I agree with another reviewer on here about the Nashville and Graceland Hallmark movies. They are not my favorites (though they are not bad either). I do not understand why the producers cast singer/songwriters if they can't act. Sara Evans (as Belinda) and RaeLynn (as Alexis) were unimpressive (they are not good actors...hmm...where was the direction, the director?); I would have preferred some better acting as opposed to a few minutes of their singing. Don't get me wrong, they sounded good, but the writers/producers could have worked them into the script to (just) sing and cast some actors in their roles to actually do some acting. I thought the story was fun and cute. It is, of course, unoriginal and predictable, but I do not come to Hallmark movies for those things (i.e., originality and unpredictability). I like watching Jessy Schram (as Vivian) on screen; she does a good job in such roles. I found her performance engaging. Wes Brown (as Gavin) also did a decent job, though he might want to tone down on the use of tanning lotion (kidding, of course). The chemistry between the two was pretty good, believable; they had some nice interactions together. The Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present were fun too. Overall, it was a cute and fun movie. Not at the top of my list this season, but an entertaining movie, nonetheless.
35 Reviews
A Christmas carol with a southern twang
dm-6253925 December 2021
A new take on the Christmas carol. Half on target and the rest flies off into fluff land. Good music numbers but not as fun as the best alternate version take Scrooge.
It felt kind off sappy and syrupy watching this alternate version.
Okay,but not really inspiring.
It felt kind off sappy and syrupy watching this alternate version.
Okay,but not really inspiring.
Cute movie!
pammymoe28 November 2021
Christmas in Nashville
TheLittleSongbird3 May 2022
Absolutely love the timeless Charles Dickens classic 'A Christmas Christmas', and reading it and seeing various adaptations of it is an annual Christmas tradition. Jessy Schram is not a favourite of mine but she has always been watchable. Wes Brown has been in his fair share of misfires but has nearly always been one of the best things about them and like Schram he is a very watchable performer. 2020 was a variable year for Hallmark and part of me was not sure what it would do with a premise that has been done to death.
2020's 'A Nashville Christmas Carol' is an above average effort. It is not a great film and doesn't really do anything new with a tried and tested Hallmark formula or anything innovative with a literary classic (only putting a romantic twist on it and even that is not new), but it's engagingly performed and charming enough and sits comfortably in the middle when it comes to Hallmark's 2020 Christmas efforts. Neither one of their best or worst.
Much is good. The production values are very pleasing to look at, nice use of locations slickly shot. The music generally captures the Christmas feel very well and is not near as over-scored or intrusive as too many of a lot of Hallmark films, it also plays a big part in the film and turns out to be one of the pleasures. The songs are very pleasant and sung equally pleasantly. The script can be very corny, but mostly flows nicely and has a light-hearted and sweet tone without being too sugary sweet. It's sympathetically directed without being routine.
Despite being too amiable initially as a Scrooge character, Schram is a very engaging presence and it was great to have Hallmark female Scrooge character that grew as a character rather than being one dimensional all the way through. Brown is subtly charming and confident and their chemistry is genuine and charmingly low key, not coming over as too perfect too soon or taking too long to progress. Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present are performed with a lot of spirit. The story is light hearted and charming enough, despite not being anything exceptional, treating the material seriously enough while not being too obvious.
However, it is very predictable, from doing nothing new with either the Hallmark Christmas formula or 'A Christmas Carol', and takes a little long to get going. The final quarter could have done with more poignancy and comes over as too neat.
While liking the chemistry, it could have featured more as it did feel on the underused side. Too many of the supporting characters are bland, and while Sara Evans and RaeLynn sing very nicely it is agreed their acting leaves a lot to be desired in afterthought-feeling roles. Some of the dialogue is awkward.
Overall, above average if nothing exceptional. 6/10.
2020's 'A Nashville Christmas Carol' is an above average effort. It is not a great film and doesn't really do anything new with a tried and tested Hallmark formula or anything innovative with a literary classic (only putting a romantic twist on it and even that is not new), but it's engagingly performed and charming enough and sits comfortably in the middle when it comes to Hallmark's 2020 Christmas efforts. Neither one of their best or worst.
