Road to Christmas (2018 TV Movie) User Reviews

A Christmas road trip!

[MIssM19 · 8/10 · 7 November 2018]

Maggie (Jessy Schram) is producer for a cooking Christmas special by Julie Wise. She is forced by the network to work with a former producer, one of Julie's son (Chad Michael Murray) and record Christmas segments for the show all across the country, during which she gets to know Danny and makes it her mission to reunite all three siblings.

It was a pretty good one! Both leads were great, Jessy is becoming one of my favorites HM ladies, amazing storyline, good chemistry and a road trip! What else can you ask for? It contains only a few of the typical cliches we know.

It shows us what Christmas and that time of the year should be: about being next to your loved ones. Definitely watch this one.

Some special touches

[rebekahrox · 7/10 · 7 November 2018]

Very pleasant. Nothing super special, but nothing to make you want to throw your remote at the TV set either. The acting was definitely above average by Jessy and Chad Michael Murray. I like the actress who played the mother. She is in many Hallmark films and always very reliable. I liked the plot with the three adopted Brothers finally reunited as a surprise for Christmas. It added an emotional Depth that's been missing in many of these Hallmark Christmas stories. I love the graphics that showed the journeys of the two protagonists! One normally does not see such creativity and cuteness in a Hallmark movie it took me by surprise.

One final comment that I hope isn't too mean but just needs to be said. Jessy Schram has lost way too much weight and looks a good bit worse for wear. If she's been sick I hope she gets better soon because she really is a top-notch Hallmark actress.

Pretty good

[ambie719 · 8/10 · 20 November 2018]

This was better than expected, the story was a bit different which is nice to see from Hallmark, the acting was good and it had some genuine emotion.

Rough around the edges, but still very enjoyable!

[savethewatchmaker · 7/10 · 17 December 2018]

This movie is one of the better ones from this year's Hallmark Christmas haul, with its strong point being its charming message of the joy of reuniting a family. The cast is strong, and lead lady Jessy Schram is likeable and sweet, as she has been in other Hallmark films as well.

The plot, an employee seeking to bring her boss' sons to her for Christmas, is adorable, but could've been better thought out. The movie is devised as something of a road trip to move the plot along, including plane and train rides, yet at no point is the audience treated to comedic travel moments, which was a truly squandered opportunity to bond the characters and make the viewers laugh a little. The family traditions the characters drop in on during their drive--Christmas tree lots, snowman relays, and even stopping by main character Maggie's family home--are sweet and necessary to the movie, but would've been enriched with also seeing the moments in between.

And despite being great actors in their own right, the two leads had absolutely no chemistry together. The romance of the movie felt rushed and forced, completely unnatural. As a matter of fact, I believe the entire movie would be better without the romance at all, focusing its time and energy instead on the wholesome feeling of a family being together for Christmas again after many years spent apart during the holidays.

The movie does pose a few absurd questions that take away slightly from the plot--why are these holiday segments being shot so dangerously close to the day they need to be aired? How is one cameraman truly the only crew necessary for this venture, and how is his one camera his only necessary equipment? Why is a professional woman likened to Martha Stewart in her fame and creativity such a novice in front of the camera when under a bit of pressure? And how believable is it really that a son chose to stay away from home for years during Christmas because of a grudge he holds that his brother didn't let him embarrass himself on TV years ago, especially when much better, more understandable logic was at the ready, such as the son not being ready to spend Christmas at home after losing his father? Regardless, these nitpicks are small enough that they can be overlooked in the spirit of the good acting, beautiful scenery, and intriguing plotline. By the end of the movie, it truly is satisfying to watch Julia be reunited with her family, which makes the entire film worth watching.

Festive charm on the road

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 22 September 2020]

Hallmark's Christmas output is very variable and 2018 was a mixed year for them. Some though are above average level and there are some surprisingly very enjoyable ones amongst the average and less films that there is a good deal of in their output. Along with my love of Christmas and that it was one of the films in my Christmas Hallmark/Lifetime film completest quest, my main reasons for seeing 'Road to Christmas' were because of liking the concept and having liked the cast in other things.

