'The Christmas Contest' is a fairly entertaining Christmas romantic comedy, not one of Hallmark's best this season nor one of their worst. Although the comedy falls a bit flat at times, the banter between the leads is fun and engaging. The story itself is formulaic. Hallmark fans, I suspect, will find this comforting, while others may not. Our two protagonists in the movie are Lara (played by Candace Cameron Bure), a successful company executive who feels something is missing in her life, and Ben (played by John Brotherton), a former professional Baseball player and hometown hero. The two exes are thrown together (years after a painful breakup) when they enter a week-long televised Christmas contest to win $50,000 for the charity of their choice. As the competition progresses, we watch the two begin to rekindle their relationship while battling each other to win and become Denver's Queen/King of Christmas. As noted above, the plot follows the standard Hallmark playbook. That said, the writer does a decent job with the dialogue and banter between Lara and Ben, and Lara and her mother Donna (played by Barbara Niven). Though I never had a laughing-out-loud moment, I did smile and chuckle a few times during the movie. The writer develops a couple of sub-plots in this one as well, both of which are warm and heartfelt, especially Ben's relationship with his grandmother. The Christmas competition, at times, is over the top, as you might expect in such a film. The humor, I'm afraid, fell flat more times than not during these scenes. The acting overall is strong. Bure, a Hallmark regular, had an impressive performance. As others have pointed out, in addition to her comical abilities in such roles, she had a couple of very good scenes where she did an excellent job of portraying Lara's anguish and distress over her relationships with Ben and her mother (Niven's performance was excellent). Brotherton had an entertaining performance, which was comical at times. The chemistry between the two was convincing. As I noted above, the banter was great. Given that the story was about a Christmas contest, there is plenty of holiday spirit and festive cheer in the movie, which I enjoyed for the most part. All in all, 'The Christmas Contest' is a fun and light-hearted movie. Fans of Hallmark romantic comedies will no doubt enjoy.
30 Reviews
Run-of-the-mill Christmas movie from Hallmark...
paul_haakonsen4 December 2021
Well, as I sat down to watch the 2021 Hallmark Christmas movie titled "The Christmas Contest", I have to admit that I wasn't really harboring much of any high expectations. Why? Well, Hallmark tends to just spew these movies out by the dozens and usually following the same blueprint for each and every single movie.
But "The Christmas Contest" might be different, so I gave it a chance.
And while "The Christmas Contest" is watchable, it was just another run-of-the-mill Christmas movie with that archetypical Hallmark feel to it. So if you enjoy these overly sappy Christmas movies that are based around a hate-turns-to-love feel between the two lead performers type of movies, then you will certainly enjoy "The Christmas Contest". And if you are into the archetypical Hallmark Christmas movies, then "The Christmas Contest" is definitely going to be right up your alley.
The acting performances in the movie were good, taking into consideration the limitations of the script and the premise of the whole thing. Candace Cameron Bure and John Brotherton actually does have good on-screen chemistry together. The movie also had the likes of Barbara Niven and Jennifer Higgin on the cast list.
"The Christmas Contest" is an archetypical Hallmark Christmas movie in every meaning of that thing. So writer Joie Botkin didn't really bring much of anything new to the table with this 2021 movie. The movie was as predictable as it was sappy.
My rating of "The Christmas Contest" from director Paule Elle lands on a mediocre five out of ten stars.
But "The Christmas Contest" might be different, so I gave it a chance.
And while "The Christmas Contest" is watchable, it was just another run-of-the-mill Christmas movie with that archetypical Hallmark feel to it. So if you enjoy these overly sappy Christmas movies that are based around a hate-turns-to-love feel between the two lead performers type of movies, then you will certainly enjoy "The Christmas Contest". And if you are into the archetypical Hallmark Christmas movies, then "The Christmas Contest" is definitely going to be right up your alley.
The acting performances in the movie were good, taking into consideration the limitations of the script and the premise of the whole thing. Candace Cameron Bure and John Brotherton actually does have good on-screen chemistry together. The movie also had the likes of Barbara Niven and Jennifer Higgin on the cast list.