Much is good. The production values are very pleasing to look at, nice use of locations slickly shot. The music generally captures the Christmas feel very well and is not near as over-scored or intrusive as too many of a lot of Hallmark films, it also plays a big part in the film and turns out to be one of the pleasures. The songs are very pleasant and sung equally pleasantly. The script can be very corny, but mostly flows nicely and has a light-hearted and sweet tone without being too sugary sweet. It's sympathetically directed without being routine.
Despite being too amiable initially as a Scrooge character, Schram is a very engaging presence and it was great to have Hallmark female Scrooge character that grew as a character rather than being one dimensional all the way through. Brown is subtly charming and confident and their chemistry is genuine and charmingly low key, not coming over as too perfect too soon or taking too long to progress. Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present are performed with a lot of spirit. The story is light hearted and charming enough, despite not being anything exceptional, treating the material seriously enough while not being too obvious.
However, it is very predictable, from doing nothing new with either the Hallmark Christmas formula or 'A Christmas Carol', and takes a little long to get going. The final quarter could have done with more poignancy and comes over as too neat.
While liking the chemistry, it could have featured more as it did feel on the underused side. Too many of the supporting characters are bland, and while Sara Evans and RaeLynn sing very nicely it is agreed their acting leaves a lot to be desired in afterthought-feeling roles. Some of the dialogue is awkward.
Overall, above average if nothing exceptional. 6/10.
Cabdriver shown wearing a mask
jimlandureth23 November 2020
Predictable Christmas Carol romance
Jackbv12322 November 2020
Most of us have seen many takes on the Christmas Carol originally by Dickens. There is nothing that unusual about this one except possibly that it is definitely a romance story.
There are some good songs performed in this mainly by Sara Evans and RaeLynn, including two duets. I think at least one is an original.
Jessy Schram and Wes Brown have chemistry.
Unfortunately for me, I am a huge fan of the energetic and cheerful Jessy Schram. I just couldn't buy into her as a Scrooge. The efforts to make her look like one seemed weak to me. She is just too likeable. Schram has a varied resume, so it is probably just me and my perception. I'm disappointed that she didn't get a chance to feature her singing because she is talented there as well.
This is a pleasant enough rendition of the Christmas Carol but lacking any real tension nor surprises, highs, or lows.
There are some good songs performed in this mainly by Sara Evans and RaeLynn, including two duets. I think at least one is an original.
Jessy Schram and Wes Brown have chemistry.
Unfortunately for me, I am a huge fan of the energetic and cheerful Jessy Schram. I just couldn't buy into her as a Scrooge. The efforts to make her look like one seemed weak to me. She is just too likeable. Schram has a varied resume, so it is probably just me and my perception. I'm disappointed that she didn't get a chance to feature her singing because she is talented there as well.
This is a pleasant enough rendition of the Christmas Carol but lacking any real tension nor surprises, highs, or lows.
A Christmas Catastrophe
vjlm-8544918 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
As a self proclaimed connoisseur of the novel and its many adaptations, (conveniently organized by classic/modern and chronology) I was incredibly let down. Our scrooge was hardly even bossy. She wasn't unkind to others. Nor did she lack the Christmas spirit. I wouldn't even call her greedy or cheap, but rather a tired head elf. The Marley was pitifully plain, with hardly any remorse for her success. The Marley is a quintessential point as to how the Scrooge lived before and how drastic changes need to be made in order for the point of reformation to be achieved. We never understand why the music box played only for our Scrooge. The only moral of the story is that she needs to open her heart to forgive her crush and give her sister credit. I was also confused by the constant popping in and out of the ghosts through the film rather than just having past, the next day, present, the next day and then finish with the moral, festival and proof of reformation. As a tree topper, there was no ghost of Christmas yet to come, the one who finally gets through to Scrooge in every adaptation. They glossed over it with a cute "make your own future" ending. The whole story is based in lore, generosity and our salvation. Without these, I can't call this movie, "A Christmas Carol" of any kind. No, I don't approve of any of this travesty.
A different view
hmstargazer21 November 2021
I disagree with the bad ratings. This was a different take on A Christmas Carol and I loved it. An open mind helps.
The cast was good, I loved the younger kids who played Vivian and Gavin.
