I agree with another reviewer on here. I thought the second was the best thus far, while this was in par with the first. That said, it is a sweet and warm story. I do love the concept of this series; thus, I hope we get a fourth instalment next Christmas. The script was strong as well. The writers could have given more scenes to the two leads, though, to be fair, they only have 80 minutes to tell this story. The relationship between Margie (played by Brooke D'Orsay) and Scott (played by Zahf Paroo) seemed odd. They never once touched on screen, for example; it was hard to believe that they were a couple. It just seemed strange. The acting, overall, was strong. Both Sam Page (as Pat) and D'Orsay had good performances, convincing performances for the most part. The chemistry was good, though, as I alluded to above, the writers could have developed this a bit more. The supporting cast was pretty good too. I thought the grandmother (played by Michele Scarabelli) had a very warm and gentle feel to her performance, which I enjoyed. Finally, the scenery, props and sets were very well polished, quite festive. Overall, this latest edition to the Godwink series specifically, and Hallmark's 2020 Christmas movie lineup more broadly, is a warm and heartfelt welcome. Fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy this Christmas movie.
23 Reviews
A beautiful and heartwarming story
RaniaALDMR2 January 2022
Second chance at Christmas
TheLittleSongbird24 May 2022
The first film may not have been great or without its flaws, but it was decent. The second also didn't blow my mind, but was the superior film and one of the better Hallmark follow ups. And Hallmark have always varied with their follow ups, some surprisingly good, others mediocre at best. Was hoping that this third film, again with different leads like the second film, wouldn't be the latter. Brooke D'Orsay and Sam Page have both been good in other things so expectations were hardly low.
Luckily, this second follow up is in the former category of surprisingly good. Again, there are flaws and it could have been better and done even more with a great premise. Like the second film, it is to me better than the first film and on par with the second. As far as Hallmark follow ups go, it's towards being one of the better ones. The first film has the best leads, but the follow ups handle their messaging more subtly and are more consistent tonally.
While D'Orsay and Page are great individually, the two could have had more chemistry together. It's there, just that it could have done with more spark and the relationship itself could have had more development.
Did think as well that the ending was on the too convenient and tidy side and some of the dialogue still a bit awkward and sugary.
However, there is much to recommend. It has an at least professional look to it, the scenery is very pretty with a cosy look to it and the photography is slick. The music is generally not as constant or as over-scored as Hallmark Christmas films can be, with some nice soundtrack choices throughout. The direction is assured enough. There are enough moments that made me smile and came over as genuinely sweet, mostly too without being overly so.
Even though flawed, the story had a sincere charm often, it was often light on its feet and it did warm the heart enough. The more serious moments fit easily and don't come over as over sentimental, any tonal gear changes don't feel abrupt. D'Orsay is endearingly charming and Page a sympathetic partner, while Michele Scarabelli brings class and zest to her role (prefer her over Kathie Lee Gifford). The rest of the supporting cast do more than ably. The film does well at making me care for the characters too.
In conclusion, very nice film. 7/10.
Luckily, this second follow up is in the former category of surprisingly good. Again, there are flaws and it could have been better and done even more with a great premise. Like the second film, it is to me better than the first film and on par with the second. As far as Hallmark follow ups go, it's towards being one of the better ones. The first film has the best leads, but the follow ups handle their messaging more subtly and are more consistent tonally.
While D'Orsay and Page are great individually, the two could have had more chemistry together. It's there, just that it could have done with more spark and the relationship itself could have had more development.
Did think as well that the ending was on the too convenient and tidy side and some of the dialogue still a bit awkward and sugary.
However, there is much to recommend. It has an at least professional look to it, the scenery is very pretty with a cosy look to it and the photography is slick. The music is generally not as constant or as over-scored as Hallmark Christmas films can be, with some nice soundtrack choices throughout. The direction is assured enough. There are enough moments that made me smile and came over as genuinely sweet, mostly too without being overly so.
