If I take a step back, I'd think the storyline of Sara (Lindy Booth), an Interior Designer of New York Hotels, who'd suffered a recent split from a TV celebrity , returns for Christmas to the family ranch in Colorado owned by her Uncle (Treat Williams), but who then meets a film star (Kristoffer Polaha) , who's learning to be a ranch-hand for his upcoming movie - then I'd say it's a big recipe for Corn & cheese !! However, both leads way out-perform a limited script , and are well supported by the supporting cast, especially Treat Williams who gives a bravura performance as a recently widowed rancher. I've seen a few Hallmark Christmas movies this Winter - and this is a pretty good one. Either that or I'm turning into a soppy romantic , the older I get !
23 Reviews
Cute & Charming
kz917-11 January 2018
Cute leads. Good story. Centering on a ranch woman comes home for Christmas to lick her wounds from a break up and be with her uncle and brother after the death of her aunt. Enter heartthrob actor looking to learn ranch skills for his next movie. Flirtation ensues and heavy hearts as her uncle considers selling the ranch. Will this be the last Christmas on the ranch? Will she follow her head or her heart?
Cute movie worth a watch!
Cute movie worth a watch!
Another pretty good Hallmark Christmas movie! Solid 7 Stars from me!
huggibear24 December 2017
It's not too corny or cheesy in terms of the story. I always wonder what might happen if a common woman meets a highly-known star. They try to make it seems real, but they don't pull it off that well. It's not a blockbuster movie that costs a lot to make, so you'll understand better when I put it to you that way. It's worth a viewing or two and more if it comes around every Holiday season. It doesn't top the 'Christmas Getaway' movie as the premiere this week, but it's decent enough to watch. Give it a shot! It is better than some of the past Hallmark movies. And I just noticed that I'm the first to give this movie a review. Well, it just premiered two nights ago, so that's understandable.
Good movie but..
taylornan18 April 2020
I enjoyed this movie, I like both of the lead actors. I kept wondering if the actor came to learn how to be a rancher for his next movie what happened to the "rancher" training. All the training that I saw was about decorating for Christmas. I just found this to be odd, seems to me the rancher training would have involved typical ranch duties.
Cute movie
scruggsk30 December 2018
I'm looking forward to the sequel...
bunchofsavages29 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm looking forward to the sequel, which takes place two weeks after the original ends, in which plucky interior designer, Sarah and movie star, Graham realize they have made a horrible mistake in casting aside their respective careers in order to run, with no experience, a family ranch that was "barely breaking even." A quicky divorce later, they return to their respective cities and never speak of this again.
Rocky Mountain Christmas
judyharl11 July 2020
Sweet, predictable fare from Hallmark; I liked it of course
inkblot1127 December 2017
Sarah (Lindy Booth) is a decorator for a major hotel chain in Manhattan. She's very good at her job. But, a part of her heart is back in Colorado where her uncle raised her and her brother. Around Christmastime, Sarah takes a vacation back to the ranch and is upset by what she sees. Her uncle Roy (Treat Williams) lost his wife of many years some months before and he has given up on decorating and celebrating the holidays. There will be no Xmas parade in the town, no special tree lighting. True, it is hard to do these tasks without his mate, Beth. At once, Sarah decides the she and her brother Cody will try to make the parade happen. But, ho ho ho. A rather-famous actor, Graham (Kristoffer Polaha) arrives at the ranch to "learn the ropes" as he is preparing for an upcoming film. Disliking him at first and having very little time anyway, Sarah soon starts G's instruction when they warm up to one another. Graham also proves a valuable helper for the parade, etc. But, horrors, there's more. Roy may actually be thinking of selling the ranch and moving elsewhere. How can her uncle sell what is most precious to Sarah? This lovely movie has a sweet, predictable story, a cute cast, lovely scenery and universal themes of Christmas happiness. If you are a fan of Hallmark's Xmas romances, you will definitely want to view this one in the Rockies, the Ozarks, or wherever you are.