"The Christmas Contest" is an archetypical Hallmark Christmas movie in every meaning of that thing. So writer Joie Botkin didn't really bring much of anything new to the table with this 2021 movie. The movie was as predictable as it was sappy.
My rating of "The Christmas Contest" from director Paule Elle lands on a mediocre five out of ten stars.
Young love is always a contest between fate and faith, especially around Christmas
Ed-Shullivan25 December 2021
Who doesn't love Candace Cameron Bure in almost anything? Two (just about past their freshness date) ex-lovers and friends reconnect during a baking and dance contest and the catty foreplay is obvious to the audience they were meant to be together. Ben (John Brotherton) is a successful sports jock and Lara (Candace Cameron Bure) is living her dream as a successful CEO. Both being very competitive, they relish the opportunity to once again compete against one another.
This is not one of those thought provoking Christmas themed films where the piano and a tandem of melancholy horns lead the audience to a big reveal that brings tears to your eyes. Rather, this is a romantic Christmas themed film where the leading man Ben, mentors an introverted 12 year old boy named Jayce (Matteus Lunot) break through and adjust to making new friends. Lara on the other hand stops listening to her mother who is always trying to motivate Lara to be better at everything, to where Lara just wants to enjoy a fun little contest and find true love.
Mrs. Shullivan and I enjoyed this simple story line and romantic themed film, especially since Candace Cameron Bure starred in it.
I give the film a 7 out of 10 IMDb rating.
This is not one of those thought provoking Christmas themed films where the piano and a tandem of melancholy horns lead the audience to a big reveal that brings tears to your eyes. Rather, this is a romantic Christmas themed film where the leading man Ben, mentors an introverted 12 year old boy named Jayce (Matteus Lunot) break through and adjust to making new friends. Lara on the other hand stops listening to her mother who is always trying to motivate Lara to be better at everything, to where Lara just wants to enjoy a fun little contest and find true love.
Mrs. Shullivan and I enjoyed this simple story line and romantic themed film, especially since Candace Cameron Bure starred in it.
I give the film a 7 out of 10 IMDb rating.
Not her best work
crosemnnc9 December 2021
I never understood Candace's character. The male lead went from egotistical to caring in just a matter of a few scenes. It didn't develop naturally. I never felt chemistry between the leads. The mother daughter relationship was hard to define. I usually love Candace Cameron Bure's movies. I like Barbara Nevin. But this could have been better.
Better than expected.
Pickletosh8 December 2021
Give me the Candice from Yesteryear...
leslie-wagner-pmp6 December 2021
I'm a Hallmark Christmas fan. I know they're a little cheesy but I adore them! I love Candice's movies and have always felt they were rich in human spirit as well as Christmas! I could tell right away this wasn't going to be one of them. I'm disappointed and stopped watching a third the way through. :(
I hope next year she has a better one to share with us all!
I hope next year she has a better one to share with us all!
Keep watching it gets better!
dimwinne30 December 2021
Being a fuller house fan and actually then hoping she would end up with her fellow pet doctor, this seemed to be a home run.
But o boy... The beginning! They were both very very unlikable and I actually stopped watching. Barbara Niven almost has the same role as in chesapeake shores but her role gets better too.
After a few days, I gave it another chance and it's just the first 12min. Then Ben's grandma enters the story and the movie gets so much better! Too bad there will indeed be people who remember only the bad start or won't give it another chance.
But o boy... The beginning! They were both very very unlikable and I actually stopped watching. Barbara Niven almost has the same role as in chesapeake shores but her role gets better too.
After a few days, I gave it another chance and it's just the first 12min. Then Ben's grandma enters the story and the movie gets so much better! Too bad there will indeed be people who remember only the bad start or won't give it another chance.
So disappointing
jewhitmer252 December 2021
I never thought I would say this about a film with Candace Cameron Bure in it, but I was disappointed, I wanted to like it, I like almost all films starring Candace. But this one tanked.
The worst part was John Brotherton, his character was narcissistic, egotistical, arrogant (with no reason to be) and self absorbed. And the complete turn around his character made was unrealistic, unmotivated, illogical and left my head spinning. No way did I believe his total change of character. He was so incredibly disgusting and gross in the beginning that his change of heart or whatever was not believable. And I really did not like the actor and there was no chemistry between him and Candace.
The constant bickering between the the two them was childish and petty. Not the way 2 adults would behave in public, This was preschool behavior and painful to watch, Candace deserved a better script and costar.
My advice: Go ahead and watch it if you are a Hallmark movie junkie like me, but don't get your hopes up.
The worst part was John Brotherton, his character was narcissistic, egotistical, arrogant (with no reason to be) and self absorbed. And the complete turn around his character made was unrealistic, unmotivated, illogical and left my head spinning. No way did I believe his total change of character. He was so incredibly disgusting and gross in the beginning that his change of heart or whatever was not believable. And I really did not like the actor and there was no chemistry between him and Candace.
The constant bickering between the the two them was childish and petty. Not the way 2 adults would behave in public, This was preschool behavior and painful to watch, Candace deserved a better script and costar.
My advice: Go ahead and watch it if you are a Hallmark movie junkie like me, but don't get your hopes up.
A Christmas sleeper.
gfrasmd3 December 2021
This movie has caused me to question myself. Have I been right in criticizing , harshly and sarcastically, many other productions, that I have found offensive for inconsistencies, poor chemistry, poor acting, buffoonish interpretations, and so on....? This one has nothing specifically offensive. Yet, while watching, it I have repeatedly found myself wandering, lost in unrelated thoughts, and it has taken me three separate attempts to complete its vision. Offensive movies may still hold a grip on viewers' attention. This one possesses the greatest sin of all: it is boring, just plain, flat-out BORING. It pains me to say so. I have always deeply respected Candace Cameron Bure, as an actress and as a person. Couldn't she get a better script? Hello, Hallmark! You have mastered producing in quantities. What about quality?
The Christmas Contest
JoBloTheMovieCritic11 December 2021
4/10 - while Candace Cameron Bure is a Hallmark mainstay, she is simply going to have to get better scripts and stories if she expects us to stick around after the uninspired and frankly boring Christmas movies she has put out the last couple years (this one very much included)
Skip This One
dtassell-274313 December 2021
I've been pretty surprised with some of Hallmark's movies this year. Actually haven't been the same old same old. Some quite good. But I'm thinking Candace has a contract with Hallmark and they can't let her go because of it. Her movies as of late have no chemistry with her leading men (including Aurora Teagarden) and much of it all seems forced, old and tired. And this one was just the same. Maybe she has too many things going on at once in her life. I don't know. I was excited to see her and John together and yep no. Didn't do it for me. Just no.
I was never a fan of Fuller House
Jackbv12330 November 2021
Another story about a televised contest between old flames. Actually, some of the challenges in the contest were mildly interesting, but the last one was a little convoluted.
My main complaint with this movie is how annoying the two lead characters were in the beginning, and then there is 180 degree personality shift which turns them into saints. Ben was especially annoying as a stereotypical narcissistic jock. Meanwhile Candace frequently can start a movie as arrogant and overly competitive and this movie is no different. This made it difficult for me to enjoy any chemistry the two had.
There were some comedic gags based on physical comedy and overzealousness reminiscent of Fuller House style comedy.
Overall, the movie is about what you'd expect, but I should have known better.
My main complaint with this movie is how annoying the two lead characters were in the beginning, and then there is 180 degree personality shift which turns them into saints. Ben was especially annoying as a stereotypical narcissistic jock. Meanwhile Candace frequently can start a movie as arrogant and overly competitive and this movie is no different. This made it difficult for me to enjoy any chemistry the two had.
There were some comedic gags based on physical comedy and overzealousness reminiscent of Fuller House style comedy.
Overall, the movie is about what you'd expect, but I should have known better.
A Plodding Plot Undermines The Story
atlasmb6 December 2021
Candace Cameron Bure is a mainstay of the Hallmark holiday romances for good reason. She is very affable and conveys a positive energy. But sometimes it is difficult to rise above the material.
We have seen other films that included contests strung out over several days. Usually there is no reason for the format except to draw out the action over time, allowing for other action to occur between the competition segments. Unfortunately, this usually serves to slow the story, providing a drag on the action. In "the Christmas Contest", the competition occurs over a full week; this might be the reason why the film drags.
The lack of energy undermines the story, making this one of the lesser films of this holiday season.
We have seen other films that included contests strung out over several days. Usually there is no reason for the format except to draw out the action over time, allowing for other action to occur between the competition segments. Unfortunately, this usually serves to slow the story, providing a drag on the action. In "the Christmas Contest", the competition occurs over a full week; this might be the reason why the film drags.
The lack of energy undermines the story, making this one of the lesser films of this holiday season.
Cute
pattersonjamie-120791 December 2021
Did not enjoy this one
armysgtbear1 December 2021
After the first 30 minutes, I came very close to changing the channel on this one. The lead characters constantly yelling at each other was very annoying. I did watch the entire movie but definitely won't watch it again. Come on Hallmark, you're better than this.
Christmas contest ran flat!
careersearchdc2 January 2022
While Candace Cameron Bure is a staple to Hallmark. I personally felt that this movie had a bad plot/story line. What is happening to the writers at Hallmark? Where is the creativity? When you can sit done and figure the ending before it happens or even close to it. You will probably start flipping the channel and maybe come back near the end to see if you are right.
Mediocre Christmas contest
TheLittleSongbird31 December 2021
The 2021 Christmas Hallmark output was a very mixed bag, but could have been far considering the circumstances. There were five or six real winners, but also some below average outings and plenty in between either extreme. Also saw 'The Christmas Contest' as someone that did like the premise and because of liking Hallmark regular (and it is not hard to see why she is popular with them) Candace Cameron Bure and Barbara Niven in other things.
While not a terrible film (or at least to me it isn't), 'The Christmas Contest' disappoints drastically for reasons already summed up very well. Bure herself comes over quite well, but she certainly deserved much better than what she is given in one of her worst Hallmark Christmas outings. 'The Christmas Contest' is not quite one of the very worst 2021 Christmas Hallmark films, but it is in the lesser half of that year's batch rather than one of the best. Hallmark did do some good festive films that year, but this isn't one of them.
Bure makes it just about tolerable. Would have liked her character to have been a lot more interestingly written, but Bure is actually very charming and tries hard to bringing energy and honesty to the film. Niven also comes off well, bringing a lot of class and vim to a role that is quite standard for Hallmark but has been known to be done well.
Also thought that the production values were quite nice, not lavish but not the hasty looking amateurish look that was feared considering the budget and time constraints and also the present circumstances. Some of the music is pleasant.
However, too much doesn't work. Am another person who found John Brotherton poor in the film, with an oft tendency to overact while also not looking comfortable. A major problem with 'The Christmas Contest' and in a way that is enough to unbalance the film is the way his character is written, think Paul Greene's character in 'Christmas CEO' with the similar negative characteristics yet worse and you have Brotherton's here. And these negative characteristics are so overblown in writing and acting that looking for virtues is hard and one of the big questions one is asking throughout the film is what does she see in him. He and Bure have very little chemistry together, with it coming over as too forced and antagonistic, nothing romantic. The supporting cast are okay but don't have much to work with, only Niven stands out.
While there are pleasant moments in the soundtrack, too much of it is intrusive and could have done with a toning down. The script is constantly awkward and over-heated, the bickering was very overdone and increasingly repetitive, with there being too much of it and the cheese filled dialogue itself for the bickering induces cringing. The story is formulaic and by the numbers, with too much plodding pacing and a too abruptly introduced and out of the blue 180 degree character change. One that comes over as incredibly unrealistic and tacked on, considering the character it applies to. The direction at best is workmanlike.
Overall, semi-watchable due to Bure and Niven but underwhelms with the poorly written male lead character. 4/10.
While not a terrible film (or at least to me it isn't), 'The Christmas Contest' disappoints drastically for reasons already summed up very well. Bure herself comes over quite well, but she certainly deserved much better than what she is given in one of her worst Hallmark Christmas outings. 'The Christmas Contest' is not quite one of the very worst 2021 Christmas Hallmark films, but it is in the lesser half of that year's batch rather than one of the best. Hallmark did do some good festive films that year, but this isn't one of them.
Bure makes it just about tolerable. Would have liked her character to have been a lot more interestingly written, but Bure is actually very charming and tries hard to bringing energy and honesty to the film. Niven also comes off well, bringing a lot of class and vim to a role that is quite standard for Hallmark but has been known to be done well.
Also thought that the production values were quite nice, not lavish but not the hasty looking amateurish look that was feared considering the budget and time constraints and also the present circumstances. Some of the music is pleasant.
However, too much doesn't work. Am another person who found John Brotherton poor in the film, with an oft tendency to overact while also not looking comfortable. A major problem with 'The Christmas Contest' and in a way that is enough to unbalance the film is the way his character is written, think Paul Greene's character in 'Christmas CEO' with the similar negative characteristics yet worse and you have Brotherton's here. And these negative characteristics are so overblown in writing and acting that looking for virtues is hard and one of the big questions one is asking throughout the film is what does she see in him. He and Bure have very little chemistry together, with it coming over as too forced and antagonistic, nothing romantic. The supporting cast are okay but don't have much to work with, only Niven stands out.
While there are pleasant moments in the soundtrack, too much of it is intrusive and could have done with a toning down. The script is constantly awkward and over-heated, the bickering was very overdone and increasingly repetitive, with there being too much of it and the cheese filled dialogue itself for the bickering induces cringing. The story is formulaic and by the numbers, with too much plodding pacing and a too abruptly introduced and out of the blue 180 degree character change. One that comes over as incredibly unrealistic and tacked on, considering the character it applies to. The direction at best is workmanlike.
Overall, semi-watchable due to Bure and Niven but underwhelms with the poorly written male lead character. 4/10.
On the boring side
catduncanslc5 December 2021
Wow ! Am I shocked
montgomerysue5 December 2021
I was shocked when I read the other reviews here for this movie. It's amazing to me that Bure's fans did not like this film or her performance in it.
We thought it was one of her best works yet. The script was different and entertaining: a blend of humor, charm, and drama. And, for us, Bure seemed more natural and relaxed and gave a really sincere and heartfelt performance. She has a breakdown scene that we have never seen the likes of from her before. For once, her entire performance is emotive and three-dimensional rather than her usual "just play it straight" routine. We figured that she is more natural and relaxed here because she is working with a couple of really talented performers : John Brotherton, who plays her ex, and creates a pretty complicated character whose ego gets in the way of almost everything he does, and the wonderful Barbara Niven, who is excellent as Bure's stifling but well-meaning mother. Niven is a real surprise here, too, demonstrating an attractiveness and persona that is reminiscent of great supporting actresses like Sheree North and Anne Francis of years gone by. All in all, we thought this was Bure's best, fun to watch but also some very endearing and serious scenes. Too.
We thought it was one of her best works yet. The script was different and entertaining: a blend of humor, charm, and drama. And, for us, Bure seemed more natural and relaxed and gave a really sincere and heartfelt performance. She has a breakdown scene that we have never seen the likes of from her before. For once, her entire performance is emotive and three-dimensional rather than her usual "just play it straight" routine. We figured that she is more natural and relaxed here because she is working with a couple of really talented performers : John Brotherton, who plays her ex, and creates a pretty complicated character whose ego gets in the way of almost everything he does, and the wonderful Barbara Niven, who is excellent as Bure's stifling but well-meaning mother. Niven is a real surprise here, too, demonstrating an attractiveness and persona that is reminiscent of great supporting actresses like Sheree North and Anne Francis of years gone by. All in all, we thought this was Bure's best, fun to watch but also some very endearing and serious scenes. Too.
blah
barit-004083 December 2021
okay, meh, boring
taylornan09091 December 2021
I was looking forward to this movie because Candace is one of my favorite actresses and I like Barbara Niven.
The storyline was boring and the comedy ended up being stupid rather than funny.
Hallmark is so NOT hitting the mark on Christmas movies this year. Thank goodness for Lifetime and GAC.
The storyline was boring and the comedy ended up being stupid rather than funny.
Hallmark is so NOT hitting the mark on Christmas movies this year. Thank goodness for Lifetime and GAC.
Not her best
wendyhschneider1 December 2021
I was hoping to like this one but it fell flat.
The two characters lacked chemistry. Yes, I know they were in Fuller House but it was different with this move. So after 10 years they are in a contest? There is really no explanation as to what happened between them until the end. Was there no closure? They start out hating each other and then they just changed. Did they live in the same city this whole time? No updates in 10 years? Really? I've enjoyed Candace's other Christmas movies but this one just didn't do it for me.
The two characters lacked chemistry. Yes, I know they were in Fuller House but it was different with this move. So after 10 years they are in a contest? There is really no explanation as to what happened between them until the end. Was there no closure? They start out hating each other and then they just changed. Did they live in the same city this whole time? No updates in 10 years? Really? I've enjoyed Candace's other Christmas movies but this one just didn't do it for me.
All arguing and screaming for the first 30 minutes.
tombolt1 January 2022
If you love Candace Cameron Bure you should watch this...she's adorable.
cgvsluis22 December 2021
I love Candace Cameron Bure and Barbara Niven... both were gorgeous in this film. I won't lie there were a few awkward moments in this film...but the overall story was cute...the initial competitive ex jostling is very cute.
This is a second chance romance set at Christmas.
This is a second chance romance set at Christmas.
The Tree Was Upside Down
fishfryluv25 July 2022
Well, my wife and I were flipping around the other night, and we caught the last 10 minutes of The Christmas Contest that was on as part of the Christmas in July thing that Hallmark does. We love Christmas in July on Hallmark because it reminds us of what a terrible month July is, and when the Christmas movie ends, we return to being stuck in July with all of its hot weather, terrible smells, and that seagull that ate my sandwich three Summers ago.
We don't know what the Christmas Contest was about, but we gathered that Candace Cameron Bure and the main dude were in a contest decorating trees for $50,000 for charity. Candace decided not to decorate her tree for some reason, and the main dude decorated his and then hung it upside down. This was good enough for a tie according to whoever was judging this train wreck. The best part, though, was when Candace asked the main dude why his tree was upside down, and he replied, "Isn't it obvious? It's because you turn my whole world upside down." Then they began passionately kissing while jointly holding a giant check for $50K. My wife and I could not stop laughing. What if Candace Cameron Bure didn't ask him why his tree was upside down? What if she assumed he was just an idiot? I am guessing that the rest of the movie was just as hilarious, and I cannot wait to see it on Hallmark again. Bravo, Hallmark!
We don't know what the Christmas Contest was about, but we gathered that Candace Cameron Bure and the main dude were in a contest decorating trees for $50,000 for charity. Candace decided not to decorate her tree for some reason, and the main dude decorated his and then hung it upside down. This was good enough for a tie according to whoever was judging this train wreck. The best part, though, was when Candace asked the main dude why his tree was upside down, and he replied, "Isn't it obvious? It's because you turn my whole world upside down." Then they began passionately kissing while jointly holding a giant check for $50K. My wife and I could not stop laughing. What if Candace Cameron Bure didn't ask him why his tree was upside down? What if she assumed he was just an idiot? I am guessing that the rest of the movie was just as hilarious, and I cannot wait to see it on Hallmark again. Bravo, Hallmark!
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