to explore how a new "mom' would feel to Mikayla, and to draw that out a little. It might have been helpful to see what connected the two romantic leads - other than the fact that they both were grieving. It seemed like Sam was so uncertain of his interest or ability to be romantic (yet); that is realistic for sure, but I didn't get the feeling that once the movie is over, Sam and Sharon would really be together for life.
About the overacting, the example in my mind is right in the beginning when Sharon is saying goodbye to her cousin for a short while. She does this thing with her hands and body while she says "K! Gotta Go! Love you, you're fab, CALL ME??" - or something to that effect. It's just...who does this in real life, when temporarily saying goodbye for a little while?
I loved the ornament idea, and would love to have something like that in my family.
Overall, a fantastic movie, with the possibility of more.
My overall favorite aspect is that they do a great job of balancing how we cope with grief and still have joyful times in life.
A GOOD one!
Jazzie-too7 November 2019
Having watched nearly every single Hallmark Christmas movie over the last 10 years, I have started getting little bored the last year or two. They become reminiscent of the same themes and, often, the lead actors lack chemistry or suffer from over-exposure. But every year there are at least two or three that may join the cluster of special movies that I still look forward to seeing again. Movies like: "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year", "A Grandpa for Christmas", "The Christmas Card", and those really special ones with Peter Faulk, like "A Town Without Christmas".
I enjoyed this one--much for the same reasons as stated in the review by Jackbv123. This made you think about some deeper meanings about Christmas and all the memories and traditions that one might have or wish for.
Beautiful doves
TheLittleSongbird1 December 2020
Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace. There are a fair share of them though that are surprisingly above average and even good amidst the many average and less ones.
2019 was a very hit and miss and somewhat unimpressive year for Hallmark and their Christmas output. 'Two Turtle Doves' to me, and many others it seems, managed to be one of the best from that year and actually among their best Christmas films in general. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch, then again is that expected from Hallmark, or flawless. But 'Two Turtle Doves' does show that Hallmark do have a good film in them if given a chance.
Sure not all the dialogue is great, Hallmark tend to be over-scored and there are times, not constantly, where that is applicable to 'Two Turtle Doves'.
There are instances too where the pace drags when the film is less eventful.
However, 'Two Turtle Doves' is visually pleasing and has a professional look. The appropriately festive locations especially. Enough of the soundtrack is nostalgic and pleasant enough. he direction is accomodating while not going through the motions. Nikki DeLoach and Michael Rady don't overplay, any mannerisms not overdone, and neither do they hold back too much. Their likeability shines through and their chemistry is a warm and genuine one that develops more naturally and realistically than usual. Michaela Russell is appealing too.
Moeover, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. Did appreciate too that there was more to usual. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Actually cared for these characters, not the case with a lot of recently seen Christmas films.
In conclusion, very well done and one of the best Hallmark Christmas films from 2019. 8/10
2019 was a very hit and miss and somewhat unimpressive year for Hallmark and their Christmas output. 'Two Turtle Doves' to me, and many others it seems, managed to be one of the best from that year and actually among their best Christmas films in general. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch, then again is that expected from Hallmark, or flawless. But 'Two Turtle Doves' does show that Hallmark do have a good film in them if given a chance.
Sure not all the dialogue is great, Hallmark tend to be over-scored and there are times, not constantly, where that is applicable to 'Two Turtle Doves'.
There are instances too where the pace drags when the film is less eventful.
However, 'Two Turtle Doves' is visually pleasing and has a professional look. The appropriately festive locations especially. Enough of the soundtrack is nostalgic and pleasant enough. he direction is accomodating while not going through the motions. Nikki DeLoach and Michael Rady don't overplay, any mannerisms not overdone, and neither do they hold back too much. Their likeability shines through and their chemistry is a warm and genuine one that develops more naturally and realistically than usual. Michaela Russell is appealing too.
Moeover, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. Did appreciate too that there was more to usual. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Actually cared for these characters, not the case with a lot of recently seen Christmas films.
In conclusion, very well done and one of the best Hallmark Christmas films from 2019. 8/10
Lacking
Northener10 November 2019
Michael Rady and Nicki Deloach were great in "Love to the Rescue". This unfortunately just doesn't compare and falls flat. Disappointing.
Also, why bother filming in Winnipeg if you're not actually going to film in winter or early spring at least? You can do fake snow anywhere.