Even though flawed, the story had a sincere charm often, it was often light on its feet and it did warm the heart enough. The more serious moments fit easily and don't come over as over sentimental, any tonal gear changes don't feel abrupt. D'Orsay is endearingly charming and Page a sympathetic partner, while Michele Scarabelli brings class and zest to her role (prefer her over Kathie Lee Gifford). The rest of the supporting cast do more than ably. The film does well at making me care for the characters too.
In conclusion, very nice film. 7/10.
Good cast
Jackbv12323 November 2020
I loved the second Godwink movie where Cindy Busby's character faces a difficult future but the Godwinks are bringing someone special into her life at a crucial time. The first movie was nice, but didn't knock me over. I put this movie about the same as the first. It's decent but I didn't think there were any great highs or lows, or major surprises.
It would be hard for me not to like a movie with Brook D'Orsay. She is such a joyful actor and it's hard not to smile when she's around. (At this writing, this website doesn't even acknowledge her in the cast despite her presence in the promo picture as one of the leads. Likewise Sam Page.) And Page is always a strong presence. They have instant chemistry and share a fair amount of screen time. However the movie also uses a lot of screen time to set up the various situations that bring them to the right place for the inevitable result.. The main supporting actors ranged from adequate to good. The two boys did a pretty good job.
The movie is very predictable in general, but each Godwink is a mini twist. Margie's fearful assumption was pretty silly given how much her boss obviously approved of her. I saw where things were going right about the time of the overheard phone call.
It would be hard for me not to like a movie with Brook D'Orsay. She is such a joyful actor and it's hard not to smile when she's around. (At this writing, this website doesn't even acknowledge her in the cast despite her presence in the promo picture as one of the leads. Likewise Sam Page.) And Page is always a strong presence. They have instant chemistry and share a fair amount of screen time. However the movie also uses a lot of screen time to set up the various situations that bring them to the right place for the inevitable result.. The main supporting actors ranged from adequate to good. The two boys did a pretty good job.
The movie is very predictable in general, but each Godwink is a mini twist. Margie's fearful assumption was pretty silly given how much her boss obviously approved of her. I saw where things were going right about the time of the overheard phone call.
It's a good Godwink movie...
drippan-3928625 November 2020
I'm 60 and have Godwinks (God Winks) in my own life starting with Lincoln Logs as a 4 year old to becoming a mechanical engineer as an adult (I had a ton of Erector sets as a teenager)!!
Though I like all e Godwink movies so far, the 2nd one was better because the man turned out to be her hero in the end. The Godwink just put them together but it was his personal choice that saved her.
The acting wasn't bad by the leads in this one but (as with all holiday movies) the rest seemed wooden to help support the leads. That's really what I like is the stories anyway and it's great when the cast and storyline inter-mash.
The other thing is being based on true life...it's easier to write/act on this alone vice made up stuff. I belief in Artistic creativity even for true stories because in real life, life isn't always a dance or song.
Though I like all e Godwink movies so far, the 2nd one was better because the man turned out to be her hero in the end. The Godwink just put them together but it was his personal choice that saved her.
The acting wasn't bad by the leads in this one but (as with all holiday movies) the rest seemed wooden to help support the leads. That's really what I like is the stories anyway and it's great when the cast and storyline inter-mash.
The other thing is being based on true life...it's easier to write/act on this alone vice made up stuff. I belief in Artistic creativity even for true stories because in real life, life isn't always a dance or song.
The Best Godwink Yet!
jagfannn23 November 2020
I really enjoyed this installment of Godwink, Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay do a great job portraying a pair of high school sweethearts who meet again later in life. Page & D'Orsay have great chemistry and an easy flow between them that you would expect to see in this, all too relatable scenario, in this "Facebook" generation. The pace is good, the entire cast is good, and the story is interesting enough that I found myself being pulled right into it. I'll be watching this one again.
My favorite "Godwink" movie
stephaniervt-200-7823819 November 2021
My favorite Godwink movie (so far). It's a heartwarming story throughout, without any dramatic misunderstandings or negative characters. It's well acted and easy to watch and stay interested. Well done, it is on my re-watch list
Beautiful winter and Christmas scenes.
