Christmas by Starlight (2020 TV Movie) User Reviews

Very Character-Driven

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 10 July 2021]

Though this is a Christmas-centric film, it keeps the focus on the central relationship. Like many Hallmark holiday romances, the inevitable resolution can be anticipated early on, but this film has a good energy, driven mainly by Kimberley Sustad's personality. She teamed up with costar Paul Campbell in writing this film, which may explain why they fit so naturally into their roles.

Kimberley plays Annie Park, a Chicago lawyer specializing in family law. When she discovers that her family's restaurant will be demolished to make way for a high-rise, she decides to confront the developer, Holt Enterprises. When she meets the son of the owner---Paul Campbell as William Holt---he hires her for a couple weeks just to assuage his father, who feels that William must constantly be monitored due to his irresponsibility. William promises to save the family restaurant in return, but can he deliver? Will he?

"Christmas by Starlight" is filled with the usual Hallmark touches, like abundant decorations, but it does not rely too heavily on the holiday schmaltz, allowing the character development to be its main focus, which is nice.

The entire cast is enjoyable, so it feels like spending two hours with a group of friends.

I love waffles...

[toddsgraham · 8/10 · 28 November 2020]

This is a very good Hallmark Christmas movie; it is one of the best thus far this 2020 season. The plot, of course, was quite predictable: I knew the ending already 10 minutes in after the scene at the coffee stand where the leads make a deal. However, to be fair, most people watching Hallmark films are not in it for unpredictability. I think, what is most important is whether the film pulls you in, engages you. This one pulled me from the start. I wonder if the writer was at all influenced by the film Two Weeks Notice (starring Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock), as this film reminded me a little of that one. The script, I thought, was well-written, especially the dialogue, the banter between the two leads. It was fun, cute and touching. Regarding the latter, I especially enjoyed the scenes with the gift Annie gave William and the one near the end where they have their first kiss (Annie's response to William here was touching, I thought). Overall, the acting was great. Kimberley Sustad's performance as Annie was impressive; for example, she did an excellent job with her dialogue (her banter) with William (played by Paul Campbell). Campbell had a good performance as well. I typically enjoy his Hallmark movies. The chemistry between the two was good but not great, not as good as the leads in, e.g., The Angel Tree (another very good Hallmark film this Christmas) or Lifetime's A Welcome Home Christmas. That said, the banter between the two was excellent. The supporting cast also had a good performance. Darren Martens had a strong performance in the role of Lyle. Finally, the scenery, props, and sets were all well-polished and quite festive. I did not notice any, e.g., fake snow in this one. Overall, this is a very entertaining Christmas movie, a nice new edition to Hallmark's 2020 movie lineup/collection.

Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell.

[MIssM19 · 8/10 · 14 December 2020]

Annie is a family lawyer, Will is a bussiness man. His company is tearing down her family business so when she goesto talk to him, he "hires" her to be his advisor for a week so that he can get his father off his back.

Really enjoyable movie. Predictable? Yes, as usual. It's my second movie of the day and probably that's why i'm giving this a 8, and not appreciating this enough. I love Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell together, they are a great pair. They have amazing chemistry and besides they were part of the production of the story, which makes it 100 times better for me. Actors getting involved in the production deliver (same with Robert Buckley): we get a nice story, bits of their real life in both of them, and funny banter.

I hope I do not sound repetitive, but i'm really happy with the diverse cast.

My only problem with this is a technical aspect: Annie, as a lawyer, shouldn't have made a contract or a written agreement? It was literally my first thought when they made the arrangement.

I hope they work together again.

Susted and Campbell

[Jackbv123 · 7/10 · 27 November 2020]

Despite the fact that the setup for the story was crazy ridiculous, there are still elements of the same old plot lines. Annie marches off in her pajama bottoms to save the family café from being torn down by the evil developer. The irresponsible son of the company's owner needs to grow up. Annie turns out to be brilliant. I had to get over hating the premise, because really it was all just a vehicle to let Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell give the audience some delightful sparring and great chemistry.