Christmas on the ranch
MickyG33328 November 2022
6.8 stars.
Female lead is wonderful, not in my top 10, but in my top 15 and is charismatic in her own peculiar way. Male lead is really good, he's obviously one of the coveted male actors for Hallmark, he gets the good roles, probably top billed. He's actually one of the few guys I'll stick with a movie to see, in spite of a sub-standard female (which she is not).
This was slightly above average for me, so I'd say if you really like one of the leads definitely see this.
I've got a good idea of the full Hallmark Formula, maybe i've missed a thing or two. Here is what is included and below what was surprisingly not included in this movie.
Included: Tree lighting ceremony, parade, hot chocolate party, egg nog drinking, spouse died, recent breakup, main character is a grinch, ranch owner, interior decorator, has an assistant, first kiss interrupted, wants to sell the ranch, snow falls at perfect moment, they own a sleigh.
Surprisingly not included: multiple more hot chocolate drinking moments, candy cane eating, parent died, ginger bread contest, restaurant owner, bakery owner, writer/reporter, military, artist, singer, piano player, set in New England, they own a carriage, snow everywhere.
I was quite surprised there was no ginger bread contest, and only a supporting character owned a restaurant (close enough?), and there was minimal snow. Also, there were no artists, or musicians - wow. So this film is actually considered an outlier for me.
The end was good.
Female lead is wonderful, not in my top 10, but in my top 15 and is charismatic in her own peculiar way. Male lead is really good, he's obviously one of the coveted male actors for Hallmark, he gets the good roles, probably top billed. He's actually one of the few guys I'll stick with a movie to see, in spite of a sub-standard female (which she is not).
This was slightly above average for me, so I'd say if you really like one of the leads definitely see this.
I've got a good idea of the full Hallmark Formula, maybe i've missed a thing or two. Here is what is included and below what was surprisingly not included in this movie.
Included: Tree lighting ceremony, parade, hot chocolate party, egg nog drinking, spouse died, recent breakup, main character is a grinch, ranch owner, interior decorator, has an assistant, first kiss interrupted, wants to sell the ranch, snow falls at perfect moment, they own a sleigh.
Surprisingly not included: multiple more hot chocolate drinking moments, candy cane eating, parent died, ginger bread contest, restaurant owner, bakery owner, writer/reporter, military, artist, singer, piano player, set in New England, they own a carriage, snow everywhere.
I was quite surprised there was no ginger bread contest, and only a supporting character owned a restaurant (close enough?), and there was minimal snow. Also, there were no artists, or musicians - wow. So this film is actually considered an outlier for me.
The end was good.
Nothing special.
MIssM1928 October 2020
Sarah is going back home for the holidays after a public break up. Once there she finds out that the festivities for the season are cancelled, so she volunteers to do it. We also have Graham, an actor preparing for his next role as a farmer. So they help each other out.
Once again, we know this by heart. Honestly, I was kind of bored by this. I like Kristoff. I don't have a strong opinion about Lindy. It's not a bad movie. (location critics aside, i'm from Latin America, I do not know the difference between the soil in Colorado from the one in Wyoming). We also have Treat Williams and Chris McNally (who, without a beard seems like 10 years younger). I didn't care about the rest of the cast.
I felt there were things left unsaid: what happened to Graham's job? Or did I miss it? What about her job? She just gave it up like that? What about their relationship, how are they going to make it work, being in two different states? You know, how at the end of the movie, specially a Hallmark movie, you can feel if the character is sure of their choice or not? I feel like Sarah would get tired very quickly of the ranch life. Anyways, I saw that ending coming since minute 10 and I was not satisfied with it.
This was not a favorite. I got bored about halfway through it. There was something spicy missing.
Once again, we know this by heart. Honestly, I was kind of bored by this. I like Kristoff. I don't have a strong opinion about Lindy. It's not a bad movie. (location critics aside, i'm from Latin America, I do not know the difference between the soil in Colorado from the one in Wyoming). We also have Treat Williams and Chris McNally (who, without a beard seems like 10 years younger). I didn't care about the rest of the cast.