'Road to Christmas' may not be an exceptional film and has shortcomings. Yet it managed to be to me a quite charming and enjoyable film and in the surprisingly good category of Hallmark's Christmas output. Of a very mixed bunch, 'Road to Christmas' is towards being one of the better Hallmark Christmas films overall and one of the better ones of 2018. A festive cracker it may not quite be, but it's not a humbug either and overall this is a road worth taking.

It is predictable story-wise with a lot of familiar Hallmark tropes with not much fresh done with it. It does get treacly in spots, a common problem with Hallmark well before 'Road to Christmas' and just as bad and perhaps even worse now.

Do agree that it maybe could have had fewer characters, which would have helped give development to the characters that were actually crucial to the story.

On the other hand, 'Road to Christmas' is very professionally filmed and the locations are simply beautiful. A lot of Hallmark's Christmas films suffer from being over-scored, meaning being too constantly used and too loud. That isn't so big a problem here. While the characters are not meaty or original, none of them annoyed me and nor did they bore me. They also had personality traits that appealed and any negative traits were not exaggerated, which can be a common problem with female lead characters in Hallmark's Christmas output.

The acting is well above average, with charming performances from Jessy Schram and Chad Michael Murray. Their chemistry always looks natural and is easy to get behind. Teryl Rothery steals the show in my view as the most interesting character. The dialogue can be treacly, but it did generally make me smile and didn't take itself too seriously (while not treating things as too much of a joke either). The story is light-hearted and heart-warming, even if originality pretty much goes out the window. It isn't sluggish and it is not as contrived as other Hallmark Christmas films. The messaging is sweet and didn't find myself being beaten around the head with it.

Summing up, nice film as long as not too much is expected from it. 7/10

My favorite 2018 Hallmark Christmas movie

[jtroup-00004 · 9/10 · 21 January 2019]

I really liked this movie. It was different from the usual. Chad Michael Murray was perfect for Danny. He took me back to the beginning of a real relationship. His brothers were great, too. I really liked the whole package!

Road to Reunions

[Christmas-Reviewer · 7/10 · 19 November 2018]

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

Review Date 11/19/2018

Los Angeles television producer Maggie Baker unwittingly falls for Danny Wise, the son and former producer of his mother's popular annual Christmas special Julia Wise Lifestyle which is basically "Martha Stewart" . Maggie's has secret plan that can bring her boss the best Christmas she has had in years! Now roadblock lie in her way but Maggie uses her charm and determination to make sure her plan is 100% successful.

Not a great movie. It borders on being "boring" but at times you know what scenes you can "Click through". See the film has a rail thin plot stretched out into a full length feature film .

A Road Worth Taking for Christmas Wise Men

[gehewe · 9/10 · 7 January 2019]

This movie was very well done and I was tempted to rate it a Perfect 10. The ending was so good (eyes got moist) that if I rated it right after watching, it would have gotten a 10. I loved Teryl Rothery in Cedar Cove and she was a delight here as the Cooking show host Julia Wise. Her producer Maggie and son Danny are working on the live Christmas show from Vermont. In doing so they fly/drive from Los Angeles and have some great adventures. I loved how they showed their journey on a map of the USA and this made the title "Road to Christmas" fit the movie. There is also a 2006 movie by the same title which is also excellent, but much different story. Here we get a Christmas tree farm, snow man making contest, white elephant gift exchange, cute dog looks, train ride, sleigh ride, and a Christmas song sung by the actors at the end. Maggie is high energy and Danny is a bit opposite. This was very enjoyable. Since they are making a Christmas special, some of the story is revealed in the video clips. Teryl Rothery as Julia Wise helped make the movie.

Road to Christmas

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 7/10 · 20 July 2019]

7/10 - fun Hallmark movie that helped get me into the holiday spirit

Over-egged and over-stuffed with festive charm in limited supply.

