This movie had so much potential to be better, the female lead Erica Deutschland was absolutely horrible. Everything was exaggerated. It was pain staking to watch. Chad Connell did a great job. Plot was typical but just like all Hallmark movies you love to see when they realize there was a breakdown in communication. Although, for this one I'd rather he left her be. Hallmark got the female lead wrong on this one.
124 Reviews
A Cheerful Christmas
JoBloTheMovieCritic21 December 2019
No chemistry
drbayside17 December 2019
Lauren's character is immature, unprofessional and annoying. There is absolutely no chemistry between her and James. The story line itself was a wonderful idea, but it's hard to get past the lack of maturity and how irritating they made Lauren's character. Enthusiasm for her job and love of Christmas is great. She is just too unlikable to enjoy the good movie.
not one of Hallmark's best
novagirl1118 July 2020
Firstly, I can't help but wonder where this story was supposed to be set. (Obviously, it was filmed in Canada.) The Andersons moved from England, and Lauren's dad lives far away in Boston, but what does that mean about the location of the home? (and the frozen canal?) Secondly, Lauren was just too annoying to be likable. Seriously, many Hallmark main characters are pretty enthusiastic about Christmas, but this is different. Knowing even what she already knew about James/the Andersons, did she really have to ask about their preference for white or colored lights? Also, how did someone hire a "Christmas Coach" without making it clear that all they wanted was a decorator? And why does it take Lauren so long to get the hint? At times, she seemed like a broken record, had no common sense or emotional intelligence. This was not one of Hallmark's best.
Ridiculous & Annoying
hilary_mae-912-8056121 November 2021
I thought it might be good, but the protagonist acts like a ten year old child hyped up on too much sugar. It's embarrassing to watch her actually. Jumping up and down like a little kid when two poised people are standing on front of her. Good grief, she's an idiot, she can't even tell when the people around her think she's a brainless weirdo. The character shows no insight, awareness, no maturity or professionalism. This character is a business owner? On what planet??? I kept wanting the movie to morph into a murder mystery just to kill her off.
Christmas with no cheer
TheLittleSongbird21 July 2020
Hallmark Christmas films are a very mixed bag, some are surprisingly good, some are mediocre at best and some sit somewhere in between. As a big film lover with a relatively diverse film taste (or at least that is the intention), the Hallmark Christmas films are by me seen expecting pleasant inoffensive diversions and not expecting all of them to be masterpieces. Anybody expecting the latter, dependent on tastes of course, will be disappointed, but anybody expecting the former may find themselves liking some of them for what they are.
'A Cheerful Christmas' had a lovely title and an oddly intriguing, if fairly cheesy, premise. Sadly it didn't leave me cheerful, or really anything other than boredoom and annoyance. 2019 was not the best of years for Hallmark Christmas films, though a small handful pleasantly surprised me, and in my mind 'A Cheerful Christmas' is a very strong contender for the worst of this year's batch. It's not irredeemable but its flaws are many and are so big it's impossible to overlook.
It looks good, especially the scenery which is beautiful.
Chad Connell also does a great job in the male lead role, he is charming and doesn't try too hard or look bored. By far the best actor in the film and the one to give the only halfway decent performance.
Sadly, the script is incredibly cheesy and stilted with the sentimental sugar going into overload in places. The direction is serviceable enough visually, but when it comes to providing any momentum or interesting drama it is a failure. Directing-wise, this is quite phoned in work. The story lacks any charm or heart, and doesn't really have any real depth at all. It's very thin too structurally and executes it in a leaden and stretched out fashion, and lets not get started on how it does absolutely nothing new with typical Hallmark story ideas. Other than the setting, structurally this has been done before. The music is again too constant and intrusive.
While Connell does well that cannot be said for Erica Deutschman, who painfully overacts her role from start to finish and is just awful. Kellie Pickler is Oscar-worthy in comparison. The lead character as a result is truly obnoxious and feels more like an exaggerated cartoon rather than a real person. The rest of the cast fail to stand out and don't bring much distinct or memorable to their sketchy, cliched roles. There is absolutely no chemistry between Deutschman or Connell and the relationship is underdeveloped and undermined by that we are constantly thinking "what does he see in her".