I felt there were things left unsaid: what happened to Graham's job? Or did I miss it? What about her job? She just gave it up like that? What about their relationship, how are they going to make it work, being in two different states? You know, how at the end of the movie, specially a Hallmark movie, you can feel if the character is sure of their choice or not? I feel like Sarah would get tired very quickly of the ranch life. Anyways, I saw that ending coming since minute 10 and I was not satisfied with it.
This was not a favorite. I got bored about halfway through it. There was something spicy missing.
Kristoffer & Lindy...10's, the script...6
bmiller591 January 2021
I've been a fan of Kristoffer since first time I saw him on a HM movie...but I also live in Reno NV. He can make any movie great and has such a charm with anyone he stars with. I'm not as familiar with Lindy, but she is awesome as well, perhaps in my top 3 or 4 actresses. Together......these two are great. I really bought into them together and they made just an OK story into a good one. I wanted to really like this movie because of them. Oh yea, Treat Williams, nice to see him in more and more movies.
Hallmark Christmas romance
SnoopyStyle20 July 2019
Sarah Davis (Lindy Booth) is a hotel designer in New York City with a promotion on the way. Her romantic life is in the drains after getting dumped by her boyfriend. She tries to escape the public spotlight to her uncle Roy (Treat Williams)'s ranch. Her quiet Christmas is interrupted when entitled Hollywood star Graham (Kristoffer Polaha) shows up doing research for a role.
Treat Williams doesn't have much to do. It's mostly relying on sweet Lindy Booth. She has a big smile but she's not doing much else here. I recognize Kristoffer Polaha from various TV shows. The plot tries to have some drama but none of it has any tension. That's the case for most of these Hallmark movies. It's low intensity romance. There is no romantic triangle to be had. There is a small parade and Christmas lighting. This follows the Hallmark pattern and it's fine for those who love those types of movies.
Treat Williams doesn't have much to do. It's mostly relying on sweet Lindy Booth. She has a big smile but she's not doing much else here. I recognize Kristoffer Polaha from various TV shows. The plot tries to have some drama but none of it has any tension. That's the case for most of these Hallmark movies. It's low intensity romance. There is no romantic triangle to be had. There is a small parade and Christmas lighting. This follows the Hallmark pattern and it's fine for those who love those types of movies.
Charming movie; likable characters
GeeJoDeeGee30 December 2020
The more I watch this movie, the more I enjoy it. Although the storyline is a bit far-fetched, the actors bring it to life.
Treat Williams, a favorite, is great (as always!); Kristoffer Polaha is charming! Lindy Booth is lovely and graceful.
Treat Williams, a favorite, is great (as always!); Kristoffer Polaha is charming! Lindy Booth is lovely and graceful.
Good concept not fully realized
rolbyh200231 May 2018
I tend to set my expectations very low for TV movies, and in fact, I rarely watch them. But this one had an interesting premise with a movie star named Graham arriving to a small town ranch to train for his upcoming movie role. I thought at first that he was going to conceal his identity from the female love interest.... But no, that came out right away, and what transpired from there was the typical sweet conversations and scenes of Graham showing that he's really just a good guy not an entitled movie star after all. It was pretty slow without any significant plot twists and story conflict points. Both of the leads have appeal though as actors.
Not My Idea of a Rocky Mountain High
gehewe19 January 2018
Absolutely loved Lindy Booth in Song of Christmas (2016). Loved her here too, but this movie did not quite work. First time I've seen Kristopher Polaha and he was a shining star. Treat Williams is great but the part of uncle Roy just wasn't a good fit. Overall the movie was a bit of disappointment. The story just went where it wanted with no emotional transitions. Not sure if the part of the brother or the girl friend really added anything to the movie. The title was probably added to give the movie some appeal; however, the movie had little to do with a Rocky Mountain Christmas- maybe "A Ranch Hand for Christmas" would be a better description. We stayed awake and it was enjoyable but does not deserve a re-watch.