Nov 2021.
Nov 2021.
Loved this movie!
eddie_rodriguez6 January 2021
The location matters!
thehouseai12 December 2021
First review after countless years on here. And it's because I've lived in both Hawaii and now Boise that I watched it. But the scene of the downtown spread out with mountains in the background just isn't right. We have a real downtown, with high-rises. Not huge, but distinguishing from smaller cities. And the main pictures are from the Bench, staring down at the wide road leading through downtown and ending at the Capitol. Most photos of Boise are like that. We have foothills, leading to the Sawtooths behind, which are basically invisible from Boise. And it doesn't snow much here. Some now and then, and we did have a slightly snowy year very recently (climate change?), but snow on the ground, and drifts, etc., just isn't here. It's Dec. 11, and no snow. A few flakes, but nothing has stayed. And that's normal. But otherwise it's a typical Hallmark rom-com with the you either like them or not basic plots. I usually do, so they get my Hallmark rating, which is different from my action/sci-fi rating scale. Apples and kiwis.
"The most amazing adventure in the world!"
HotToastyRag14 December 2021
I was so excited to see this installment of the "Godwink" Christmas series. All unrelated stories, all based on true couples with cute romances, you can expect them to be extremely corny. After all, the premise is God "winking" at a couple who needs a little nudge to get together. Add that to a Christmas setting, and this Hallmark franchise is just about as cheesy as it gets. But there are lots of people who love those types of movies and look forward to them every year, so don't knock them until you've watched a couple.
Starring Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay as high school sweethearts reunited years later, they both "coincidentally" run into each other driving through the streets of Boise. Brooke actually recognizes his car (those who just rolled their eyes can turn the movie off now). Sam has an ex-wife, two sons, and no job. He's just moved home after living his dream adventure job in Hawaii. You can't help but feel a little sad, since his life didn't turn out the way he wanted it. And, since he's obviously going to get back together with his high school girlfriend, it makes you wonder if the past fifteen years had been a big waste. Don't throw anything at me; I know he loves his children. But he'll also love the children he'll have with Brooke just as much.
When you watch this one, just throw realism out the window. Yes, it's based on a true story, and yes Brooke makes sure to say "Boise" the way Idahoans do, but the rest of it is pure fantasy. Sam's mom, Michele Scarabelli, looks way too young to be a grandmother. If it weren't for the white wig they made her wear, you'd think she was the female lead. Brooke's relationship with her co-worker and boyfriend, Zahf Paroo, is pretty forced. They've been long-distance for six months, and now that his transfer puts him in Boise with her, they're ... pretty anxious to stay as far apart as possible. Brooke's boss, Hallmark veteran Brenda Crichlow, does not treat her like an employee, and Brooke's best friend, Katrina Reynolds, has great energy but is far more supportive than real best friends. And does no one else notice that the younger actors cast as the teenage versions of the leads look absolutely nothing like them?
Overall, even though I liked the cast, I didn't end up liking this movie. I'll stick with some of my favorites, Christmas in Rome and Miss Christmas. By the time Brooke declares their latest foray will be "the most amazing adventure in the world!" the cynics will no doubt mutter, "I don't care," under their breaths. Those who love corn, cheese, and mistletoe, will probably dab their eyes and hope something so romantic will happen to them.
Starring Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay as high school sweethearts reunited years later, they both "coincidentally" run into each other driving through the streets of Boise. Brooke actually recognizes his car (those who just rolled their eyes can turn the movie off now). Sam has an ex-wife, two sons, and no job. He's just moved home after living his dream adventure job in Hawaii. You can't help but feel a little sad, since his life didn't turn out the way he wanted it. And, since he's obviously going to get back together with his high school girlfriend, it makes you wonder if the past fifteen years had been a big waste. Don't throw anything at me; I know he loves his children. But he'll also love the children he'll have with Brooke just as much.
When you watch this one, just throw realism out the window. Yes, it's based on a true story, and yes Brooke makes sure to say "Boise" the way Idahoans do, but the rest of it is pure fantasy. Sam's mom, Michele Scarabelli, looks way too young to be a grandmother. If it weren't for the white wig they made her wear, you'd think she was the female lead. Brooke's relationship with her co-worker and boyfriend, Zahf Paroo, is pretty forced. They've been long-distance for six months, and now that his transfer puts him in Boise with her, they're ... pretty anxious to stay as far apart as possible. Brooke's boss, Hallmark veteran Brenda Crichlow, does not treat her like an employee, and Brooke's best friend, Katrina Reynolds, has great energy but is far more supportive than real best friends. And does no one else notice that the younger actors cast as the teenage versions of the leads look absolutely nothing like them?
Overall, even though I liked the cast, I didn't end up liking this movie. I'll stick with some of my favorites, Christmas in Rome and Miss Christmas. By the time Brooke declares their latest foray will be "the most amazing adventure in the world!" the cynics will no doubt mutter, "I don't care," under their breaths. Those who love corn, cheese, and mistletoe, will probably dab their eyes and hope something so romantic will happen to them.
Great movie
dianamarinelli14 December 2020
Mostly family rather than romance
TheCheeseMistress13 January 2021
I was surprised by how little screen time Brooke gets despite being the protagonist. Of course the movie could be about the male protagonist, but he's not presented as being the center of the story yet most of the screen time goes to pointless scenes about him having irrelevant conversations with his children.
Her initial boyfriend, uncannily feminine, serves no purpose whatsoever in the story, which is yet another element the writers used to fill empty spaces and compensate for the lack of an actual story.
Anyway, I'd say it's an okay family movie, just mislabeled as romance.
Anyway, I'd say it's an okay family movie, just mislabeled as romance.
Matching charms and ornaments...aka the one that got away
cgvsluis2 January 2021
This is a true-life second chance romance between outdoor guide/single father and hometown high school sweetheart turned marketing executive. Pat moved to Hawaii to take a job post high school this ending their childhood romance, divorce and two kids later he ends up back in Boise, Idaho where it all began...two kids in tow. Fate seems to keep bringing them together including matching job offers in Seattle!
If six years of buying the same gift for one another (her gift a charm for her bracelet, his gift a coordinating ornament) didn't tell them that they were destined to be together, I Don't know what would.
I hope that part of this real life story is true, because it is pretty special.
If six years of buying the same gift for one another (her gift a charm for her bracelet, his gift a coordinating ornament) didn't tell them that they were destined to be together, I Don't know what would.
I hope that part of this real life story is true, because it is pretty special.
Sometimes enough is enough
MickyG3339 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
6.7 stars.
I love the actors, the story is wonderful, and the feelings are real. I really like the ambience provided, taking us to the cityscape and then back to mom's house in the country. The atmosphere is captured perfectly and there's decent entertainment value. We have ok chemistry, and I like the actors, and there are some fun parts too. So why only 6.7 stars?
If you look past the beautiful people, cinematography, and warm feelings and focus on the dialogue, nuances, and interactions, you get a swift smack upside the head. There are so many blatant inconsistencies, illogical conclusions and an overall lack of common sense, it's absurd.
First: In the flashbacks, the actors used to portray them as high-schoolers share absolutely no resemblance. Why not use the actual actors, make them look younger. She already looks 25, he could be made up to look maybe 25 with some work. Would've been more believable.
Second: Too many Godwinks happen and they aren't even plausible. He hits her in the head with the tree? Come on. So cheesy. Even if these are miracles, they ignore them as if simple coincidences over and over? Who does that? Not even an atheist would.
Third: the dialogue with his boys, when he tells them they may have to move, the younger son says "You said we'd like Boise, and we do. If you think we'll like Seattle, we will. Wherever you are is our home." I laughed with scorn at this. No way a kid around 8 years old would have the intelligence, vocabulary, and certainly not the wherewithal to make such a statement.
Fourth: our two leads are about to kiss, but they don't because she has a boyfriend? She doesn't really have a boyfriend, trust me, you'll see. The next time our leads go to kiss and there's no possible way it could be interrupted (good old Hallmark) in the middle of nowhere, and yet it is interrupted... by insecure feelings. There's a Godwink for you.
