A stranger's text leads to a Christmas dinner invitation and an unexpected romance in this cute holiday story about found family. Unfortunately, the over-the-top, tacky holiday decor is a big visual distraction rather than offering a warm festive setting. (This seems to be a reoccurring problem with GAC/GAF productions.) Hoping that for next year GAC learns the art of classic, elegant holiday decor - less is more people! There are also a few disconnects that should have been caught in editing, but overall this is a festive, uplifting watch with a primary romance in the making, as well as a sweet secondary romance.
20 Reviews
Pretty good
gdcampbell-214749 December 2023
The last GAF movie I watched had over the top autumn decorations and annoying background music. Fast forward to this Christmas movie and now we have over the top Christmas decor and more distracting background music. I'm not sure who thinks this adds to the movies but please stop!
Other than these distractions, I thought it was a good movie although the pace was slow, especially the romance between Addie and James. The leads, Merritt Patterson and Trevor Donovan, worked well together and I liked the interactions with Jayne Eastwood's "Nana". Probably not a movie I'd watch again but enjoyable for a one time view.
Other than these distractions, I thought it was a good movie although the pace was slow, especially the romance between Addie and James. The leads, Merritt Patterson and Trevor Donovan, worked well together and I liked the interactions with Jayne Eastwood's "Nana". Probably not a movie I'd watch again but enjoyable for a one time view.
Would This Happen in 2023?
frankjmonaco-4474524 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
We enjoy the two leads (very different from Jingle Bell Princess), and we were delighted to see Eric Peterson (last seen in the great and very funny series Corner Gas) - a much different role indeed!
We wonder about the entire premise of this movie being applicable in the current state of the world in 2023 - would a single lady actually answer a random text message and travel to a complete stranger's family to celebrate the biggest "family" holiday of the year?
In any case, she did, and the rest of the script played out beautifully, as we hoped it would.
All in all, a sweet romcom - 8 out of 10!
We wonder about the entire premise of this movie being applicable in the current state of the world in 2023 - would a single lady actually answer a random text message and travel to a complete stranger's family to celebrate the biggest "family" holiday of the year?
In any case, she did, and the rest of the script played out beautifully, as we hoped it would.
All in all, a sweet romcom - 8 out of 10!
I wanted to love it, I really did
MickyG33318 December 2023
7.3 stars.
I like both the actors, bar none both are in my top five of Hallmark and Family channels males and females. Unfortunately this story is so beat to death it becomes old hat. The dialogue is generic and plain, a lot of phony small talk with no point. Two adults are doing a dance year after year, as the timeline spans a few Christmases, she comes over to an old woman's house every holiday and it's just about as generic as they come. The romance doesn't build up enough tension, it's too easy going and expected. It seems realistic in a sense, two very familiar friends finally take the romantic plunge, but mostly his character is too uncomfortable and indecisive. Her character has much more personality, although she could have shown a bit more frustration, or impatience, I don't know. The whole story is lacking angst.
I'm not sure why all the rave reviews, 'Twas the Text..' just doesn't have what it takes for a memorable experience. Again, I really love both of these actors and I soooooo hoped this was gonna be mind blowing awesome. The rating currently is 7.1, very high praise for anything in this genre, but there are only 17 reviews, which indicates it's actually only a bit above average, and deserves no trophies or ribbons in my book. Aww man, I wanted it to be good. I might have to give it a whirl again, you never know when your mood has colored the experience badly, and I feel this could be one of those rare instances.
I like both the actors, bar none both are in my top five of Hallmark and Family channels males and females. Unfortunately this story is so beat to death it becomes old hat. The dialogue is generic and plain, a lot of phony small talk with no point. Two adults are doing a dance year after year, as the timeline spans a few Christmases, she comes over to an old woman's house every holiday and it's just about as generic as they come. The romance doesn't build up enough tension, it's too easy going and expected. It seems realistic in a sense, two very familiar friends finally take the romantic plunge, but mostly his character is too uncomfortable and indecisive. Her character has much more personality, although she could have shown a bit more frustration, or impatience, I don't know. The whole story is lacking angst.
