So, this is now my 13th Hallmark Christmas movie of the 2020 season; this one falls somewhere in the middle of the movies I have seen thus far. Overall, it has a nice storyline. But, if I am being honest, the first 45 minutes were a bit slow, a bit boring at times. That said, the acting was good overall. Holly Robinson Peete's performance (a Hallmark regular) was solid. I must say, I think I am starting to like Adrian Holmes on screen. I have seen him in a few things now; I think he is a good actor. He had a pretty good performance in this film. The chemistry between the two (leads) was pretty good; it was believable, something a few Hallmark films I have seen thus far have been lacking. The supporting cast's performance too was strong, especially the doctor (Fred Henderson as Dr Ray). The scenery, props and sets were 'well-polished' and festive. Hmmm.... maybe this movie was not as 'cozy' (regarding its Christmas atmosphere) as some of the other Hallmark films I have seen. Finally, I did like the birdwatching element in the story; I will be looking for cardinals now when I take walks in the park. A nice Christmas story with some solid performances, well worth the watch for Hallmark fans.
18 Reviews
Heart warming
Sergiodave12 January 2022
A very good movie from Hallmark, that might be predictable, but not too cheesy with a great cast, the lead actors have a good chemistry, all important in a romance, and you will shed a tear at the end if you're human. Well done Hallmark, a great festive movie.
Hallmark delivers greatly with this Christmas movie...
paul_haakonsen19 December 2021
Truth be told, as I sat down to watch the 2020 Hallmark Christmas movie, I was sort of expecting that I would most likely be in for another run-of-the-mill-and-over-the-top sappy romantic Christmas movie. Why? Well, Hallmark does have a track record for producing these cheesy Christmas movies, don't they? But every now and again, Hallmark does surprise by releasing something that breaks their usual formula. So I opted to sit down and watch "The Christmas Doctor".
And actually "The Christmas Doctor" turned out to be one of those instances where Hallmark breaks away from their usual sappy, cheesy formula and surprise the audience. As it turned out, then writers Neal H. Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky churned out a storyline that was entertaining and enjoyable. It wasn't a movie driven by the usual romantic sap, which was a relief. Sure, "The Christmas Doctor" does have elements of romance to it, of course it does, but it wasn't the force that drove the movie forward.
So the writers definitely gave director Kevin Fair something wholesome, wholehearted and entertaining to work with, and that turned out to become "The Christmas Doctor".
They had a good cast ensemble for the movie, with lead actress Holly Robinson Peete (playing Dr. Zoey) and Adrian Holmes (playing Luke). I wasn't familiar with Adrian Holmes, but he carried the movie quite well alongside with Holly Robinson Peete. The movie also had the likes of Fred Henderson, Bronwen Smith, Nicole Anthony and Marlie Collins on the cast list, whom also contributed well to the movie.
Now, if you enjoy a Christmas movie that transcends the usual Christmas cheese of a man-and-a-woman-with-differences-and-some-dislike-between-them-having-to-work-together-for-a-mutual-goal-and-end-up-falling-in-love type of movie, then give "The Christmas Doctor" a chance. I genuinely enjoyed watching this one.
My rating of "The Christmas Doctor" lands on a seven out of ten stars.
And actually "The Christmas Doctor" turned out to be one of those instances where Hallmark breaks away from their usual sappy, cheesy formula and surprise the audience. As it turned out, then writers Neal H. Dobrofsky and Tippi Dobrofsky churned out a storyline that was entertaining and enjoyable. It wasn't a movie driven by the usual romantic sap, which was a relief. Sure, "The Christmas Doctor" does have elements of romance to it, of course it does, but it wasn't the force that drove the movie forward.
So the writers definitely gave director Kevin Fair something wholesome, wholehearted and entertaining to work with, and that turned out to become "The Christmas Doctor".
They had a good cast ensemble for the movie, with lead actress Holly Robinson Peete (playing Dr. Zoey) and Adrian Holmes (playing Luke). I wasn't familiar with Adrian Holmes, but he carried the movie quite well alongside with Holly Robinson Peete. The movie also had the likes of Fred Henderson, Bronwen Smith, Nicole Anthony and Marlie Collins on the cast list, whom also contributed well to the movie.
Now, if you enjoy a Christmas movie that transcends the usual Christmas cheese of a man-and-a-woman-with-differences-and-some-dislike-between-them-having-to-work-together-for-a-mutual-goal-and-end-up-falling-in-love type of movie, then give "The Christmas Doctor" a chance. I genuinely enjoyed watching this one.
My rating of "The Christmas Doctor" lands on a seven out of ten stars.
Diagnosis: Love
TheLittleSongbird23 April 2022
Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace. There are a fair share of them though that are surprisingly above average and even good amidst the many average and less ones.