Campbell is a veteran at the irreverent and carefree male lead. I'm glad to see Sustad is becoming a regular for Hallmark as the leading lady. And as many reviewers have noted, these two have been together before. Both of these stars are involved in writing for the movie.

As I said, there are a lot of the same old plot lines right down to the final scene in the movie. It's all predictable. There's no real surprises and the only tension is that one thing you know will get resolved somehow. But this movie is about the stars (not to be confused with the starlight).

Best Hallmark Movie

[elrose-61735 · 9/10 · 16 December 2020]

So I like a good Christmas Hallmark movie, but let's be honest, I usually roll my eyes at least a dozen times. Between the cheesy banter and predictable plots, most of my laughter is ironic at best. Not so with this flick. I genuinely laughed a handful of times, and though you could see what was coming plot-wise, it warmed this cynic's heart. I really enjoyed the two main characters, and would definitely re-watch this film!

"I loved her against promise, against reason, against hope...

[cgvsluis · 7/10 · 8 January 2022]

The heir to a development company needs a legal babysitter according to his father and when he mistakes Annie for said legal babysitter he strikes a bargain with her to fake his legal council in return for him renewing the lease on her parents Starlight Cafe.

Annie's dog is named after Charles Dickens because Great Expectations destroyed her when she read it. Off the cuff our developer, William Holt, quotes Dickens, "I loved her, against promise, against reason, against hope, against all discouragement that could be."

When Annie gets William out of legal trouble with the preservation society she gets stuck putting on a high end fund raiser at her parents cafe The Starlight.

Can William hold up his end of the bargain?

There was cute banter in this fun loving holiday romance. In fact these two were both comedy and romantic gold.

"So what's your move, hotshot?"-William.

My favorite new Hallmark movie of 2020

[happyscrapster · 9/10 · 12 December 2020]

As far as Hallmark Christmas movies go, this is a really entertaining movie and Kimberly Sustad has been my favorite since the Nine Lives of Christmas. I thought the two of them were great together. One I will watch over and over again.

crumbs and accents

[Kirpianuscus · 24 October 2021]

I like it for the crumbs of humor, nice acting, for fair portrait of maturization and the accent to family history and values. For the fresh ingenuity of story, to. And, not the last, for leading characters, well crafted, wise used. To be honest, exactly the honesty remains the main virtue of this different, in some measure, in inspired way, Hallmark film. Nothing fundamental changed but the story is more rich in nuances than you expect. So, I admitt, I like it.

Lighthearted but ...

[watson-88284 · 7/10 · 27 November 2020]

I always enjoy these two in the previous movies but if you have ever seen Two Weeks Notice with Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock you will spot all the borrowed scenes and sometimes the exact lines in this movie. The cafe substitutes the community center. Hugh's character is too carefree and his brother demands he hire a real lawyer aka Sandra's Lucy, who does family law not corporate and is trying to save the community center. Hallmark & Christmas just goes together and I like the chemistry of both leads but not original.

One of the best

[cmshwd · 8/10 · 10 July 2021]

The best dialog of any of the Hallmark movies. Reminds me of snappy repertoire from the old classic movies. Good job writers and lead actors.

A nice festive remake

[Sergiodave · 6/10 · 7 December 2020]

Yes, it's a rip-off of 'Two weeks notice' starring Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock, but it's good in that Christmas TV movie feel. Entirely predictable, but what you want at the yuletide season, unless your'e a grouch.

Best duo

[sccrnick · 8/10 · 6 December 2020]

When I read the story line I was a bit disappointed but these two did a great job and saved the movie from another predictable story line. They have great chemistry and had me laughing much more than most hallmark movies.

I was more curious...

[mbiv · 7/10 · 19 January 2021]

...than anything else. Apparently Hallmark is letting the actors take a role in production on occasion, and Paul Campbell wrote the screenplay from a story that he and his co-star came up with. I'd say they did alright. It is, as other reviewers suggested, short on suspense, but that's not what Hallmark movies are. Kimberly Sustad seems to play the same part in every movie, but she has her charm. The story was a little light on sub-plots, but it's a good enough way to spend a couple hours escaping from the world during the Christmas season.