I'm not sure why all the rave reviews, 'Twas the Text..' just doesn't have what it takes for a memorable experience. Again, I really love both of these actors and I soooooo hoped this was gonna be mind blowing awesome. The rating currently is 7.1, very high praise for anything in this genre, but there are only 17 reviews, which indicates it's actually only a bit above average, and deserves no trophies or ribbons in my book. Aww man, I wanted it to be good. I might have to give it a whirl again, you never know when your mood has colored the experience badly, and I feel this could be one of those rare instances.
Nice Twist
12101968kaw24 October 2023
GAC did a great job on this one. It's a different twist on the usual Christmas movies. I love the concept that this movie takes place over 3 Christmases. I wish there would have been more of a lead in with the first Christmas. Trevor and Merritt have great chemistry. I love most of anything those two are in. All the other characters are fun too. I liked the multigeneration that this movies brings. You get to see how the relationships of all the characters change and grow over a 3 year period. I wish that it didn't take the last 5 minutes for Trevor and Merritt to get together. I loved that they all got along and that there wasn't any misunderstanding. The characters were living life and really liking and wanting the best for each other.
Delightful and Funny
skillfulcota22 October 2023
I enjoyed watching this movie! Merritt Patersen and Trevor Donavan are so talented! They both can create characters, develop the story and create chemistry no matter who they are matched up with in a leading role! Just love the two of them playing opposite each other in a romance movie. This movie addresses multigenerational family life which is refreshing in today's world! Jayne Eastwood and Rob Stewart are great as is the rest of the cast. The story has some interesting twists and turns and teaches what can happen when a "divine" appointment leads to more than just one moment in time! The writer deserves some allocades and the set crew and makeup/wardrobe did a great job too!! Thankful for another clean and decent movie to watch!! Thank you Bill Abbott and your team!
A Heartfelt Holiday Journey
tlandme22 October 2023
Twas the Text Before Christmas presents a delightful holiday tale, full of warmth and charm. The story weaves an accidental text message into a journey of friendship and love, set against the cozy backdrop of Vermont's winter wonderland. Trevor Donovan as James brings a subtle, gentle charm that compliments Merritt Patterson's Addie perfectly. Their evolving camaraderie over three Christmases feels genuine, making the heart flutter with hope and holiday spirit. With a quaint setting, tender performances, and a story that warms the heart, this movie is a sweet addition to the holiday season's viewing list, delivering a dose of love, laughter, and Christmas magic.
A timeless text
mschuler-5516827 October 2023
Have you ever taken a chance and we're so glad you did? Have you ever left the comfortable to explore the unknown? Have you ever thought something was weird at first and it turned out to be the best thing that's ever happened to you? That's the idea in this wonderful Christmas movie!
Merritt and Trevor light up the screen with friendship, kindness, hope, and love as they grow together one Christmas season at a time.
I enjoyed how unique this Christmas movie was, taking us on a journey over 3 years of Christmas connections until finally the timing was perfect and love had blossomed.
You will not be disappointed in this movie and my guess is this will be one you will want to watch again and again.
Next time you send a text, remember, anything is possible.
Merritt and Trevor light up the screen with friendship, kindness, hope, and love as they grow together one Christmas season at a time.
I enjoyed how unique this Christmas movie was, taking us on a journey over 3 years of Christmas connections until finally the timing was perfect and love had blossomed.
You will not be disappointed in this movie and my guess is this will be one you will want to watch again and again.
Next time you send a text, remember, anything is possible.
Not much to see here, love Trevor though
deskisamess22 October 2023
This movie is supposed to span a period of 2 years, and 3 Christmases. But amazingly, none of the characters change in any way during this 2 year span. They wear the same clothes, I think Trevor has maybe 2 shirts during the whole movie, one of which looks very very cheap and poorly made. The character's hair, all of them, doesn't change one iota. A 11-12 year old girl, an age at which there are normally TONS of changes, does not change one little bit.
The restaurant scenes with the female lead and her father are exactly the same all 3-4 times. Same table, same background people, everything the same. Even though the several scenes take place over this 2 year period.
