I have enjoyed Michael Rady ever since the short-lived "Emily Owens MD" series. I was not familiar with Aimee Teegarden, but I liked her character. I feel like the writing was pretty superior to the majority of 'meh' out there, and the banter between the leads was fun. I was a bit perplexed as to why the female lead's friends would complain about not seeing enough of her, then practically push her out the door to move to Chicago. That made little sense, although it was necessary for the storyline set up by the writers. While I abhor the 'movie conclusion final kiss in public (especially with people clapping!!)' I had a good time with this one.
34 Reviews
Pretty original... for a Hallmark movie
NikiSarah10 January 2021
Regular Christmas Hallmark movies are so cliche, like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This movie is more of a quiche - some work put into it, a variety of ingredients and leaves you satisfied at the end.
I love that both the female and male lead have relatively successful careers and neither one of them has to give it up in order to be with the other. They also don't have to go to some quaint small town to find their purpose or love of their life. The seriousness of the bank fraud was a little glossed over, but then again we're watching a romance not the Panama Papers.
I love that both the female and male lead have relatively successful careers and neither one of them has to give it up in order to be with the other. They also don't have to go to some quaint small town to find their purpose or love of their life. The seriousness of the bank fraud was a little glossed over, but then again we're watching a romance not the Panama Papers.
Different than the usual.
MIssM1912 January 2021
Kelly is a producer at a morning show, Tom works in marketing in a National Bank. She believes in New Year's Resolutions, he doesn't. Her resolution is "to say yes to social invitations"
Unbelievable. We get a different movie than the usual Hallmark gives us and people start complaining. I liked it. We have two people who meet each other, like each other, flirt, go on dates until we have a problem threatening to split them up, which, in my opinion was quite realistic.
There are reviewers saying that the leads didn't have chemistry: i'm sorry, were we watching the same movie? The chemistry was amazing. Both leads were great, but Michael was probably my favorite. His character was quite charming and he definitely knows how to keep me watching.
The script was quite original. We had fun activities and we had a group of friends (we usually get one or a sibling). The characters just talked to each other like the mature adults they are, they never kept anything to each other (even at the ending, and I will defend Tom, he tried his best to tell her). And the romance was ON POINT. The final scene was delightful. Not gonna lie though, I was expecting a flash-forward (since they kind of share a dream) and I was disappointed there wasn't one.
So, I liked it, and this movie gets extra stars for originality.
Unbelievable. We get a different movie than the usual Hallmark gives us and people start complaining. I liked it. We have two people who meet each other, like each other, flirt, go on dates until we have a problem threatening to split them up, which, in my opinion was quite realistic.
There are reviewers saying that the leads didn't have chemistry: i'm sorry, were we watching the same movie? The chemistry was amazing. Both leads were great, but Michael was probably my favorite. His character was quite charming and he definitely knows how to keep me watching.
The script was quite original. We had fun activities and we had a group of friends (we usually get one or a sibling). The characters just talked to each other like the mature adults they are, they never kept anything to each other (even at the ending, and I will defend Tom, he tried his best to tell her). And the romance was ON POINT. The final scene was delightful. Not gonna lie though, I was expecting a flash-forward (since they kind of share a dream) and I was disappointed there wasn't one.
So, I liked it, and this movie gets extra stars for originality.
different
Kirpianuscus2 January 2022
It seems so cool and fresh/ refreshing, inspired, romantic and just seductive than becomes, scene by scene, more than the expected Hallmark. A beautiful chemistry between Aimee Teegarden and. Michael Rady, nice dialogues, charming resolutions, honest hopeful. Just admirable work.
Wrong timing but just me nitpicking
chansc-3035712 January 2021
Almost a 9
VetteRanger23 January 2023
The lead couple in this movie are actors we like ... but sort of on the second tier of our favorites from the standard roster in the Christmas romances. But this film started out strong with personality, an interesting concept, and some real laughs.
