I often nicknamed the Hallmark channel the harlequin channel. This movie made by one of their competitors, UP TV, makes fun of the trend of Christmas Romances that are the main feature in almost 80% of such movies set and shown at Christmas time, except the ones about commercialism and a reimagined Fantasy Santa with magic powers. This movie is clearly marked comedy fantasy, and in deference to those who thought that it wasn't done as well as it could've been or had no plot, I think they miss the point. The plot is making fun of Christmas movies,. IMD?B lists it as a comedy for a reason, and even the title and story line, much less the wooden acting they seem to be honing in on says loudly and clearly to me "this isn't meant to be taken seriously folks." I think the whole idea of a parody on Christmas movies shows that some writer in Hollywood still uses the brain they were given. If the makers of these kinds of movies can't bring themselves to show the true religious meaning of Christmas because of people who would complain about a movie being too religious, this is at least a refreshing treatment of a cliché theme in overly sappy sentimental romance at Christmas movies.
50 Reviews
Adorable,though lacking just a bit
weniwuna20 November 2020
I thought the idea was very clever! How can you watch multiple Hallmark movies and not see the cookie-cutter formula in 90% of them? I love how they take this concept and make a bit of a spoof out of it, without being insulting. Someone commented that it had poor acting because they were so over the top. But in my opinion they had to have some characters over the top so you would get the idea that in most cases things turn out too perfectly. Even when everything seems ruined towards the end, just as it does in a typical Hallmark movie, I wasn't able to see how they would fix it. So I found this very enjoyable. However I did think that they could have added some more clichés From these movies, such as the tree lighting that you always see. And don't get me wrong, I really do love Hallmark movies! It's my go-to when I've had a tough day. Especially in times like these that we are living in at the moment. It's nice to have something predictable instead of so much bad news. But I just think they have the opportunity to do quite a bit more with it. I still would very much recommend it!
An interesting movie Christmas
TheLittleSongbird12 January 2021
The concept for 'A Christmas Movie Christmas' immediately grabbed the attention, one of the best and most interesting concepts for any Christmas film seen recently and ever. Have not seen a concept like this in anything to do with Christmas, and while there was the worry that the execution would go too over the top part of me actually thought this could be a very well done film if done well and if the idea was not wasted.
Luckily the concept was not wasted and on the most part 'A Christmas Movie Christmas' executes it well. It is not a perfect or quite great film, and more subtlety and depth would have been more welcome. For a film that contains all the things often criticised in Christmas films from especially Hallmark and Lifetime and pokes fun at them in a satirical way, 'A Christmas Movie Christmas' was a lot of fun and those involved clearly put a good deal of effort making the most out of the concept.
'A Christmas Movie Christmas' is not perfect. There are times where there was a bit too much of a try too hard feel, even for the concept, with some of the satire being on the forced side and in need of more sharpness. Absolutely none of the actors can be accused of not trying, but will agree that a few actors go a little too far with their roles, exaggerating the character flaws too much that they become annoying. Ryan Merriman and Lana Mckassick being the worst offenders.
Would have liked more depth to some of the secondary characters, a case of them being present and correct but not done enough with. The final act also felt too convenient and compared to the rest of the film it loses energy and takes itself too seriously.
However, 'A Christmas Movie Christmas' looks nice, especially the suitably picturesque location work and the photography is never too drab or garish. The music doesn't come over as too intrusive or over-bearing, though there were times where it could have been used less. It is directed in a lively fashion, it didn't feel draggy and the interaction didn't seem too stiff. On the most part, the acting is better than average with nobody looking as if they were phoning in. And while there is some over-compensating there are charming performances from Brant Daugherty and Kimberly Daugherty, they have fun but didn't overact too much to me, and Brigid Duffy is a scene stealer.
