'Tis the Season to be Merry (TV Movie 2021) Poster

(2021 TV Movie)

User Reviews

Review this title
23 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
7/10
Some great chemistry in this one...
toddsgraham3 January 2022
Hallmark did a wonderful job of picking the closing act to this year's 'Countdown to Christmas'. 'Tis the Season to be Merry' is a lovely Christmas romance with a well-written and entertaining script, brilliant acting, and some remarkable chemistry between the leads. The story follows Merry (played by Rachael Leigh Cook), a social media influencer who specializes in love and relationships. Merry has just finished her first book on the rules of love based on her relationship with her fiancé named Dale. However, there is a catch, there is no fiancé; she made Dale up. She decides to accompany her best friend and editor, Darlene (played by Amy Groening), to snow-covered Vermont to spend Christmas and to figure out what to do. In Vermont, she soon runs into Adam (played by Travis van Winkle), her best friend's brother, and sparks begin to fly. Will Merry take a chance on her feelings for Adam? Will she figure out what to do about her book and rules of love? The story is an engaging one from start to finish. The writers do a great job of developing and building the romance between Merry and Adam as the story progresses. You, in a way, get to watch this grow on-screen, which is one of the appealing aspects of the movie. The dialogue and interaction between the two are great. Though not a straight-up comedy, there are multiple scenes with some nice banter and comedic moments. The writers also do a decent job of weaving together (in 84 minutes) three different love stories in this one, all of which I enjoyed. As others have pointed out, though a minor shortcoming, I did find the story regarding the parents and the sale of the family farm to be a bit off/odd. Not discussing the selling of the (third-generation) family farm and business with the children seemed in direct conflict with the close family bond that the writers wanted to portray in the story. There is a disconnect between the two, and the writers' attempt to square the circle, so to speak, is unsatisfying, I'm afraid. What makes all this work on-screen, of course, is the acting, and it was brilliant. Cook's portrayal of Merry is fun and playful, and she has this sort of sweet and innocent vibe to her performance that is very appealing to watch in this genre of film. Van Winkle's performance is also impressive. His portrayal of Adam is both fun and easy-going while at the same time warm and sincere. A perfect combination for a romance-comedy of this nature. What stood out for me is the chemistry between the two. Put simply: it is outstanding. They do a great job of building the attraction they have for each other as the story progresses. Indeed, you could feel and see the tension, sparks, and electricity between them. Impressive performances. Finally, the movie also has a nice warm Christmas vibe to it with plenty of Christmas spirit and festive cheer. All in all, 'Tis the Season to be Merry' is a wonderful Christmas romance, one of Hallmark's best this season. I highly recommend it.
24 out of 27 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Not like it starts out
Jackbv12320 December 2021
I can't say I've ever loved the premise of a relationship expert writer who loses or doesn't have a boyfriend/fiancé. Throw in that she is an "influencer" on social media. The truth comes out a little earlier than usual and then things get interesting. Sure, overall, it's predictable, but this kind of ending is what the viewers want. The way it gets there is kind of different.

There is some good dialogue, especially when Rachael Leigh Cook is involved. Cook and Travis Van Winkle have great interplay and chemistry.

There is at least one other romance going, but Cook and Van Winkle dominate most of the story.
16 out of 18 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Travis van Winkle was fantastic!
cgvsluis23 December 2021
Social influencer who wrote the relationship rules writes a book about finding the perfect man, her publisher wants to do promotions and have the fans meet this paragon of virtue...only he is an imaginary guy.

Her best friend/manager takes her home to come up with a plan or an idea for a replacement book. There they meet her older brother who is home from building homes for the unfortunate overseas, played by Travis van Winkle...who is the best part of this film. He does an excellent job of the older brother and teasing his sister's friend. It was funny and totally made this Hallmark holiday romance. He had me laughing over the breakup and grieving process over the fake boyfriend. He also had it for romance points...making s'mores in your pjs in the fireplace. I was right there.

This moved in to a must see...funniest and most romantic moments I have seen this far from the Hallmark holiday offerings.
12 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Worth Watching For Hallmark Devotees
atlasmb20 December 2021
Merry (Rachael Leigh Cook) goes to Vermont for the holidays to escape her problems. She has written a self-help book about relationships that is based on a fabrication and her publisher is demanding a rewrite. While away from the city, she reconnects with Chris (Travis Van Winkle), a free-spirited altruist who rubs her the wrong way. When her publisher follows her to Vermont, it looks like Merry's holiday will be a bust.