Where the heart is
TheLittleSongbird13 January 2020
Any film, special, cartoon etc. centered around my favourite holiday Christmas or has it as a major theme is reason enough for me to watch it. 'Rocky Mountain Christmas' was also seen as part of a completest quest, Treat Williams is always watchable and have seen the cast in other things where they come over well. Not to mention the concept, which sounded very appetising. Not original but interesting enough.
It is with regret to say that, in my view, 'Rocky Mountain Christmas' could have done much more with this concept. It's worth a one-time watch sure and there are far worse Christmas films around and worse ways to spend your time, at least there was effort and it had its heart in the right place. But in a way 'Rocky Mountain Christmas' was a relative waste of potential which saddens me a bit, and something of an average effort overall. Nothing is awful really, nothing also is exceptional.
'Rocky Mountain Christmas' is far from amateurish visually, even if not authentic the scenery is easy on the eyes and shot well. The soundtrack is neither too intrusive or mawkish sounding.
Found the cast to be better than average, with Williams being an amiable uncle figure and doing wonders with limited material. His is the best performance no doubt. The two leads act with much personality and carry the film well, neither over-compensating or lacking charisma. Their chemistry is there definitely, it is also sweet and on the right side of that. There is enough heart and charm here too, not feeling soulless.
Unfortunately, the story is really nothing special, which sadly hurts 'Rocky Mountain Christmas' quite a bit. Not just because it is quite flimsy and very predictable, but also because it is a bit bland with nowhere near enough tension and too many going nowhere stretches. The script can be thin too and the corn and over-sentimentality can get a bit much.
The pace is sometimes fine but it has a tendency to drag. While the characters are nice enough they do lack development and are very sketchy.
Overall, not bad but not great. On a very brief side note and in said with intended respect, in answer to one other commentator questioning their review deletions, the constant duplication of the somewhat irrelevant and rather arrogantly worded first paragraph may have something to do with it. 5/10
It is with regret to say that, in my view, 'Rocky Mountain Christmas' could have done much more with this concept. It's worth a one-time watch sure and there are far worse Christmas films around and worse ways to spend your time, at least there was effort and it had its heart in the right place. But in a way 'Rocky Mountain Christmas' was a relative waste of potential which saddens me a bit, and something of an average effort overall. Nothing is awful really, nothing also is exceptional.
'Rocky Mountain Christmas' is far from amateurish visually, even if not authentic the scenery is easy on the eyes and shot well. The soundtrack is neither too intrusive or mawkish sounding.
Found the cast to be better than average, with Williams being an amiable uncle figure and doing wonders with limited material. His is the best performance no doubt. The two leads act with much personality and carry the film well, neither over-compensating or lacking charisma. Their chemistry is there definitely, it is also sweet and on the right side of that. There is enough heart and charm here too, not feeling soulless.
Unfortunately, the story is really nothing special, which sadly hurts 'Rocky Mountain Christmas' quite a bit. Not just because it is quite flimsy and very predictable, but also because it is a bit bland with nowhere near enough tension and too many going nowhere stretches. The script can be thin too and the corn and over-sentimentality can get a bit much.
The pace is sometimes fine but it has a tendency to drag. While the characters are nice enough they do lack development and are very sketchy.
Overall, not bad but not great. On a very brief side note and in said with intended respect, in answer to one other commentator questioning their review deletions, the constant duplication of the somewhat irrelevant and rather arrogantly worded first paragraph may have something to do with it. 5/10
Just ok
zyxnix2 January 2018
I'm not sure that Lindy Booth is quite ready to move up from supporting character to leading lady. She is a red head and that is going in her favor, however, she just doesn't have the look just yet. A few more years and she may be ready. No way these two will ever have a long term relationship. pathetic ending.