Furthermore, while the script is not always sharp enough and has moments where it is forced much of it is highly amusing and smart. It also didn't seem as cheesy or as sappy, or at least it didn't go too far on them, as other Christmas films. Although the story is admittedly very predictable and has a lot of cliches, both deliberate choices with both being two things that the film is poking fun at, it for the first two acts is full of energy and charm.
Concluding, didn't wow me but entertaining enough for what it was. Just not something to take too seriously. 6/10
Luckily the concept was not wasted and on the most part 'A Christmas Movie Christmas' executes it well. It is not a perfect or quite great film, and more subtlety and depth would have been more welcome. For a film that contains all the things often criticised in Christmas films from especially Hallmark and Lifetime and pokes fun at them in a satirical way, 'A Christmas Movie Christmas' was a lot of fun and those involved clearly put a good deal of effort making the most out of the concept.
'A Christmas Movie Christmas' is not perfect. There are times where there was a bit too much of a try too hard feel, even for the concept, with some of the satire being on the forced side and in need of more sharpness. Absolutely none of the actors can be accused of not trying, but will agree that a few actors go a little too far with their roles, exaggerating the character flaws too much that they become annoying. Ryan Merriman and Lana Mckassick being the worst offenders.
Would have liked more depth to some of the secondary characters, a case of them being present and correct but not done enough with. The final act also felt too convenient and compared to the rest of the film it loses energy and takes itself too seriously.
However, 'A Christmas Movie Christmas' looks nice, especially the suitably picturesque location work and the photography is never too drab or garish. The music doesn't come over as too intrusive or over-bearing, though there were times where it could have been used less. It is directed in a lively fashion, it didn't feel draggy and the interaction didn't seem too stiff. On the most part, the acting is better than average with nobody looking as if they were phoning in. And while there is some over-compensating there are charming performances from Brant Daugherty and Kimberly Daugherty, they have fun but didn't overact too much to me, and Brigid Duffy is a scene stealer.
Furthermore, while the script is not always sharp enough and has moments where it is forced much of it is highly amusing and smart. It also didn't seem as cheesy or as sappy, or at least it didn't go too far on them, as other Christmas films. Although the story is admittedly very predictable and has a lot of cliches, both deliberate choices with both being two things that the film is poking fun at, it for the first two acts is full of energy and charm.
Concluding, didn't wow me but entertaining enough for what it was. Just not something to take too seriously. 6/10
Don't bother watching
helencollantine14 December 2020
A Christmas Hoot!
rebekahrox11 November 2020
There was a lot to like in this movie. It joyfully included every cliché in the hallmark repertoire including the "token adorable child's" surprise reunion with her home for Christmas deployed military parent. I won't list them all because I might forget one. But trust me, nothing was missing. I love the reviews complaining that it was too predictable and had too many clichés. Oblivious much?
Unfortunately it kind of lost it's way towards the end. Not sure why. Maybe it got kind of old, or maybe it started taking itself a little too seriously? Also, even alternate reality themed shows usually try to reground and explain the path forward after the heroine has returned to the real world. But in this one, the dream love interests just showed up again after the girls woke up. I don't know, maybe that was part of the joke?
Kudos to Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty for writing and starring in their own movie. I hope they do it again. Kudos to the Gran Gran actress; I really enjoyed her performance. Did not enjoy the casting of Ryan Merriman, he looked like he had let himself go, a bit. Also did not enjoy Lana Mckissack. Personally, I did not find her appealing. Just my opinion, and why I didn't give this a higher rating. I wish I had known this was filmed in Frankenmuth Michigan when I watched this. We used to visit every year in my childhood.
Unfortunately it kind of lost it's way towards the end. Not sure why. Maybe it got kind of old, or maybe it started taking itself a little too seriously? Also, even alternate reality themed shows usually try to reground and explain the path forward after the heroine has returned to the real world. But in this one, the dream love interests just showed up again after the girls woke up. I don't know, maybe that was part of the joke?
