I found the story in this movie to be unremarkable. Don't get me wrong, I am not one of those Hallmark/Lifetime haters on here, who constantly complain about this genre of film. For the most part, I enjoy such films, see my other reviews. But this one was, simply put, hard to stay engaged with; I had to stop myself on several occasions from using my iPad, multitasking. I had a similar experience to another reviewer in this regard, which was I found it difficult to invest in/bond with the characters. I think this is due mostly to some weak writing, as the acting was decent. Mark Ghanimé's performance (as Eric) was good; he had a soft confidence to his performance on screen, which was pleasant. I spent many hours during the late 90s watching 7th Heaven, so it was nice seeing Beverley Mitchell (as Phoebe) on screen again. Her performance was pretty good. The chemistry between the two was OK. I see some reviewers on here thought it was good, while others did not. It was not great, but it was believable. I think that is the best way to describe it. Some of the scenes between Phoebe and Eric seemed to drag on a bit too much...but again I think this is a product of some weak writing as opposed to the acting. Overall, it was an OK Christmas movie that I will not watch again.
25 Reviews
Too much awkward
Jackbv1235 November 2020
There is way too much awkward in this movie. Too many conversations between Eric and Phoebe go that way. Then there is the blind date dinner at Phoebe's friend's house. And the two dates with the cartoonist are epic fails.
There's not much chemistry between Mark Ghanimé and Beverley Mitchell. As I already mentioned, uncomfortable conversations seem to be the norm. And this movie falls into the trap of not giving the leads enough screen time. Also there are too many conversations with friends about whether the prospective love interest is available. It's fully 2/3rd or more of the movie before Eric and Phoebe actually have a decent time together. I think all this is supposed to be humor, but it takes too much away from the romance.
The climax is sweet but mostly predictable.
There's not much chemistry between Mark Ghanimé and Beverley Mitchell. As I already mentioned, uncomfortable conversations seem to be the norm. And this movie falls into the trap of not giving the leads enough screen time. Also there are too many conversations with friends about whether the prospective love interest is available. It's fully 2/3rd or more of the movie before Eric and Phoebe actually have a decent time together. I think all this is supposed to be humor, but it takes too much away from the romance.
The climax is sweet but mostly predictable.
A weak story and loose ends
mvisser-4838428 January 2021
Even the title didn't suit this movie. When the woman was selling her house and investors were in town, I expected there to be a connection to a new development and bringing candy cane lane back. But no. Candy cane lane ended up as something that could never have been made and kept a secret from Phoebe. You have stretched beyond a limit of belief here.
The writing and storyline were weak. There was a big deal about meeting investors but the investors weren't part of the story or plot. There was the nice young woman that served Eric coffee every day and knew his order. The she disappeared, we never saw her again! The woman at the beginning that was selling her house was irrelevant to the story - a lot of loose ends to this movie.
This was a slow moving romance. How long can it take for two people to admit they like each other?
The writing and storyline were weak. There was a big deal about meeting investors but the investors weren't part of the story or plot. There was the nice young woman that served Eric coffee every day and knew his order. The she disappeared, we never saw her again! The woman at the beginning that was selling her house was irrelevant to the story - a lot of loose ends to this movie.
This was a slow moving romance. How long can it take for two people to admit they like each other?
It's decent, but it drags a little
jagfannn1 November 2020
It's a decent Christmas movie which to me means watchable once.
Kind of a typical plot of getting over the ex, trying to get into the Christmas spirit etc... The story is complete with well meaning friends doing the "you need to get back out there" thing, but it's overdone and aggressive so that it becomes annoying to watch. There is decent chemistry between the leads and they're sweet, but the story lacks any fun between them to help you invest or bond with them.
Kind of a typical plot of getting over the ex, trying to get into the Christmas spirit etc... The story is complete with well meaning friends doing the "you need to get back out there" thing, but it's overdone and aggressive so that it becomes annoying to watch. There is decent chemistry between the leads and they're sweet, but the story lacks any fun between them to help you invest or bond with them.
Candy cane Christmas
mitchellrharl1 November 2020
Yuck.
shanrae-029417 December 2021
I love hallmark movies and the predictability of them. But this was so horrible. Why is the leading woman so insecure? After all the misunderstandings, she still chose overreacting rather than finding out the truth? If it wasn't for the leading man, I wouldn't have finished this movie.
No chemistry
eyez-4053616 November 2021
Just Bad
sirenamartel7 January 2022
This was one of the worst Hallmark movies -- and they're all pretty cheesy. The male lead was cute and likeable but there was zero chemistry between him and Beverley Mitchell. Every scene was awkward and like pulling teeth. And the stupid misunderstandings between them only made the movie longer than it needed to be. This one is a definite pass.
Cute Christmas movie, I think the awkwardness is endearing
Lckycookie14 December 2020
I love Beverly Mitchell in Christmas movies because she is always very down to earth and natural in her roles, and I was so excited Mark was in this because I loved him in Helix and he is a hottie. It's an awkward plot and romance but that's what I like about it. I found it cute and endearing.
Not one of the best.
xstitcher200612 December 2020
Average sweetness
TheLittleSongbird18 January 2022
2020 was very variable though not too bad when it came to Lifetime's Christmas films, and there was definitely the sense that the films were made in a rush with not a lot of preparation time. Yet enough of them were far from amateur-hour efforts and were still watchable all things considered. Lifetime just have done a lot better in some previous years, although their festive output is very hit and miss it should not be dismissed outright as enough have left me pleasantly surprised.
'Candy Cane Christmas' was though more or less what was expected, which was a watchable enough film with good things and some better than average acting. But also one that is nothing extraordinary and does nothing new with pretty familiar plot tropes, actually pretty unremarkable. Lifetime did a lot better than 'Candy Cane Christmas', but also worse than what is a somewhat middling effort for them. Not bad, but not particularly good at the same time.
Am going to start with the good. Mark Ghanime is a subtle and amiable leading man and is an easy going and easy to like character that progresses. The supporting cast are also better than average and even quite solid, even if other Lifetime films fare better when it comes to picking a standout.
The film also at least looks professional, with lovely scenery in particular. The music doesn't intrude and doesn't feel overused, also it has a festive sound to it. Too often not the case with Lifetime.
For all the good things, there is a good deal of bad at the same time. Beverly Mitchell didn't work for me here, she is pretty bland and also comes over as too smug. Her character is very difficult to endear to from the get go and she doesn't really grow, what little there is feels rushed. There is next to chemistry between her and Ghanime let alone spark and a large part of the problem is that the relationship is very under-explored and underused, getting lost amongst everything else going on.
Which is not really all that much and very little of it engages enough. Furthermore, the script is stilted and too talky, some of the talk between the two leads goes on and on. The story didn't really grab me and suffers from a dull pace, padding and from feeling over-stretched. What there is is predictable and lacks charm and any form of substance. The characters are underdeveloped and don't feel enough like real people.
In summary, worth a one time watch but not much more than that. 5/10.
'Candy Cane Christmas' was though more or less what was expected, which was a watchable enough film with good things and some better than average acting. But also one that is nothing extraordinary and does nothing new with pretty familiar plot tropes, actually pretty unremarkable. Lifetime did a lot better than 'Candy Cane Christmas', but also worse than what is a somewhat middling effort for them. Not bad, but not particularly good at the same time.
Am going to start with the good. Mark Ghanime is a subtle and amiable leading man and is an easy going and easy to like character that progresses. The supporting cast are also better than average and even quite solid, even if other Lifetime films fare better when it comes to picking a standout.
The film also at least looks professional, with lovely scenery in particular. The music doesn't intrude and doesn't feel overused, also it has a festive sound to it. Too often not the case with Lifetime.
