I enjoyed this movie. Hallmark Christmas movies can vary from terrible to very good. This was one of the better ones. But don't make your viewing decision by reading the IMDb descriptor. It makes it sound like a Dickens remake. This is clearly inaccurate. Noelle is not a person who hates Christmas. She is just an individual who has not come to terms with her mother's death. She needs a little supernatural help, which she gets. But it is not your typical Christmas Carol. Other than her guardian angel, there are no spirits. Just examples of times in her life when she failed to take advantage of opportunities for happiness. So enjoy the movie, but don't expect any Ebenezer Scrooge moments.
57 Reviews
Christmas Hater?
tiggersponyexp9 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed the movie, it was not so cheeseball as some of the Hallmark movies can get. The one thing that irked me though is that in the description of the movie it described Noelle as being a Christmas hater. If she hated Christmas how come she volunteered to help put up decorations at work or told her boss that she had plans to go home and put up her tree? Not very bah hum bug. The only scrooge in the movie was her boss's mother she was the one who needed the Christmas spirits. Should be rewritten to say Noelle a self proclaimed shoe addict gets trapped in the department store she works at and is visited by a woman claiming to be her guardian angel. Etc.....
The highlight of the Hallmark season!
rightisright27 November 2018
This year Hallmark found just the right movie for Candace Cameron Bure. She just shines as the script gave her a chance to show off her comedic side, and she also can break your heart.
Luke McFarland has turned out to be the go to male lead on Hallmark.
And Jean Smart is a real treasnure here.
Dickens for Christmas
TheLittleSongbird14 July 2020
The story does not sound original at all, conceptually some of the plot elements are done to death, and the title sounds very corny. Hallmark though have showed more than once that they are capable of making above average festive films in a very hit and miss bunch. Candace Cameron Bure and Luke Macfarlane, both Hallmark regulars and no strangers to Hallmark Christmas films, are more often than not watchable and Jean Smart can be relied upon always to give a good performance.
'A Shoe Addict's' Christmas was surprisingly pretty good. Don't be put off by the title, the film is nowhere near as cheesy as the title indicates. It is not quite a great film and has flaws, but as far as Hallmark Christmas films go to me it's among the best and one of their better 2018 efforts too. Anybody that loves Christmas and wants a pleasant inoffensive distraction on a dull afternoon may find it likeable enough, and Bure, Macfarlane and Smart are all represented well.
Sure, 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas' is not perfect. It does jump around a little too much, so it is not always easy to follow narratively and some of the pace could have slowed down. Also felt that some of the supporting characters could have been developed more, they are little more than Hallmark cliches.
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.
On the other hand, Bure brings a lot of sparkling charm to one of her easier to engage with characters in one of her better performances. She doesn't overplay the character's negative characteristics, and it is the type of role where that is a serious danger, and doesn't play it too twee either. Macfarlane's charisma smolders and he is very likeable and rootable. He and Bure connect very well together and have the adorable but not cutesy factor. Smart is both amusing and endearing. The supporting cast are all good enough even though their material could have been a lot more. The direction is sympathetic while not being leaden.
It looks great as a film. 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas' in my view is one of Hallmark's better looking films (Christmas and otherwise) from not just their 2018 output but also overall. 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, any character changes actually not coming out of the blue or feeling hasty and the main character is one that actually grows.
Concluding, pretty good and in the better half of Hallmark's festive output. 7/10
'A Shoe Addict's' Christmas was surprisingly pretty good. Don't be put off by the title, the film is nowhere near as cheesy as the title indicates. It is not quite a great film and has flaws, but as far as Hallmark Christmas films go to me it's among the best and one of their better 2018 efforts too. Anybody that loves Christmas and wants a pleasant inoffensive distraction on a dull afternoon may find it likeable enough, and Bure, Macfarlane and Smart are all represented well.
Sure, 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas' is not perfect. It does jump around a little too much, so it is not always easy to follow narratively and some of the pace could have slowed down. Also felt that some of the supporting characters could have been developed more, they are little more than Hallmark cliches.
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.
On the other hand, Bure brings a lot of sparkling charm to one of her easier to engage with characters in one of her better performances. She doesn't overplay the character's negative characteristics, and it is the type of role where that is a serious danger, and doesn't play it too twee either. Macfarlane's charisma smolders and he is very likeable and rootable. He and Bure connect very well together and have the adorable but not cutesy factor. Smart is both amusing and endearing. The supporting cast are all good enough even though their material could have been a lot more. The direction is sympathetic while not being leaden.
It looks great as a film. 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas' in my view is one of Hallmark's better looking films (Christmas and otherwise) from not just their 2018 output but also overall. 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, any character changes actually not coming out of the blue or feeling hasty and the main character is one that actually grows.