Kudos to Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty for writing and starring in their own movie. I hope they do it again. Kudos to the Gran Gran actress; I really enjoyed her performance. Did not enjoy the casting of Ryan Merriman, he looked like he had let himself go, a bit. Also did not enjoy Lana Mckissack. Personally, I did not find her appealing. Just my opinion, and why I didn't give this a higher rating. I wish I had known this was filmed in Frankenmuth Michigan when I watched this. We used to visit every year in my childhood.
Didn't live up to its potential
phd_travel31 October 2019
This movie could have been lots of fun. Given the premise of making fun of a typical Hallmark type Christmas movie there was potential. But it didn't get that funny. The 2 sisters sound silly at times. And things actually end up like a boring done to death Christmas movie. There was no magic like a Groundhog Day type fantasy.
The cast includes real life spouses Brant Daugherty and Kim Hidalgo. He is better when not acting cutesy. Don't get how the fantasy and reality blended together.
The cast includes real life spouses Brant Daugherty and Kim Hidalgo. He is better when not acting cutesy. Don't get how the fantasy and reality blended together.
Made for TV Xmas fun
thekarmicnomad3 January 2021
It is the season for sugar coted fluff fields - this fits the bill completely.
Two ridiculously attractive, wholesome American women find themselves transported in to a formulaic Xmas movie - meta much?
As one of the women is a massive fan of Xmas movies she knows all the tropes and recognizes the stereotype characters as they roll up.
This is super sweet, romantic, wholesome drivel - but in a good way. The production is of good quality for a made-for-tv movie and I liked the two leads. I enjoyed wrapping my presents with this on in the background.
Two ridiculously attractive, wholesome American women find themselves transported in to a formulaic Xmas movie - meta much?
As one of the women is a massive fan of Xmas movies she knows all the tropes and recognizes the stereotype characters as they roll up.
This is super sweet, romantic, wholesome drivel - but in a good way. The production is of good quality for a made-for-tv movie and I liked the two leads. I enjoyed wrapping my presents with this on in the background.
Not an Xmas Groundhog Day
Blink-8212 December 2020
This movie has three things going for it. The leads, specifically the two that can act. The two whose acting seems like punishment to the viewer almost cancel them out completely. Fun Fact, that couple is married IRL which does not help explain their complete lack of chemistry. They also wrote the thing, so literally no excuse. They can't blame the bad dialogue, or the plot, or each other! Though the dude is good when he's not straining to be "adorable"
The second thing it has is the title, even after seeing it and disliking it, I still love that title.
I guess there is no third. It's a shame, there was potential in the plot, but that goes no where.
Cool idea, it kinda falls flat by the midway point though
r96sk10 December 2020
Cool idea, it kinda falls flat by the midway point though.
'A Christmas Movie Christmas' is far from a terrible film, you could watch much worse during the festive period - this is at least different from the usual made-for-TV Xmas formula. It just gets a little boring as it goes on. I'm not exactly sure how they could've done it better, but there is certainly something missing to keep it fresh and entertaining for the full duration of the run time.
The cast give satisfactory if unspectacular performances. Lana McKissack (Eve) is, as you'd expect, the most standout as the lead. I actually watched her YouTube videos when she was doing that about eight years ago, back when YOMYOMF/'Internet Icon' was a thing - what a throwback!
Elsewhere, Kimberly Daugherty is alright as Lacy, starring alongside co-writer/producer and real life husband Brant Daugherty (Paul). I can't say I'll remember this cast, but they are all fine for what this film is to be honest.
'A Christmas Movie Christmas' is far from a terrible film, you could watch much worse during the festive period - this is at least different from the usual made-for-TV Xmas formula. It just gets a little boring as it goes on. I'm not exactly sure how they could've done it better, but there is certainly something missing to keep it fresh and entertaining for the full duration of the run time.
The cast give satisfactory if unspectacular performances. Lana McKissack (Eve) is, as you'd expect, the most standout as the lead. I actually watched her YouTube videos when she was doing that about eight years ago, back when YOMYOMF/'Internet Icon' was a thing - what a throwback!
