The Mistletoe Promise (2016 TV Movie) User Reviews

I'm very jealous of Wentworth Miller right now.

[adamjohns-42575 · 8/10 · 12 December 2020]

The more I see Luke Macfarlane, the more I want him and he is just so naturally adorable in this film, especially in his little duffle coat. I also really like Jaime King here too, but her hair stylist is not kind to her and some of her wardrobe is questionable. The ex however, is quite possibly the most irritating man on TV ever. His face alone makes me want to hit him. Sorry to the actor in question, it's just my natural feeling.

This is a cute film, similar to others where pacts or promises are made to pretend to be each other's significant other for the holidays, but it's done very well in this case. Full of festive fun and who wouldn't fall for my boy Luke doing so many romantic things together?

I've seen this one a few times now and will watch it again.

Cute

[ehennig-22550 · 7/10 · 15 November 2018]

It was a cute movie. Not a huge fan of Jamie King but it was still cute. Wishing the ending showed Nick helping her with the contract between her and her ex.

A contract for all seasons

[Pete-Claus · 8/10 · 11 December 2019]

A clever plot with lots of twists and good humorous lines. Also meaningful character growth. A little different from the usual Christmas movie. Most enjoyable. Also satisfying to watch.

Good.

[MIssM19 · 7/10 · 6 August 2020]

Nick and Elise don't like Christmas. And they meet while strangers are singing Christmas Carols to them very closely, invading personal space. They each have a problem: she doesn't want to put up with her ex-husband and wants her company to be what it used to. He needs a girlfriend to take to the office party so he can make partner. So they make a pact. (There is even a contract).

I, slowly, became a fan of the fake-relationship trope, but it has to be done well. The people involved need to have chemistry, share sweet moments, leart about each other in order for that so-called "relationship to move onto the next phase. This movie had it: Nick sharing his Christmas ghosts. Nick and Elise sharing Christmas traditions. It was sweet.

Luke Macfarlane is becoming one of my favourites. I have seen several of his movies and he always has chemistry with his co-stars. Maybe he is just a really nice guy. I will definitely keep on watching. It was my first time watching Jaime King (i'm not gonna lie, she could definitely play a villain in any movie and I would be terrified), I liked her character. She wasn't the typical cheerful leading lady, which I liked.

This may sound foolish, but all I kept seeing was her hair, which, in my opinion transitioned along with her feelings. At the beginning she only had tight buns, when she met Nick, she used hair tails (i'm not sure that's the term) and even let her hair loose. It was only when they parted at the end that she used a bun again. Maybe it was just a coincidence but I found that beautiful. She was literally and metaphorically letting herself loose.

A few things that bothered me: the ex-husband (of course), his girlfriend (why make her look like an idiot?) those people at the mall singing the Christmas Carols (hello? ever head of personal space and privacy?)And, at the end it was heavily snowing but there was no snow on the streets?

While I really enjoyed it, i'll probably won't watch again.

Its is a Hallmark movie - you get 100% what you expect - Teeny -tiny - spoiler alert!

[kenfromcanada · 7/10 · 6 November 2016]

Hallmark films these types of movies - year in and year out - and promises that you will get what you expect. Cute actors, predictable plots, no great special effects (SPOILER ALERT- filmed in British Columbia -Vancouver specifically- a city that doesn't get snow) - so the special effects here is fake snow everywhere. If you want drama - go elsewhere-if you want a watchable hour and a half - well, that is what Hallmark offers. And delivers! I look forward to each year's Christmas fare,and really have never been disappointed, this is my official precursor to the Christmas season. I think that Hallmark has a formula - that works- taking actors - that are usually the number three or four spot (the odd time number two) - on a list of performers in any given TV show,sometimes movies - and giving them a main - co-number one position in their movies. I always just seem to remember the actors and ALWAYS come here to IMDb and look up where I have seen them before. To me - all part of the Hallmark experience.

Growth under the mistletoe

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 8 December 2020]

The book is a great one, but this review is going to come from somebody who is going to judge 'The Mistletoe Promise' on its own terms rather than a constant book to film comparison. The concept sounds familiar and the title is slightly corny yet sweet, but Hallmark have showed more than once that they are capable of making above average festive films in a very hit and miss bunch. Luke Macfarlane is often very watchable and no stranger to Hallmark.

Seeing 'The Mistletoe Promise' is a very loose adaptation of the book, which will disappoint (and has disappointed) fans of the book, but it is far from a bad film on its own. 2016 was inconsistent in quality for Hallmark and 'The Mistletoe Promise' is one of the better efforts in my personal opinion. Anybody that loves Christmas and wants a pleasant inoffensive distraction on a dull afternoon may find it likeable enough and while not great it's nice enough.