The movie itself is pretty boring. The actress playing the elderly mom would be more suited to play the grandmother, she has to be at least 75. She's fine, but unless Trevor is 50+, too old to play his mother.
Merritt Patterson is exactly the same in every role. Shiny happy face, no depth. Neither her nor Trevor are given much to work with here, just so so boooring, no chemistry at all. He is so wasted here.
GAF need to tone down their set decoration for these movies. It's always over the top and unrealistic. And doesn't anyone use other types of Christmas tree decorations? Why just large shiny balls everywhere? A women who loves Christmas and is 65+ in age would have a ton of more vintage looking stuff.
The restaurant scenes with the female lead and her father are exactly the same all 3-4 times. Same table, same background people, everything the same. Even though the several scenes take place over this 2 year period.
The movie itself is pretty boring. The actress playing the elderly mom would be more suited to play the grandmother, she has to be at least 75. She's fine, but unless Trevor is 50+, too old to play his mother.
Merritt Patterson is exactly the same in every role. Shiny happy face, no depth. Neither her nor Trevor are given much to work with here, just so so boooring, no chemistry at all. He is so wasted here.
GAF need to tone down their set decoration for these movies. It's always over the top and unrealistic. And doesn't anyone use other types of Christmas tree decorations? Why just large shiny balls everywhere? A women who loves Christmas and is 65+ in age would have a ton of more vintage looking stuff.
Gimme anything with Trevor Donovan
LKVolker22 October 2023
Title: A Cozy Christmas Tale With Trevor Donovan's Gentle Charm
As a Trevor Donovan fan, I was eagerly awaiting the premiere of "Twas the Text Before Christmas" on the Great American Family network. The movie, which rolled out on October 21, 2023, promised a sweet holiday romance with Donovan playing a pivotal role, and it certainly didn't disappoint.
The plot is a delightful concoction of mistaken identity, budding romance, and the classic magic of Christmas. It begins with a text message mistakenly sent to Addie, a New York City chiropractor, which forms the crux of a warm friendship between her and Nana, the sender of the text. This lovely error leads Addie to spend her holidays in the picturesque setting of Vermont, where she meets Nana's single son, James, portrayed by Trevor Donovan. Over three years of holiday rendezvous, the rapport between James and Addie transitions into something more profound.
Trevor Donovan's portrayal of James is a balanced blend of subtlety and charm. His character, a traveling doctor, is down-to-earth and relatable, reflecting the modesty and warmth that Donovan often brings to his roles. While his performance isn't a dramatic departure from his previous works, Donovan's gentle charm adds a comforting touch to the movie, making the storyline more engaging and heartfelt.
The chemistry between Donovan and Merritt Patterson, who plays Addie, is quite enchanting. It's the kind of on-screen pairing that makes you root for them right from their first interaction. Their evolving relationship over three Christmas seasons is portrayed with a touch of realism that makes the narrative both engaging and relatable. The gradual realization of their feelings for each other doesn't feel rushed or forced, which is a refreshing change from the typical whirlwind romances often showcased in holiday movies.
As a viewer who appreciates the nuances of performance, I enjoyed the expressive acting by the entire cast, not just the leads. The facial expressions, the body language, and the dialogues delivered added layers to the story, making it a rich viewing experience.
The backdrop of Vermont during Christmas is like a warm hug, with its picturesque snow-covered landscapes and quaint town settings. It's the perfect setting for a holiday romance to blossom, and it complements the sweet, easy-going narrative of the movie well.
Despite the predictability of the plot, which is common in holiday romances, the movie keeps you engaged with its well-timed humor, emotional moments, and the genuine camaraderie among the characters. It's a feel-good movie that leaves you with a smile, a light heart, and a touch of Christmas magic.
The gentle humor interspersed throughout the movie keeps the narrative lively and enjoyable. It's the sort of movie that you'd love to curl up with, a hot cocoa in hand, as the snow falls gently outside.