Cook does a fine job playing the lovable dork. Her awkwardness around Van Winkle works well to make this film a comedy-based romance. Like all Hallmark romances, the end results are fairly predictable, but solid acting by the entire cast keeps the story enjoyable.
12 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
"I just want someone to tell me not to go."
rebekahrox28 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I loved Rachel Leigh Cook and Travis Van Winkle in this. They really did have excellent chemistry. The script is witty and intelligent and the acting by all concerned was top notch as well. Merry is a social media influencer with over 3 million followers who specializes in relationships. She is about to publish her first book using her relationship with her fiancé Dale as proof that her rules for a successful relationship really work. Unfortunately, her fiancé does not exist. She just daydreamed him up. She tries to break the news to her publisher, Sonia, but keeps getting interrupted. She decides to accompany her best friend and editor, Darlene, to Vermont to escape awkward questions and figure out what to do.

Merry is concerned that Darlene's brother Adam might be there, but Darlene reassures her. He does good works for people in third world countries but he is not a missionary. We get no details as to why the concern but assume there was some kind of flirtation or relationship that didn't go well. Well, Adam does show up and shows up in her bed, which results in a nice bit of physical comedy. Merry gets involved with all of the holiday activities which throw her and Adam together. Meanwhile, Darlene really likes a local boy, James, who seems to really like Merry. Ooops. Meanwhile, Sonia finds out Dale does not exist, and comes to Vermont after her. Merry has to rewrite her book and come up with the outline by Christmas. Sonia's a tough cookie, but we see another side of her when she meets the local boy's father. So we have 3 romances going. There is a side story about Adam and Darlene's parents selling their land and business which has been in the family for 3 generations. Adam has actually come home to settle down at last and is full of plans for the family business that he expects to take over after his parents retire. They didn't think it necessary to give the kids a heads up pretty much yanking the rug out from under them. Darlene doesn't care, but Adam is hurt and angry and he pulls no punches with his parents. I love that he didn't just put on a brave and noble face. They deserve to feel bad. Of course they have a right to sell, but without even letting their kids know? It had been handed down through 3 generations.

Well, Merry finds her inspiration from her romance with Adam (there are no rules to a successful relationship-must be a short book). She rushes her outline to Sonia at the Airport where she sees Adam, leaving for Asia, since there is nothing for him anymore in Vermont. She yells at him "Don't Go!" and he doesn't-The End.
4 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Enjoyable Movie
CozyMysteryLover9199627 December 2021
As a Clemson Football fan, I loved the nod to Clemson with the orange and purple decorated Christmas tree, along with Joe and Sonia, the two characters with ties to Clemson. I found Rachael Leigh Cook to be really charming as Merry, and this is my favorite movie I have ever seen her in. I specifically liked her supportive friendship with Darlene and the comical moments between her and Adam. All around this is a fun holliday movie.
12 out of 16 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
It has its moments.
mbiv77717 November 2022
I should probably confess that I haven't liked anything Rachael Leigh Cook has done since she destroyed that kitchen in the "This is your brain on drugs" commercial (very hot!).

That hasn't changed after watching this (I like her friend better), but Travis van Winkle makes up for it. He was excellent in this film. He has a comic timing I didn't know was in him.

The plot is pretty thin, author creates a phony character and passes him off as real, then spends the rest of the movie trying to figure out how to fix it.

Does Hallmark have a magical ending? We all know the answer to that.

Supporting cast is good. Familiar faces all. The secondary romance is sweet, and at times a welcome break from the tedium of the main one.

All in all, not awful.
3 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
'Tis the Season for a great movie!
romancemoviefanatic31 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Well, well, well...it took the entire Hallmark Christmas movie season but Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a 10 star entry! The very last movie on Christmas Countdown 2021 and boy did we go out with a bang.

Merry (Cook) is a social media love and relationship expert trying to release a rules for love book. When her publisher finds out that Merry's actually single and her "boyfriend" noted in the book is not real, she decides to take a break in Vermont with her editor best friend. When she arrives she takes a little snooze and while sleeping "bumps" into a towel wearing Adam (Van Winkle), her friends' hot brother. What follows is a funny, electric story of Merry trying to rewrite her book of rules while using her own experiences for real this time.

The plot wasn't original by any means but the story, writing and acting more than made up for this fact. What was unique was that there were actually 3 love stories going on in this movie at the same time. I liked each one of these stories and the progression of each was unique and fun to watch. It was a nice change and was very well written and performed.