Also, why bother filming in Winnipeg if you're not actually going to film in winter or early spring at least? You can do fake snow anywhere.
FIVE GOLD RINGS!!!!!!
adamjohns-4257526 January 2021
I know just by looking in to Michael Rady's eyes that he is the nicest, kindest, most lovely guy. They are just so warm and his smile is so genuine. He makes watching any of the festive made for TV films that he's in, easily watchable. You can't wait to see him fall in love and be happy, because you want it to happen to you.
I also even like Nikki Deloach in this film, she's definitely one of the better actors in these films.
Even the kid is cute and not annoying for a change. Also Zach Tinker is hot! I'm assuming that his character here is gay, just because, if it's true, they can make a sequel where he falls in love with me.
You can believe the love blossoming in this one and the feel of Christmas is almost tangible. I like the idea of the 12 Days of Christmas ornaments and their relevance here helps the story along nicely.
Sweet, easy viewing and enjoyable.
You can believe the love blossoming in this one and the feel of Christmas is almost tangible. I like the idea of the 12 Days of Christmas ornaments and their relevance here helps the story along nicely.
Sweet, easy viewing and enjoyable.
A movie with nothing to be about
doctorsmoothlove23 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"Two Turtle Doves" is one of the numerous new Hallmark Countdown to Christmas for 2019. This one is especially absurd. A woman's grandmother dies and she visits her town to receive her share of the estate. The estate lawyer tells her that her grandmother's will states she has to celebrate several Christmas traditions to receive the option of inheriting the home. Like, what?!? How does someone judge whether she has completed all the tasks? The movie never makes it clear. To make it stranger, the grandmother's voice appears as a narrator out of nowhere.
Some of these Christmas films can be silly. This one is just dumb. Why does the estate's lawyer spend nearly all his time specifically not working and with her? He's the love interest of course. At least he and his brother are handsome and have some chemistry with the main woman. I've heard some of these actors have been in other films together. Thank goodness in this tedium we don't have actors who have no familiarity with each other.
The movie has virtually no plot. The entire runtime is a series of Christmas event cliches you've seen in other Hallmark movies. Since none of these events are the focus, none get any real development. Even bad films like "Cookie Cutter Christmas" are focused enough to put you in the mood for whatever they are about. If this film achieves anything, it is putting you generally in the mood for Christmas at least as a concept.
Of course the film has to be saccharine enough to feature a child. The girl leads the way through the activities each more cringey than the last. The girl's inclusion is an acknowledgement that there's nothing in this film for it to be about. She is a substitute for the lack of any tension in the plot or between the characters' romance. I want and expect better.
Some of these Christmas films can be silly. This one is just dumb. Why does the estate's lawyer spend nearly all his time specifically not working and with her? He's the love interest of course. At least he and his brother are handsome and have some chemistry with the main woman. I've heard some of these actors have been in other films together. Thank goodness in this tedium we don't have actors who have no familiarity with each other.
The movie has virtually no plot. The entire runtime is a series of Christmas event cliches you've seen in other Hallmark movies. Since none of these events are the focus, none get any real development. Even bad films like "Cookie Cutter Christmas" are focused enough to put you in the mood for whatever they are about. If this film achieves anything, it is putting you generally in the mood for Christmas at least as a concept.
Of course the film has to be saccharine enough to feature a child. The girl leads the way through the activities each more cringey than the last. The girl's inclusion is an acknowledgement that there's nothing in this film for it to be about. She is a substitute for the lack of any tension in the plot or between the characters' romance. I want and expect better.
Top notch acting and story! A+++
happybenes3 November 2019
How to cope with grief in difficult times, rise to the challenge and fall in love
cgvsluis8 December 2020
This is a classic Hallmark holiday film. Very little conflict, lot's of Christmas decorations and traditional Christmas activities. This is another feel good holiday film in which a single-father/widower bonds of shared grief and coping mechanisms with a Nero-scientist who has just lost her grandmother who raised her.
Cute kid, missing ornament, that's it.
Absolutely Heartwarming! Hallmark scores a big win!
GeeJoDeeGee2 November 2019
Lovely, heartwarming and fresh! Both characters had wonderful chemistry. Beautiful movie! I don't watch the movies to be challenged; I watch them for the kindness and graciousness they exude! This one is a winner! Will be watching all season long!
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