[rossmcfarlen · 3/10 · 25 November 2019]

A festive concoction set in the ruthless world of TV production, where nearly all concerned are preparing for the TV Christmas Special, hosted by a much-loved (but strangely charmless) fictional character named 'Julia Wise' - a TV chef/lifestyle guru with a dysfunctional family of three adopted sons, who haven't celebrated Christmas together in many years.

Through nepotism, one of the sons pursues a career in TV production, and having started out as an intern with Momma after graduating from college returns years later to co-produce the annual 'Christmas Special' with the female producer/momma fan, who was recruited to replace him.

This working partnership sows the seeds for romance in the setting of a TV production, with a festive tinge. If there were sparks between these two the camera didn't catch them.

Though the location shooting and overall photography are very good for the setting, the story (what matters!) is meandering and convoluted, with too many characters and not enough charm or witty banter to win me over. And the smaltz is ladled out in heavy doses towards the end like overly sweet & sickly Yuletide Punch.

One sip is enough!

I never blame the actors when encountering crud like this - the premise is interesting enough but can we really care about overly-competitive people who work in the ratings-obsessed world of TV?

Notice how often I've had to refer to TV six times already in this review! This movie is about the rather shallow media world rather than Christmas. If you like the glossy surface stuff but nothing remotely deep or thought-provoking you'll absolutely love this snow-laden festive caper. Saying that you may want to iron shirts or wrap presents while it's on in the background.

Towards the end I found the characters so wooden and charmless I didn't care what happened to their families/romance/prospects/lives yada yada or Momma's annual Christmas Special. Heartwarming it ain't.

The cloying punch metaphor aside, this over-stuffed roasted bird is a glass of festive fizz that's eventually served at room temperature - no bubbles.

3 out of 10 for the movie overall but 7/10 for set design and location shooting.

I first saw this during "Xmas in July." A pity it's now being monopolized by Hallmark's streaming website!

[Carycomic · 10/10 · 14 December 2019]

Because this TV-movie was a refreshing change of pace. The initially competitive male and female protagonists weren't butting heads over how to decorate a hotel or ancestral estate for the Holidays. Or if he/she was worthy to marry the sole heir to some postage-stamp kingdom located between the North Sea and the Swiss Alps. Which--let's face it--are plot gimmicks even Hallmark can recycle once too often!

They were simply a young man and woman looking to make Christmas a little cheerier for a much-loved mentor who could, occasionally, be too unselfish for her own good. Teryl Rothery, the only recognizable big name in the cast (probably most famous for playing the chief medical officer on STARGATE: SG-1), plays that mentor. And she does so, quite believably. Almost stealing the show from the ones who play Danny and Maggie!*

Almost, but not quite. The vignettes where the two of them increasingly bond with each other are quite charming and equally believable. Leading to some happy laughter on my part when they finally achieve full lip-lock while Mrs. Wise is trying to stir the gravy on live TV. Not to mention the eye-moistening surprise some five minutes afterward!

In short? I liked this movie. A lot! And, those blessed with non-frigid hearts will, as well.

*More importantly, she gives over-exposed Susan Hogan a break.

Life on the Christmas road...

[kz917-1 · 6/10 · 15 July 2019]

Jessy Schram (Pitch Perfect) and Chad Murray (One Tree Hill) are the romantic leads surrounding the theme of a Christmas Television Special being produced.

Will they outrun the storm? Will they manage to get all three sons to the location to surprise the host? Will the power go out on live tv?

Enjoyable. Worth a watch.

pretty bland

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 14 July 2019]

In LA, TV producer Maggie Baker (Jessy Schram) works for home style guru Julia Wise (Teryl Rothery). With pressure from the network, Julia needs to change the Christmas special and recalls her son Danny (Chad Michael Murray) to the show. He used to produce the show before Maggie's time. Maggie's secret plan is to reunite the three Wise brothers for Julia.

