It's a feel good movie but it would have been better with a different leading couple. The leading lady looked like she tried too hard to be likeable and always seemed to have just come out of the hairdresser's. I would have liked something more natural and laid back. Also I didn't feel any real spark between her and the leading guy.
66 Reviews
Smells like another Hallmark film
kseniiashpilevska4 November 2020
The whole film I was about to say "Aaron Samuels I like your hair pushed back".
Well If seriously the acting here is below the expected level.
I like both Alexa and Jonathan, but there was no chemistry between them. Maybe it's because of the poor script maybe they were told to act like that. Its all a history now.
It's not a bad film to watch while you're cooking dinner. Could have been better.
Lots of cheese and frosted cookies....
rossmcfarlen9 December 2020
Warning: not for the hyperglycemic or the lactose-intolerant!
I was expecting to hate this based on low scores and poor reviews on here...BUT, shamefully, I liked it!
It's cheesy & sugary and yet it works at the superficial level it was created on...it's better than it should be, and I've seen worse.
Not so keen on the male lead and his overly preened eyebrows but the leading lady had a nice presence, and both worked well together.
This could turn into an annual 'guilty pleasure', for many viewers!
I was expecting to hate this based on low scores and poor reviews on here...BUT, shamefully, I liked it!
It's cheesy & sugary and yet it works at the superficial level it was created on...it's better than it should be, and I've seen worse.
Not so keen on the male lead and his overly preened eyebrows but the leading lady had a nice presence, and both worked well together.
This could turn into an annual 'guilty pleasure', for many viewers!
Good for spending time without any surprises :)
janice_firmo9 December 2020
Feel-good Christmas movie
NikiSarah31 December 2018
Starts off with a few cheesy lines (like most of these movies) but the dialogue did get better. Plot was also pretty interesting and I'm glad that Hallmark is starting to make more finding-love-in-the-city Christmas movies, because all those you-have-to-go-to-a-small-town-to-feel-the-Christmas-spirit-and-find-love movies were really, REALLY starting to get tiresome. PenaVega and Bennett were pretty good but my expectations are not high for Hallmark movies; still, they never took me out of the movie with over-the-top acting so that's a plus. I give it a 6.5-7 stars.
This movie should be illegal
banalrudaini7 November 2020
Where are the authorities? Who agreed to this? The acting is a mess and the dialogue is worse. The script didn't even give the actors a chance to look good. It's so predictable and I wanted to end my life. This movie is so bad I finished it just to see if it could get worse. And yes, I didn't think it's possible but the movie gets worse.
The Christmas host
TheLittleSongbird8 September 2020
Before seeing 'Christmas Made to Order', catchy title don't you think, some of my previous Hallmark Christmas film viewings had not been particularly good (not at all in a few cases) so feelings were somewhat sceptical. Did have some glimmer of hope though for 'Christmas Made to Order', as the premise was interesting and as far as Hallmark Christmas films go it and the setting are or at least sounded different from the norm.
'Christmas Made to Order', actually saw it a while back but have been behind on my reviewing, turned out to be much better than expected. Of the Christmas films seen in the period it was seen in, 'Christmas Made to Order' was generally up there among the better ones. It's not great or perfect, with a few of the usual gremlins when it comes to talking about the flaws but with a good deal of good things that Hallmark Christmas films have quite a number of times shown.
It didn't for me start off particularly promisingly. Quite routine and a lot of the dialogue was laughably bad early on (the worst of it had me cringing in my seat).
Some of the support acting struggled to make much of an impression and was quite anaemic in roles that never were more than just there cliches. Also would have liked more development to the central relationship, it was nice and didn't seem forced but with more time to unfold and wasn't quite as whirlwind feeling.
To me though, 'Christmas Made to Order' did get a lot better. So don't be deterred. Jonathan Bennett is likeable enough and even better is Alexa PenaVega, refreshingly spirited in a role that isn't over-written or personality deprived. Their characters weren't meaty, but they at least had personality and personalities that actually appealed. Their chemistry is unforced and charming. It looks attractive in its own way, with nice scenery and the photography complements it nicely. The soundtrack is pleasant enough and is not as overscored as other Hallmark Christmas films. The direction is not exceptional but is solid enough for the type of film it is.
While the dialogue is far from perfect, it did improve later on and didn't feel as corny or gooey. It induced some smiles. The story may be straightforward and doesn't have many surprises, but the setting is made very good use of and there is not too much of a stale feel compared to other Hallmark Christmas films, not feeling as over-familiar. The film is very light hearted and really warmed my heart and when the sentiment came in it didn't feel excessive or manipulative.
Overall, pretty good. 7/10
'Christmas Made to Order', actually saw it a while back but have been behind on my reviewing, turned out to be much better than expected. Of the Christmas films seen in the period it was seen in, 'Christmas Made to Order' was generally up there among the better ones. It's not great or perfect, with a few of the usual gremlins when it comes to talking about the flaws but with a good deal of good things that Hallmark Christmas films have quite a number of times shown.
It didn't for me start off particularly promisingly. Quite routine and a lot of the dialogue was laughably bad early on (the worst of it had me cringing in my seat).
Some of the support acting struggled to make much of an impression and was quite anaemic in roles that never were more than just there cliches. Also would have liked more development to the central relationship, it was nice and didn't seem forced but with more time to unfold and wasn't quite as whirlwind feeling.