Unfortunately, and this happens in a LOT of Hallmark scripts, it lost that early charm about halfway through as they went all "ripped from the headlines" to mimic the Wells Fargo scandal. They should have stuck with the initial premise of Aimee Teagarden's New Year's resolution, which is what made the first half fun.
So for me, the movie had the potential to be great, but they frittered it away in the last half.
Unfortunately, and this happens in a LOT of Hallmark scripts, it lost that early charm about halfway through as they went all "ripped from the headlines" to mimic the Wells Fargo scandal. They should have stuck with the initial premise of Aimee Teagarden's New Year's resolution, which is what made the first half fun.
So for me, the movie had the potential to be great, but they frittered it away in the last half.
Unusual romance story for Hallmark
Jackbv12310 January 2021
Michael Rady and Aimee Teagarden have wonderful chemistry. I loved watching every scene with them (prior to the conflict). I wish there had been more. The acting is mostly good all around. Important characters seemed natural to me.
I've said several times that in Hallmark type rom/coms it is necessary to suspend a demand for realism to some extent or another. This movie has two huge plot holes. The first is when a pretty young woman appearing on TV saying she won't turn down any invitations. I'm glad the movie didn't go into the gutter on that one, but in reality that would have been a disaster. The second is the obvious conflict of interest which would have torpedoed their story in the real world. Here's a case of the writers "hanging a lantern on it" when Kelly brings that up and they almost immediately dismiss it. So we'll give this movie two Mulligan's instead of just one and move on.
Disregard those problems, or find a better way around them, and this is a good story. I can't remember a story quite like it (at least recently). There is some real conflict and some angst. There are some great situations. There's also some good dialogue. Some is funny. Some is a little highbrow. Some gets a little philosophical. This movie goes a little more sophisticated than a lot of what we see on Hallmark, even given the two plot holes I pointed out.
Looking at actors' pages on this web site, this movie shows up as both 2019 and 2021. I can't believe I missed it in 2019. Wonder what happened.
I've said several times that in Hallmark type rom/coms it is necessary to suspend a demand for realism to some extent or another. This movie has two huge plot holes. The first is when a pretty young woman appearing on TV saying she won't turn down any invitations. I'm glad the movie didn't go into the gutter on that one, but in reality that would have been a disaster. The second is the obvious conflict of interest which would have torpedoed their story in the real world. Here's a case of the writers "hanging a lantern on it" when Kelly brings that up and they almost immediately dismiss it. So we'll give this movie two Mulligan's instead of just one and move on.
Disregard those problems, or find a better way around them, and this is a good story. I can't remember a story quite like it (at least recently). There is some real conflict and some angst. There are some great situations. There's also some good dialogue. Some is funny. Some is a little highbrow. Some gets a little philosophical. This movie goes a little more sophisticated than a lot of what we see on Hallmark, even given the two plot holes I pointed out.
Looking at actors' pages on this web site, this movie shows up as both 2019 and 2021. I can't believe I missed it in 2019. Wonder what happened.
perfectly nice Hallmark
SnoopyStyle9 January 2024
Workaholic local Milwaukee morning show producer Kelly Leone (Aimee Teegarden) makes a New Year's resolution for her friends to say yes to every social engagement. Bank marketing director Tom Malone (Michael Rady) is at the same restaurant with his friends where he claims to be able to predict other people's resolution. He goes to the next table but couldn't guess Kelly's.
Aimee Teegarden and Michael Rady are perfectly nice actors and safely cute as a couple. The meet-cute should be cuter. The premise is an excuse for Kelly to do all kinds of stuff especially after the show gets a hold of it. It's nice Hallmark which is fine.
Aimee Teegarden and Michael Rady are perfectly nice actors and safely cute as a couple. The meet-cute should be cuter. The premise is an excuse for Kelly to do all kinds of stuff especially after the show gets a hold of it. It's nice Hallmark which is fine.