Production values and one good performance aside, 'A Cheerful Christmas' was very bad. 2/10
'A Cheerful Christmas' had a lovely title and an oddly intriguing, if fairly cheesy, premise. Sadly it didn't leave me cheerful, or really anything other than boredoom and annoyance. 2019 was not the best of years for Hallmark Christmas films, though a small handful pleasantly surprised me, and in my mind 'A Cheerful Christmas' is a very strong contender for the worst of this year's batch. It's not irredeemable but its flaws are many and are so big it's impossible to overlook.
It looks good, especially the scenery which is beautiful.
Chad Connell also does a great job in the male lead role, he is charming and doesn't try too hard or look bored. By far the best actor in the film and the one to give the only halfway decent performance.
Sadly, the script is incredibly cheesy and stilted with the sentimental sugar going into overload in places. The direction is serviceable enough visually, but when it comes to providing any momentum or interesting drama it is a failure. Directing-wise, this is quite phoned in work. The story lacks any charm or heart, and doesn't really have any real depth at all. It's very thin too structurally and executes it in a leaden and stretched out fashion, and lets not get started on how it does absolutely nothing new with typical Hallmark story ideas. Other than the setting, structurally this has been done before. The music is again too constant and intrusive.
While Connell does well that cannot be said for Erica Deutschman, who painfully overacts her role from start to finish and is just awful. Kellie Pickler is Oscar-worthy in comparison. The lead character as a result is truly obnoxious and feels more like an exaggerated cartoon rather than a real person. The rest of the cast fail to stand out and don't bring much distinct or memorable to their sketchy, cliched roles. There is absolutely no chemistry between Deutschman or Connell and the relationship is underdeveloped and undermined by that we are constantly thinking "what does he see in her".
Production values and one good performance aside, 'A Cheerful Christmas' was very bad. 2/10
Can I rate this turkey less than 0 stars?
jewhitmer2513 July 2021
I love Hallmark movies, I love the predictability, the Christmas where all is merry and bright, the Christmas staples we expect from Hallmark snowmen, snowball fights, sledding, baking together, the love of Christmas that shines through the reality of life, the chance to bask in Christmas cheer.
This movie "Cheerful Christmas" aka "Countdown to Christmas" gave us none of that. Sure they made snowmen but it was forced and awkward.
The script was weak, most of the acting was bad, there was nothing endearing or even interesting about this turkey.
The plot involves best friends running a party planning business which is a recurring theme with Hallmark. But sorry, as business owners Lauren and Colleen are unprofessional, childish and totally annoying.
The actors: Lauren, played by actress Erica Deutschman, was nothing but childish and annoying, the girl can't act. Painful to watch her pitiful, awkward attempts to bring her character alive.
James, played by actor Chad Connell was fine, he did a great job, but there was no chemistry and no reason for him to fall for annoying Lauren. He made a valiant attempt to act with Deutschman, but it's hard when an actress gives you nothing to work with. He was the only bright spot in a very bad movie.
Colleen played by actor Tianna Nori, poor girl, she was given a nothing part, Colleen is rarely present, had no character and added nothing to the plot. I really can't rate her performance.
Maybe some of the minor characters did good jobs, but they were so overshadowed by the really terrible performancs by Deutschman that I just can't rate them.
I watched the whole movie thinking that it had to get better. Boy was I mistaken.
I have seen hundreds of Hallmark movies and this is the first time that I have to tell potential viewers, don't waste your time.
This movie "Cheerful Christmas" aka "Countdown to Christmas" gave us none of that. Sure they made snowmen but it was forced and awkward.
The script was weak, most of the acting was bad, there was nothing endearing or even interesting about this turkey.
The plot involves best friends running a party planning business which is a recurring theme with Hallmark. But sorry, as business owners Lauren and Colleen are unprofessional, childish and totally annoying.
The actors: Lauren, played by actress Erica Deutschman, was nothing but childish and annoying, the girl can't act. Painful to watch her pitiful, awkward attempts to bring her character alive.
James, played by actor Chad Connell was fine, he did a great job, but there was no chemistry and no reason for him to fall for annoying Lauren. He made a valiant attempt to act with Deutschman, but it's hard when an actress gives you nothing to work with. He was the only bright spot in a very bad movie.
Colleen played by actor Tianna Nori, poor girl, she was given a nothing part, Colleen is rarely present, had no character and added nothing to the plot. I really can't rate her performance.