The chemistry between Rachel Leigh Cook (Merry) and Travis Van Winkle (Adam) was 🔥 🔥 🔥. This movie has to be one of the best pairings this season. Maybe even better than the Tyler Hynes/Bethany Joy Lenz pairing in "Unexpected Christmas." Cook and Van Winkle were electric. They were so comfortable and amazing on screen together it was so enjoyable to watch. They had banter, tension, humour, sparks, electricity...they had it all. I absolutely loved every second of them together. Right up to the kissing scene they had such a dynamic. Even after they had their declaration of love and kiss, they both still had to offer a cute little exchange. It was amazing.

Can we talk about Van Winkle in this movie? When I first saw the preview and saw his messy hair I was like...um no. But let me tell you within 10 minutes of watching this movie the guy with messy long hair was wandering around a room in only a bath towel. OK Hallmark.... SOLD. I love the hair. He can keep it. 😉That aside, this role was made for Travis Van Winkle. He was quick, witty, smooth...he was everything. The same can be said for Rachel Leigh Cook. I have to admit that I like her in general and she was no different here. She's an A+ actress and has such a sweet innocence about her. It's that same innocence that can also deliver quick one liners, gestures and jabs. Loved her.

Overall this movie was solid. It's is definitely one that will added into rotation to watch and watch again. In fact I already did watch it again. What a great way to end the Countdown to Christmas 2021 season. This is definitely a must see movie.
7 out of 11 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Disney for Adults / Romantics
Sergiodave22 December 2021
I can never understand people being surprised by a Hallmark production. Yes, it's completely unbelievable and at times you feel in need of a bucket because the dialogue is so sickly sweet, but at it's core it's what a lot of people love / need, especially at Christmas. This movie might not be their best, but it made me feel good.
1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Who is Chris?
stevehmarshall26 February 2022
Well, the movie was fair; your typical made-for-tv Christmas movie. But what made me submit this was IMDB's own description, where it says Merry "finds a new perspective and Christmas cheer with charismatic aid worker Chris." Who is Chris? There's no Chris in this movie. Obviously, they mean Adam, the male lead opposite Merry.
6 out of 7 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
LOVED IT
lisam10031 December 2021
I loved the movie!!

The chemistry between Merry and Adam was spot on! (And the kisses between them did not disappoint!)

I enjoyed the friendship between Merry and Darlene, and the brother sister relationship between Darlene and Adam was very believable! This movie put good attention to detail and I noticed! From the looks the characters gave to each other, to their interactions, to the effortless and organic humor!

It just looses a star because I didn't care about the coupling of Joe and Sonia. Those parts were kinda boring.

Everything else was great! Hallmark, please pair Rachael and Travis again!
6 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
nice
Kirpianuscus4 December 2022
The good point - the nice friendship between Darleen and Merry. Near the mugs. Near the imaginary boyfriend.

Not impressive acting, not the best story but reasonable steps of romance and nice Christmas traditions.

Not surprising, the supporting cast is the base. And, sure, the predactibility.

The result - a nice Christmas film in Hallmark style, pleasant twists and easy solutions and a fair game with familiar ingredients of genre. A film after a tough work day, proposing only a good state and a decent job of Rachael Leigh Cook and Travis Van Winkle. For many reasons it is just enough for save the fist of mistakes of script.
1 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Great cast.
allmoviesfan24 December 2023
Further proof that Rachael Leigh Cook definitely knows a good Hallmark movie when she sees one. Has she ever starred in a bad one? I don't think so...

What seems like a fairly shallow type of plot actually becomes something more.

Yes, you have the smalltown Christmas theme - all the usual Christmassy events are there - but don't let that discourage you if you're not a fan of that particular trope.

RLC (who I must admit is very easy on the eye) and Travis Van Winkle as Merry Griffin and Adam Walters steal the show. They are fantastic together, and strong in their solo scenes as well. They benefit from a funny, witty and surprisingly heartfelt film. There are a few cringey moments, but they were thankfully few and far between.

Of course it ends with a kiss. They always do. But this one felt less cliched than many others.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Boring
pattersonjamie-1207926 December 2021
I tried so hard to watch this movie. The actors were good, but the movie was so slow and boring, I gave up half way through. I got to the point that I just didn't care.
6 out of 14 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Merry Griffin (Rachael Leigh Cook)
aab8748 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Favorite scene with

Merry Griffin (Rachael Leigh Cook) - Being Forced to Co-Host the Christmas Tree Auction with Adam. Her "Color Blind" Tree getting Sold for $1000 to Sonia. BTW, I Loved this movie!
5 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Merry & mirth
selimbegovic24 December 2021
This Hallmark offering, though plight with the usual cliches (small town, childhood friends, affirmative action CEO, token lgbtq assistant, predictable plot etc.) was a breath of fresh air!

