So, this is my 3rd Hallmark Christmas movie of the 2020 season. It is at the top of my list thus far. The acting was good. Julie Gonzalo was great; I tend to like her Hallmark (or Hallmark like) films. The chemistry between the two leads was pretty good as well. I liked the cookies scenes, for example. The support cast too did a good job. I thought the aunt (BJ Harrison) had a good performance. The storyline/plot was what I expected from a Hallmark film. So, no surprises there. I did find the stopping at the Moose crossing to be a bit odd. We have these where I grew up; you did not stop, but slowed down and paid attention for moose, if you saw one then you stopped. Overall, it was a good start to the 2020 Christmas movie season by Hallmark.
41 Reviews
Pretty average
Jackbv12325 October 2020
The story has an unusual start. A wedding planner has to obtain a rare flower which she has to travel to Alaska to get.
Boss says "Do whatever it takes. Do the impossible." Planner says "I have to fly to Alaska." Boss says "Isn't that a little much." (Paraphrase)
Don't worry, there's still plenty of the standard stuff. There's a town festival. A festival princess. (Cute little twist here, though.) Up for a promotion. A thousand things happen to keep her from leaving. Difficult cell service including holding the phone up over her head. Battery died and no phone charger. Everything about a small town is wonderful. "No, no, we're not together." "Let's decorate together even if you're a stranger." The community center's pipes broke. And so many more.
There is a worthy mini-villain. Between her and the situation there is just a little tension.
I've enjoyed Julie Gonzalo in several parts in similar movies. But her character Jessica didn't get off to a good start. Arrogant and narcissistic. Of course in most of these movies, that's the way the leads start off, with antagonism toward one another. Then suddenly, they turn angelic. And Jessica suddenly loses her NYC arrogance and becomes a very likeable lady. Gonzalo and Ronnie Rowe develop good chemistry. Mostly the movie is held together by their relationship.
The climax and ending are neither surprising nor sparkling - just nice.
I have to give the writers credit for one thing. I can't remember a Hallmark movie that actually understood when the sun rises and sets in the winter in northern latitudes. Jessica learns about long hours of darkness right away.
Boss says "Do whatever it takes. Do the impossible." Planner says "I have to fly to Alaska." Boss says "Isn't that a little much." (Paraphrase)
Don't worry, there's still plenty of the standard stuff. There's a town festival. A festival princess. (Cute little twist here, though.) Up for a promotion. A thousand things happen to keep her from leaving. Difficult cell service including holding the phone up over her head. Battery died and no phone charger. Everything about a small town is wonderful. "No, no, we're not together." "Let's decorate together even if you're a stranger." The community center's pipes broke. And so many more.
There is a worthy mini-villain. Between her and the situation there is just a little tension.
I've enjoyed Julie Gonzalo in several parts in similar movies. But her character Jessica didn't get off to a good start. Arrogant and narcissistic. Of course in most of these movies, that's the way the leads start off, with antagonism toward one another. Then suddenly, they turn angelic. And Jessica suddenly loses her NYC arrogance and becomes a very likeable lady. Gonzalo and Ronnie Rowe develop good chemistry. Mostly the movie is held together by their relationship.
The climax and ending are neither surprising nor sparkling - just nice.
I have to give the writers credit for one thing. I can't remember a Hallmark movie that actually understood when the sun rises and sets in the winter in northern latitudes. Jessica learns about long hours of darkness right away.
above average.
rebekahrox2 November 2020
Pretty good. Julie Gonzalo was charming and funny and I liked they incorporated her Latino heritage into the character. I usually appreciate it when there is more going on that just the love story, and this one brought in her professional life and challenges. I like the tension with her coworker trying to steal her client when she got stuck in Alaska. A Sweet love story and I was actually a little moved at one point.
Standard hallmark Christmas movie
pcmac-503552 January 2021
Nice movie, nice setting
jrbusiness-6449925 October 2020
This movie was alright. It wasn't the best feel good movie but the setting looked nice and the main leads looked good together too.
This was the premiere for the hallmark countdown to christmas so I picked it for my 100 christmas movies before Christmas day challenge.
Would I watch it again? Yeah probably.