Maybe some of the minor characters did good jobs, but they were so overshadowed by the really terrible performancs by Deutschman that I just can't rate them.
I watched the whole movie thinking that it had to get better. Boy was I mistaken.
I have seen hundreds of Hallmark movies and this is the first time that I have to tell potential viewers, don't waste your time.
"He's from a different world"
Jackbv12321 December 2019
Tricky move. A Christmas prince movie with no hint of it in the title. The Christmas coach angle is a different take on it. But like most of the "prince" movies, the story makes it clear their worlds and lifestyles are too far apart, and then proceeds to ignore that fact.
I'm a ask-permission kind of person rather than ask-forgiveness, so Lauren rubs me the wrong way. She is juvenile in behavior and speaks and acts with not much of a filter which, yes, makes her annoying. I'm also not sure how well Erica Deutschman performed in the role, but that could have been my dislike for the character.
It's also hard to judge chemistry with a male lead intentionally so reserved, but they did seem have their connection grow as the movie went on.
Samantha Madely has the perfect look for her role as the almost-royal rival. She played it perfectly even if it was a cliche.
I loved the ending. Each of the lead characters orchestrated touching moments.
I'll add my vote to those who take exception to such blatant meanness in some of the reviews. Indeed, if you don't like it, turn the channel. You can tell something about reviewers by how many movies they've reviewed (click on the blue link showing the author name). Many of the worst ratings on this movie are by one-time reviewers. Top IMDb reviewers have a weighted rating of 6.1 vs the overall of 4.6 (as of this writing). That and an out of proportion number of 1 star ratings suggests possible ballot box stuffing.
I'm a ask-permission kind of person rather than ask-forgiveness, so Lauren rubs me the wrong way. She is juvenile in behavior and speaks and acts with not much of a filter which, yes, makes her annoying. I'm also not sure how well Erica Deutschman performed in the role, but that could have been my dislike for the character.
It's also hard to judge chemistry with a male lead intentionally so reserved, but they did seem have their connection grow as the movie went on.
Samantha Madely has the perfect look for her role as the almost-royal rival. She played it perfectly even if it was a cliche.
I loved the ending. Each of the lead characters orchestrated touching moments.
I'll add my vote to those who take exception to such blatant meanness in some of the reviews. Indeed, if you don't like it, turn the channel. You can tell something about reviewers by how many movies they've reviewed (click on the blue link showing the author name). Many of the worst ratings on this movie are by one-time reviewers. Top IMDb reviewers have a weighted rating of 6.1 vs the overall of 4.6 (as of this writing). That and an out of proportion number of 1 star ratings suggests possible ballot box stuffing.
I love Hallmark movies - this was just awful
marisa101017 December 2019
I love the sweetness of Hallmark movies - I know, same plot, same actors, etc., but I love them. It is a way to unplug from the crazy world.
This movie was awful. The lead female was super annoying - did they write her character that way or did she not know how to be cheerful with Christmas spirit without being super annoying?
There is no way the lead male would fall for that immaturity. I couldn't even finish it. I tried...first Hallmark movie I have ever deleted without finishing. Quality over quantity next year, Hallmark.
This movie was awful. The lead female was super annoying - did they write her character that way or did she not know how to be cheerful with Christmas spirit without being super annoying?
There is no way the lead male would fall for that immaturity. I couldn't even finish it. I tried...first Hallmark movie I have ever deleted without finishing. Quality over quantity next year, Hallmark.
A 4.6?
bachristoferson21 December 2019
Had to quit watching
megsnjustice7 February 2020
Wonderful and Full of Life
alanastone-0760928 December 2019
I totally disagree with the review that speaks so poorly of this Hallmark movie and has totally forgot the essence of what the Christmas holiday brings. I think the bubbly acting of the lead actress is wonderful and she's not a redhead. She's beautiful and looks like the typical everyday girl and not some woman who stepped freshly out of a magazine which gives hope to those "regular girls". She is beautiful and plays her role well. It's nice to have a "cheesy" movie feel at times because it gives those of us who get that warm feeling to feel a way we need especially when we are alone and have no family for the holidays! So thank you Hallmark for doing it again! I loved the story line and your movies have always lifted my spirits during the holiday after losing my mom and dad to Cancer and being alone. I love to watch the storylines to love and the "cheesy" feel your movies always give me!
Kindness
albertstrohmetziii21 December 2019
The worst I've seen.....and I've seen them all!!!
tweetygirl_42224 December 2019
I love Hallmark movies, regardless of how many times I am told they are all the same! I work in a high stress job, and these give me a way to unwind and get into the Christmas spirit! This one however, was the absolute first it could not finish watching! The actress in the lead role could not act her way out of a paper bag.....overacting at its finest! Her lack of sincerity, facial expressions, and over embellished excitement when talking about things was all just too much! Typically I can get through any Hallmark movie and find something I love about it, but this was just awful and could not get through the first half hour of it! Hopefully Hallmark learned from this one and works on the quality of their movies in the future......this year just seems to be a race to top last year and the quality of the movies is seriously lacking!
had to FF thru a lot of it
taylornan15 January 2020
Geeze the lead female character was so silly and annoying. Could not get past this to watch the entire movie. With so many 1 star reviews how is the total a 5, probably the worst Hallmark movie I have ever tried to watch
Painful to watch
cincy-4798316 December 2019
Worst Hallmark movie ever
silvercj10 July 2020
Horrible
reynadonnamarie17 December 2019
Is it the reviewers or the movie???
daustin-435506 January 2020
This is not Hallmark's best. I get what the complaints are and at first look, I totally agree. However, as the movie progressed, there is a change in both leads. The female lead pulls back a bit and shows a bit more maturity and decorum - just a bit. James, the male lead, softens and gives a credibile performance. During the short "imagination" scene with Lauren in jewels and picturing herself as a fitting match for James, I felt the director was acknowledging that Lauren was immature and "over the top", but she had the potential for growth (and acceptance).
After I began writing this, I got the impression that the naysayers toward the movie took the easy way out and wrote multiple negative reviews or just stated the obvious.
After forcing myself to watch this twice, it moved up on my list to at least painfully acceptable. I now feel that the actors and director purposely went too far in the "campy" direction but didn't realize it would hurt the appeal of the film.
Give Hallmark a bit of credit. They know what they are trying to achieve, but this effort fell a bit short of hitting the mark.
What the heck Hallmark?
ukheather16 December 2021
As a fan of Hallmark films, i am used to the usual standard of acting. This is like a film pretending to be a Hallmark movie.
The lead female is so annoying you just want her to never speak again but she never shuts up and the acting is poor. The male has a terrible fake accent and can't act very well either. Not sure if he just tried too hard to be a posh English guy rather than concentrating on acting.
The acting is just too bad. It's really horrible!
I don't know why they cast these actors at all. After all normally they are all fine.
Worst one to date.
The lead female is so annoying you just want her to never speak again but she never shuts up and the acting is poor. The male has a terrible fake accent and can't act very well either. Not sure if he just tried too hard to be a posh English guy rather than concentrating on acting.
The acting is just too bad. It's really horrible!
I don't know why they cast these actors at all. After all normally they are all fine.
Worst one to date.
Sweet Film
heididediego31 December 2019
I just watched the movie again. Erica Deutschman's character completely grew on me. I found her to be endearing and her genuine excitement for Christmas made me smile. I found some of the low reviews to be overly harsh.
Annoying!
julianniepaco27 July 2020
Watch longer, it does get better.
sues-218 January 2020
Yes, the main character initially comes across as annoyingly cheerful. But, in time as she finds ways to connect with the male lead her character is toned down and they become relatable. Also, if you think about it when someone's whole job is about Christmas they would have to be over the top cheery, while everyone else is stressed out.
Remember it's a HM movie, not meant to be Oscar Worthy. Relax and sip some hot chocolate and escape reality for a while.
PS: The actual snow and frozen Rideau Canal, just beautiful. Almost as good as Whistler or Big White, BC
PS: The actual snow and frozen Rideau Canal, just beautiful. Almost as good as Whistler or Big White, BC
Soo bad
castlegirl093 November 2020
I maybe watched 10 minutes of this movie before switching over to the news... the night before an election... because this one was so bad. The storyline is awkward, like "How much cliche Christmas stuff can we stuff into an overdone plot?" and the main actress is just plain bad. I get it's "Cheerful Christmas" but she was so cheerful it ruined the whole movie and made me cringe anytime she spoke.
I think I read that Hallmark acquired this from another production company... time to give it back.
I think I read that Hallmark acquired this from another production company... time to give it back.
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