For all the good things, there is a good deal of bad at the same time. Beverly Mitchell didn't work for me here, she is pretty bland and also comes over as too smug. Her character is very difficult to endear to from the get go and she doesn't really grow, what little there is feels rushed. There is next to chemistry between her and Ghanime let alone spark and a large part of the problem is that the relationship is very under-explored and underused, getting lost amongst everything else going on.
Which is not really all that much and very little of it engages enough. Furthermore, the script is stilted and too talky, some of the talk between the two leads goes on and on. The story didn't really grab me and suffers from a dull pace, padding and from feeling over-stretched. What there is is predictable and lacks charm and any form of substance. The characters are underdeveloped and don't feel enough like real people.
In summary, worth a one time watch but not much more than that. 5/10.
Far from my favorite Hallmark Christmas movie!
Pepper57930 November 2020
This was a bit of a snoozefest. The two leads had very little chemistry. In fact it was awkward at times, even when the romance was starting to take off!! For me, the biggest issue was the female lead. She just isn't a great actress, at least not in this movie. I recognize she has been in some roles in the past that might make her somewhat a recognizable face, but this is the only role of her's that I have seen and I am not impressed. Frankly I'd rather have a better actress that was unknown.
All in all, one of the worst Hallmark Christmas movies I have seen, and I have seen and enjoyed lots of them!
All in all, one of the worst Hallmark Christmas movies I have seen, and I have seen and enjoyed lots of them!
VIEWS ON FILM review of Candy Cane Christmas
burlesonjesse521 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"Find a way to make this Christmas magical". Okay sure. If only I could "find a way" to avoid penning a bad write-up for Lifetime's latest tinseled helping.
Anyway, an unappealing flower shop owner and a pushover veterinarian run into each other excessively during the holidays. This is amidst the dilemma of securing a longtime Christmas tradition. For some odd and/or forced reason, these passing ships believe they are meant to be together. That's the blueprinted gist of 2020's cringe-y, Candy Cane Christmas.
Filmed in Ottawa, Canada, harboring romance for dummies, and distributed in assembly line fashion by Lifetime Television, "Candy Cane" is misguided, distressed, and designing. It has officially caused me to take a break from reviewing these types of manipulative, yuletide endeavors. Every moment in this sweet-toothed flick prolongs the viewer until the inevitable rears its futile head. The obligatory kiss comes at the end and even the mistletoe eventually becomes a little wilted.
"Candy Cane" is directed by sometimes thriller and horror helmer, Adrian Langley. Using spare locations, a vapid script, unknown troupers, and a little counterfeit snow, he shoots the film in a slow burn, awkward manner. The main characters are on chain of events autopilot as they share a bunch of pseudo, cutesy moments before actually canoodling.
To make matters worse, said main characters have to deal with their head case friends who act as sort of relationship therapists. In your mind, you want to slap them silly. "Why? She seems so sweet". "Just give her a chance Eric". "Don't you think it's time". "Would it be so terrible to have someone interested?" "Sounds like you need a distraction". Gimme a freaking break. If I want romantic advice I'll throw a bunch of money at a professional and plop myself on a couch instead. Ugh.
Anyway, an unappealing flower shop owner and a pushover veterinarian run into each other excessively during the holidays. This is amidst the dilemma of securing a longtime Christmas tradition. For some odd and/or forced reason, these passing ships believe they are meant to be together. That's the blueprinted gist of 2020's cringe-y, Candy Cane Christmas.
Filmed in Ottawa, Canada, harboring romance for dummies, and distributed in assembly line fashion by Lifetime Television, "Candy Cane" is misguided, distressed, and designing. It has officially caused me to take a break from reviewing these types of manipulative, yuletide endeavors. Every moment in this sweet-toothed flick prolongs the viewer until the inevitable rears its futile head. The obligatory kiss comes at the end and even the mistletoe eventually becomes a little wilted.