Editing is on the rushed side in places. The story can be slow and too thin, as well as contrived, in spots, and the characters are sketchy in development. This tends to be a common Hallmark problem so that was not unexpected.

Likewise with the music tending to be too intrusive. Have found more than once with Hallmark that their soundtracks are on the too intrusive and too constant side. Still find that the case here, though there have been worse cases before and since.

Mcfarlane as said has always been watchable and he proves that in his charismatic and subtle performance here. Jaime King tries a little too hard in places but is mostly charming and the chemistry between the two of them never comes over as awkward or dull. They are very sweet and sincere together. Despite the characters being quite sketchy, the supporting cast all do a good job. The direction is sympathetic yet alert enough.

Visually, 'The Mistletoe Promise' is good looking. It's beautifully photographed and the scenery is quite captivating. The dialogue flows better and more naturally than the dialogue in most Hallmark films and doesn't fall as much into cheese and soap. The story is very light-hearted and really warms the heart, despite its predictability and other things, any character changes actually not coming out of the blue or feeling hasty and the music doesn't too overscored. The lead characters grow and aren't too perfect or have negative character traits exaggerated too much.

Concluding, not great but above average. 7/10

Not the book and (to me) better for it

[jennifferwardell · 7/10 · 26 November 2016]

Yes, the plot is different than the book, but for me that's a good thing. The movie tells the story of two very awkward, lonely people who find each other and create a safe space for themselves as they make peace with who they are. While not as "deep" as the book, it's far more approachable for the majority of people, and is 100 percent certain not to traumatize you in what you thought was the middle of a pleasant Christmas story (which happens to some people with the book, as you can see when you check it out on Goodreads).

If you're a fan of the book, this probably isn't for you. But if you like sweet, heartfelt Christmas movies, please give it a try.

Really enjoyable Christmas movie....

[ronalamont-91472 · 9/10 · 5 November 2019]

This particular Hallmark movie is a cut above the rest. It is well directed, well cast, well acted and well written ... It's a unique premise, from a book I believe, and it's a delight to have something very different to watch unfold for a change. All the characters are very likable and there's a sweet chemistry between the two lead actors that makes them even more believable. The storyline and the couples' interactions aren't forced (as they so often are in a Hallmark movie)... and while they try to stay true to their "Promise" they don't seem pressured to perform a "dating" dance that would take them beyond its limits so it all feels very real. Two people, unable to enjoy Christmas for their own reasons, meet and form a contract (a Promise) to help each other get through the difficult holiday period and each help the other achieve their goal. I really enjoy Hallmark movies but lately their themes have been getting extremely repetitive and the characters and interactions predictable. Not this one ... I really wasn't sure how it was going to work out in the end and I cared. It does seem mandatory that "figgy pudding" is mentioned or sung about in every Hallmark Christmas movie and, in this one aspect, The Mistletoe Promise is no exception. Otherwise it truly is and well worth watching.

Who is she!

[letiiciafernandes05 · 7/10 · 4 November 2019]

The extras in this movie were TRULY making the most out of their screen time but this one lady in particular could be seen in the background in almost every single scene that took place at the mall! Lady with a plaid coat and black hat, you're a STAR!

The Mistletoe Promise

[studioAT · 5/10 · 6 December 2020]

What's nice to see here is that actually by Hallmark film standards these characters are actually pretty battered and broken as people, with real issues rather than "I have to win a gingerbread contest".

It makes for a more engaging film actually, that is well played out by the leads, Jaime King especially.

It isn't without its slower moments, and the humour is perhaps lost a bit, but this was a nice different sort of Hallmark film.

Over and over

[Jackbv123 · 10/10 · 14 November 2019]

I watch this movie over and over, year after year. If I see it listed to broadcast, I get excited.

The premise has been used a few times, but somehow this one feels a little different. It is a straightforward story. I've seen this movie enough I can't objectively say if there are any surprises, but I don't really think so, at least not big ones. That doesn't matter. This is a case where the actors are what makes it. I will say that I think the bit with the Reindeer report plays out a little uniquely.

I've seen Luke MacFarlane a few times now and those movies are usually good. He delivers a solid performance in this one. He and Jaime King definitely have chemistry. But watching Jaime King again for I don't know how many times, I am more impressed than ever. She is perfectly cast for this movie. Elise isn't an ice queen, but you might think so at first glance and King plays the dichotomy perfectly. She shows the hidden depth of feeling. She shows a wounded woman falling in love and trying not to hope that this time things will go right. It's a contract and Elise holds rigidly to it, yet doesn't.

I often say in reviews that what makes a good movie in this genre is having plenty of screens time for the leads to build their relationship and this movie does that generously.

Christmas romance movies are a guilty pleasure and this one fits my taste buds perfectly.

About the movie vs the book: I didn't realize there was a book until after I had seen the movie twice at least and written the review above. I saw a review mentioning the book, so I found it and read it. The movie and the book are as different as can be. If you change the names of the characters and the contract, it could be said that this movie is not really based on the book at all. The contract is similar, but so are the premises of so many Christmas movies. The contract in the book is not initiated in the same was as the movie. Other characters in the book are nothing like the ones in the movie. Elise is not as confident, but she is also scarred, probably more than the movie Elise. Situations are different and events are different. The book is also great. But It has a much more serious side to it and the climax is touching.

Something left out?

[cmagee-48165 · 6/10 · 3 December 2018]

When I saw this movie before I would swear that I saw that Nick found something when he was reviewing the contract between Elise and her ex-husband that showed the agreement to be not binding once they were no longer married.

Wouldn't watch again.

[jennifertrathan · 5/10 · 21 September 2020]

Why was I watching a Christmas film in September? Because I was sick of trawling through things I'd seen trying to find something to watch. So I settled for this, which I think had a better film fighting to get through the very average one this was.

My first niggle was the main actress Jaime King. They say you can't be too rich or too thin but Ms King's thinness was a distraction to me all the way through the film because she is skeletal.

Then there are the polystyrene snowballs faking it as real snow in the scenes involving snowmen. So obvious it was embarrassing.

Then there was the story involving the ex-husband. I'm sure I am not the only one who expected Nick, as a divorce lawyer to find a loophole to get her ex off her back - he did ask for her divorce paperwork after all. I wanted a happy ending with the cheating ex sorted but no, didn't happen.

So, not very impressed and wouldn't watch it again.

For those who are annoyed by Christmas songs

[phd_travel · 7/10 · 14 March 2019]

A lot of these Christmas movies are terribly similar but this one is a little different. I feel for their annoyance at the relentless Christmas caroling and songs. A divorce lawyer and a travel exec both don't like Christmas so they come to an arrangement to help each other through the holidays and to help career wise for him and personally for her. Likeable cast includes Luke a MacFarlane and Jamie King. The story gets a little thin by the end.

A Christmas romance

[michaelRokeefe · 7/10 · 22 November 2021]

Two strangers, Elise (Jaime King) and Nick (Luke Macfarlane), meet in a mall during Christmas shopping season; neither enjoy the holiday and just want to get past it. They come to an agreement to help each other avoid the season onslaught. The Mistletoe Promise have the two pretending to be boyfriend/girlfriend to help turn their backs on Christmas. The more time they spend together, the more they become personally involved. A bit corny, but easy to watch.

The best kind of contracts begin in a fantasy world! Sweet movie!

[huggibear · 7/10 · 4 November 2017]

A cute story coming from a book I might like to read some day. If I ever get to reading more often, that is. Well, this book is said to be a best seller according to the movie synopsis. This movie gets a solid 7 Star rating from me! Darn good fantasy-like story! Let's pretend we are under a fantasy-like contract and square this country and the people of it away like they do in the US Navy. Good idea?

Very little Christmas here, but a good, very different comedy

[SimonJack · 7/10 · 1 December 2023]

The season blues forms the basis for two people meeting and forming a pact to help one another make it through the holidays. Each one has bad experiences and hurts from past Christmases, and each one has a particular problem that needs some help. "The Mistletoe Promise" is a very different story for a Christmas film. The plot would provide for a good comedy otherwise. While it doesn't have much of an air or feel of Christmas about it - even with the more than usual trappings, decorations etc. Of the usual holiday films, it's still a nice, enjoyable film.

Most people who enjoy holiday films, including comedy romances, that are closely tied to Christmas, may not care much for this movie, But, if one can suspend the thought of that connection - since it's so little obvious other than for the overdone decorations, this film can be quite satisfying as a good comedy, and one with a nice moral to it.

The cast all are quite good in their respective roles. Jaime King as Elise and Luke Macfarlane as Nick do very well and pair well. The fact that their relationship keeps at arm's length as the "promise" unfolds, also keeps the film above being a formulaic Christmas romance film.