Concluding, pretty good and in the better half of Hallmark's festive output. 7/10
Ran into this while channel surfing
elaine-a-arsenault23 November 2019
Home run touchdown hole in one
texasfolk27 November 2018
Jean Smart never takes a bad role and with every role she takes, she makes it a gem. Candice, of course, does a 20/10 bringing her character to life. Two great actresses. Well written. Could not predict the next scene. THANKS HALLMARK.
Perfect music. Perfect cinematography. Congratulations Hallmark. I couldn't leave to go to the bathroom. Still haven't gone. Wanted to write this review. Best of the year. .
Jean Smart steals the show.
TxMike8 June 2022
Your basic, entertaining Hallmark movie. But with a couple of unusual and welcome twists.
Jean Smart is a guardian angel of sorts. She shows up when the female lead (Candace Cameron) is having doubts and second thoughts. Not to take anything away from the others, because the cast all do credible jobs on their characters, but Smart to my wife and me was the real scene stealer, she is just so good. She is able to show a glimpse of what is to be if she follows her heart.
Anyway Christmas is coming and they have to put on a fund raiser for the big department store. The single guy, a firefighter, and the single lady, who works for the department store, follow the usual Hallmark path, their interests in each other grow, something gets in the way, and before the story is over they find a way to overcome all obstacles.
Pleasant and entertaining, we watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
Jean Smart is a guardian angel of sorts. She shows up when the female lead (Candace Cameron) is having doubts and second thoughts. Not to take anything away from the others, because the cast all do credible jobs on their characters, but Smart to my wife and me was the real scene stealer, she is just so good. She is able to show a glimpse of what is to be if she follows her heart.
Anyway Christmas is coming and they have to put on a fund raiser for the big department store. The single guy, a firefighter, and the single lady, who works for the department store, follow the usual Hallmark path, their interests in each other grow, something gets in the way, and before the story is over they find a way to overcome all obstacles.
Pleasant and entertaining, we watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
Pleasant Christmas movie
MegaSuperstar18 December 2019
Although the silly plot this is an entertaining Christmas movie due to its performances mainly. Jean Smart happily appears as a sort of fairy godmother who helps Candance Cameron character to pursue her dreams instead of letting them pass away. The fact that she works in a department store and coorganizing a Christmas event with a fireman is merely anecdotic but the whole movie is nice to watch even not in Christmas season.
Perfect Vehicle for Candace
mrmac-4256123 December 2018
I'm a big fan of Candace Cameron Bure. She seems to get more beautiful now that she is in her 40's. I've seen most of her Christmas themed movies over the past 10 years and this one is perhaps the best. She is in almost every scene and her interaction with the other characters is very entertaining. Her relationship with Luke Macfarlane is just right for this light hearted romp. Luke is a foot taller than her so high heels are much in evidence in a movie where shoes play a leading role. A very recent release, this movie is certain to become a seasonal favourite.
Pretty but predictable, with a fun ghost
JaynaB16 December 2021
Beautifully decorated in every scene, as fitting setting for this highly photogenic actress. Candace/Noelle plays a shoe-addicted department store employee who gets herself locked into the store overnight & must be rescued by a hot fireman who happens to be the new neighbour she literally tripped over just a few hours earlier.
The surprise secondary star of the shoe story is the ever-entertaining Jean Smart who kicks it as the clutzy but well-meaning Ghost of Christmas Past (also Present & Future) wielding magical sassy shoes for any occasion to trick Noelle into being zapped to alternate points in her life.
The flick's Big Conflict is Predictable Holiday Rom-Com Trope #3: the woman who has no life outside of work until she's charmed into it by a hot guy. Not much more to say about it, really.
The surprise secondary star of the shoe story is the ever-entertaining Jean Smart who kicks it as the clutzy but well-meaning Ghost of Christmas Past (also Present & Future) wielding magical sassy shoes for any occasion to trick Noelle into being zapped to alternate points in her life.
The flick's Big Conflict is Predictable Holiday Rom-Com Trope #3: the woman who has no life outside of work until she's charmed into it by a hot guy. Not much more to say about it, really.
Cobblers' Christmas
frukuk3 November 2019
Candace Wins Again!
catfarmer135827 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I really loved Candace's 2016 movie Journey Back to Christmas. I wasn't as impressed with last years probably because I was trying to compare it to 2016, but this years film is amazing! While I'm not particularly religious, the faith part of this film was very inspiring and beautiful. While this wasn't your typical "what if" film, this was definitely like Its a wonderful life, The Family Man and and a Christmas Carol all in one. I would definitely watch this again many years to come.
Entertaining, but with flaws
jonathanrspalding26 November 2018
I had been looking forward to this movie. However, the movie was different than I expected. I was expecting kind of a Dickens kind of Scrooge character instead of the put upon character that was played. I also was expecting something kind of funny and it was not.
ON the good side, it was seasonal and heartwarming, and Mrs. Bure was very good in it.
On the bad side there was no humor, it was too cliche, and the side characters and stories were not interesting.
I liked it, if you like this kind of movie you will too, but it is not the best Hallmark has done.
ON the good side, it was seasonal and heartwarming, and Mrs. Bure was very good in it.
On the bad side there was no humor, it was too cliche, and the side characters and stories were not interesting.
I liked it, if you like this kind of movie you will too, but it is not the best Hallmark has done.
Shoes? Really?
kz917-118 August 2019
nice
Kirpianuscus26 October 2021
Can be bad a film having in cast Candace Cameron Bure ? Absolutely not ! And the contribution of Jean Smart is the guarantee . The basic virtue of film is the air of fairy tale. And the high predictability, to. No surprises, no revelations. Only the expected Christmas gift from Halmark, nice, comfortable and well served by a simple story.
Great concept
HotToastyRag7 December 2019
I loved the concept of Hallmark's A Shoe Addict's Christmas, but it's not one I'm going to add to my yearly collection. Candace Cameron Bure is such a doll, and every year I watch her in Journey Back to Christmas and Switched for Christmas; it's no stretch to say she was the best part of this movie. She stars as a woman who likes shoes better than Christmas and while decorating in the department store where she works, accidentally gets stuck overnight. Then, Jean Smart pops up as her guardian angel and takes her through the classic past, present, and future-but get this: she does it by having Candace step inside different pairs of shoes that take her to different visions. Pretty cool, huh?
Again, it was a great concept, but it's just not Hallmark's finest. Since I've seen the finest (and everything else in between) I've got the knowledge to be picky. Go ahead and rent this one if you like Candace, it won't hurt you, but don't expect miracles. If that's what you're looking for-yes, pun intended-then check out Journey Back to Christmas.
Again, it was a great concept, but it's just not Hallmark's finest. Since I've seen the finest (and everything else in between) I've got the knowledge to be picky. Go ahead and rent this one if you like Candace, it won't hurt you, but don't expect miracles. If that's what you're looking for-yes, pun intended-then check out Journey Back to Christmas.
Better than most
elrondaragorn-129 January 2020
The title isn't quite accurate nor the description. I agree with those who noticed that the main character isn't a Scrooge she's just afraid to take chances. Her boss is a Scrooge but because of the main character that doesn't have to be so. It would've been better to call this AWOl photographers' Christmas add to have given her boss a guardian angel as well but you be the judge. The one thing they did get right is that the called this A romance Genre instead of Christmas because the Harlquin channel , Excuse me the Hallmark channel, Seems to think that Christmas is about romance instead of the birth of the Savior.
Beautifully shot
dswim26 November 2018
Dickens formula works
phd_travel11 February 2019
A Christmas Carol formula usually works so that helps this movie rise above the average Christmas Hallmark movie.
Candace Cameron Bure plays a department store HR girl with a knack for photography. She looks nice with her lighter hair although her speech patterns are still very her. Jean Smart is always nice to see and plays a Guardian angel. Luke MacFarlane plays a fireman quite convincingly but something they did to his eyebrows makes him look unnecessarily faded. The story is predictable. She's given a chance to improve her relationships and the romance over planning a Christmas gala. She transports back and forth via shoes.
Ok for one watch.
Candace Cameron Bure plays a department store HR girl with a knack for photography. She looks nice with her lighter hair although her speech patterns are still very her. Jean Smart is always nice to see and plays a Guardian angel. Luke MacFarlane plays a fireman quite convincingly but something they did to his eyebrows makes him look unnecessarily faded. The story is predictable. She's given a chance to improve her relationships and the romance over planning a Christmas gala. She transports back and forth via shoes.
Ok for one watch.
Wonderful and heartwarming movie
soonasblog2 December 2018
Another what if
MickyG33329 December 2022
6.4 stars.
It's obvious to me now that Candace likes to do "what if", time travel, and fantasy Christmas movies. This is the third I've seen her in, and I'm sure there are more. I didn't hate this movie, however I still can't get past my slight aversion to her. I enjoy the lead male, he's in a lot of these and he never fails to entertain. He could not carry this one, and his part was a bit too limited. This focused 65% on her, and maybe 15% on him and 15% on the "angel" and 5% on the rest. It's one of the better what if movies by Hallmark, not the best, but above average. Using the shoes as the conveyance, like Dorothy, is a nice homage to Oz. What was not to like about this, not much, only that it stalls in a few places, there is a strange lack of flow, and there is very little chemistry. So this is about changing your life, so then at least make her life a really dismal one in desperate need of change not an average life. The angel said she need a serious push, but her life wasn't really that bad, now if she had been an alcoholic, or exotic dancer (too adult for Hallmark), or maybe a bag lady, or even a waitress, or cashier...
The movie is probably loved by many, and not by few and some people think it's average. I'm in the average group.
It's obvious to me now that Candace likes to do "what if", time travel, and fantasy Christmas movies. This is the third I've seen her in, and I'm sure there are more. I didn't hate this movie, however I still can't get past my slight aversion to her. I enjoy the lead male, he's in a lot of these and he never fails to entertain. He could not carry this one, and his part was a bit too limited. This focused 65% on her, and maybe 15% on him and 15% on the "angel" and 5% on the rest. It's one of the better what if movies by Hallmark, not the best, but above average. Using the shoes as the conveyance, like Dorothy, is a nice homage to Oz. What was not to like about this, not much, only that it stalls in a few places, there is a strange lack of flow, and there is very little chemistry. So this is about changing your life, so then at least make her life a really dismal one in desperate need of change not an average life. The angel said she need a serious push, but her life wasn't really that bad, now if she had been an alcoholic, or exotic dancer (too adult for Hallmark), or maybe a bag lady, or even a waitress, or cashier...
The movie is probably loved by many, and not by few and some people think it's average. I'm in the average group.
Tired of Candace
LtlHippo1 December 2018
I'm hoping Hallmark keeps getting new actresses, kind of tired of Candace, Lacey, Danica. My question while watching this is how did the guy see Jean Smart in the carriage ride? I thought no one but Candace could see her.
This Was A good One
rflocascio27 November 2018
Candace Cameron Bure and Luke Macfarlane, Worked Really Well Togather Hallmark Puts Out a Lot of Movies During The Holidays. Some Are Duds .. This Is Not One of Them I really Liked The Shoe Parts. This is a Hallmark Movie So We Know How They Usually End . It's The Story and Acting That Make The Good Ones. Don't Miss This One!
All I Want For Christmas Are My Blue Suede Shoes... Just As Long As They're Magical.
P3n-E-W1s323 December 2020
Before I get into the review, here are my ratings for the movie.
The story gets 1.25 out of 2: The Direction a 1.25: The Pacing receives a 1: While the Acting gets 1: And my Enjoyment level earns a 1.25 out of 2: This brings the total for A Shoe Addict's Christmas to 5.75 out of 10.
So here we have Candace Cameron Bure's take on A Christmas Carol. And, though it gets foolish in places, it isn't too terrible an effort.
Rick Garman and Beth Harbison provide the viewer with a festive tale about missed chances. When store assistant, Noelle, gets locked in after-hours she is joined by a mysterious woman in red. She calls herself Charlie and waxes lyrical about Christmas, and it's true meaning. Regrettably, she comes across as a little bit tapped, because she cannot fully explain exactly, who she is or why she's 'helping' Noelle. But we all know from the blurb that Charlie is the Angel of the story.
In Charlie's and God's eyes, Noelle should be at a different point in her life. And Charlie has been assigned to set her back on the right track. She does this through the magic of the high top sneakers and razor-point stilettoes. Whenever Noelle slips her toesies into the glamourous footwear, she's transported back into the past, present, or future.
While all these Christmas miracles are happening to her, she still finds time to fall in love and organise a business gala for her department store and local firefighters.
What works best, and keeps the film and story entertaining is the relationship between Noelle and Charlie. It would have been good to have more powerful chemistry between the lovers, Noelle and Jake. The enhanced attraction would have made the conflict Noelle feels when she's unsure of her affections even stronger. To be honest, I don't feel a romantic and loving bond between them. The couple would probably make better friends. Though, we all know there's nowt worse than the Friend-Zone.
Michael Robinson does an excellent job of Christmastime. The whole movie is like an action Hallmark card, which is superb for this style of festive-based film. As with the majority of Christmas flicks the flow is quite fast. Though, it does flag between the middle and fourth quarter. It's not by much, but I did find my attention shifting. It would have been delightful to see a few pleasingly composed iconic shots. There are plenty of moments where these can be produced. And, it would have added to that heartwarming feeling these films possess.
Bure is passable as Noelle, though this is not her most enjoyable screen performance by a long shot. Remember when she started as Aurora Teagarden(?) The character fit her like a glove. However, over the years and episodes, that glove began to appear a little more shoddy and worn. And her take on Noelle has that feeling, for me.
As for Charlie, I wanted more from this Angel. Jean Smart is good but fails to make the character her own. I loved Mrs Miracle, who was superbly acted by the great Doris Roberts: She embodied that character. Even Rob Morrow carried out a decent job in the sequel. For me, an Angel needs to be more pervasive. I don't mean they should be there all the time, but when they are there, you know about it.
The most impressive performances came from the rest of the cast; especially the love interest, Jake, who was portrayed smoothly by Luke MacFarlane; Tenika Davis gives good friend; and Kristian Brunn deftly depicts an under-the-heal, campy son with a heart of gold, to the tee.
A Shoe Addict's Christmas isn't the best Christmas romance, but it's a pleasant way to waste an hour and a half. I'd gladly recommend this flick for a night in with your beloved or for just kickstarting that Christmastime feel.
Slip on your sneakers and sprint over to my Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Belles and check out where our Addict landed in my rankings.
Take Care & Stay Well & Merry Christmas.
The story gets 1.25 out of 2: The Direction a 1.25: The Pacing receives a 1: While the Acting gets 1: And my Enjoyment level earns a 1.25 out of 2: This brings the total for A Shoe Addict's Christmas to 5.75 out of 10.
So here we have Candace Cameron Bure's take on A Christmas Carol. And, though it gets foolish in places, it isn't too terrible an effort.
Rick Garman and Beth Harbison provide the viewer with a festive tale about missed chances. When store assistant, Noelle, gets locked in after-hours she is joined by a mysterious woman in red. She calls herself Charlie and waxes lyrical about Christmas, and it's true meaning. Regrettably, she comes across as a little bit tapped, because she cannot fully explain exactly, who she is or why she's 'helping' Noelle. But we all know from the blurb that Charlie is the Angel of the story.
In Charlie's and God's eyes, Noelle should be at a different point in her life. And Charlie has been assigned to set her back on the right track. She does this through the magic of the high top sneakers and razor-point stilettoes. Whenever Noelle slips her toesies into the glamourous footwear, she's transported back into the past, present, or future.
While all these Christmas miracles are happening to her, she still finds time to fall in love and organise a business gala for her department store and local firefighters.
What works best, and keeps the film and story entertaining is the relationship between Noelle and Charlie. It would have been good to have more powerful chemistry between the lovers, Noelle and Jake. The enhanced attraction would have made the conflict Noelle feels when she's unsure of her affections even stronger. To be honest, I don't feel a romantic and loving bond between them. The couple would probably make better friends. Though, we all know there's nowt worse than the Friend-Zone.
Michael Robinson does an excellent job of Christmastime. The whole movie is like an action Hallmark card, which is superb for this style of festive-based film. As with the majority of Christmas flicks the flow is quite fast. Though, it does flag between the middle and fourth quarter. It's not by much, but I did find my attention shifting. It would have been delightful to see a few pleasingly composed iconic shots. There are plenty of moments where these can be produced. And, it would have added to that heartwarming feeling these films possess.
Bure is passable as Noelle, though this is not her most enjoyable screen performance by a long shot. Remember when she started as Aurora Teagarden(?) The character fit her like a glove. However, over the years and episodes, that glove began to appear a little more shoddy and worn. And her take on Noelle has that feeling, for me.
As for Charlie, I wanted more from this Angel. Jean Smart is good but fails to make the character her own. I loved Mrs Miracle, who was superbly acted by the great Doris Roberts: She embodied that character. Even Rob Morrow carried out a decent job in the sequel. For me, an Angel needs to be more pervasive. I don't mean they should be there all the time, but when they are there, you know about it.
The most impressive performances came from the rest of the cast; especially the love interest, Jake, who was portrayed smoothly by Luke MacFarlane; Tenika Davis gives good friend; and Kristian Brunn deftly depicts an under-the-heal, campy son with a heart of gold, to the tee.
A Shoe Addict's Christmas isn't the best Christmas romance, but it's a pleasant way to waste an hour and a half. I'd gladly recommend this flick for a night in with your beloved or for just kickstarting that Christmastime feel.
Slip on your sneakers and sprint over to my Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Belles and check out where our Addict landed in my rankings.
Take Care & Stay Well & Merry Christmas.
WELL. Yet another Candace movie
debejere6 October 2019
It's about ...wait! Guessed right ... shoe crazy woman. We all are. I am writing this because the other actors are so spot-on real. Hallmark has just overdone Candace. Sugar sweet is just not today. I think she has played just about every part. It's hard to get into these movies anymore:(. There are so many that fit the job.
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