My favorite in this movie was Kix Brooks. He had the best one liners and played the character very well.
I watch this movie every time it is broadcasted, it is very funny and entertaining.
The cast was good, I loved the younger kids who played Vivian and Gavin.
My favorite in this movie was Kix Brooks. He had the best one liners and played the character very well.
I watch this movie every time it is broadcasted, it is very funny and entertaining.
Half a Christmas Carol?
adamjohns-4257520 January 2021
I might have only stuck with this one for Wes Brown if I'm honest. He's no Brendan Penny or Luke Macfarlane, but he does have a certain roguish charm and quality about him.
The 'Christmas Carol' idea has been done so many times and not always well. I actually prefer the traditional versions myself (The Muppets/George C Scott). This isn't a great example of the theme and I think it would have been better if they had stuck more to the standard story with the three ghosts, Etc. Although I understand why they were trying to shake it up a little, the message was a bit watered down and may have been lost on people that don't know of the Dickens classic, you know, the people that died before it was written.
You could tell the singers from the actors, because the singers couldn't act, but at least they could sing, which isn't always the case in these films. It was also nice to recognise the leading lady, who did a good job, from something other than appearing in Christmas romances for a change (One of the blondes from Pitch Perfect that isn't Rebel Wilson). As a Brit, I don't really know who most of the casts in these TV movies are, having not seen the US TV shows that they've all been in, so their fame is lost on me.
Not the worst, not the best.
The 'Christmas Carol' idea has been done so many times and not always well. I actually prefer the traditional versions myself (The Muppets/George C Scott). This isn't a great example of the theme and I think it would have been better if they had stuck more to the standard story with the three ghosts, Etc. Although I understand why they were trying to shake it up a little, the message was a bit watered down and may have been lost on people that don't know of the Dickens classic, you know, the people that died before it was written.
You could tell the singers from the actors, because the singers couldn't act, but at least they could sing, which isn't always the case in these films. It was also nice to recognise the leading lady, who did a good job, from something other than appearing in Christmas romances for a change (One of the blondes from Pitch Perfect that isn't Rebel Wilson). As a Brit, I don't really know who most of the casts in these TV movies are, having not seen the US TV shows that they've all been in, so their fame is lost on me.
Not the worst, not the best.
Just okay
malachite-7843225 December 2020
Why was Wes Brown's face, who is one of my favorites in Hallmark movies, so SHINY?!
This is the second leading man during the Covid lockdowns who seemed to be too tan and was very very shiny!
Are the men doing their own makeup?
This is the second leading man during the Covid lockdowns who seemed to be too tan and was very very shiny!
Are the men doing their own makeup?
Great Christmas film
fullerhouse-6390312 July 2021
Decent live music the rest is average
MickyG33313 January 2023
7.0 stars.
An average for me is around 7.0 stars. I'm not harsh on movies like many, who will give a bad movie 1 star, but let's face it there are not many movies ever made that deserve 1 star. It has to be a super bad worse than "B" rated in my opinion. Seems like most of Hallmark films end up right around 7.0. Hello to myself, I'm doing reviews per my own personal rating system so that next year I can see what to watch again. SOOOOO many Christmas flicks, oh my goodness. 8.0 is a yearly viewing, 7.5-7.9 is generally a 1-2 years. 7.0-7.4 is 3-5 years. Anything below 7.0 is maybe 5-10 years if ever.
Female lead: I like her a lot, to be shallow, she's blond, thin, very pretty, likable, talented, and has above average charisma.
Male lead: he's in everything, and he's good. I'll watch anything with him (usually). 'Haul Out the Holly'... didn't watch that one, he's in it. It has bad reviews - really bad.
Chemistry: good, but very limited.
Support cast: not bad, not great, just average. We have several non actors trying to act, and they did ok. Her sister was pretty good. His father and mother were so limited I can't rate them at all. The producers and other big wig execs also can't really gauge their performances.
Writing: average.
Directing: average.
Cinematography: average.
Music: better than usual, the actual live singing was inspiring at times, this was probably the focus of the producers.
X-factor: none.
Entertainment value: average. There were a few brilliant moments in this film, but they lost the touch for most of it, then someone found it again. It was haphazard.
An average for me is around 7.0 stars. I'm not harsh on movies like many, who will give a bad movie 1 star, but let's face it there are not many movies ever made that deserve 1 star. It has to be a super bad worse than "B" rated in my opinion. Seems like most of Hallmark films end up right around 7.0. Hello to myself, I'm doing reviews per my own personal rating system so that next year I can see what to watch again. SOOOOO many Christmas flicks, oh my goodness. 8.0 is a yearly viewing, 7.5-7.9 is generally a 1-2 years. 7.0-7.4 is 3-5 years. Anything below 7.0 is maybe 5-10 years if ever.
Female lead: I like her a lot, to be shallow, she's blond, thin, very pretty, likable, talented, and has above average charisma.
Male lead: he's in everything, and he's good. I'll watch anything with him (usually). 'Haul Out the Holly'... didn't watch that one, he's in it. It has bad reviews - really bad.
Chemistry: good, but very limited.
Support cast: not bad, not great, just average. We have several non actors trying to act, and they did ok. Her sister was pretty good. His father and mother were so limited I can't rate them at all. The producers and other big wig execs also can't really gauge their performances.
Writing: average.
Directing: average.
Cinematography: average.
Music: better than usual, the actual live singing was inspiring at times, this was probably the focus of the producers.
X-factor: none.
Entertainment value: average. There were a few brilliant moments in this film, but they lost the touch for most of it, then someone found it again. It was haphazard.
Not a fan
jagfannn22 November 2020
I haven't been a fan of the Nashville/Graceland types of movies. They are a mashup of a typical Hallmark type script, which let's face it, aren't Oscar winners to start with, then they try and shoehorn every bit of Nashville they can into it. This one is no different. I'm a big fan of Jessy Schram, but neither her nor Wes Brown could help this sloppy, Dickens inspired story line. There are cute parts played by Kix Brooks and Kimberley Williams-Paisley, and for some reason they chose Wynonna Judd, even though she wasn't likeable when she was at the top of her game, let alone now. The best part is by far the singing. Sara Evans blows the roof off the place out of the gate, then does a couple of fantastic duets with Raelynn towards the end that sound that these two were born to sing together. Not a musical peep out of Schram however, what a missed opportunity.
Good Enough
PennyReviews28 December 2020
You can't really go wrong with retalings of Christmas Carol. And the Nashville version was not bad. It had a sass to it and it was fun to watch. Sure, it is cliche and predictable, but the spirit is there at least. However, there must be said that the main couple had luke warm chemistry.
For Country Fans
chiltonsjillfreeport11 December 2020
I'm not a big fan of the Nashville/Graceland series of films, which always seem to snare (my draw) lead Wes Brown. They have a nice sense of place, but are generally weak on plot and heavy on singers who can't act. You'll usually find at least one flat or embarrassing performance-hello, Wynonna Judd and Kimberley Paisley-Williams of the varying accent.
Leads Jessy Schram as Vivienne and Brown as Gavin are good here as a TV producer and talent manager with history. Less good are the three apparitions who take workaholic, demanding Vivienne through her life to open her eyes; only Kix Brooks hits the right notes as a wry guide to her past.
What follows is a convoluted trip back and forth through Vivienne's life and some handwaving drama around a Christmas country music special.
More push/pull time with Vivienne and Gavin would've been time better spent.
Country music isn't my first choice, but Sara Evans sounds terrific here, and a couple duets with RaeLynn will probably be enough to thrill country music fans.
Next time, I'll skip any new Hallmark Nashville/Graceland movies. Sorry, Wes.
Leads Jessy Schram as Vivienne and Brown as Gavin are good here as a TV producer and talent manager with history. Less good are the three apparitions who take workaholic, demanding Vivienne through her life to open her eyes; only Kix Brooks hits the right notes as a wry guide to her past.
What follows is a convoluted trip back and forth through Vivienne's life and some handwaving drama around a Christmas country music special.
More push/pull time with Vivienne and Gavin would've been time better spent.
Country music isn't my first choice, but Sara Evans sounds terrific here, and a couple duets with RaeLynn will probably be enough to thrill country music fans.
Next time, I'll skip any new Hallmark Nashville/Graceland movies. Sorry, Wes.