Elsewhere, Kimberly Daugherty is alright as Lacy, starring alongside co-writer/producer and real life husband Brant Daugherty (Paul). I can't say I'll remember this cast, but they are all fine for what this film is to be honest.
Campy acting, but a good premise. Worth watching? Maybe...
thecrafts-6671018 July 2020
OK, I'm going to try to be kind. The movie was clean, Christmasy, and had a new plot -something totally missing from most Hallmark Christmas movies which all follow the same formula.
2 sisters, whom are obsessed with Christmas movies (obviously Hallmark ones) get transported Into an actual "Hallmark style" Christmas movie. You find this out in the first few minutes so I don't consider it a spoiler.
This plot had so much promise but as much as I liked the characters, the acting was so amateurish. I even began to wonder if it was "camp style" on purpose? Still not sure!
This didn't seem like a Hallmark production and I wonder if someone else produced it and Hallmark simply aired it on their movie channel just to have something different to offer.
Lastly, if your idea of a balanced meal is cotton candy, cotton candy, and cotton candy, this is the movie for you. If you are expecting decent acting and quality entertainment....well.... I watched it in 20 minute segments. Kind of like pacing yourself when eating at the county fair.
Cute and fun and Christmassy
mritchie-874-15678725 July 2020
Two sisters. Eve and Lacy, who are having a miserable Christmas season wind up living in a Christmas movie as all the cliches (mean boss, sweet grandma, handsome small-town guys, a Christmas festival that needs to be saved, romantic problems involving nasty ex-girlfriends) are rolled out to be gently mocked. I loved this cute holiday movie satire, which manages to be quite funny and also avoids being too snarky. Though it originally aired on UpTV, it's harmless enough that it could easily play on the Hallmark Channel. There are some story glitches but the actors, especially the real-life husband-and-wife team of Kimberly and Brant Daugherty, seem to be having fun and make the movie a delight. Brant Daugherty is especially good, walking a tightrope edge, balancing charm, whimsy, and non-threatening small-town masculinity. The sparkle in his eye helps to keep the slightly stalkery aspect of his love for Lacy in check. Some IMDb reviewers downgrade this for its "stupid" plot, but that's the point. The plot is silly and exposes the silliness of the more traditional Christmas romance movies. I had a smile on my face for almost the entire film and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
A Christmas Movie for People Who Mock Christmas Movies
texaspooldude24 December 2022
As a 60+ year old straight male, I don't watch "Hallmark" style Christmas movies. HOWEVER, I found this movie quite charming. It does a "tongue in cheek" version of a Christmas movie by transporting two sisters into an actual Hallmark style Christmas movie. When you have characters like "typical adorable child", it has potential. If you go with the premise, there are quite a few funny moments, typically at the expense of the Christmas movie genre. Introducing the perfect grandma in a world where the characters didn't have one was a nice touch. Of course, the movie gets a little too cliché here and there. In my opinion, it is worth a watch.
If i could give it zero i would
emilystine-140892 December 2020
Funny
brookenichole-9805424 November 2020
I found this movie to be hilariously bad. It was super bland and the acting was either awful or just alright. The concept sounded awesome, but fell flat once the movie began. Brant Doherty made me laugh out loud with his over the top performance. The two lead girls were great. However, Ryan Merriman's performance wasn't great.
Overall, it was bad and forgettable.
This one of the best Christmas movie premises I have ever seen!
cgvsluis24 December 2022
I love it when a film is able to have a little fun at it's own expense and this one does. It's about two sister living in the city and one wishes her life was like a Christmas movie...next morning they wake up in matching Christmas pajamas with a nana (not theirs) making them waffles inside a Christmas movie. I loved it...the one sister starts looking for her purpose and her romantic love interest, while the other is so sweetly pursued by a handmade card making baker.