In conclusion, "Twas the Text Before Christmas" is a cozy, heartwarming holiday movie that brings a fresh narrative to the table while staying true to the classic Christmas romance genre. Trevor Donovan, with his subdued and gentle portrayal of James, adds a touch of realism and warmth to the movie, making it a pleasant watch for the holiday season. Without overshadowing the narrative or other performances, Donovan's portrayal as James is akin to a gentle sprinkle of snow - subtle, beautiful, and enriching the essence of Christmas in this sweet tale.
As a Trevor Donovan fan, I was eagerly awaiting the premiere of "Twas the Text Before Christmas" on the Great American Family network. The movie, which rolled out on October 21, 2023, promised a sweet holiday romance with Donovan playing a pivotal role, and it certainly didn't disappoint.
The plot is a delightful concoction of mistaken identity, budding romance, and the classic magic of Christmas. It begins with a text message mistakenly sent to Addie, a New York City chiropractor, which forms the crux of a warm friendship between her and Nana, the sender of the text. This lovely error leads Addie to spend her holidays in the picturesque setting of Vermont, where she meets Nana's single son, James, portrayed by Trevor Donovan. Over three years of holiday rendezvous, the rapport between James and Addie transitions into something more profound.
Trevor Donovan's portrayal of James is a balanced blend of subtlety and charm. His character, a traveling doctor, is down-to-earth and relatable, reflecting the modesty and warmth that Donovan often brings to his roles. While his performance isn't a dramatic departure from his previous works, Donovan's gentle charm adds a comforting touch to the movie, making the storyline more engaging and heartfelt.
The chemistry between Donovan and Merritt Patterson, who plays Addie, is quite enchanting. It's the kind of on-screen pairing that makes you root for them right from their first interaction. Their evolving relationship over three Christmas seasons is portrayed with a touch of realism that makes the narrative both engaging and relatable. The gradual realization of their feelings for each other doesn't feel rushed or forced, which is a refreshing change from the typical whirlwind romances often showcased in holiday movies.
As a viewer who appreciates the nuances of performance, I enjoyed the expressive acting by the entire cast, not just the leads. The facial expressions, the body language, and the dialogues delivered added layers to the story, making it a rich viewing experience.
The backdrop of Vermont during Christmas is like a warm hug, with its picturesque snow-covered landscapes and quaint town settings. It's the perfect setting for a holiday romance to blossom, and it complements the sweet, easy-going narrative of the movie well.
Despite the predictability of the plot, which is common in holiday romances, the movie keeps you engaged with its well-timed humor, emotional moments, and the genuine camaraderie among the characters. It's a feel-good movie that leaves you with a smile, a light heart, and a touch of Christmas magic.
The gentle humor interspersed throughout the movie keeps the narrative lively and enjoyable. It's the sort of movie that you'd love to curl up with, a hot cocoa in hand, as the snow falls gently outside.
In conclusion, "Twas the Text Before Christmas" is a cozy, heartwarming holiday movie that brings a fresh narrative to the table while staying true to the classic Christmas romance genre. Trevor Donovan, with his subdued and gentle portrayal of James, adds a touch of realism and warmth to the movie, making it a pleasant watch for the holiday season. Without overshadowing the narrative or other performances, Donovan's portrayal as James is akin to a gentle sprinkle of snow - subtle, beautiful, and enriching the essence of Christmas in this sweet tale.
One of the best
managementbykristi22 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This one will go on my list as one of the best Hallmark Christmas movies. Loved that they used a different storyline, borrowed from the beautiful real life story of the grandma who invited perfect strangers to Thanksgiving off a mistaken text.
The 2 leads are 2 of my favourites from the usual lineup. They're natural and believable in their roles. And how cute was Nana and Carter!
My only peeve was the lack of research on Australia and the comically fake Aussie accent by the guy on the phone. In the first few mins of the movie Addie says she prefers to visit Australia in summer instead of Christmas....but Christmas time IS summer here.
Anyway, that aside, it was a lovely movie that I'd rewatch again for sure.
The 2 leads are 2 of my favourites from the usual lineup. They're natural and believable in their roles. And how cute was Nana and Carter!
My only peeve was the lack of research on Australia and the comically fake Aussie accent by the guy on the phone. In the first few mins of the movie Addie says she prefers to visit Australia in summer instead of Christmas....but Christmas time IS summer here.
Anyway, that aside, it was a lovely movie that I'd rewatch again for sure.
High-quality - Merritt Patterson and Trevor Donovan shine.
allmoviesfan20 November 2023
I've often said that these Hallmark/Lifetime/GAC Family movies live or die based on their casting of the lead actors and how much chemistry those leads have. Safe to say, the producers got it one thousand percent correct when casting Canadian Merritt Patterson (one of my favourites, from ever since her early Hallmark days, through her incredibly risqué turn in 'Heatwave' and recent work on GAC Family) and Trevor Donovan, who is a sold actor and can always be counted on to turn in a good performance.
If Patterson and Donovan were good together two years ago in 'Jingle Bell Princess', they are GREAT here in 'Twas the Text Before Christmas', which features an inventive (if somewhat unlikely in real life) scenario that takes place over three Christmases (similar to one of my favourites, 'Four Christmases and a Wedding') and a well-cast group of secondary actors.
This slow-developing and pleasant movie is definitely one of the better Christmas movies you're likely to see in 2023.
If Patterson and Donovan were good together two years ago in 'Jingle Bell Princess', they are GREAT here in 'Twas the Text Before Christmas', which features an inventive (if somewhat unlikely in real life) scenario that takes place over three Christmases (similar to one of my favourites, 'Four Christmases and a Wedding') and a well-cast group of secondary actors.
This slow-developing and pleasant movie is definitely one of the better Christmas movies you're likely to see in 2023.
On the 0-Christmas Scale I give it a "Egg Nog Delight"
realmenlovehallmark5 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
When Addie, played by Merritt Patterson, gets a random accidental text message from Maybel (Jayne Eastwood), a journey of adventure, daring, and risk ensues. For example, Maybel, who is honestly the nicest old grandma ever, invites Addie to come to their house for Christmas. Yes, travel from the city to quaint Vermont for Christmas with total strangers. Why go to a strangers house? Obviously because the rest of Addies family is going to Australia for Christmas. Why isn't she? That's a great question!
But Alas, Addie finds the courage to go to folksy Vermont and hang out with Mother Maybel of Vermont, who might actually be angelic. I'm waiting for the truth to finally come out. At the home of Grandmama Maybel she meets the charming and ruggedly handsome James (Trevor Donavan). The double take and chemistry starts flowing like warm maple syrup (gross, but did you see what I did there...maple syrup...Vermont...get it?)! Until....the ex-flame enters the picture.
Who could have seen that coming? Don't start yapping about predictable storylines. There were no expensive loafers worn by total douche boyfriends stepping in cow pies. There isn't even an inn...And while I swear I heard this storyline on a CrimeJunkies podcast episode...wait, mind blown...what? Hallmark and CrimeJunkies are essentially the same thing...A hapless charming lady trusts a stranger and ends up...I guess that's where it splits. One plot she ends up dead! The other she ends up in love! And the writers are so good you will never know which until the very very very end of this movie and be left on a cliff until then! Boom Bang!
Fast forward, this movie isn't just about Christmas. It spans more time than probably all the rest of the 2023 lineup combined. After getting some grub at Maybel's, Addie goes to Australia at some point, keeps connecting with Maybel, and then Addie's Dadd-i-o decides to break tradition and go to Australia two years in a row for Christmas!
Meanwhile, I swear this film was filmed in the dead of summer! The lighting is not winter lighting. C'mon lighting people, whatever you are called, pick up your game...And yes, my intuition was correct. The film was filmed in Toronto, Canada from May 15-June 1. That's a heck of a turnaround for a masterpiece like this...
Christmas Season #2 - Addie goes back to Vermont. And, right when I was thinking about how this plot was different, I realized it did contain an inn, the Hartford Inn, which throws this whole analysis in the blender.
And now for a plot twist! This isn't a Hallmark! This is a Great American Family which is coming on strong in 2023. At a 7.0/10 on IMBD this film was rated well, which means the former Hallmark Queen turned Great American Family Queen Candace Cameron Bure is starting her network strong!!!!
I digress....
Christmas Season #3 - Addie takes a huge risk and heads to Meemaw Maybel's neck of the woods for her 3rd straight Christmas, but when the inn screws everything up on the reservation Addie goes to Plan B and stays with Nana M and reconnects with James. And...there may be a ring involved, which means engagement, and....love.
But when Addie plans to move to Australia and James to Jamaica what will ensue. This nail biting drama keeps you guessing. Will Addie hopelessly venture to the train station and to the land beyond on the rail beast? Will they have second thoughts and reconnect right before the final credits, kiss, declare love, and change all of their plans? This isn't a Hallmark folks....and I'm not going to give out any spoilers.
But Alas, Addie finds the courage to go to folksy Vermont and hang out with Mother Maybel of Vermont, who might actually be angelic. I'm waiting for the truth to finally come out. At the home of Grandmama Maybel she meets the charming and ruggedly handsome James (Trevor Donavan). The double take and chemistry starts flowing like warm maple syrup (gross, but did you see what I did there...maple syrup...Vermont...get it?)! Until....the ex-flame enters the picture.
Who could have seen that coming? Don't start yapping about predictable storylines. There were no expensive loafers worn by total douche boyfriends stepping in cow pies. There isn't even an inn...And while I swear I heard this storyline on a CrimeJunkies podcast episode...wait, mind blown...what? Hallmark and CrimeJunkies are essentially the same thing...A hapless charming lady trusts a stranger and ends up...I guess that's where it splits. One plot she ends up dead! The other she ends up in love! And the writers are so good you will never know which until the very very very end of this movie and be left on a cliff until then! Boom Bang!
Fast forward, this movie isn't just about Christmas. It spans more time than probably all the rest of the 2023 lineup combined. After getting some grub at Maybel's, Addie goes to Australia at some point, keeps connecting with Maybel, and then Addie's Dadd-i-o decides to break tradition and go to Australia two years in a row for Christmas!
Meanwhile, I swear this film was filmed in the dead of summer! The lighting is not winter lighting. C'mon lighting people, whatever you are called, pick up your game...And yes, my intuition was correct. The film was filmed in Toronto, Canada from May 15-June 1. That's a heck of a turnaround for a masterpiece like this...
Christmas Season #2 - Addie goes back to Vermont. And, right when I was thinking about how this plot was different, I realized it did contain an inn, the Hartford Inn, which throws this whole analysis in the blender.
And now for a plot twist! This isn't a Hallmark! This is a Great American Family which is coming on strong in 2023. At a 7.0/10 on IMBD this film was rated well, which means the former Hallmark Queen turned Great American Family Queen Candace Cameron Bure is starting her network strong!!!!
I digress....
Christmas Season #3 - Addie takes a huge risk and heads to Meemaw Maybel's neck of the woods for her 3rd straight Christmas, but when the inn screws everything up on the reservation Addie goes to Plan B and stays with Nana M and reconnects with James. And...there may be a ring involved, which means engagement, and....love.
But when Addie plans to move to Australia and James to Jamaica what will ensue. This nail biting drama keeps you guessing. Will Addie hopelessly venture to the train station and to the land beyond on the rail beast? Will they have second thoughts and reconnect right before the final credits, kiss, declare love, and change all of their plans? This isn't a Hallmark folks....and I'm not going to give out any spoilers.
Helicopter
Jackbv12324 October 2023
Merritt Patterson is one of my favorite actors and I also like Trevor Donovan. My main complaint with this movie is the plot device of showing the characters lives only around successive Christmases. This device has been used several times, but it isn't as overused as many other premises.
The background for it all is a cornucopia of the usual stuff. Addie just broke up after a long term relationship. What little family she has is off jet setting for the holidays. Grandma decides to do some matchmaking. Both Addie and James will be leaving town soon after Christmas dinner. There were many other echoes of other Christmas movies, especially early on.
My problem is that there is too much jumping forward into next year and not enough spending time together and getting to know each other. Between Christmases their lives move on and we get brief recaps at the beginning of the next season. I thought it showed in the acting. Donovan and Patterson did a movie together last year and should have had great chemistry but I didn't really see it. It seemed like they were going through the motions to get on to the next Christmas.
Many Christmas movies have a cute kid that adds a spark and forms a bond with one of the leads. Paige did not play a big role in that sense. And two years after we first see her, she hasn't changed which isn't noticeable in an adult, but should be obvious in an early teen.
The movie is family friendly but might not have a lot to attract small children.
I continue to hope for great things from Great American Family, but it is not a good sign if two of their best veteran actors fail to deliver in one of the first premieres of the season.
The background for it all is a cornucopia of the usual stuff. Addie just broke up after a long term relationship. What little family she has is off jet setting for the holidays. Grandma decides to do some matchmaking. Both Addie and James will be leaving town soon after Christmas dinner. There were many other echoes of other Christmas movies, especially early on.
My problem is that there is too much jumping forward into next year and not enough spending time together and getting to know each other. Between Christmases their lives move on and we get brief recaps at the beginning of the next season. I thought it showed in the acting. Donovan and Patterson did a movie together last year and should have had great chemistry but I didn't really see it. It seemed like they were going through the motions to get on to the next Christmas.
Many Christmas movies have a cute kid that adds a spark and forms a bond with one of the leads. Paige did not play a big role in that sense. And two years after we first see her, she hasn't changed which isn't noticeable in an adult, but should be obvious in an early teen.
The movie is family friendly but might not have a lot to attract small children.
I continue to hope for great things from Great American Family, but it is not a good sign if two of their best veteran actors fail to deliver in one of the first premieres of the season.
I love this movie
amarnold-524532 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I have never seen a bad movie with Merritt Patterson in it. She is absolutely one of my favorite female actresses in these movies. She done an excellent job in this movie. This was one of her best movies. She had an easy and believable chemistry with Trevor Donovan. They are great together. In this movie, I love the fact that they were friends first before they were a couple. Nana was the breakout star to me in this. The way the family gathered around her was so heartwarming. As soon as I saw Carter I knew they would end up together and I love them as a couple. The way he got down on one knew at the end made me cry happy tears. This was an easy 10 star movie for me.
Low Budget, Thin Scripts, Limited scenery
fsogfan7 November 2023
Love the ex-pat actors from Hallmark (Trevor Donovan & Merritt Patterson) but these GAF movies are super low budget and desperately in need of better dialog with very limited scenery. Even the Xmas decorations look cheap compared to the competition of Xmas movies from Hallmark, UPTV, Lifetime, etc. I devour Xmas and romance movies so I'm a conosseur of this genre and frankly after the first 15-20 min, I fast forward to the end and didn't miss much with this film.
I'm a big fan of the lead actors and the plots of their past Hallmark movies were way more complex and watchable compared to this GAF release. I know many actors moved to GAF to get production credit but obviously they didn't get script approval. This movie felt more like a low budget community stage production with a quickly written script than what I've grown to expect from other seasonal releases.
I'm a big fan of the lead actors and the plots of their past Hallmark movies were way more complex and watchable compared to this GAF release. I know many actors moved to GAF to get production credit but obviously they didn't get script approval. This movie felt more like a low budget community stage production with a quickly written script than what I've grown to expect from other seasonal releases.
Terrible deco in GAF movies
wambuic19 November 2023
The GAF movies I wave watched so far have improved a little this year but the decorations & set design are awful to look at; too much just lumped on and it appears its recycled into several movies. It takes away from the improved story telling. Even the snow is visibly fake, no care is taken to create a convincing illusion of it. Someone is a sleep on the job and could do so much better with some effort
Please please do not let your audiences and cast down with this lack of attention to the canvass on which the stories are told. Without which we are better off listening and not watching and that's a real let down.