It's the classic romantic clash of a devil-may-care cad and an uptight heroine. There isn't much more than that here. It's a Hallmark Christmas romance special. On a super superficial take, Jessy Schram used to play the fragile ingenue or the damsel in distress. Her stick figure really sells her fragility. That persona goes away over time. Quite frankly, Matreya Scarrwener may be a better fit for the role. Both would be fine. The romance is fine but it's nothing super. The premise is not that pun worthy. Also the other brothers are not the most charismatic. At the very least, they need to be comic relief. This is generally pretty bland although the family reunion is pretty sweet.

Ringlets

[lyndavanleeuwen · 6/10 · 23 December 2020]

Can the producers NOT find a hairdresser who doesn't think EVERY female movie star must have Ringlets!! Honestly, I'm so sick of everyone having childlike ringlets!! Let them grow up & have adult hair, please! And please, they're NOT dRumpf women!! Does everyone have to wear high heels through every snowy condition!! So tired of high heels constantly! And does NO one ever remove boots or shoes when they come inside from outdoor snowy conditions!? They walk through all those homes borrowed for filming in their outdoor footwear!! Every home is a gigantic mansion!! Does it always have to look like Home Alone!! A bit of realism would be welcome! Thanks for listening. It really is my hubby who selects the viewing & he's genuinely a fan of the Countdown to Christmas films! Please don't tell his buddies!

depressing

[Kirpianuscus · 28 December 2018]

The family. The love. The try to reunite three siblings with their mother. And Chad Michael Murray giving a nice character ( his more red nose than Rudolph is one of good things ). But, for me, it is one of the most depressing films from large Hallmark Christmas serie. For reasons who I can not explain. For many, a typical Hallmark or just a lovely movie. Its basic virtue - the accent to family, from the old couple and their tree farm to the Bakers and the sons of Julia. A nice aspect - the travel on the map. And, sure, the atmosphere.

Great holiday film

[dianamarinelli · 7/10 · 19 December 2020]

This film really brings you to the holiday spirit it was cute for the girl to reunite the three sons and has a great message

A Different Christmas movie

[hh-94450 · 9/10 · 10 July 2022]

Sure a girl meets a guy in this movie but it's much more about the guy's family. A very different storyline to the usual Christmas movie. I was particularly moved by this movie, perhaps because I'm the oldest of three brothers and could relate so well to much of it. The leads made it all believable without going soppy.

Standard trope with a nice family Christmas angle.

[allmoviesfan · 6/10 · 11 October 2023]

Jessy Schram, now a part of the ever-expanding One Chicago universe, plays a TV producer whose job of producing a Christmas special is cut in half this year, as she is asked to co-produce it with the star host's son, played by One Tree Hill's Chad Michael Murray, who seems to have made himself a home at Hallmark recently. Stop me if you've heard this one before, but at first they don't get on very well...and then they do! It's a tale as old as time.

As I alluded to, this trope has been done before, but the combination of Schram and CMM is a good one. What sets Road to Christmas apart, other than the afore-mentioned stars, is the family angle as well, lending the otherwise fairly lightweight plot some welcome emotional depth.

Above-average Hallmark.

Christmas elevated

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 25 November 2023]

8.0 stars.

Another good one! My initial feeling as the credits roll is there should have been a sequel. This story, the actors, the whole production demanded another installment, alas it didn't happen and I'm sad about that.

'Road to Christmas' is comprised of an abundance of goodness all in one package. Two driven and very professional young TV producers are assigned to travel the country to create a Christmas TV special, and they have one week. Both are very driven individuals and precise with their work, but also opinionated - two peas in a pod. At first they butt heads, but per usual Hallmark, they will end up together.

There is nothing particularly amazing about this movie except that all the actors gel and are so likable. The comradery oozes off the screen. I can't imagine any story would fail with this combination of actors performing it together. They could have read out of the phone book and entertained our butts off. Where is the sequel? Why no sequel?

Heartless

[frukuk · 1/10 · 26 November 2019]

This felt remarkably lacking in Christmas spirit, as if the participants were simply acting out what was written down in the script without feeling any real motivation for their actions. Plenty of surface Christmas detail (decorations, snow and other cliches), but this lacked a heart.