Mistletoe Promise is a promise

[psylocke928 · 10/10 · 31 July 2018]

This was one of the better Hallmark Christmas movies I've seen. Normally, I don't care for them, but this one really stuck with me. I highly enjoyed it & well casted. I hope you give it a chance! Wait, it's a book too? :o

My July Just Got a Little More Interesting

[fishfryluv2 · 7/10 · 23 July 2017]

My wife and I watched some of this movie last night. It was part of Hallmark's bizarre Christmas in July series. To be honest, we had this movie on in the background while we were doing other things. At one point, we both left the room to play with our daughter for about half an hour, and we left this movie on while we were gone. I think we watched a total of 20 minutes of this movie. We were a little miffed that Lacy Chabert was not in this movie, but my wife's anger was somewhat placated by the presence of Jaime King. My wife told me that Jaime King is part of Taylor Swift's "girl squad". I don't know what a girl squad is, but it sounds scary. Taylor Swift, according to my wife, is pretty washed up, so that begs the question: if you are a has- been, as Taylor Swift is at this moment, how can you possibly sustain a "squad"? I hope Taylor Swift puts out another album so that she is not abandoned by her squad, turns to drugs and prostitution, begins murdering endangered species for their pelts, and then spends the rest of her life in prison.

I'm not entirely sure what happened in the Mistletoe Promise. At the end, Jaime King was kissing someone, and I assume that she wasn't kissing the villain of the movie. So I highly recommend this movie either in July or during the Christmas season. If not for your own enjoyment, then at least watch it to save Taylor Swift's life.

For vegetarians only..........because it's soooooooooooo corny

[Ed-Shullivan · 4/10 · 16 December 2018]

A cheap romance film under the guise of matching two people's who past Christmases have been anything but bright. As the guy is a lawyer he drafts up a contract which they refer to as a mistletoe promise to fool their respective business associates. After far too many very long winded romantic conversations, speeches about family, integrity and dealing with the truth, the inevitable happens and the stars find true love. Now how original is that?

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!

I give it 4 out of 10 stars

My Favorite

[lovemontana · 10/10 · 31 July 2020]

This is by far the best Hallmark movie I've seen. The editing leaves something to be desired. (What's with the carol singer in the beginning??) but the story holds up and is meaningful. I really like (most) hallmark Christmas movies, but this one is special. Why it isn't for sale on DVD is ridiculous! A must see for sure :)

The Mistletoe Promise

[mitchellrharl · 7/10 · 17 December 2020]

Great lead characters very good cast even the awful ex husband. Luke McFarlane is getting to be one of my favorite leading men.The actress. as lead is great. Thank you Hallmark great chemistry

not even trying

[SnoopyStyle · 4/10 · 13 April 2020]

Elise Donner (Jaime King) is not happy with Christmas and it doesn't help that her ex-husband business partner Dan Dunning (Lochlyn Munro)'s girlfriend is looking down at her all day. Dan keeps trying to push her out of their business. She is joined by fellow Christmas hater Nick Derr (Luke Macfarlane) at the local food court. He has to take his non-existing girlfriend to the office party and strikes up a deal with Elise. He presents her with a Mistletoe Contract. She changes it to a Promise.

This premise is very, very standard. Countless romantic movies have started with a Platonic agreement on fake dating. Sadly, this movie started with no originality and ends up as an originality black hole. It could have done a wide range of stuff to heighten the comedy. The two Christmas hating leads are obviously ready for some fish-out-of-water comedy. Nick can be forced to play Santa Claus. Elise could be hosting a children's Christmas party. They could struggle together in the kitchen with a homemade Christmas dinner for out of town family. This movie is not trying even if it's just a Hallmark movie. These are perfectly good TV actors but there is nothing for them to do.

Very Good in Spite of Incomplete Ending

[mamachikn · 7/10 · 13 August 2021]

I enjoyed this movie for the story, the dialogue (which at times was hard to hear because Jamie mumbles), and the acting. It has a bit of drama, which gives the movie depth. The distracting issues were with the lead actress, who is so desperately skinny that they gave her high necked, long-sleeved dresses, and her too bright red lipstick which looked odd with her blond hair and pale skin. Other than that, she's a good actress. Luke does well in almost every movie I've seen; he is a cutie. I believe this was not the original movie shown in 2016, because a few others have said so, and there was a serious missing element at the end that was not resolved. You'll understand when you see the movie. That's too bad. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable.

Not horrible, but not great either

[wendymwt-86752 · 6/10 · 18 July 2023]

The story was ok, not a whole lot of real drama, but it was quite disturbing how the main character looked like Kimberly Paisley Williams with a bad dye job periodically....not her, but still a bad dye job, and equally bad stylist for her that allowed that hair and make up....whoever did that to hwr certaily shouldn't be allowed on any more Hallmark sets. The acting was a bit stilted, and the plot slow. Not really plausible, but that's common in a Hallmark movie...usually the whimsy is the charm, but this story lacked that too. Definitely not a story that the couple would be regaling the grandkids with in years to come....