I usually watch these movies because they are easy on one's brain cells but this one was surprisingly different: it was really very very funny and, moreover, funny in a smart way. There were a few cringeworthy moments involving the publishing company CEO but they were few and far between: The chemistry and the banter between the leads was greatly enjoyable!

Rachel Leigh Cook seems to have a knack at choosing her Christmas movies at Hallmark!
5 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Tell him not to go!!!!
adamjohns-4257514 January 2022
Tis The Season To Be Merry (2021) -

This film was a prime example of when they really do get it right.

Firstly, Travis Van Winkle in the role of Adam was beautiful and you get to see him in just a towel. That in itself was a reason to watch this film - Swoon! If you added Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey's few good bits to the gorgeous Channing Tatum, you would get Travis. He was just lovely and very sexy.

I don't know why anyone would be so reluctant to get together with him?

Rachael Leigh Cook as Merry must have been blind not to see his brilliance, kindness and beauty right away. He really did deliver a great romantic lead. He could also act, which in some of these films has become a rarity.

I could clearly see the romance blooming in this one and it was really quite sweet, as she grew to realise that life doesn't always follow the rules.

I also liked the combination of other romances which added a bit more warmth and love for the season. It didn't lose focus on the main one for it either, which was nice, because sometimes they get lost trying to do too much.

I did find it really weird that James (Adam Hurtig) took Merry out for a date though. It didn't quite fit with the other things going on. The only way it made sense was if he was purely asking her out to give him relationship advice, which seemed to be the way that they were trying to make it go. I personally wouldn't take someone out to dinner for that though.

Joe, played by Paul Essiembre was a sexy Mofo as well for an older guy. I wouldn't usually notice him, as one of the incidental characters, but he was so charismatic and relaxed that it was hard not to fall for his charms.

I couldn't help but be beguiled by Travis, even in his clothes, so it was easy to take an interest in what happened with the film and the characters as a whole.

As I stated to begin with, this was the type of film that I trail through all of the "Made For TV" ones to find. It had heart and feeling and Christmas to spare, with actors that knew what they were doing and it seemed liked they had a budget that made it worthwhile to produce.

8/10.
5 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Such a great movie!
cpalell28 December 2021
Such a great movie! Yes, it's the same premise that has been used before of a relationship expert being single... but...Rachel Lee Cook and Travis Van Winkle are just fantastic. They are very funny together and have fantastic chemistry. Amy Groening, Rachel's editor is a very funny sidekick. Really enjoyed this movie.
4 out of 8 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Love it from beginning to end!!
majoq28 July 2022
I simply loved it.

I laughed, cried, went through all the emotions watching this movie.

Travis Van Winkle without a shirt is a must watch. Specially because it's so rare in Hallmark movies to see a man like this.

There are people out there that reads and believe in rules that the ones Merry wrote. And relationships are unpredictable. That's what's great about them. There are no rules.

Follow your hearts.

One of my all time favourites.
2 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
There are no rules just the right moment
RaniaALDMR2 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I really loved the movie, a true romantic comedy with a beautiful message about love, family, and the meaning of giving, loving and being loved for who we truly are.

Rachel Lee Cook is perfect in her role; she was both funny and touching. Travis Van Winckle is excellent, so natural, a very good actor. In addition, in the film, his character does what he realizes in real life: building houses, schools for disadvantaged people in underdeveloped countries.
2 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Lost track of time
MickyG33330 December 2022
8.5 Stars.

There are rarely bad Hallmark films, for which I am very grateful, otherwise this Christmas movie marathon journey would be wrought with disappointment. If we need wholesome stories, we can always fall back on Hallmark. Coincidentally, on the other side of the same coin, there are rarely super awesome Hallmark films. You know, the ones where you lost track of time, one moment about 12 minutes in, the two leads are just getting acquainted, next thing you know there's only 25 minutes left. And why would you even take note of the time stamp? Because you realize you do not want the movie to end. This is one of those very few inconceivably great films.

It speaks for itself, needs no advertising, needs no further illustration. If you don't watch this movie, it's your loss my friend.
1 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Boring and not light-hearted.
smithduke10 March 2022
Rachel Lee Cook's character looks so sad and confused throughout this movie. Never really happy. Always worried about what was coming next and so afraid. She really didn't portray a confident woman at all. Even when she was happy she looked sad. The movie was so slow and boring.
1 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
Her Goose Was Almost Cooked
philsigler-6240122 January 2022
Jennifer Leigh Cook as Merry is in deep doo doo early on. One of the better things about these Hallmarks is that you, inadvertently, can nap and not miss a beat. In Real Life, Cook divorces in the year this movie was made. Reel Life wins hands down over Real Life.
1 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed