90 reviews
I am not sure what to make of the 34 (of 35) 9/10 reviews on here. Don't get me wrong. This was a sweet, fun, and heartfelt Christmas movie, but a 10, it is not. This is my 62nd Christmas movie this season; this was one of the better Christmas films thus far this season but not one of the best. The message of the movie is a noble one, seeking to empower women/girls on the value and importance of inner beauty. However, the plot device used to move forward this message in the narrative is a common stereotype: models, and the fashion industry more broadly, are superficial; they only care about outer beauty. I enjoyed the storyline for the most part, though there were some shortcomings in the script, I thought. For example, in the opening scene, young Belle (played by Livi Birch, she had such a cute performance, by the way) falls in the mud and some of the kids laugh at her; Grammy (played by Sandra Ellis Lafferty) then immediately packs up their bags and they leave. This seemed like a very odd/strange scene to me. First, why didn't she washup before getting in the car? Second, why is Grammy taking orders to leave from a child? Third, she fell in the mud and some kids laughed, so what. My grandmother would have cleaned me up and sent me back out to play. Is this really the lesson Granny wants to teach Belle, to run away from your problems (if you count having some kids laugh at you for falling in the mud as a problem, that is). Given that there is this implicit high regard held for Granny throughout the film, I thought this scene was problematic. Another shortcoming with the script was that the writers had Belle walking around the farm looking for the bracelet, literally, asking farm hands if they had seen it. She lost the bracelet 20 plus years ago! It just seemed unbelievable that she expected to find it laying in the barn, for example. I understand using the bracelet as an excuse to come back, to revisit the past by visiting the farm. But there was no need for the writers to have her walking around looking for it as though it was laying in the grass or mud somewhere. The acting, overall, was pretty good. Jenn Gotzon (playing Belle) had a decent performance. I did have difficulties connecting to her performance early on. That said, her performance did improve; her dialogue/scenes with Josh and Adele were strong. Jim Chandler (playing Josh) had a solid performance, as well. The chemistry between the two was pretty good. They had some nice scenes together (e.g., the one where Belle tells Josh about the letters that were returned). However, the scene where Belle confronts Josh about having the bracelet was rather weak. It seemed forced, as though they were acting, which is never good for an actor. Like Lafferty, Adele Chandler (as Adele) had a cute performance. The scenery, props, and sets were well-polished and festive. The movie picks up about an hour in with some fun Christmas competitions at Santaland (putting a Santa hat on a piglet was my favorite). The music during this stretch of the movie was excellent. Wow. John Schneider can sing. Well done. The musical performances here, overall, were great. They put me in the Christmas spirit. I also enjoyed the short kissing booth scenes with Corbin Bernsen as Gran'Poppy; I thought they could have developed these a bit more. Overall, this is a sweet, fun, and heartfelt Christmas movie. Well worth the watch if you are looking for a Christmas movie the whole family can enjoy this season.
- toddsgraham
- Dec 5, 2020
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Beautiful location. Important themes about inner beauty. You can tell this project was a labor of love and has a lot of heart.
- laurenschoepfer
- Dec 13, 2020
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Christ centered message. But main actress choice? And quality of production? Sigh. Five was generous. It's didn't make sense. Waiting for high quality and Christian message of truth in same movie.
- tammy-17323
- Nov 22, 2021
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Typical hokey cliche story of a Christmas movie. The lead actress is far from looking like a fashion model and is more average in looks and has an annoying nasally voice. Other actors were ho-hum. Gave it a 3 only for the Christmas decor, scenery, homey feels. Really waste of time though.
How is the main girl a fashion model? She is not attractive, like, at all. The girl playing the assistant would have been a much more believable choice.
- lucylou3700
- Nov 16, 2021
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Well, an old friend and her family were 'extras' in this movie. It was posted on Facebook and very regularly was being advertised and built up for this Christmas release! I even purchased this movie to watch on Amazon. Well, we all sat down (six kids ages 16-6)....and, right from the start, just seemed odd and even awkward acting! The storyline was also just dumb and didn't make sense, every scene was a stretch. Even from a Christian perspective, why is this Pastor liking and considering marrying this clearly not religious girl? Definitely don't waste your time or money on this. When I researched the actress and actor....also interesting....she played a 35 year old in the movie but is 41 in real life. He also plays a 35 year old and I can't even find his age online. The pros: no could language and family friendly! The cons: everything I just listed. This is my first ever movie review because I was shocked at how many 5 star reviews there were! Clearly ,to me, there has to be bias somewhere.
- servantsheart-53004
- Nov 29, 2020
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Predictable and not so entertaining. Some really bad acting here. The song "pen pals forever" should never be sung again - forever. And then some bad directing and bad filmography top it off.
If you have anything else to do - anything - do that.
If you have anything else to do - anything - do that.
I love to watch Christmas movies and to be honest most of them are very similar; however "The farmer and the Belle" is different, unique on many levels. I was truly impressed by the great acting (especially among the young actors) and phenomenal pictures! The beauty of the Santaland makes me want to start to decorate for Christmas earlier this year.
- agata-80504
- Nov 18, 2020
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- gward-131-275137
- Jan 15, 2021
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- triciamharmon
- Dec 3, 2020
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- barnsleylad4949
- Dec 6, 2021
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An obvious vanity piece for the leads who are husband and wife in real life. They see each other through rose-colored glasses.... The rest of us, not so much. Both are too old to be playing young thirtys, and the female lead's claiming to be a model is very hard to swallow and detracts from being able to buy-in to the story.
The film attempts to redeem itself by promoting good values to young girls (beauty is to be found in the heart and actions) but loses credibility by then using the film as a marketing vehicle to sell a bracelet and book (See trivia notes.)
The 10-star reviews appear to be solicited from friends of the actress.
Likewise, I can only believe that Schneider and and Bernsen, true actors, must have done this out of charity or a favor owed to the female lead.. this is well beneath their talents.
A disappointment.... And I like watching cheesy Hallmark-type movies. Skip this one and watch the "Love's Enduring" franchise for better story telling.
The film attempts to redeem itself by promoting good values to young girls (beauty is to be found in the heart and actions) but loses credibility by then using the film as a marketing vehicle to sell a bracelet and book (See trivia notes.)
The 10-star reviews appear to be solicited from friends of the actress.
Likewise, I can only believe that Schneider and and Bernsen, true actors, must have done this out of charity or a favor owed to the female lead.. this is well beneath their talents.
A disappointment.... And I like watching cheesy Hallmark-type movies. Skip this one and watch the "Love's Enduring" franchise for better story telling.
- ealrussell
- Dec 29, 2022
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I can't believe a professional screenwriter out their name on this garbage. Awful script.
- januszlvii
- Dec 25, 2022
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- newlifeoffice
- Nov 16, 2020
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I really did not enjoy this movie. I found that tend to be really and I generally couldn't understand how how Belle could have been any sort of model. I didn't enjoy all of the religious stuff either. The movie was just really boring and no point did I ever find myself sitting on the edge of my seat all rooting for any of the characters. I watched this with my partner but I couldn't wait for it to finish. Sorry but this is a straight 1 out 10 from me. Honestly go watch paint dry or grass grow so much more interesting watching people try to act.
- jamie-683-426600
- Dec 30, 2021
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What a refreshing Christmas Movie to watch as a family! No bad words, scary parts, or anything offensive. I watched it with my two young children, and we all enjoyed it together. Lots of good lessons and laughs to be had.
- bryartonfarm
- Nov 19, 2020
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Worst Hallmark Christmas movie ever made. Bold statement I know. Somehow this movie has the same story line as every other Hallmark Christmas movie but this one is 100% cringe worth. The main character is extremely unlikable. I understand that is the point.. she is a stereotypical unlikeable model who is full of herself and learns who she is within this movie... but she is a complete moron. The character is the worst of all Hallmark movies I have seen, and that says a lot because I have seen almost all of them.