The 2020 output from Hallmark 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. 'The Christmas Doctor' is one of the good, if not quite great, ones and definitely one of the better 2020 Hallmark Christmas films. Perfect it isn't, far from it, but 'The Christmas Doctor' is a good example of why Hallmark shouldn't immediately be judged negatively.
Am going to start with what could have been done better. It drags a little early on where the film takes a little time to get going. The final quarter is on the contrived and very formulaic side, not unexpected as that is common with Hallmark.
Did think that more could have been done with the big twist, which is introduced too suddenly and felt rushed through.
However, a lot is done right. It is visually pleasing and has a professional look. The appropriately festive locations especially. Enough of the soundtrack is nostalgic and pleasant enough. The direction is accomodating while not going through the motions. Holly Robinson Peete doesn't overplay, any mannerisms are not overdone, and neither does hold back too much. She has a genuine well matched chemistry with an equally good Adrian Holmes, who is leagues better than he was in 'You Light Up My Christmas'. The supporting cast are very good too.
Moreover, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story raises some important relevant issues in a tactful manner, making the film heartfelt at points, it also engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. Did appreciate too that there was more to usual. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Actually cared for these characters, not the case with a lot of recently seen Christmas films. The ending is touching.
Concluding, nicely done. 7/10.
The 2020 output from Hallmark 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. 'The Christmas Doctor' is one of the good, if not quite great, ones and definitely one of the better 2020 Hallmark Christmas films. Perfect it isn't, far from it, but 'The Christmas Doctor' is a good example of why Hallmark shouldn't immediately be judged negatively.
Am going to start with what could have been done better. It drags a little early on where the film takes a little time to get going. The final quarter is on the contrived and very formulaic side, not unexpected as that is common with Hallmark.
Did think that more could have been done with the big twist, which is introduced too suddenly and felt rushed through.
However, a lot is done right. It is visually pleasing and has a professional look. The appropriately festive locations especially. Enough of the soundtrack is nostalgic and pleasant enough. The direction is accomodating while not going through the motions. Holly Robinson Peete doesn't overplay, any mannerisms are not overdone, and neither does hold back too much. She has a genuine well matched chemistry with an equally good Adrian Holmes, who is leagues better than he was in 'You Light Up My Christmas'. The supporting cast are very good too.
Moreover, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story raises some important relevant issues in a tactful manner, making the film heartfelt at points, it also engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. Did appreciate too that there was more to usual. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Actually cared for these characters, not the case with a lot of recently seen Christmas films. The ending is touching.
Concluding, nicely done. 7/10.
A Heartwarming Christmas Story
jagfannn17 November 2020
This is an interesting story about life, family, finding love and a place to call home. Holly Robinson Peete does a great job playing a restless Doctor, constantly running in hopes of making amends from past regrets. She lands in a small town where she meets Adrian Holmes who along with some of the towns residents, heals the good Doctor as she heals others. The leads have good chemistry together and banter between them that's fun to watch. There also a mysterious thread running through the movie that concludes with a touching moment that's well worth watching.
The Christmas Doctor
JoBloTheMovieCritic29 November 2020
Really Good Movie
pattersonjamie-1207919 December 2020
Good standard for a hallmark movie
dianamarinelli29 November 2020
Star wars
johnlennon-2994221 February 2024
I want the battery in the star wars light saber that was in in the cardboard for neary 30 -40yrs battery hasn't run out out or leak on a serious note another movie mistake on a cheap movie.the movie is just too if it didn't have well known actors in it it would be even worse to watch.its a movie u would watch probably only once wouldn't buy it but they are lots of movies outhere that u say how did this get made. The story didn't have a little more fizz to it without giving the whole story away with this review its shocking u got too write a 300 word review because its too long should be able to write without needing to review.
Very heartwarming movie!
GeeJoDeeGee29 November 2020
Simply watchable
Jackbv12317 November 2020
The story is a bit like Christmas Under Wraps a few years ago with Candace Cameron Bure. The biggest difference is Willow Brook is not Santa's home base, but there's an additional little twist we get a hint of about 3/4th through and it's explained almost at the end. I wish this twist had been integrated a little better into the final outcome. It explains the look on Doctor Ray's face when we first see him, but other than that it doesn't affect the story of Zoey and Willow Brook. I bet there are some people who figured it out when they saw that look.
The appeal to the story is how the small town, and a handsome man, woo Doctor Zoey and change her. Other than the one twist, there are no great highs or lows, but simply a nice story. There's no looming tension nor any hint of any villain. Of course since it's Hallmark, the final result is predictable. Holly Robinson Peete and Adrian Holmes have chemistry. They develop some private jokes that run through the movie. They are comfortable together. But the entire cast works well with Peete and together. Emma and Zoey develop a special relationship as do Lilly and Zoey.