What an Absolute Pleasure !
omijer10 January 2021
After what feels like months of watching Hallmark holiday movies that have one common plot and a series of attractive leading actors going through the same stories, along comes this mature, sensitive, and truly original movie! Hats off to the writers, producers, and actors who offered tired viewers a stimulating, intelligent story with interesting, well-developed characters.
Both leading actors are excellent in their roles. Both are truly gifted actors. Aimee Teagarden as the busy tv producer who needs a life change is delightful to watch. Her emotions are real, they are displayed with all the vulnerability, caution, and, yes, moxie that a woman of her profession might possess.
Michael Rady is a guaranteed pleaser! He is an actor. He knows his craft. He has a style that is consistent in each of his films. His facial expressions are spot on. He has a wry little smile that is captivating. And he knows how to act! He is not just another handsome fellow in a familiar plot.
The story presents many challenges for both leads. Life changes, professional ethics to face and deal with, and love. Love is what has eluded these two really intelligent people. and they move towards it with caution, with maturity and with great charm.
It is wonderful to see them find resolution to their individual and mutual problems. And to see a Hallmark film that transcends a hometown reunion, a Christmas parade that needs to be rescued and a big city successful woman returning to her roots for love.
This movie does away with all of that and lets us see much more mature and realistic side of life. Thank you, thank you, writers and producers of this movie.
Both leading actors are excellent in their roles. Both are truly gifted actors. Aimee Teagarden as the busy tv producer who needs a life change is delightful to watch. Her emotions are real, they are displayed with all the vulnerability, caution, and, yes, moxie that a woman of her profession might possess.
Michael Rady is a guaranteed pleaser! He is an actor. He knows his craft. He has a style that is consistent in each of his films. His facial expressions are spot on. He has a wry little smile that is captivating. And he knows how to act! He is not just another handsome fellow in a familiar plot.
The story presents many challenges for both leads. Life changes, professional ethics to face and deal with, and love. Love is what has eluded these two really intelligent people. and they move towards it with caution, with maturity and with great charm.
It is wonderful to see them find resolution to their individual and mutual problems. And to see a Hallmark film that transcends a hometown reunion, a Christmas parade that needs to be rescued and a big city successful woman returning to her roots for love.
This movie does away with all of that and lets us see much more mature and realistic side of life. Thank you, thank you, writers and producers of this movie.
Not Too Bad
raun-15 September 2021
Rady was a little too much of a happy puppy, Aimee was good (Note: It's Gung, or Kung, Hay Fa Choy - phonetically.) The tale was sweet and I liked the bank issue, a more realistic hard hitting story issue than is normally covered in these movies.
It took awhile but by end I was on board
bmiller5917 June 2021
I like the leads in A New Years Resolution, but the beginning was difficult for me. They were both delightful alone but together I was resistant to them being together. As the movie went on they grew on me and I got more involved in them (but isn't that the way all HM movies are?)
I was a bit sad for their breakup, I really felt it but as with all HM movies I knew things would work out.
By the end I came away really enjoying it.
A good watch.
I was a bit sad for their breakup, I really felt it but as with all HM movies I knew things would work out.
By the end I came away really enjoying it.
A good watch.
Realistic HAE with Lead Chemistry
hrh-dmk10 January 2021
Hallmark romance movies are pretty hamstrung in their formulae. Heroine comes into or back to a charming (or her childhood) small town for a short period of time, and must get back to her fantastically successful career ASAP. Usually, although the heroine has everything going for her, she is still (or recently) single, and willing to give up said achievements in a heartbeat once she is looked at twice by the recalcitrant hero, who often has less to offer than she does. Hero is set up as an initial adversary for the heroine. Timing between initial meeting & ultimate clinch (usually accompanied by a proposal of marriage after one or possibly two kisses) is lightning fast. It was refreshing to see a Hallmark film that's a little bit different. This one came without gasps of amazement at the lighting of a Christmas tree (Seriously? When was the last time you craned your neck in a crowd, mesmerized at such a commonplace site? Yet Hallmark trots out that lame trope in every winter holiday flick). The lead actors here actually have chemistry. The supporting characters are believable too. No lame gingerbread cookie or house competition here. No community festival that the entire town can't seem to live without. No children or teenagers breathless with anticipation at decorating for the holiday (rather than whining about being taken away from their video games &/or social media for a chore and tradition they care little about). The hero and heroine here actually seem to get along. The conflict between them is credible (since it was pulled from an actual news story). Granted, the male lead seems more that a bit naive in his faith in corporate executives, but his blinders aren't on for long. And the final resolution, although it seems to have skipped a few chapters from breakup to reconciliation, also didn't stretch the imagination too far. And the actor playing the hero sure knows how to act charming.