If the protagonists, the two co-producers of the live Christmas special, were supposed to overcome their differences and grow to like/love each other, it would have helped if there'd been some clear conflict between them at the beginning -- but they never seemed to lock horns.

And the idea of reuniting dispersed (sic) brothers, didn't work for me because they were adopted and couldn't have looked less like members of the same family. That's not a comment on adoptive versus non-adoptive families, but the physical dissimilarities here felt like distractingly random casting.

As another reviewer mentioned, Julia Wise (played by Teryl Rothery) is, for someone who's supposed to be a lifestyle guru, surprisingly charmless. It's either another failing of the script or Teryl Rothery is simply miscast (her smooth forehead and resultant lack of facial expressiveness, didn't help).

It's a Wise man who goes home to his Mother for Christmas

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

I really enjoyed this one. It's not the first time I've seen it and it won't be the last. Apart from the fact that Chad Michael Murray is just the coolest, sexiest man, it's actually a charming story that reminds us how important it is to be with our families at Christmas and how certain traditions are necessary to keep that spirit within us, but that we should also be prepared to embrace new practices and add them to our own.

The lady playing Julie Wise is actually quite an under-rated actor. I've seen her in quite a few of these films and her Kim Cattrall looks and manner are always well performed.

A cute story about a TV show getting ready to go live at Christmas incorporating the standard romance as well as a family theme.

Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Sleigh, oh my.

[jewhitmer25 · 10/10 · 31 July 2021]

I really like this movie, I watch it over and over.

The leads Jessy Schram as Maggie Baker and Chad Michael Murray as Danny Wise (first born, second adopted) were outstanding, great chemistry. Both are becoming Hallmark favorites of mine.

RE: First born second adopted comment, the Wise brothers were all adopted and when introducing themselves to new people they often add their birth and adoption order, it seems to be a brother thing that they do.

Teryl Rothery as Julia Wise shines, a very good actress who adds much to the HM movies she is in.

I am quickly becoming a fan of Cardi Wong as Derek Wise, (third born, third adopted) I have seen him in supporting roles in several HM movies and he is always a valuable addition to the cast. By the way Cardi was nominated for a Leo award in 2019 for Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Televison Movie,he didn't win but by golly he was nominated. Kudos Cardi. I told you he was good,

Jeff Gonek as David Wise (second born, first adopted) was an unfamiliar actor to me, but he did a great job.

The Plot - Julia Wise has a cooking show, very Martha Stewartish, without the jail time. Every year she does a Christmas special aired on Christmas Eve, this year they are going live thanks to producer Maggie Baker, but the network wants something more traditional. Enter Danny Wise, Julia's son, who was producer on her show the first two years. Danny and Maggie embark on a cross country trip LA to Vermont, (planes, trains, automobiles and sleigh) stopping at various Chistmas activities along the way. A Christmas Tree Farm, snowman making relay (you knew that HM had to get snowmen in there), Maggie's family Christmas white elephant gift exchange and David Wise's Annual Puppy Party., along with Maggie's secret agenda to collect all three of Julia's Wise men to surprise their mother for Christmas. Christmas is about being with family and loved ones. And also giving to others, they meet a young couple, named Marissa and Joey, going to Vermont, who purchased the last ticket on the train but there are two of them and she is pregnant. (Very Mary and Josephish, in case you missed the references) Derek gives them his ticket for the train. Plus along way Maggie and Danny grow to have more respect for each other's instincts and work and fall in love.

There's a very nice scene where they kiss behind camera which Julia sees as she is explaining how to cook a goose and a heart touching scene with Derek playing his Dad's ukelele while Maggie sings "Have Yourself a Merry LIttle Christmas". (Yep, Derek and David show up just in time for the show, so Julia gets her Christmas wish, all her Wise men home for Christmas.

My only complaint: '.

Why, why, why do the Hallmark hairdressers insist on styling the females hair to look like they used a curling iron on it then just let the curls droop into clumps. It looks like they were too lazy to actually style it after using the curling iron. It's really not a good look on anybody.

My advice - watch this movie, I hope you love it as much as I did.