BOOOOORRRRRRIIIINNNGGG
toncincin28 October 2023
Merritt Patterson has absolutely no depth as an actor. I've seen many of her movies (on GAC and Hallmark). She is EXACTLY the same in every single one of them. Smiling and reciting her lines with an occasional giggle. Just not a fan. The only reason I watched this was because Trevor Donovan was in it. There's absolutely no connection between the two of them in this movie. Perhaps because they really weren't given the time on-screen together. One would think since they'd done a movie together before - they'd connect better.
The decorations! Geez ... NO ONE DECORATES LIKE THIS! The fall movies were the same. Completely over the top. Please be more realistic! AND the constant background music! GIVE IT A REST... it's quite distracting and ridiculous.
GAF needs to step up their game and put out movies that actually work. The quality in production and scripts is pretty bad ...
The decorations! Geez ... NO ONE DECORATES LIKE THIS! The fall movies were the same. Completely over the top. Please be more realistic! AND the constant background music! GIVE IT A REST... it's quite distracting and ridiculous.
GAF needs to step up their game and put out movies that actually work. The quality in production and scripts is pretty bad ...
Nah!
akiwigirl24 October 2023
Can't believe I watched a Christmas film in October.
This movie expects the viewer to be stupid
So funny the way Americans say Australia. Nobody who actually knows Aus would say Australia in long form as many times as they do in this movie. It's Aus or Oz people!!
And that accent from the voicemail when Addie gets her job offer - the worst try hard Aus accent ever!
I did like the concept of this film and the dog was so cute - that's all I liked about it.
This movie expects the viewer to be stupid
- The work collègue of Addie put in an offer for a house in the suburbs and had it accepted and already gave her notice without actually exchanging and moving in! Seriously I'm suppose to believe this how!
- Addie gets a job at Christmas in Aus and she has to start early January - yeah right has anyone heard of visas!
So funny the way Americans say Australia. Nobody who actually knows Aus would say Australia in long form as many times as they do in this movie. It's Aus or Oz people!!
And that accent from the voicemail when Addie gets her job offer - the worst try hard Aus accent ever!
I did like the concept of this film and the dog was so cute - that's all I liked about it.
Same old, same old
michael_sluka9 April 2024
I realize that GAF productions are obviously meant to be in the same ('tame") genre as another production company that makes you think of greeting cards, but geez, I was hoping GAF would 'up the game' a bit.
I enjoy the 'happy ending' romance genre with a certain select few of these actors (both male and female) but it doesn't mean I enjoy the same last 2 minute formula in so many of both companies' script-writing. Why are the characters scripted to be so annoyingly reluctant to express a bit of passion before the final seconds? As a male, I can't possibly fathom being such a dork in the company of a woman I am attracted to for so long of a time. It could work on occasion, but we are subjected to brainlessness most every time. I know that anything more than a close-mouth kiss is not going to be 'family-friendly, but do you really need to teach kids to be timid in expressing feelings to maintain family-friendly? How about you script a few where the relationship materializes in the first half of the movie and then have a story built around what transpires next?....just a thought to break some new ground. Unfortunately, the scripting in this movie, like so many from both these production houses, leave the viewer feeling the leads have no real chemistry throughout the movie, so much so that the ending comes across as effectively contrived.
I enjoy the 'happy ending' romance genre with a certain select few of these actors (both male and female) but it doesn't mean I enjoy the same last 2 minute formula in so many of both companies' script-writing. Why are the characters scripted to be so annoyingly reluctant to express a bit of passion before the final seconds? As a male, I can't possibly fathom being such a dork in the company of a woman I am attracted to for so long of a time. It could work on occasion, but we are subjected to brainlessness most every time. I know that anything more than a close-mouth kiss is not going to be 'family-friendly, but do you really need to teach kids to be timid in expressing feelings to maintain family-friendly? How about you script a few where the relationship materializes in the first half of the movie and then have a story built around what transpires next?....just a thought to break some new ground. Unfortunately, the scripting in this movie, like so many from both these production houses, leave the viewer feeling the leads have no real chemistry throughout the movie, so much so that the ending comes across as effectively contrived.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