The acting, the writing, the plot... every single thing is cringe worthy in this movie. I do not understand the high reviews, unless you're maybe 70+. I know my gram never minded bad acting and horrible plots as long as it was wholesome. I myself need a few more details before I label it a good movie. The only redeeming factor are the kids are adorable in the beginning and the models assistant is cute too. Other than that... watch a different Christmas movie on Hallmark because this ain't it.
The acting, the writing, the plot... every single thing is cringe worthy in this movie. I do not understand the high reviews, unless you're maybe 70+. I know my gram never minded bad acting and horrible plots as long as it was wholesome. I myself need a few more details before I label it a good movie. The only redeeming factor are the kids are adorable in the beginning and the models assistant is cute too. Other than that... watch a different Christmas movie on Hallmark because this ain't it.
- tiffanygrace87
- Jul 17, 2021
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Did anyone else notice HOW completely HOMELY THE BELLE IS????? What a mis-cast. Geez. She supposed to this incredible beauty when she isn't even pretty. Who is the casting director anyway. BIG NOSE- Thin Lips, squinty eyes. What were they thinking. Don't want to be so mean and wouldn't be if they didn't cast her as s super beauty.
Wow what a great movie. Perfect for my daughter letting her know beauty is not only on the outside. Beauty goes a lot deeper then that. Also always be kind to others and help anyway she can with the gifts God provided her in life. Loved this movie so much can wait to watch it again.
- gsoldridge
- Dec 12, 2020
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This movie has all the fun of a romantic comedy, all the feels for the Christmas season and a wonderful message for girls and women of all ages.
True beauty does come from the inside, is the message repeated throughout this romantic comedy. The Farmer And The Belle will definitely become one of our traditional Christmas movies, it's pure, clean family fun that is a must for everyone to watch.
- Hamiltonconcrete76
- Nov 30, 2020
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This film is modern & warm but somewhat star-crossed love story, sure to capture your heart & emotions. The lead characters Belle & Josh are from two totally opposite incompatible worlds. Jenn Gotzon does a masterful performance of the hardworking fashion model Belle Winters & takes the viewer through a range of emotions from sadness & disappointment to hysterical laughter. Her acting is heartfelt & genuine & she adds many moments of truly funny comic relief. Jim Chandler (Josh) Belle's childhood penpal provides a masterful & patient counter balance to the more vivacious personality of Belle Winters character. He captures and pulls the viewer into the lonely longing and emotions of tragic love lost. I felt his sadness, loneliness, longing & happy triumphs along with him. The film has a nice "happily ever after" ending and left me in happy tears and elated joy. Its a wonderful family film for yearly Christmas viewing.
A beautifully shot cinematic delight. A must see! This film got everything right. One regret, it's only 90 minutes! I hope there will be a sequel.
- maggiemalone1
- Nov 17, 2020
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"The Farmer and the Belle: Saving Santaland" is now a Christmas tradition reigniting family fun, love, laughter, and inspiration in the home. Director Wes Llewellyn has forged a memorable event exhilarating the heart with original Christmas twists as we peak into Belle's city lifestyle built upon her modeling career and comedically led to fall in love with farm life as she journeys back to Santaland. Cinematography captured by Kacper Skowron divinely emboldens serendipitous romanticism and the warmness of the holiday season. Music produced by Justin Peters, this picture is a paragon for the best genre dynamic soundtrack innovatively integrating and glorifying each character's arc and the miraculous spirit of Christmas. Jenn Gotzon and Jim E. Chandler deliver heart-wrenching and tear-dropping authenticity that make you fall in love with them and champion their relationship over and over again. "The Farmer and the Belle: Saving Santaland" is a MUST-SEE and this year's new favorite stocking stuffer!
- apolonia-26297
- Nov 29, 2020
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