Coffee To Go!

[adamjohns-42575 · 5/10 · 29 January 2021]

This is one of the more silly ones. The characters were both a bit extreme, he was definitely hard to like at the start and if I'm honest, I don't think he really grew enough throughout the film for his end result.

However, it was nice to see him playing something a bit different here. He's usually such a sweet guy and I prefer him in that role and those films. Also, Paul Campbell, leave your eyebrows alone and stop dieting!! You're far too skinny!

I do like Mrs Sustad, she always fits the brief in these films nicely, but the story here was a bit of a stretch.

The plan all comes together in the end as it always does and the romance blossoms throughout, but it didn't feel specifically Christmassy for me.

I might have written it so that he left the company and Lyle took his position. I think it would have worked better that way.

It's the same premise as many other films in this genre and it's obviously got a good budget behind it, but the story and perhaps the direction just lets it down a bit. It's still worth a watch, because it is otherwise done very well.

Enjoyable with love and laughs

[BA-9964 · 7/10 · 28 November 2020]

I thought both characters did well through out the movie, the chemistry between them felt straightened at times. Not sure if was the actors themselves or if the story line was going that way.

Most supporting characters did well and always nice to see Hallmark writing in characters that are not in a heterosexual relationship.

The decorations were amazing and throughly enjoyed them

Christmas Delight

[jmetman · 10/10 · 27 March 2021]

Kimberly Sustad (Annie)and Paul Campbell(Will)are the lead actors in this film, and they are truly acting soulmates which allows each to shine in this film. I am aware they co-wrote the script.

From an early age Annie knew her life's path was to:"help people." Will, who works for his father's company,Holt Enterprises, is clueless through most of the film as to what he wants in life-he is lost in the adult world. Will is led sometimes none to gently into the adult world of commitment, honor and responsibility. Will allows Annie to see the emotional voids of his upbringing and it's clear he longs for the family atmosphere of the Starlight.

The comedic moments are priceless. Kimberly Sustad has perfected her facial expressions and comedic timing for this movie. For example early in the film Annie says to Will:"why would anyone want to work at Holt Exterprises!" The look is perfect. She challenges him on "the Holt razzle dazzle." Paul Campbell's solo interaction with children building gingerbread houses is a lighthearted moment. Again the timing was perfect. Perhaps my favorite with the two involved Annie's Christmas sweater and Will's fashion critique:"casual not bingo night at the Legion."

The ensemble cast carries the movie. Rebecca Stabb as mom,Bruce Dawson as dad, Darren Martens as Lyle(the no title assistant) and my favorite Curtis Moore as Ted Stammer. The choices for the entire supporting cast could not have been better.

The main story line has been written about extensively, and yes the outcome is predictable. However, this movie is well written, acted and directed. I encourage anyone to sit back and enjoy Christmas by Starlight.

Christmas by Starlight

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 6/10 · 7 December 2020]

6/10 - a story we've seen before is still enjoyable thanks to decent writing and acting

Magical

[tweetorlie · 10/10 · 16 March 2021]

I really enjoyed this movie a lot! I'm a fan of both Paul Campbell & Kimberley Stustad. I think individually the are both very talented actors, but together they make such a great team. I've watched every movie they've been in together and this is my favorite so far. It's full of comedy and cuteness, but also very heartwarming. This is definitely one I'll be watching every holiday season to come. I would like to see them make a sequel to this movie.

All the same

[comtap-121-247814 · 6/10 · 28 November 2020]

Well, another Hallmark romance. This time written by both stars of the film. One thing though: It looks like it was written by the same person who wrote all other Hallmark romances. Same canvas, look alike storie. The only thing that change are the actors, the decors, the words. All the rest is the same as any other Hallmark romance.

I loved this movie

[taylornan · 10/10 · 20 December 2020]

Kimberly and Paul have an awesome chemistry and I have enjoyed every movie that they are in together and hope for more.

