Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing (2020 TV Movie) User Reviews

Lots of bits and pieces

[Jackbv123 · 6/10 · 6 December 2020]

This is not your usual Christmas romance. For one thing, there are no new romantic couples. The main couple is one we already knew about from last year. There's also a wedding being planned for a couple from an earlier installment.

Rather than the romance, the main focus, if there really is one central focus, is the Scrooge, the Cooper twins angry brother, who carries a chip because Evergreen's only factory closed on his watch. But there are a lot of other stories. The wedding is about equal to the Cooper story. Then there are a few smaller stories as well.

The appeal to this movie is reliving the characters from the previous three Evergreen movies, at least most of them. For me, that wasn't as enjoyable as following one happy relationship as it develops. It's strictly personal taste.

I am afraid this is the weak link in the Evergreen movie series...

[toddsgraham · 6/10 · 8 December 2020]

I was looking forward to this new instalment of the Christmas in Evergreen movie series. My favourite was the second instalment starring Jill Wagner and Mark Deklin (some great acting). I thought last year's instalment was very good too and remember enjoying Rukiya Bernard (playing Hannah) and Antonio Cayonne's (playing Elliot) sub-plot, which partly explains why I was looking forward to seeing this new edition to the series. I am afraid to say, I was a bit disappointed with this one. I think the writers spread themselves too thin this time around, not focusing enough attention on the two main storylines revolving around Hannah Turner (i.e., her romance with Elliot and her new job at the museum). For example, the storyline about the bells could have been cut to free up space; I don't think it added anything to the movie. As a result, I simply was not pulled in by the movie (pulled in by these two storylines), I did not connect with it, as I did with the previous ones. For example, the fight that the writers try to develop between the couple seemed rather weak and unconvincing, as a result. The one storyline that I really enjoyed was Michelle's marriage delay; the acting by Holly Robinson Peete (playing Michelle) and Marci House (playing Sonya, she was great, by the way) was very strong; I wish they had more lines/scenes too for Colin Lawrence (playing Thomas). The acting overall was good. That said, is it me or was the first 20 minutes or so of acting a bit over the top regarding how happy everyone was? It seemed forced, surreal at one point, even for the Evergreen movie series. A good example of this thru-out the film was the performance of Chris Cope as Ezra. The smiling and lines were simply too much, over the top. The scenery, props, and sets were, of course, well-polished and very festive. The music and music editing were good too. All in all, it is a pretty good Christmas movie, but not nearly as good as the first three instalments of the Evergreen series, unfortunately. Another reviewer on here describes this one as the subplots plotting to steal the production. I laughed at this, as I had not thought about it in those terms, but it does sound about right.

A Swing and a Miss

[spikeluvr · 5/10 · 17 December 2020]

Hallmark took a swing at creating a more diverse movie and ended up with kind of a hot mess. They had great leads with Rukiya Bernard, Antonio Cayonne, Holly Robinson Peete and Colin Lawrence. Instead of fully concentrating on their storylines Hallmark threw everything but the kitchen sink into the mix. It felt as if Hallmark didn't trust that these four actors could carry the weight of an entire movie. That's a shame for two reasons. If Hallmark really felt that way they should have had the guts to use actors they felt could cut it. Secondly, those four actors have proven time and again over the last several years that they can indeed carry a movie all by themselves and they will appeal to a wide range of people because they are engaging and believable. Instead of making a movie that showcases their talents they ended up, once again, as supporting players to everybody else's drama. I still enjoyed the movie and I especially love it when they use cast members from previous Evergreen movies. I just wish they had done this one justice.

I expected to see a wedding!

[dahotnessk · 6/10 · 2 January 2022]

I was hoping this installment would show us the wedding of HRP and her love interest, but no! I sat through 3/4 of the movie hoping dude would show up, but nope! The museum story was a snore and coulda been left out.

I think Ezra only showed up so he could announce he was romantically involved with Oliver. In "Tidings and Joy" he mentioned being introduced to someone by Lisa, but never said who, so I guess the writers wanted to confirm this. This is also made evident in the last scene when Hannah and her beau are having a touching moment and the camera goes to Ezra walking with a new man. Not necessary if you ask me.

What a mess

[jewhitmer25 · 5/10 · 15 August 2021]

The cast was great, all our old favorites were back, acting was magnificent. What a great group of Thespians. This incredible cast deserved a much better script. 5 stars for the great job done by the cast.

I have watched all the Evergreen movies to date, and was eagerly anticipating this years installment, But --- What a disappointment.

They called this episode "Bells Are Ringing" and apparently to justify the title they introduced an out of nowhere, going nowhere subplot of adding a hand bell choir to the Christmas Program.

Holly's wedding does not happen due to blizzard conditions in Maine preventing Thomas, the groom from arriving.

Elliott gets a grant to open another store in Boston, but changes his mind.

The Cooper brother stops the museum from opening, but changes his mind.

Ryan is snowed in, in Paris and can't get there for Christmas with Allie and Zoey, but hey, let's toss off an afterthought, Allie and Ryan are expecting a baby.

Holly and Thomas are supposed to get married but Thomas is snowed n, in Maine and can't make it to the wedding.

Ezra is back, not sure why.

So many subplots, so little time. I'm not really sure what the plot of this movie was. Hallmark apparently had all these ideas so they just tossed them all into the mix and filmed all these disconnected stories and stuck them all together willy-nilly and came up with this mess. And so it goes.

My advice - watch the movie if you feel you must. But don't say I didn't warn you.

Help with actor

[cbkbhtym · 6/10 · 6 December 2020]

Who is the actor who played the Scrooge Mr. Cooper? He looks so familiar but can't find his name in any cast listing. Thanks.

Fairly average Hallmark Christmas cheese...

[paul_haakonsen · 5/10 · 24 December 2021]

Well, while this 2020 Hallmark Christmas movie titled "Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing" certainly was watchable, writers Zac Hug and Shari Sharpe just didn't quite manage to recreate the magic of the 2017 "Christmas in Evergreen" movie.

The storyline and the script for "Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing" was fair enough, however, it just never managed to rise about the mediocrity of the million other Christmas movies that Hallmark spew out year after year. So ultimately, "Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing" just turned out to be another generic run-of-the-mill Christmas movie.

But hey, if you don't mind the usual Christmas cheese and sappy romance, then "Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing" should be right up your alley. So "Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing" is definitely a movie for the average Christmas movie fan.

They had a good cast ensemble for the movie, and it was nice to see returning cast reprise their roles from the previous movies in the "Evergreen" series.

My rating of director Linda-Lisa Hayter's 2020 movie "Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing" lands on a mediocre and generic five out of ten stars.

Bit disappointing!

[ts-0000 · 7 December 2020]

Lacked that Evergreen Christmas magic,like the previous three movies. Have watched the others numerous times,feeling this one might not be rewatched. Each movie adds a storyline,but honestly it felt weak in this aspect.. Much was focused on the Scrooge,so took away from other stories. Was hoping for the wedding,but didn't even happen.. Even the planning excitement,was underwhelming too. If you're watching for Ashley,she has a brief guest appearance.. Wonder how the announcement she gives,will be implemented into a future story. Think the title had to do with,bells playing in the chorus? If so,wasn't real great. Have liked all the actors previous,regardless things felt off. Nice a bit was focused one two side characters normally,but felt like a bland filler story.-Covid restrictions? Decor & music wasn't bad,just was hoping for more. If there's a continuation in the series hope,it's one of many things better delivered next year.

YEAH! For Rukiya Bernard!

[MoosesWin · 8/10 · 7 December 2020]

She is one of my favorite Hallmark actresses and I wish they would cast her in more leading roles. She's so likable and talented. It was nice to see her in a role where she carries most of the story. Yes, I agree this Evergreen is not the greatest. BUT, she's great and always gives her best! Please cast her more often as a lead instead of casting new unknowns!

Didn't she pull a guy in the first one?

[adamjohns-42575 · 6/10 · 23 December 2020]

Well, it's about time we got to see Hannah's story, but I still think that if you haven't seen the first three films that there is a lot you might be miffed about, as they reflect back on it a lot.

And miracle of miracles, Zoe is back in this one, unfortunately, Brat that she is, but at least she's not in it much. Ryan is still noticeable for his absence however.

I like the story of Hannah, who is a lovely character, striving to find her purpose in Evergreen, but I still think it would be more interesting if the lead decided that they would leave the town or if they decided that they didn't need someone else to make them happy, just for a change.

It's not the best of the series so far, but I did feel for Hannah and her situation. I will be curious to see if 2021 brings another episode of an Evergreen Christmas, as although the stories are only so-so, you do find yourself getting involved in the little town and it's residents.

Terrible movie

[betzy23 · 2/10 · 12 December 2020]

I was looking forward to another Evergreen installment, but this one fell flat. I'm sorry, but I was not even able to connect with the "main"actors. It look like amateur hour at Hallmark. Next!

Hannah Turner (Rukiya Bernard)

[aab874 · 10/10 · 14 January 2021]

Favorite scene with

Hannah Turner (Rukiya Bernard) - Asking Carol how the Town sees her and being told that she does too much and says, "Yes." to everything. She's wonderful and doing great and so much like her mother was - ambitious, passionate and caring. Just breathe and remember to ask for help if needed.

Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 6/10 · 12 December 2020]

6/10 - another simply okay addition to this Hallmark franchise

Wanted to Love it, but.......

[aprilskye-68434 · 2/10 · 3 January 2021]

Wow Hallmark! I rarely review anything, but this was such a disappointment I couldn't resist. The actors were fine, but the writers messed up the story lines. There were too many loose ends. When did Ally and Ryan marry (and she's pregnant no less) and what are they doing in France! Wasn't Ryan supposed to be formerly established as the town's doctor? And there was no mention of Lisa (Jill Wagner) who bought Ms. Daisy's store - another main fixture of the Town of Evergreen! I hope there's at least one more Evergreen movie to clean up this last one!

On it's own it was OK

[bmiller59 · 7/10 · 24 December 2020]

I've made it a habit to not look over reviews or ratings till I'm finished watching the movie. Due to comparing the cast with the preceding three installments of this series, I saw the reviews. This wasn't as bad as the reviews, but it had big shoes to fill.

I felt as though the dialogue and interactions were too forced, especially in the beginning. By the end everything flowed fine. It was great to see the same characters in this installment, but it missed Jill Wagner. I never entertained the thought of turning it off after 20 minutes.

The en masse snowball fighting scene was fun, instead of two or three people.

Yea, not as good as the others, but not horrible.

I blame the writers and director

[glenno-42453 · 3/10 · 9 December 2020]

Because the actors are very good craftsmen but this whole movie had the feel of a high school play.

One Actress makes this Watchable

[rebekahrox · 7/10 · 5 November 2021]

This was enjoyable due entirely to Rukiya Bernard. I'm pretty sure that this is the first Hallmark that she has been the principle character, although even in this one, there was an abundance of supporting players. There were also a lot of stories. But like I said. Rukiya Bernard. I have been a fan of hers ever since I first saw her in One Winter Weekend. I love her energy: she just lights up the screen.

The multiple plots were not that interesting. Holly Robinson Peete's fiancé gets snowed in and can't make it back to Evergreen in time for his wedding Or worse, Christmas. The actor might have been busy and couldn't make it to the set, but we did see him on Zoom. Peete's sister arrives for the wedding that is not to be along with her father. Sister is mad at Dad and cold to his nice new girlfriend. Rukiya's story is that Elliot, her boyfriend, is opening a branch of their store in Boston and they will be separated. The other story is that she is now the head of the Evergreen museum but the Cooper Twins' brother never signed off on using the building which puts the kibosh on the museum. He was horrible and mean. Rukiya did absolutely everything to get his cooperation but to no avail. How anyone could resist her charm let alone be so mean to her, I just did not understand. His inevitable epiphany was very weak. He saw a video of his twin sisters saying the same thing Rukiya (and they) had been telling him in person throughout the movie. His change of mind made no sense.

So the whole thing was weak, but I enjoyed you know who.

Disappointing

[kathyminnis · 2/10 · 7 December 2020]

Loved all of the other Evergreen movies and was so looking forward to the wedding this year...loved all of the familiar faces but wish more would have made an appearance and come together for a beautiful Evergreen wedding! Maybe next year??

Mr. Cooper was played by Jerry Wasserman.

[daglio · 8/10 · 7 December 2020]

Holly Robinson Peete always seems to find herself hanging with Mr. Cooper.

Second best of the series

[r96sk · 6/10 · 16 December 2020]

The second best of the series, which is a surprise.

'Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing' improves on the two other sequels, that's quite the achievement in truth. What helps this film is that it keeps the cast, largely, the same. Instead of creating yet another love story with new faces, it continues one from the preceding production by moving Rukiya Bernard into the lead role.

Bernard is solid as Hannah, her being front and center helps the film have some charm to it - which has been missing throughout the series. I kinda liked Antonio Cayonne's character, Elliot, last time out so didn't mind seeing him in a bigger role, also. Their story, though, is meh. Jerry Wasserman (Jeb) makes for an alright addition, his character is averagely written but I could see what they were trying to do with him.

That's these watched, for now... I assume they are gonna make another one next year?

For whom the Christmas bells toll

[TheLittleSongbird · 4/10 · 5 July 2022]

Some people like the 'Christmas in Evergreen' film series. Others don't. With me, the four films are a bit mixed, was conflicted on the original, didn't care for 'Letters to Santa' and sort of liked but not loved 'Tidings of Joy'. Despite mixed to negative reviews, 'Bells are Ringing' was still seen anyway for curiosity as Hallmark have made some well above average sequels and because of having liked Rukiya Bernard, Hollie Robinson Peete and Barbara Niven in other things.

'Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing' was for me rather underwhelming and my easy vote for the weakest of the series. It is not a complete loss and has its good things, it takes a lot for me to call a film etc irredeemable (which is usually reserved for SyFy and Asylum mockbusters). But 'Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing' just didn't come together for me and didn't work. 2020 was a very variable year for Hallmark, and this is among the weakest of the batch.

Am going to begin with the good things. The best thing about it is Bernard, who has a charming warmth and sass. Actually thought that most of the acting was quite good, if more from the female cast than the male. Robinson Peete and Marci House coming off best. Niven was quite convincing too, but she has had better written and less derivative characters elsewhere.

The producion values are lovely, all the Hallmark Christmas films from 2020 delivered on the scenery and the scenery is picture perfect beauty photographed with love. Low budget or rushed production is not obvious. Some pleasant moments in the soundtrack and the marriage delay subplot was quite nice and relatable, the only one that works properly.

However, Antonio Cayonne and Colin Lawrence have nowhere near the same amount of sparkle, Lawrence especially is a bland blank in a nothing role. Cayonne's character is underwritten and his chemistry with Bernard is barely low key and is practically lost by everything else going on in the story. Which really hampers 'Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing' severely, it tries to include too many plotlines and characters and does too little with most, both Hannah's subplots are badly under-explored. The bells subplot felt like needless padding. There could have been less time on the Scrooge character and that character is very one dimensional and not fleshed out enough.

Like a lot of Hallmark films, the film includes a major change of heart and again like too many of those films the film doesn't do a good job with it. It is much too rushed and too suddenly introduced with too little build up, which was the same with the also too pat ending. Absolutely agree that the first half an hour was forced and unintentionally surreal. The dialogue is very awkward and over the top in this part particularly and is nothing to write about throughout the film.

Overall, didn't come together. 4/10.

I loved this movie!!

[roger5616 · 10/10 · 12 December 2020]

I liked both of the leads. Great chemistry. I had a warm feeling watching it. I've seen the other Christmas in Evergreen movies, but to me this one is the best.

It appears the subplots plotted to steal the production

[jagfannn · 2/10 · 7 December 2020]

I'm not really sure what I just watched. Whatever it was, it was disappointing. It reminded me of that old commercial with the line, Where's The Beef? All the Christmas in Evergreen installments have had a main "love story" and this group of great actors have provided interesting subplots throughout the series, without the main plot we've come to expect, the story is just meandering subplots. Is this how Christmas in Evergreen dies? Not with a bang, but with a subplot whimper?

Not Watchable

[johne-55952 · 3/10 · 7 December 2020]

We bailed after 15 minutes or so. There is no writing, no plot, no direction. Just a bunch of people on screen talking to each other. The acting wasn't bad (which it can be in Hallmark movies) but they didn't have anything interesting to say.

We tuned in because of Holly since her last Hallmark movie was good. This one is not. Keep that finger on the fast forward button.

This may have ruined the Franchise

[mark-67351 · 2/10 · 25 December 2020]

The writing was terrible and the "blended cast" was more about being politically correct than it was about maintaining this franchise. The ONLY way Hallmark will save this franchise is by calling in the BIG GUNS like Lacey and Candace, in the same movie, who each independently visit Evegreen and help save Christmas in Evergreen when Nicks house burns down and the whole town (including all the prior big names) return to help Nick overcome his loss.

My entire family and everyone we know rated this a 2 out of 10. No procession, prior big names a no show, and sorry HRP couldn't save this movie.