This was the premiere for the hallmark countdown to christmas so I picked it for my 100 christmas movies before Christmas day challenge.
Would I watch it again? Yeah probably.
Fell Flat
omclain25 October 2020
The plot was decent. I really wanted to love the movie since the leads were gorgeous and I thought the story was going somewhere. The dilemma of the special flowers for a high profile wedding made sense. The friction at the workplace was expected. The setting was beautiful. But there was little chemistry between the leads. It felt awkward. The expected tension was not significant to keep a viewer engaged. I expected more from the ending. It simply fell flat.
Not believable
bmoose-4537027 October 2021
Bravo Hallmark!
nyz_snuggle_bunny3 November 2020
I usually watch the Hallmark show where they do sneak peeks of their holiday movies, I skipped it this year. I'm enjoying the diversity Hallmark is finally showing, interracial relationships being the main and center focus of the movie, more minority actress and actors. I'm a Hallmark movie addict especially the Christmas ones.
So I had no idea what this movie was about and I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the movie. I liked the whole plot and I enjoy anytime I can learn a little something new. Who knew about Jingle Bell flowers? Not, me I had to go and Google it. This movie kept me interested and even though it was semi predictable I enjoyed the progress and speed of this movie. It was nicely timed and I thought the cast all gelled well together. I like Julie and I have enjoyed all of her hallmark movies.
While I love the usual Hallmark Christmas Actresses. I'm glad they are adding more Hallmark movie actresses to their Chhristmas line ups. I hope they continue to add minority lead actresses to more of their movie line up. I'm looking forward to.more Hallmark movies this year.
So I had no idea what this movie was about and I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the movie. I liked the whole plot and I enjoy anytime I can learn a little something new. Who knew about Jingle Bell flowers? Not, me I had to go and Google it. This movie kept me interested and even though it was semi predictable I enjoyed the progress and speed of this movie. It was nicely timed and I thought the cast all gelled well together. I like Julie and I have enjoyed all of her hallmark movies.
While I love the usual Hallmark Christmas Actresses. I'm glad they are adding more Hallmark movie actresses to their Chhristmas line ups. I hope they continue to add minority lead actresses to more of their movie line up. I'm looking forward to.more Hallmark movies this year.
Like the characters
txharrington14 December 2020
The characters are lovely. I don't like such backstabbing and negativity in my hallmark shows- no one should be ready to tear down someone else for a job. It wasn't needed; we already had the time aspect. That was a poor choice. That kind of storytelling is for the other networks. Keep hallmark happy and special.
I like to live in my hallmark bubble.
Don't waste your time
hypzrkunt6 January 2021
Bad from the beginning to the end. There was no bounding with any of th3 characters.. there was zero on screen chemistry from the leads. Really zero storyline. Of all the hallmark new Christmas releases this was by far the worst. The best by the way was Deliver by Christmas. I really usuallylikeJulie,smokies but she was even off on this one. Did anyone read th3 script before. Not good.
Great start to Christmas
RenT-8306525 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I have to give credit to Hallmark for all the new, refreshing things they're finally trying in their movies. Great leads, new-ish storylines, and an ending where the female lead doesn't have to give up her life and move to a small town to be with the guy. The "formula" is finally changing and I'm really pleased with how this one turned out.
Life IS too precious to race through.
cgvsluis4 January 2022
This movie had a beautiful message: Life is too precious to race through. It is a lesson that I am learning.
The overall story is about a wedding planner, who in the pursuit of creating the perfect wedding for her client, travels to a remote Alaska town to procure unique "Jingle bell flowers". (One pet peeve: the flower is a fuschia not a jingle bell flower. I don't know why the names have to be changed. Fuschia is interesting all by itself.) Our wedding planner, Jessica, gets stuck in town for their Jingle Bell Flower Festival...even getting drawn to be crowned the Jingle Bell Princess for the events. There she is stressing about her most important client of her career but due to poor cell phone coverage and circumstances has to slow down and enjoy life a little...which gets her thinking about her sister and her niece. Meanwhile a snake at work, named Rebecca, does everything she can to steal her client while she is gone. In Alaska she meets an amazing man named Matt, who made sacrifices to move back to Alaska to help his aunt on the flower farm when her husband passed away. He takes it upon himself to help Jessica slow down a little and enjoy Alaska while she is there.
The Alaskan farm house was gorgeous inside and out. I hated that they had to have the selfish character Rebecca...I think she was an unnecessary mean bit in an otherwise sweet holiday romance.
I am sad that New York and the tiny town in Alaska are so far away... Sweet film to recommend for the holidays.
The overall story is about a wedding planner, who in the pursuit of creating the perfect wedding for her client, travels to a remote Alaska town to procure unique "Jingle bell flowers". (One pet peeve: the flower is a fuschia not a jingle bell flower. I don't know why the names have to be changed. Fuschia is interesting all by itself.) Our wedding planner, Jessica, gets stuck in town for their Jingle Bell Flower Festival...even getting drawn to be crowned the Jingle Bell Princess for the events. There she is stressing about her most important client of her career but due to poor cell phone coverage and circumstances has to slow down and enjoy life a little...which gets her thinking about her sister and her niece. Meanwhile a snake at work, named Rebecca, does everything she can to steal her client while she is gone. In Alaska she meets an amazing man named Matt, who made sacrifices to move back to Alaska to help his aunt on the flower farm when her husband passed away. He takes it upon himself to help Jessica slow down a little and enjoy Alaska while she is there.
The Alaskan farm house was gorgeous inside and out. I hated that they had to have the selfish character Rebecca...I think she was an unnecessary mean bit in an otherwise sweet holiday romance.
I am sad that New York and the tiny town in Alaska are so far away... Sweet film to recommend for the holidays.
What a snooze fest
Luvhallmark1 January 2021
I'm not quite sure what people are raving about, this movie was awful. Such a silly storyline, "oh so busy wedding planner" must travel to Alaska to pick up special flowers 🙄. We are supposed to believe it had just snowed up to 24" yet the roads were clear, the trees were green, no one looks or acts cold at all! There was no Christmas feeling to this silly movie. Horrible acting on every single character, not one performance stood out. Hallmark, your movies become less likable with each passing year.
Small town Alaska
TheLittleSongbird18 January 2022
Hallmark Christmas films do have a tendency more often than not to be very predictable, cliched, very cheesy, too schmaltzy and over-scored, the worst of them also contrived and unrealistic. There have been many times where they have also been very cute, warm hearted, heartfelt, charming and appealingly acted. Really did want for 'Jingle Bell Bride' to be all of those latter adjectives, as Hallmark have shown quite a number of times that they can make watchable films.
2020's Hallmark output did vary in quality but was not near as bad or wildly uneven as it could have been. None of the films from the batch were really terrible, and a small handful of them were actually very good. 'Jingle Bell Bride' was not quite one of the very good ones or one of the best of the batch, but it was well above average in my view and much better than its fairly corny title suggests. A lot of Hallmark's film titles don't do their film's actual quality justice and 'Jingle Bell Bride' is one of them.
'Jingle Bell Bride' is not perfect by all means. It does start off on the slow side with some very slight plotting, a lagging pace and not all the dialogue flowing. Ronnie Rowe doesn't find his groove straightaway, not seeming entirely comfortable early on.
The most problematic section of 'Jingle Bell Bride' was the final quarter or so. The drama for my tastes seemed contrived and lacked tension and the ending was an anti-climactic too tidy damp squib.
On the other hand, Julie Gonzalo is the main reason to see the film. She is a sheer charming delight as a character that's likeable and grows. Once Rowe's character grows, he becomes more confident and easier to like. Their chemistry is sweet and genuine, even if it takes time to develop. The supporting cast are solid, often have found with Hallmark that supporting cast actors can be better than the leads and nobody is dull or annoying here. The characters don't seem like stereotypical ciphers, have personality and they are not unappealing ones.
Production values still manage to be great. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Often have found the music a problem in Hallmark Christmas films, but it wasn't over-scored and wasn't inappropriate tonally. While the dialogue is not what one would call amazing, it is not as cheesy or as forced as a lot of festive films or films with similar story types. The story is formulaic and does have pacing and dramatic problems, but is also immensely charming and heart-warming on the most part and there is nothing mean-spirited about it.
In conclusion, not bad at all and pretty decent even. 6.5-7/10.
2020's Hallmark output did vary in quality but was not near as bad or wildly uneven as it could have been. None of the films from the batch were really terrible, and a small handful of them were actually very good. 'Jingle Bell Bride' was not quite one of the very good ones or one of the best of the batch, but it was well above average in my view and much better than its fairly corny title suggests. A lot of Hallmark's film titles don't do their film's actual quality justice and 'Jingle Bell Bride' is one of them.
'Jingle Bell Bride' is not perfect by all means. It does start off on the slow side with some very slight plotting, a lagging pace and not all the dialogue flowing. Ronnie Rowe doesn't find his groove straightaway, not seeming entirely comfortable early on.
The most problematic section of 'Jingle Bell Bride' was the final quarter or so. The drama for my tastes seemed contrived and lacked tension and the ending was an anti-climactic too tidy damp squib.
On the other hand, Julie Gonzalo is the main reason to see the film. She is a sheer charming delight as a character that's likeable and grows. Once Rowe's character grows, he becomes more confident and easier to like. Their chemistry is sweet and genuine, even if it takes time to develop. The supporting cast are solid, often have found with Hallmark that supporting cast actors can be better than the leads and nobody is dull or annoying here. The characters don't seem like stereotypical ciphers, have personality and they are not unappealing ones.
Production values still manage to be great. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Often have found the music a problem in Hallmark Christmas films, but it wasn't over-scored and wasn't inappropriate tonally. While the dialogue is not what one would call amazing, it is not as cheesy or as forced as a lot of festive films or films with similar story types. The story is formulaic and does have pacing and dramatic problems, but is also immensely charming and heart-warming on the most part and there is nothing mean-spirited about it.
In conclusion, not bad at all and pretty decent even. 6.5-7/10.
Nice character reveals
Pete-Claus18 December 2020
A bit slow at first, but the more I learned about each character as the movie went on, the more I liked it, and the more I liked the lead characters. Developed well. Clever plotting.
I did have to laugh at a 4 wheel drive truck supposedly spinning one of its back wheels when stuck in snow. Don't think that can happen!
I did have to laugh at a 4 wheel drive truck supposedly spinning one of its back wheels when stuck in snow. Don't think that can happen!
Decent effort
chriscma6025 October 2020
A fair story full of the usual Hallmark tropes including small town Christmas festivals, job pressures and being trapped with a deadline. They usually work but seem a bit forced here. I really wonder if the nature of the relationship caused the production to be a bit careful. It also doesn't help that the two leads lack romantic chemistry. Still, its worth a watch.
Not bad.
adamjohns-4257510 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Ronnie Rowe is actually very cute in this, he should definitely have a larger part in Star Trek: Discovery. The lead female didn't interest me as much though, her character was a bit frustrating, but the romance was nice enough.
The story was generally very nice, although getting snowed in has been done a lot and I didn't really believe that she would have gone in the first place. We've also seen the party planner thing quite a lot.
There are a few standard issues, for instance I realise that it's a small town, but I thought that everyone was supposed to turn out for the festival, they only seemed to have hired about 12 extras, so it looked a little bit sparse. Other than that it's quite well made. I suppose a lot of the budget went on the aerial photography in an around Alaska.
Spoilers- What I did like was the fact that she's not the one who moves in the end. It always bugs me that the heroine stays in the quaint little town where the handsome fella lives and starts anew, (Although I must confess that my own Christmas book reads something like that too) so it was great to see the fella move back to the city this time instead.
5ish/10.
The story was generally very nice, although getting snowed in has been done a lot and I didn't really believe that she would have gone in the first place. We've also seen the party planner thing quite a lot.
There are a few standard issues, for instance I realise that it's a small town, but I thought that everyone was supposed to turn out for the festival, they only seemed to have hired about 12 extras, so it looked a little bit sparse. Other than that it's quite well made. I suppose a lot of the budget went on the aerial photography in an around Alaska.
Spoilers- What I did like was the fact that she's not the one who moves in the end. It always bugs me that the heroine stays in the quaint little town where the handsome fella lives and starts anew, (Although I must confess that my own Christmas book reads something like that too) so it was great to see the fella move back to the city this time instead.
5ish/10.
Jingle Bell Bride OR Say it with Flowers!
GavWaskett27 October 2020
A Wedding Planner has to travel to Alaska to gather a rare flower for her client, a promotion is on the line and her client's happiness.
Of course going to Alaska means there is going to be weather problems and our heroine has to stay a few days in the local town, which also has its annual Christmas Pageant on at the same time.
Julie Gonzalo is always good value for money and is definitely suited to Hallmark films and Ronnie Rowe, who I have most recently seen in Star Trek: Discovery is also a very likeable lead.
It is also nice to see a mixed heritage couple in a Hallmark movie, which is quite a rare occurrence.
Of course going to Alaska means there is going to be weather problems and our heroine has to stay a few days in the local town, which also has its annual Christmas Pageant on at the same time.
Julie Gonzalo is always good value for money and is definitely suited to Hallmark films and Ronnie Rowe, who I have most recently seen in Star Trek: Discovery is also a very likeable lead.
It is also nice to see a mixed heritage couple in a Hallmark movie, which is quite a rare occurrence.
Good movie but average
ptodreamgirl-816-66651725 October 2020
Obviously no car people involved in the production
lynnmp-3146425 November 2020
A Ram 3500 4x4 getting stuck in snow that doesn't even come to the rims???? Chrysler should be extremely upset. At least the truck was dirty, which is a change from most Hallmark movies. They show the car driving on snowy/sanded roads then the next scene the car is clean as a whistle. To add to a previous comment, someone didn't do their homework.
Adding Diversity to Hallmark Movies
coloredbyblue31 October 2020
Ok, so I have been keeping my eye out for diverse Hallmark movies and most have fell beyond flat. Jingle Bell Bride was on of the better I've seen so far. Loved the chemistry between the two. Julie Gonzalo is a fav and Ronnie Rowe is amazing and a great addition to the Hallmark SuperMen. (smile) Hats off to Allan Harmon. Eagerly awaiting your next one.
biracial Christmas
fmwongmd27 December 2020
Flowers are not always just flowers!
weytux8 November 2020
Nice story line. Good acting. But couldn't get past the flowers. The "Jingle Bell" flower. The flowers they kept showing are called "Fuchsia". They were discovered in 1696-1697 in the Caribbean. They are a tropical type of plant. In the summer you'll see them in hanging baskets all over the world. And in tropical or warmer countries they grow wild. I checked to see if they grow wild in Alaska and from what I've read they don't. There are some absolutely incredible flowers growing in Alaska. Why would they not choose a native plant to Alaska or North America and then have an honest story line. Why choose a tropical plant, lie that it's this rare flower, or that it grows along the water ways in Alaska. The truth is most green house in North America grow Fuchsias. The fact they sent this woman to Alaska to find a plant that grows in the Caribbean makes me think someone did not do they're job. Or they think the viewers are stupid and gullible. I hate that!!! I just couldn't get past it. Inconsistent details like that made me look for more mistakes and it deterred from the movie itself. We viewers are not stupid!!!! They based an entire story line on a lie. Next time do your homework Hallmark. And stop thinking you have gullible fools watching your movies.
Jingle Bell Bride
JoBloTheMovieCritic19 November 2020
Charmer
otherRic30 November 2023
This is a perfect example of why these Hallmark style Christmas movies are so popular.
The production staff put every penny into the sets; the scenery is lovely; the actors are charming; the outlook is positive; villains lose & heroes win; Christmas is awesome; love prevails.
The writing was surprisingly fun ( even if the plot was predictable), the direction was solid, and the editing was surprisingly above average.
If you like sappy Christmas romance, you'll love it.
Special attention to the supporting actors who all really put in great work.
Also, the chemistry between the leads was really good!
The production staff put every penny into the sets; the scenery is lovely; the actors are charming; the outlook is positive; villains lose & heroes win; Christmas is awesome; love prevails.
The writing was surprisingly fun ( even if the plot was predictable), the direction was solid, and the editing was surprisingly above average.
If you like sappy Christmas romance, you'll love it.
Special attention to the supporting actors who all really put in great work.
Also, the chemistry between the leads was really good!
See also
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