Fifth: her boyfriend for 6 months, long distance, no chemistry, nothing at all. This is not credible.
Sixth: Our male lead and his ex-wife, why did they divorce? We have no clue what's going on there, and they don't show anything that would clarify it for the audience. She comes to visit, they talk, it's amicable, she's got a new "fiancé" and he gives her his blessing like no big deal?
Seventh: He has full custody of the boys, yet he's unemployed? Huh? The mother always gets custody, unless she has agreed the father to have it, and why would any normal mother do that? She seems to be functional, so it's not as if a judge would rule in his favor.
The ending was good.
I love the actors, the story is wonderful, and the feelings are real. I really like the ambience provided, taking us to the cityscape and then back to mom's house in the country. The atmosphere is captured perfectly and there's decent entertainment value. We have ok chemistry, and I like the actors, and there are some fun parts too. So why only 6.7 stars?
If you look past the beautiful people, cinematography, and warm feelings and focus on the dialogue, nuances, and interactions, you get a swift smack upside the head. There are so many blatant inconsistencies, illogical conclusions and an overall lack of common sense, it's absurd.
First: In the flashbacks, the actors used to portray them as high-schoolers share absolutely no resemblance. Why not use the actual actors, make them look younger. She already looks 25, he could be made up to look maybe 25 with some work. Would've been more believable.
Second: Too many Godwinks happen and they aren't even plausible. He hits her in the head with the tree? Come on. So cheesy. Even if these are miracles, they ignore them as if simple coincidences over and over? Who does that? Not even an atheist would.
Third: the dialogue with his boys, when he tells them they may have to move, the younger son says "You said we'd like Boise, and we do. If you think we'll like Seattle, we will. Wherever you are is our home." I laughed with scorn at this. No way a kid around 8 years old would have the intelligence, vocabulary, and certainly not the wherewithal to make such a statement.
Fourth: our two leads are about to kiss, but they don't because she has a boyfriend? She doesn't really have a boyfriend, trust me, you'll see. The next time our leads go to kiss and there's no possible way it could be interrupted (good old Hallmark) in the middle of nowhere, and yet it is interrupted... by insecure feelings. There's a Godwink for you.
Fifth: her boyfriend for 6 months, long distance, no chemistry, nothing at all. This is not credible.
Sixth: Our male lead and his ex-wife, why did they divorce? We have no clue what's going on there, and they don't show anything that would clarify it for the audience. She comes to visit, they talk, it's amicable, she's got a new "fiancé" and he gives her his blessing like no big deal?
Seventh: He has full custody of the boys, yet he's unemployed? Huh? The mother always gets custody, unless she has agreed the father to have it, and why would any normal mother do that? She seems to be functional, so it's not as if a judge would rule in his favor.
The ending was good.
One of the good ones.
adamjohns-425759 December 2022
A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love (3) (2020) -
Sam Page is definitely one of the better leading men in these made for TV Christmas films and as Pat in this one he was no exception. I think that he lead this one for me, although it was supposed to be Brooke D'Orsay as Margie (Weird name for her character), she was okay too I suppose, but perhaps a little bit vacant? I did like Pat's Mum, Lois though. I think that I've seen her as a battle axe in something else, but she was just what a Granny should be at Christmas in this one.
The story was very sweet, as the previous two "Godwink" films have been and I liked the fact that the "God" contribution could just have easily been a Pixie or Magic Elf, without it getting too Bible bashy. Of course I do realise that Christmas started in a stable years ago, according to the scriptures that is, but I prefer to enjoy the kindness and family gatherings that the season brings.
I don't need to be preached at through the medium of TV and I've turned off numerous films that pile it on too thick, so it was good that this one worked so nicely, with just a simple reference to the big man, whilst focussing on the romance, the family time and it's importance.
It was the standard formula that all of these films follow, but it was one of the ones that were done well and Sam Page was sexy as.
6.5/10.
Sam Page is definitely one of the better leading men in these made for TV Christmas films and as Pat in this one he was no exception. I think that he lead this one for me, although it was supposed to be Brooke D'Orsay as Margie (Weird name for her character), she was okay too I suppose, but perhaps a little bit vacant? I did like Pat's Mum, Lois though. I think that I've seen her as a battle axe in something else, but she was just what a Granny should be at Christmas in this one.
The story was very sweet, as the previous two "Godwink" films have been and I liked the fact that the "God" contribution could just have easily been a Pixie or Magic Elf, without it getting too Bible bashy. Of course I do realise that Christmas started in a stable years ago, according to the scriptures that is, but I prefer to enjoy the kindness and family gatherings that the season brings.
I don't need to be preached at through the medium of TV and I've turned off numerous films that pile it on too thick, so it was good that this one worked so nicely, with just a simple reference to the big man, whilst focussing on the romance, the family time and it's importance.
It was the standard formula that all of these films follow, but it was one of the ones that were done well and Sam Page was sexy as.
6.5/10.
Great chemistry
Didi_braun25 January 2021
Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay make a great team, have such a good chemistry, you can see it in their eyes, are like one of those couples where they start to look alike after time spent together, which makes the story even more believable and authentic. While it seems a lot like other Hallmark Christmas movies, the fact that it is inspired from a true story makes it special and I can agree, that signs like these, godwinks, blessing or whatever you call them, trully happen. So it's not just another ideal world pictured, but a real story. Definitely worth watching
Beautiful true love
catholicmom-037596 December 2020
Sam Page and Brooke D'Orsay job well done portraying a pair of high school sweethearts who run into each other nearly 2 decades after high school. They showed great chemistry like they picked up right from where they left off.
The entire cast is good, and the story line which was based on the lives of a real codeword still married today.
A Godwink Christmas Second Chance First Love
chrisfiegler8 February 2021
Enjoyed this true story
SunnyDaise21 December 2022
I hadn't seen any of these Godwink movies before, so wasn't quite sure what they were about. Like the life, the plot is a juggle, factoring in all all ages / colleagues etc so I totally connected with the characters and the massive choices they all had to look into. I also feel better for not always being on the ball, especially losing things - maybe it isn't such a bad thing! So many bad things have happened, but it is good to remember life goes on and we can eventually move forward. Some might think this story is far-fetched or unlikely, but we live in the strangest of times, so never say never. I'm at a major crossroads in life, so this multi-generation movie was really encouraging. Honestly, as I'm writing this, the Christmas song lyric 'look to the future it's only just begun' has just played on the TV - may that's a Godwink.
A toothpaste promo for sure, but an otherwise weak formulaic holiday flick
SimonJack19 November 2021
"A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love" is not one of the better of traditional new romantic stories put on film for the holiday. Just because a film is built around Christmas doesn't mean it's a good movie. Besides the usual problem of having to offer something substantially different in so many of these films that are formulaic, this one had a couple of specific guffaws that make it seem very unreal. At the end of the film, the film has a short clip of the real Pat and Margie Godfrey, whose story was the inspiration the film. I don't know how much of the story accurately reflects their story, and that's not the bone I have to pick with this film.
First though, is how the producers tried to give something new and different to keep it from seeming humdrum as most everyone will immediately know the outcome. So, Pat Godfrey moves from Hawaii back to his native Boise, Idaho. And he has two sons. That shows some promise for a start - it's not a single mom with a daughter, or a dad with one son. But, of course, in this day and age, there has to be divorce, and that's the dad, played by Sam Page. And he had his own outdoor adventure company that he sold. So, now, he decided to move back home so be near his mom, and closer to where the boys will be able to visit and see their mother. Oh, yes, she left him because she wanted the big city corporate life.
Then, he meets high school sweetheart Margie Southworth who has never married, and is completely, overly, head-over-heels, madly and happily in love with herself, her job, the people around her and the fantastic company she works for. She heads up the marketing department in the branch or division off the company that seems to have a large presence in Boise. And, there are apparently a few of the company's retails stores in the town and area. Margie has no more family around, and they weren't very big on Christmas, but she likes it. And she remembers Pat and his parents, who did Christmas up big. Pat's dad died a year or so ago, and now Lois is happy to have her son and grandson come back home while he looks for another job.
Pat and Margie will bump into one another time and again - those are the Godwinks that Grandma Lois says are so much more obvious than mere coincidences. And, there is another little quirk of Margie's that fits nicely with this plot. She has a penchant for losing jewelry. Wherever she goes, she seems to leave an earring. And, who would find them, but Pat.
Still the film is okay has may get through as an okay or even quite good Christmas movie. But then, there's Margie's six-month dating with Scott, who is another store manager who lives 90 miles away, and is a sort of long-distance relationship. I've been to Boise and all over southern Idaho a number of times, and there aren't any towns of much size within 90 miles of Boise. The most likely candidate would be Twin falls at just under 50,000 population. But their company could have a nice retail store there. Oh, yes, did I mention that one of Margie's school chums is the manager of one of the stores under her territory in Boise? And then there's the company itself. Except for boyfriend Scott, there's hardly another guy visible in the company main office. There are some, of course, but everyone working around Margie is a woman, including her boss.
This isn't a women's lingerie company, but a general merchandise business that seems to handle various gift products. And while there's certainly nothing wrong with a company composed mostly of women employees, it stands out as not very realistic. It would be just as noticeable to most viewers today if the company were all male or had very few women visible. But in this case one other element comes to the fore - all of these women, with the slight exception of Margie's right-hand woman assistant, Casey, seem to be advertising toothpaste commercials. Their broad constant smiles almost make on think they are pasted on their faces. This creates a saccharine image that is just unbelievable for any office building or corporate setting. Sure people smile, but most of them give their lips and cheeks a break part of the time. This is so obvious and tedious that it really makes the move and the rest of the story hard to swallow. It may be a company policy though, because even boyfriend Scott can't not smile continuously until toward the very end when it seems he and Margie aren't got to last as a couple.
On that basis alone, I would rate this film even lower than my five stars. But Michele Scarabelli gives this film a life as Pat's mom, Lois, and grandma to his two boys, John and PJ. And, the boys themselves seem like normal kids in their situation, well behaved, missing Hawaii for being uprooted to a cold climate, but loving their grandma and the idea of being closer to their mom. And, Pat Godfrey,, played by Sam Page, is believable and does a good job as a single dad relocating with his boys.
As it is, this film is far too saccharine in the portrayals of most of the female cast members. One wonders how much of the plot was like what the real Pat and Margie lived. Of course, it would have been 30 or more years before the date of this film. And that Margie's workplace and fellow employees even more unbelievable. There's not enough different content in this one to overcome its shortcomings of a formulaic holiday film.
First though, is how the producers tried to give something new and different to keep it from seeming humdrum as most everyone will immediately know the outcome. So, Pat Godfrey moves from Hawaii back to his native Boise, Idaho. And he has two sons. That shows some promise for a start - it's not a single mom with a daughter, or a dad with one son. But, of course, in this day and age, there has to be divorce, and that's the dad, played by Sam Page. And he had his own outdoor adventure company that he sold. So, now, he decided to move back home so be near his mom, and closer to where the boys will be able to visit and see their mother. Oh, yes, she left him because she wanted the big city corporate life.
Then, he meets high school sweetheart Margie Southworth who has never married, and is completely, overly, head-over-heels, madly and happily in love with herself, her job, the people around her and the fantastic company she works for. She heads up the marketing department in the branch or division off the company that seems to have a large presence in Boise. And, there are apparently a few of the company's retails stores in the town and area. Margie has no more family around, and they weren't very big on Christmas, but she likes it. And she remembers Pat and his parents, who did Christmas up big. Pat's dad died a year or so ago, and now Lois is happy to have her son and grandson come back home while he looks for another job.
Pat and Margie will bump into one another time and again - those are the Godwinks that Grandma Lois says are so much more obvious than mere coincidences. And, there is another little quirk of Margie's that fits nicely with this plot. She has a penchant for losing jewelry. Wherever she goes, she seems to leave an earring. And, who would find them, but Pat.
Still the film is okay has may get through as an okay or even quite good Christmas movie. But then, there's Margie's six-month dating with Scott, who is another store manager who lives 90 miles away, and is a sort of long-distance relationship. I've been to Boise and all over southern Idaho a number of times, and there aren't any towns of much size within 90 miles of Boise. The most likely candidate would be Twin falls at just under 50,000 population. But their company could have a nice retail store there. Oh, yes, did I mention that one of Margie's school chums is the manager of one of the stores under her territory in Boise? And then there's the company itself. Except for boyfriend Scott, there's hardly another guy visible in the company main office. There are some, of course, but everyone working around Margie is a woman, including her boss.
This isn't a women's lingerie company, but a general merchandise business that seems to handle various gift products. And while there's certainly nothing wrong with a company composed mostly of women employees, it stands out as not very realistic. It would be just as noticeable to most viewers today if the company were all male or had very few women visible. But in this case one other element comes to the fore - all of these women, with the slight exception of Margie's right-hand woman assistant, Casey, seem to be advertising toothpaste commercials. Their broad constant smiles almost make on think they are pasted on their faces. This creates a saccharine image that is just unbelievable for any office building or corporate setting. Sure people smile, but most of them give their lips and cheeks a break part of the time. This is so obvious and tedious that it really makes the move and the rest of the story hard to swallow. It may be a company policy though, because even boyfriend Scott can't not smile continuously until toward the very end when it seems he and Margie aren't got to last as a couple.
On that basis alone, I would rate this film even lower than my five stars. But Michele Scarabelli gives this film a life as Pat's mom, Lois, and grandma to his two boys, John and PJ. And, the boys themselves seem like normal kids in their situation, well behaved, missing Hawaii for being uprooted to a cold climate, but loving their grandma and the idea of being closer to their mom. And, Pat Godfrey,, played by Sam Page, is believable and does a good job as a single dad relocating with his boys.
As it is, this film is far too saccharine in the portrayals of most of the female cast members. One wonders how much of the plot was like what the real Pat and Margie lived. Of course, it would have been 30 or more years before the date of this film. And that Margie's workplace and fellow employees even more unbelievable. There's not enough different content in this one to overcome its shortcomings of a formulaic holiday film.
Brooke D'Orsay and Sam Page deserved better...
chuck-50925 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
So apparently Hallmark is going to ride this "Godwink" franchise as long as possible. I'm sure that there are lots of "Godwink" stories out there waiting to be told...but that doesn't mean that they should all be made into a movie.
This was one of them.
This story probably looked really great on paper, but that didn't translate to film. It's not the actors' fault. Brooke D'Orsay and Sam Page were fine, given what they had to work with. This story was just not worth being made into a movie. The entire storyline for this movie was dull and predictable. The only real plus for this movie was that Kathie Lee wasn't in it this time. I kept waiting for her to make an appearance.
I really didn't get the romance between Margie and Scott. They supposedly had a long distance relationship before he moved to Boise, but it sure didn't look like they had one. They really didn't come across as friends either. It felt more like they were....I don't know.....pen pals? Just weird.
I'm guessing that Hallmark will have another "Godwink" movie. I just hope that it's a story worth telling.
This was one of them.
This story probably looked really great on paper, but that didn't translate to film. It's not the actors' fault. Brooke D'Orsay and Sam Page were fine, given what they had to work with. This story was just not worth being made into a movie. The entire storyline for this movie was dull and predictable. The only real plus for this movie was that Kathie Lee wasn't in it this time. I kept waiting for her to make an appearance.
I really didn't get the romance between Margie and Scott. They supposedly had a long distance relationship before he moved to Boise, but it sure didn't look like they had one. They really didn't come across as friends either. It felt more like they were....I don't know.....pen pals? Just weird.
I'm guessing that Hallmark will have another "Godwink" movie. I just hope that it's a story worth telling.
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