Ugh. Just no with the green grass
pfgordon14 July 2019
Gentle and enjoyable
VetteRanger28 October 2022
Some have criticized this movie for sentimentality and lack of tension, but that's exactly what draws us to it. Yes, while there are some roadblocks placed in the way of the romance, they move gently out of the way of their own volition, becoming speedbumps instead.
There are a LOT of these movies made every year, and a lot of them have tension galore. I can use a few which provide a more relaxing watch.
The soundtrack includes "Let it be Christmas" by Alan Jackson, which is well placed and Alan Jackson is always a good listen. :-)
The leads play well together, and we typically very much like Kristopher Polaha's roles. Treat Williams always plays well, and we've liked Lindy Booth since we first saw her in The Librarian.
There are a LOT of these movies made every year, and a lot of them have tension galore. I can use a few which provide a more relaxing watch.
The soundtrack includes "Let it be Christmas" by Alan Jackson, which is well placed and Alan Jackson is always a good listen. :-)
The leads play well together, and we typically very much like Kristopher Polaha's roles. Treat Williams always plays well, and we've liked Lindy Booth since we first saw her in The Librarian.
'Rockies'????
sarah_j_miller2 December 2018
Not only did this not feel or look like a Christmas movie, it certainly didn't look like any of the Rockies I've been in....and it was filmed in a town in British Columbia (which has the mountains on the outskirts) where we frequently saw cars driving by the city looking house/ranch....did I just say 'ranch'? Yeh, NOT your Rocky Mountain Christmas whatsoever.
Not for me
Janet161223 December 2021
I was in the mood for a Christmas film and a predictable romantic story was on the cards - I didn't care...at first.
Sadly the female lead in this film is too annoying to watch, with odd over the top facial expressions. For a ranch worker she's very made up, with perfect hair and make up at all times.
The male lead - who by the way is supposed to be a 'Hollywood actor' spending time of the ranch to get to know the ropes - is such a poor actor that it made the film difficult to watch and enjoy . I suppose he was meant to be playing a smarmy, smug character with Hollywood teeth, and he pulled it off. His character was probably a pretty bad 'Hollywood actor' too!
Too many cringe worthy and unbelievable moments.
Sadly the female lead in this film is too annoying to watch, with odd over the top facial expressions. For a ranch worker she's very made up, with perfect hair and make up at all times.
The male lead - who by the way is supposed to be a 'Hollywood actor' spending time of the ranch to get to know the ropes - is such a poor actor that it made the film difficult to watch and enjoy . I suppose he was meant to be playing a smarmy, smug character with Hollywood teeth, and he pulled it off. His character was probably a pretty bad 'Hollywood actor' too!
Too many cringe worthy and unbelievable moments.
Cute ... but -
toncincin28 October 2019
I don't care for Lindy Booth. She seems a bit forced and her Canadian a cent is far too noticeable. If Hallmark want to pass these actors off as from the US - then they need yo make sure the actor actually sounds like from the US. I have lived in Colirado for 50+ years ... and NO ONE from here (or transplanted here for years) sounds like this.
OH and by the way - this ranch isn't in Colorado... it's quite obvious to anyone who lives here. Make it Wyoming ... but not with green grass!
OH and by the way - this ranch isn't in Colorado... it's quite obvious to anyone who lives here. Make it Wyoming ... but not with green grass!
One of the worst
rwade-944-56452927 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
An woman's mannerisms like those of a 14-year-old; ridiculous things like people being in rained on in a parade without getting wet; the family putting a star on the top of a huge tree when their ladder barely reached halfway; a movie star being ordered by the head of the production company to come back to LA and ignoring it without any explanation of what transpired between him and the boss.
I watched this for more than 10 minutes because the lead actor is one of the better ones in the Hallmark movies and because of the scenery. I know you can't take these movies but so seriously, but they need to be just a touch more realistic. And it wouldn't detract from the movie if they were.
I watched this for more than 10 minutes because the lead actor is one of the better ones in the Hallmark movies and because of the scenery. I know you can't take these movies but so seriously, but they need to be just a touch more realistic. And it wouldn't detract from the movie if they were.
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