"Candy Cane" is directed by sometimes thriller and horror helmer, Adrian Langley. Using spare locations, a vapid script, unknown troupers, and a little counterfeit snow, he shoots the film in a slow burn, awkward manner. The main characters are on chain of events autopilot as they share a bunch of pseudo, cutesy moments before actually canoodling.
To make matters worse, said main characters have to deal with their head case friends who act as sort of relationship therapists. In your mind, you want to slap them silly. "Why? She seems so sweet". "Just give her a chance Eric". "Don't you think it's time". "Would it be so terrible to have someone interested?" "Sounds like you need a distraction". Gimme a freaking break. If I want romantic advice I'll throw a bunch of money at a professional and plop myself on a couch instead. Ugh.
Pretty Good
llpelley6 August 2020
A Christmas Movie, Slower Than Christmas!
r_mca19 December 2020
A terrible Lifetime Christmas film. The formula? Two single lead characters, facing unwanted change and struggles, only to find love after a series of predictable, and nearly uneventful mishaps.
The problems with this film are many. Lazy writing, poor direction, and terrible lead casting, just to name a few.
The leading lady character is Phoebe (played by Beverely Michelle), unintentionally abrasive, inconsiderate, and entitled. Phoebe runs a floral business with life long childhood best friend Laurie (played by Benedicte Belizaire), shamelessly cast as the black token best friend. She's thoughtful, warm, charming and seems more concerned with Phoebes happiness than even her own. Offensive, and difficult to watch, as Phoebe doesn't seem to appreciate their friendship, rarely (if ever) looks into her eyes, and never ask Laurie how her life, or even her Christmas is going. In fact she doesn't really show any interest whatsoever in who is supposedly her BFF. Phoebe, who not only disregards Laurie's feelings, shows no concern for anyone else's happiness either. This leaves us unable to like or root for the leading lady. Uh-oh!
As the film continues on, at a slower than Christmas pace, we meet the leading man, Eric (played by Mark Ghanimé). Eric has a good heart, and he's attractive, but isn't very exciting. He's more like a handsome action figure, whose only animated ability is to smile.
Alas, Phoebe and Eric, are destined to meet and through the magic of Christmas, fall in love and live happily ever after. Except, when that finally happens, Phoebe's reaction to getting everything she wants, is so stoic, dull and lifeless, that we get a more thrilling satisfaction watching the credits scroll up the screen, and there's a feeling of achievement because we've beaten the film writer's attempt to literally bore us to death during the holiday season.
This movie, is extremely slow, lifeless, somewhat annoying, and severely lacking in charm. I give the film a 2 out of 10 star rating only because I would have rather seen any other character in the film finding love and happiness, than the very, whiney, thoughtless, self centered, and egotistical character the film was centered around. A mannequin could have played the leading lady better than Beverly Michelle, and a walk around the yard would've provided more excitement than what the writers give us in this snooze fest waste of 90 minutes. Trust me when I say 2 stars is a generous rating, as you'll get more enjoyment watching molasses crawl down the trunk of a tree in winter, than you will watching this awful excuse of a Lifetime Christmas movie.
For Vegetarians only
Ed-Shullivan1 December 2020
I used the summary line "For vegetarians only" because this film is as corny as it gets. Mrs. Shullivan and I couldn't believe how this so called romantic Christmas film just dragged on ad nauseum and we kept saying to each other, "enough with the prolonged audio foreplay". The two leads are Beverley Mitchell who plays a florist store owner named Phoebe Saunders and her suitor is Mark Ghanimé a veterinarian named Eric Kelton.
Similar to hundreds of other romantic films Phoebe and Eric run into each other by accident in a big box store, and they subsequently bump into each other over the next few days again and again. Both have these big broad grins of happiness on their faces and their eyelashes twitter even more than Disney's Bambi's eyeleashes do as the romantic foreplay continues.