The casting was amazing as the two sisters really looked like they could be actual sisters. There were some great decorations like inside the hotel there was a gorgeous upside down tree decorated in red and gold that was stunning.
This was too cute not to recommend. I think holiday movie fans will love the premise and the movie.
The casting was amazing as the two sisters really looked like they could be actual sisters. There were some great decorations like inside the hotel there was a gorgeous upside down tree decorated in red and gold that was stunning.
This was too cute not to recommend. I think holiday movie fans will love the premise and the movie.
Dreadful
rickarddawn167 November 2020
not a dream...a nightmare
ronbokirk29 October 2019
I am in no way connected or related to anyone in this film, so I am free to be truthful about it. It has all the elements for a 10 star Christmas movie except one.
It has absolutely no story. In spite of great actors, great location, great directing the plot was the worst I have seen in years. No real humor, no chemistry between the stars, just cliche after cliche after cliche and no story to connect them. Definitely not worth the time.
I was NOT at all disappointed, il loved this movie!
kahast9 December 2019
It sounded like a good premise
kim-268242 December 2019
So, so awful
nmartin-755755 December 2019
Not Recommending this for Christmas
leonshikto26 November 2019
The movie had an interesting story to explore with the idea of being stuck in a movie but everything else lacked behind. The characters in the magical dimension were creepy and not movie like but somewhere else maybe a cartoon world especially the grandma and the cookie shop guy. It was not able keep me hooked until the very end so I just kept skipping 5 secs waiting for something good which never occurs.
According to my rating strategy:
Story:1/2, Task Fulfillment:1/1, Acting: 0.5/2, Directing, Cinematography and Soundtrack:0/2, Viewer: 0/2, Wow factor: 0/1
Story:1/2, Task Fulfillment:1/1, Acting: 0.5/2, Directing, Cinematography and Soundtrack:0/2, Viewer: 0/2, Wow factor: 0/1
GARBAGE
linda-plant29 December 2020
Two grown women acting like a pair10 year olds (I've seen 10 year olds who act better !), and I gave up after 15 minutes.
The concept was good, and would have been watchable, in the hands of a decent scriptwriter, and actors who could act. Laugh out loud ???? I couldn't even raise a smile.
When Hallmark get it right its brilliant, but oh when they get it wrong it stinks.
And another thing, is Deck The Halls the only carol that Hallmark know ???? there ARE dozens of other well known carols out there, but this one is played in every Christmas film. Change the record Hallmark !!!!
The concept was good, and would have been watchable, in the hands of a decent scriptwriter, and actors who could act. Laugh out loud ???? I couldn't even raise a smile.
When Hallmark get it right its brilliant, but oh when they get it wrong it stinks.
And another thing, is Deck The Halls the only carol that Hallmark know ???? there ARE dozens of other well known carols out there, but this one is played in every Christmas film. Change the record Hallmark !!!!
Creepy and weird
mjohns-602405 September 2021
Shockingly, Brant Daugherty was the worst part of this movie.
rg7991213 February 2021
I watched this movie for Brant Daugherty. Yes he's cheesy and at times over emphasizes the gooey sweetness in his Hallmark roles, but people get better as actors, right? I didn't hate this movie. I didn't expect much, but I figured I'd like it. Brant Daugherty made it hard though. If he was intended to provide comedic relief, then the writers need to learn how to write comedy. He came off as a man instantly obsessed with a woman. I mean over the top, I clip your hair while you sleep and have filled a pillow with it, kind of obsessed. It wasn't sweet, it wasn't funny, it wasn't charming. He was like a romance gushing robot. It was weird. The film would've easily been likeable enough for me had he been a normal person and not acting like a gingerbread man come to life or something. He was weird. Too weird. I foresee his character kidnapping and locking the female character away if she ever decides it won't work out between them.. So disappointing because I've enjoyed watching him in Hallmark movies in the past. Maybe that's just how the character was written and he actually nailed the role. Either way someone botched that character and storyline big time.
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