A New Year's Favorite!
ginasharp17 January 2021
I would've given this a 10 but dropped it back a point just because it seemed a little awkward for me in the very beginning. When she goes to buy the cookies for her office, the counter guy scene was awkward and wierd. But once I got past that part, it really started to get good! Loved the couple, especially the main male character. I absolutely loved that when the couple met, they fell for each other and liked each other! Refreshing to see a couple get along right from the start instead of arguing for awhile!
The Game Cafe was so cool and like one of the best dates ever!
The Game Cafe was so cool and like one of the best dates ever!
Annoying friends and a long month
hallmarkmov9 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
From the start I found her friends extremely annoying and needy. The presumed she wouldn't show up at the party, but she does late and they are gone, yet they have all this time to stay out late on other nights. They mention these friends have jobs, but it seems they have an endless amount of free time and just want to hang out all the time. I thought she was very busy last year so she had no time to be with her friends, but now she has all the time in the world?
The story then takes a weird turn in the second half. Both their careers get intertwined and it feels like a completely different movie. This movie happens over one month and it feels like a year!
Movie was overly complicated for such a simple premise. How it went from a light fun movie about New Years resolution to a serious news story about fraud for a morning show? Aren't morning shows fun and happy? So the guy loses his job but the girl gets a new career offer? She was very selfish throughout the movie. Wouldn't watch this again.
The story then takes a weird turn in the second half. Both their careers get intertwined and it feels like a completely different movie. This movie happens over one month and it feels like a year!
Movie was overly complicated for such a simple premise. How it went from a light fun movie about New Years resolution to a serious news story about fraud for a morning show? Aren't morning shows fun and happy? So the guy loses his job but the girl gets a new career offer? She was very selfish throughout the movie. Wouldn't watch this again.
Real good movie little lite on ending
hypzrkunt17 January 2021
For main characters two-of my favorite HM actors. They Duda good job throughout but the ending felt either rushed or incomplete. Iwouls like to see msteegarden in more movies. No spoilers here as the premise is simple,e about New Years resolution. Someone saying yes to new things. I just felt the ending felt like they ran out of time
So disappointing!
canadian_eh_uk11 February 2021
I loved the concept and I totally wanted to buy into it. Plus, I love Michael Rady. I expected to like this movie a lot. Unfortunately, Aimee Teagarden's performance was unconvincing and wooden. A better actress would have made this movie good. Michael Rady's character was also too cloying and at times, desperate. There was zero chemistry. If you saved it on your PVR hoping to enjoy it later, delete it. I just saved you.
Might be the best Hallmark movie I have seen
EPMD5714 May 2021
They got the relationship part right. All too often, these movies rush the romance, save a kiss for the very end of the movie, or make people act like jerks to play the whole opposites attract angle. But in this movie, the romance built up in a sweet and genuine way, which was a lot more enjoyable to watch. I hope Hallmark does this more often going forward. It's okay to have your leads go on dates before the end of the movie. Viewers probably want to see some romance, not just a prelude to a romance.
The bank subplot wasn't exactly riveting, but it was good enough not to detract too much from the overall impression.
The bank subplot wasn't exactly riveting, but it was good enough not to detract too much from the overall impression.
Cute story, a new favorite
cindyhuggett10 January 2021
A kind of Hypocritical One sided take on the overarching Backstory.
rikU00113 January 2021
This Hallmark movie is like any other Hallmark movie with a bit of cheesy dialogues here and there and is ultimately just a casual feel-good watch. This is great as I would guess it's why these kind of movies are made around the Christmas and New Years time. It achieves that and if that was the story then this movie would have gotten a 7/10 for me which a "Good Enjoyable Casual Watch".
Where the movie falls through personally is the Ethical dilemma that is the background for the 'Main' conflict between our protagonists. One is a Producer for a News Show and the Other is a Sales Executive (Something along those lines) in a Bank. The reason why I gave this movie a 4/10 is because it demonises the Corporate while Honoring the Media. It got to a certain point where it got too preachy for me and I could easily see the 'message' being pushed.
I know the Corporate Hell and treachery that goes on in a Office while also knowing the Deceit and Manipulativeness of the Media. I choose neither so I won't cheer for either for 'exposing' the other. That is all.
Where the movie falls through personally is the Ethical dilemma that is the background for the 'Main' conflict between our protagonists. One is a Producer for a News Show and the Other is a Sales Executive (Something along those lines) in a Bank. The reason why I gave this movie a 4/10 is because it demonises the Corporate while Honoring the Media. It got to a certain point where it got too preachy for me and I could easily see the 'message' being pushed.
I know the Corporate Hell and treachery that goes on in a Office while also knowing the Deceit and Manipulativeness of the Media. I choose neither so I won't cheer for either for 'exposing' the other. That is all.
One of the few Hallmark movies I like
aqprjyfsq7 February 2021
Hallmark movies don't really do it for me. On paper, the plot sounds semi-interesting but the execution are all the same. However, I really liked this movie! Both leads were great, charming and can deliver their lines in a very believable way. The plot is very grounded in reality and different from the typical Hallmark movies, which was a nice change. I think what made it more enjoyable was both lead actors. Their chemistry was great to watch
I had a hard time enjoying the movie because of the lead actress.
rg799121 February 2021
I expected to love this movie but the lead actress just made it so difficult. I didn't make it through the entire movie. I tried twice, and gave up and went to a different movie. I'll try again, maybe 3rd time's the charm.The actress just has a perpetual grimace-type face and a lack of emotion. I get that her character is closed off to love, but the actress just seemed like she's closed off to feeling in general. I also really hate to admit it, but I found her weirdly long eyebrows and awkward facial expressions so distracting. I know that's shallow, but I found myself spending more time wondering why she felt an almost unibrow was a good idea, than getting into her character. The actress just looked uncomfortable all the time, and as a result I felt uncomfortable watching her. I loved the male lead though, he has such a sweet and calming demeanor. He seems natural and comfortable. I wish he'd been paired with someone else tbh. I could've loved this movie with someone else as lead actress. Maybe Bethany Joy Lenz, Lacey Chabert, Erin Krakow, Merritt Patterson, Jen Lilley, Pascale Hutton, Jesse Schram, or Nikki De Loach. I usually enjoy the films with these actresses in them. The rest I'm honestly sick to death of or they're just really bad actresses. An actor or actress has to not seem like they're acting, even if they are playing a different personality. This actress seems like she's unhappy, forever frowning, angry, or miserable in her real life and that was reflected in her acting. She made it almost depressing and kind of ruined the movie for me.
What a joy!
shobbs-8608111 January 2021
This movie is very different from the expected Hallmark formulaic patterns. It shows realistic human characters who face adult situations in mature and interesting conversations. We loved the acting (all characters were believable) and the plot made sense. Highly recommend!
So bad it hurts fysically
werktuigbouwer1 January 2022
This is not just a bad hallmark movie, it's a really bad one. The acting is bad and uninspiring and i wrestled to stay awake the whole time. Even my wife got sidetracked while watching.
Don't do it! Save yourself the pain.
Don't do it! Save yourself the pain.
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