Great movie
rodmenk25 November 2020
I've seen my share of really bad Christmas movies. This has great writing, great acting, likable characters, and great filming. It was a sweet take on a holiday classic. My family enjoyed it! Not sure why there are bad reviews honestly.
Each star 🌟 is for Wes Brown and Jessy Schram
thave-3176829 November 2020
I'm tired of every version of, "The Christmas Carol". I'm never tired of seeing Jessy Schram and Wes Brown. They always come through whatever the script....whether they are together or have different co-stars. They deserve better. And so do we.
I didn't enjoy this movie
taylornan6 January 2021
I thought this movie was all over the place. I multi-tasked and didn't turn it off early but it was a waste of my time. Actually it was frustrating to try to watch and figure out what was going on. I hope they paid KWP a lot of money to act so stupid.
Definitely one to save on the DVR!
justhonestme24 November 2020
What a great movie. Fun to watch and you will find yourself singing along. Biggest disappointment....where is the movie soundtrack? Come on Hallmark, these songs are awesome. Which producer dropped the ball on this? Well, there is hope that one is around the corner. Wynonna never looked prettier and plays her character so well, you might forget, she isn't an actress by trade, she is really a country superstar. The duet with Sara Evans and RaLynn just shows how gifted these two really are. Beautiful voices! And then there is Kix Brooks and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who add so much laughter and enjoyment to the movie, I would bet Hallmark keeps them busy in future movies. Jessy Schram and Wes Brown do a fantastic job as the leads.
Make sure this movie is on your list to see. It is both music to your ears and your heart at the same time.
Make sure this movie is on your list to see. It is both music to your ears and your heart at the same time.
A Nashville Christmas Carol
JoBloTheMovieCritic7 December 2020
I liked it!
toncincin23 November 2020
I generally hate these types of movies. But this one was different - the country singers weren't given primary roles (like the one with Kellie Pickler). Their parts were mostly singing their songs. The little acting/speaking parts they had - well let's just say - that's why you don't give them big major parts.
I also don't care for the A Christmas Carol takeoffs. This one wasn't bad. It wasn't a MAJOR part of the movie. I liked how it showed Vivian things she didn't realize. It was cute.
Wynonna Judd's part was so small - not much screen time. It was just enough - and tied into Vivian's life and her job. It was a good tie-in. She was just OK acting-wise.
I love Jessy Schram. I haven't seen a movie of hers that I didn't like. She's always good and is very subtle in her acting. The chemistry with Wes Brown was very good. These two should do more movies together.
I have to disagree with the low rating and reviews that say this was a bad movie. Another one I will watch again.
I also don't care for the A Christmas Carol takeoffs. This one wasn't bad. It wasn't a MAJOR part of the movie. I liked how it showed Vivian things she didn't realize. It was cute.
Wynonna Judd's part was so small - not much screen time. It was just enough - and tied into Vivian's life and her job. It was a good tie-in. She was just OK acting-wise.
I love Jessy Schram. I haven't seen a movie of hers that I didn't like. She's always good and is very subtle in her acting. The chemistry with Wes Brown was very good. These two should do more movies together.
I have to disagree with the low rating and reviews that say this was a bad movie. Another one I will watch again.
Nashville Doesn't Have Snow!
oralee-310-98057112 July 2021
Every hallmark movie has a Christmas fair in 10" of snow! Most cities DONT HAVE CHRISTMAS FAIRS!! Also NASHVILLE DOESNT HAVE SNOW!! NYC DOESNT GET THAT MUCH SNOW! If you're gonna do a country music movie get real country music singers & people who know what country music is!!
Not a retelling of A Christmas Carol, which is good
glenno-424534 December 2020
It's a great movie that uses some elements of A Christmas Carol in a clever way.
The main character isn't a mean misanthrope like Scrooge. She's a nice, if driven, person who just needs some reminders of who she really is.
It's almost like a non-backstabbing, non-hormonal episode of Nashville. I loved the music!
A very enjoyable story of the season.
The main character isn't a mean misanthrope like Scrooge. She's a nice, if driven, person who just needs some reminders of who she really is.
It's almost like a non-backstabbing, non-hormonal episode of Nashville. I loved the music!
A very enjoyable story of the season.
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