For those saying "fake reviews", sorry I am a real person that thoroughly enjoyed this movie and saved it on my dvr to watch again.

This is one of the better Hallmark movies that I have watched so far.

Good Story Bogged Slightly Down By SJW Identity Politics

[Dark_Lord_Mark · 6/10 · 29 November 2020]

Decent story, with very likeable leads.

A successful man, a career oriented women try to team up and work together and we can figure out what happens. The scenario and environment and lines are all well done. The main actor and actress have done Hallmark movies and are very good actors who carry the movie.

So there are some issues that shows Hallmark is betraying their fans. There is a scene that seems out of place. Two gay men, one White and one Asian, showing their stuff. It ruins the flow of the movie and makes you cringe. It's very out of place and really distracts from the story.

Hallmark appears to be betraying their audience, like every other corporation, for woke points and lost profits.

I do recommend watching but be weary of the incoming identity politics.

Well-written, and it shows.

[savethewatchmaker · 8/10 · 11 December 2020]

This movie is genuinely funny, heart-warming, and well-written. I can only hope Paul Campbell and Kimberley Sustad do more writing for Hallmark, specifically because I love the comedic touches put into this film (for all the rom-coms they put out, Hallmark frequently forgets to be funny). Paul Campbell is a force to be reckoned with when humor is in the picture, and I personally feel he thrives in those charmingly funny roles much more than when he plays overly earnest, serious characters (his best performances for me are his roles in Window Wonderland and Surprised by Love, where he plays Shawn-Spencer-like characters that you both want to roll your eyes at and love with all your heart). Even as a businessman, he gets to be authentically funny here, and paired with Kimberley's equally sharp comedic chops (she absolutely nails awkwardness in a way that's super amusing), the movie just works. It moves fluidly, believably, and the scenes are just fun to watch even if you already know how the whole thing will end.

Funny enough, I don't think the chemistry between Paul and Kimberley's characters was particularly strong (nor in their last movie they starred in together), but they're such a great writing team, I'd love to see them work together again.

Enjoyable movie, familiar tropes

[herrcarter-92161 · 7/10 · 25 May 2023]

Paul Campbell and Kimberley Sustad are a winning combination. They have great chemistry and great on-screen interactions. It helps that the screenplay was actually written by them also. The dialog was mostly fresh and believable. Paul Campbell especially is one of my favorite Hallmark leading actors. He is funny, a little goofy and always likable. I feel like his comic talents could have been used even more extensively than they were in this movie.

I wish the story had been a bit more original. As it was, the story was tied down to several tired, cliched Hallmark tropes, such as the evil corporation shutting down the noble small business, or the clueless son of the evil corporation's president becoming more enlightened by interactions with the leading lady. A more original plotline would have been welcome.

Another thing that didn't make sense was how Paul Campbell's supposedly laid back character was often pushing more stiff and staid options, such as when he criticized her Christmas sweater as inappropriate attire for the party, or when he questioned the choice of barbecue beef brisket for the fundraiser, rather than something more gourmet. Seemed a bit out of character to me.

So, I liked the movie, but I didn't love it. My wife, who is much more demanding, was kind of bored by it. The actors were certainly good and the script was good too, but hardly outstanding. It was pretty much what we expect from a Hallmark movie, and if you go into it with that mindset, you'll like it.

Yikes, not particularly good

[dpowelldwp · 5/10 · 12 December 2020]

Very surprising since I usually love Kimberly and I absolutely was a huge fan of the movie they made together a few years ago A Godwink Christmas.

But this one was like they were walking through the movie without any passion or magic. It gives me no pleasure to give them a charitable 5 stars because of the Christmas season when 3 stars was probably a more accurate rating for this forgettable tale.

Great cast

[pnelopecleary · 9/10 · 15 December 2020]

Leading characters were really great and had wonderful chemistry. They had me wonder if they are actually a real life couple. I like the humor and fun that they brought to the film. All really great actors in this film.