To call this film hokey would be an understatement, No tears of joy or laughter from Mrs. Shullivan and I just relief when the film finally ended.
Warning: Don't waste your time on this corny Christmas romance, it is extremely boring.
I give it a 3 out of 10 IMDB rating
Similar to hundreds of other romantic films Phoebe and Eric run into each other by accident in a big box store, and they subsequently bump into each other over the next few days again and again. Both have these big broad grins of happiness on their faces and their eyelashes twitter even more than Disney's Bambi's eyeleashes do as the romantic foreplay continues.
To call this film hokey would be an understatement, No tears of joy or laughter from Mrs. Shullivan and I just relief when the film finally ended.
Warning: Don't waste your time on this corny Christmas romance, it is extremely boring.
I give it a 3 out of 10 IMDB rating
Wording
wolfyultimagamer4 November 2020
Very Sweet Romance.
rebekahrox8 November 2020
The chemistry between perky cheerful girl next door Phoebe and exotic looking Eric was fantastic. It made this Christmassy movie in which nothing much happened than romance a joy. Usually I like multilayered plots, but the romance between these two nice and a little shy people deserved to be focused on. Both Beverley Mitchell and Marc Ghanine were wonderful. Beverley is always a welcome sight although at first I though she overdid the perkiness a bit. But she toned it down. I had seen Marc in another Christmas movie recently and he was just OK. But I loved him in this. A lovely surprise.
a headache!
leannefurey3 November 2020
Cliche' city
teebear81719 November 2020
All the predictable Hallmark requirements are here. Bad casting, lead woman is badly cast. No chemistry between the leads. The obligatory black assistant. (MAN, THATS GETTING TIRED) The male lead with 7 days growth on his face. Teeth and over smiling in every scene. Over acting. The "misunderstanding", the saving of some tradition or place about to end. The constant accidental running into of the lead actors...ZZZZZ. Hallmark, stop this new political correctness, and get back to the wholesome stories of years ago. Stop being woke, and hire some new writers. They are desperate. Time travel, guardian Angels, the REAL Santa? Puleeease
Does anyone actually ever eat candy canes?
kevinfedorko-0520024 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I guess I'm just an old fashioned curmudgeon, but I have to wonder why anyone would actually eat a candy cane. They are pretty disgusting, usually toss aways on the same level as a fruitcake or gas station sushi. Eat any of the above and you will spending incredible amounts of time cleaning out your digestive tract, like that cocktail they give you before a colonoscopy. Hours spent blowing out until your legs fall asleep. And just when you think you're done you try to stand up and realize your legs don't agree and you topple over, pants less, into the bathroom sink, chip a tooth and get a fat lip. And now you have to explain to co-workers how your disfigurement was caused by a candy cane......oh and this movie is the cinematic equivalent to eating a candy cane.
Oh Dear
lgroden29 April 2022
I had originally given it a 5-star rating but by the time I got to the end of the film, I changed to 3 stars. Beverley Mitchell isn't a good actress & had the most annoying squeaky voice. As for the awful constant music throughout, once you tune into it you just can't stop.
Lucy Camden is all grown up!
Racingphan225 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Beverly Mitchell carries this otherwise run of the mill production with her smile and boundless energy.
And unlike most of these movies, this was actually filmed during the winter. Real snow, frosted breath.
And Mark Ghanime does a fine job as the male lead.
Original
SunnyDaise12 December 2022
After watching so many seen-it-before Christmas plots, this one was generally different. A few sad things add depth with lots of cute animals to compensate. One reviewer commented that there are too many awkward scenes - but both dating and Christmas is awkward so there's bound to be more in a movie that covers both! Yes it is awkward at times - not out of nastiness but insecurity. Dating is exhausting and the characters' doubts are really true to life. However, with a good age range for multi-generational viewing, this movie is about so much more than the lead couple so there's plenty to enjoy even if viewers aren't totally into the pairing, which I personally liked.
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