I noticed the apparent goof saying Buffalo is to Willow Brook's east, which means they aren't in the US, but hey maybe they were in Canada. So many of the actors are from Canada. The weather looked pretty mild for that region in late December.
The appeal to the story is how the small town, and a handsome man, woo Doctor Zoey and change her. Other than the one twist, there are no great highs or lows, but simply a nice story. There's no looming tension nor any hint of any villain. Of course since it's Hallmark, the final result is predictable. Holly Robinson Peete and Adrian Holmes have chemistry. They develop some private jokes that run through the movie. They are comfortable together. But the entire cast works well with Peete and together. Emma and Zoey develop a special relationship as do Lilly and Zoey.
I noticed the apparent goof saying Buffalo is to Willow Brook's east, which means they aren't in the US, but hey maybe they were in Canada. So many of the actors are from Canada. The weather looked pretty mild for that region in late December.
Finally A Holly Robinson Movie That is Watchable
johne-5595217 November 2020
Been a Holly fan since Jump Street but I couldn't make it through those horrible mystery movies that Hallmark cast her in. The good news is that this show has some decent dialog and the acting from the cast is pretty good. There are even flashbacks (woa nelly).
Good entertainment
lyndavanleeuwen3 December 2020
We really enjoyed this film!! Both lead characters seemed genuine & sincere. The roles were well scripted, good writing, good dialogue!
Please have more films with them working together! This is a good combo, the best I've seen of each of their acting talents!
We found this a very satisfying Christmas film! Certainly several steps above most of the current offering! We will watch for it to be broadcast again! Thanks for a pleasant evening!
Just so heartwarming!
roger561622 November 2020
Just what the doctor ordered!
gmac1410523 November 2020
I really enjoyed this one!! Holly Robinson Peete was very good and the story, while hitting most of the usual Hallmark movie beats, was engaging and enjoyable to watch. The chemistry between the two leads was also very good. The movie was sweet without being overly sappy/sentimental, and I liked that it was a more grounded, believeable story and romance compared to some of the other Hallmark movies. Definitely check this one out!
Worth Watching Again Next Year
spikeluvr22 November 2020
I have two criteria for saying a movie is really good. First, I don't feel the need to use the fast forward button to get through the parts that are overly trite, overly sugary dialogue and poor chemistry or acting. Hallmark ramping up the number of holiday movies they make each year usually results in some or all of these traits being evident in their holiday movies. The second criteria is if I'd want to watch it again next year. There are certain Hallmark movies I'm happy to watch every year like The Christmas Card. Great chemistry, good acting and dialogue that doesn't feel forced like some of their current crop. They also have jumped on the diversity bandwagon to sometimes the detriment of the movie. It just feels forced sometimes when the actors have no chemistry or when blacks and Asians are constantly relegated to secondary and tertiary roles. Like they just filled certain racial "slots". This movie had everything I enjoy. Great chemistry not only between the two leads but also their chemistry with the supporting players who were all very believable in their roles. Sentimental but not like the sugary sayings inside a Hallmark card. For me The Christmas Doctor hit the right notes. My only criticism applies to all holiday movies- cut back the holiday decorations by at least half. No one but a mall decorated like that. It gives me a toothache just looking at it, especially when it's some bachelor's place where I know he'd be more likely to have a few cards displayed and that's it.
Traveling doctor decides to settle down.
TxMike11 December 2023
The fictional town of Willow Brook, New York, with a population of 5000, has a long-time doctor who needs someone to fill in for a few weeks while he gets rotator cuff surgery. The doctor he requests is a lady with experience in a number of places, including a stint as an emergency doctor in the military. In a flashback we see that a patient is a young man wounded in Afghanistan. We eventually learn the young man has a special connection with Willow Brook.
While there the lady doctor starts to feel at home in the community, including an attraction to a single man who is a local computer expert. One who has a young daughter in college he thinks will also become a computer expert. Plus, the only place available for her to stay is the home of the man's deceased mom, now vacant.
So this pleasant Hallmark movie has most of the features of most Hallmark movies. Except, the "Hallmark Kiss" comes at 20 minutes before the end. But they make up for it with the real kiss coming during the last minute.
My wife and I enjoyed it on DVD from our public library.
While there the lady doctor starts to feel at home in the community, including an attraction to a single man who is a local computer expert. One who has a young daughter in college he thinks will also become a computer expert. Plus, the only place available for her to stay is the home of the man's deceased mom, now vacant.
So this pleasant Hallmark movie has most of the features of most Hallmark movies. Except, the "Hallmark Kiss" comes at 20 minutes before the end. But they make up for it with the real kiss coming during the last minute.
My wife and I enjoyed it on DVD from our public library.
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