To me though, 'Christmas Made to Order' did get a lot better. So don't be deterred. Jonathan Bennett is likeable enough and even better is Alexa PenaVega, refreshingly spirited in a role that isn't over-written or personality deprived. Their characters weren't meaty, but they at least had personality and personalities that actually appealed. Their chemistry is unforced and charming. It looks attractive in its own way, with nice scenery and the photography complements it nicely. The soundtrack is pleasant enough and is not as overscored as other Hallmark Christmas films. The direction is not exceptional but is solid enough for the type of film it is.
While the dialogue is far from perfect, it did improve later on and didn't feel as corny or gooey. It induced some smiles. The story may be straightforward and doesn't have many surprises, but the setting is made very good use of and there is not too much of a stale feel compared to other Hallmark Christmas films, not feeling as over-familiar. The film is very light hearted and really warmed my heart and when the sentiment came in it didn't feel excessive or manipulative.
Overall, pretty good. 7/10
Good premise but...
t-092538 December 2019
It was nice to see a movie with a very different plot/setting of the usual working formulas.
The underlying message of the movie: "believe" is beautiful and very Christmas-y.
The camerawork is decent, the dialogue is at sometimes unbearable and the acting (individually) is fair.
However, o rated this film with 4 instead of the usual 5 for Christmas movies because, in my opinion, the two lead characters share no chemistry whatsoever.
The underlying message of the movie: "believe" is beautiful and very Christmas-y.
The camerawork is decent, the dialogue is at sometimes unbearable and the acting (individually) is fair.
However, o rated this film with 4 instead of the usual 5 for Christmas movies because, in my opinion, the two lead characters share no chemistry whatsoever.
Follow your dream
Jackbv12330 December 2018
The theme of follow your dream is a drum beaten pretty loudly in this movie.
The story premise of a bachelor hiring a Christmas decorator/planner isn't unique but it works out in this movie. Interesting climax too.
Alexa PenaVega is a lot of fun in this movie. I like optimistic characters and she's all that here. But I'm not so sure that her acting comes off as natural. Likewise Jonathan Bennett for acting. It's not that either one is bad, but sometimes a shot or a line just doesn't seem right.
I recently noticed (too late, I fear) that Hallmark likes throwing in Easter eggs this year (little surprise treasures for the observant viewer). In this one, watch for a photograph of PenaVega and a special someone.
The story premise of a bachelor hiring a Christmas decorator/planner isn't unique but it works out in this movie. Interesting climax too.
Alexa PenaVega is a lot of fun in this movie. I like optimistic characters and she's all that here. But I'm not so sure that her acting comes off as natural. Likewise Jonathan Bennett for acting. It's not that either one is bad, but sometimes a shot or a line just doesn't seem right.
I recently noticed (too late, I fear) that Hallmark likes throwing in Easter eggs this year (little surprise treasures for the observant viewer). In this one, watch for a photograph of PenaVega and a special someone.
Incredibly naive and simple
corthel3 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I can't believe the higher ratings. The dialog was cringeworthy in parts. The plot was non-existent. It was a predictable and as unbelievable as the old Judy Garland /Mickey Rooney "let's put on a show" movies. Spoiler** When the H can't figure out why the h get mad, his female family members tell him he screwed up and should apologize and he gets a huge grin and says 'yes' and 'I'll tell her I like her!"' Really. A cute movie for 11 year old girls. Oh, and the movie is set in Salt Lake City ( hint) and lectures throughout on putting family above everything including earning a living. Oh well. Most Hallmark movies are way better than this one.
Great Movie!
aliyahrocks24 December 2018
This movie was one of the better ones during this holiday season. I usually can't sit through Jonathan Bennett TV movies (Hallmark/Lifetime/UP Network) but, he was great in this film! He and Alexa PenaVega have great chemistry and I wouldn't mind even seeing a part 2 next year. "Christmas Made to Order is Definitely one to watch:)
pretty good for Hallmark if you ask me
novagirl1114 January 2019
Honestly, I have to admit - holiday decorator/coordinator sounds like a perfect job for me! So, naturally, I really liked this movie! I always enjoy watching Alexa PenaVega (and see if you can spot a cameo by her husband!) and was happy to see Jonathan Bennett in an acting role again!
Bad storyline and bad acting
Diogozx8 November 2020
The trailer for the movie looked nice for a movie where I don't need to pay a lot of attention or to think too much.
Though, I wasn't expecting to be this bad, the acting is one of the worst I've seen so far. The movie is a cliche very bad made. Would not recommend it to anyone dispite being in the top charts of my country.
Christmas Made to Order
JoBloTheMovieCritic20 July 2019
Forced and convenient but cute...
RosanaBotafogo4 November 2020
Everything extremely cute, almost forced, would not sin if it were less convenient and more natural, but like every Christmas movie is cute, supper of cute messages, cute ornaments, sprinkled with fake snowflakes and Christmas music...
Average
leannebowen8 November 2020
Just the right mix of sweetness & real life issues!
scraphappybabs20 December 2019
How many of us have been in a dead end career and needed that little nudge to push us towards pursuing our real passions and dreams? I personally loved this movie--just enough sweetness with a healthy dose of real life career issues mixed in to keep it plausible.
Boring
karakatsanisg7 November 2020
Poor dialogs, poor acting, poor directing, everything plastic.. meanwile everything perfect, perfect jobs, perfect looks, perfect reactions, lines and beheaviors.. unreal perfection makes it a commercial not a movie..
comfortable
Kirpianuscus9 November 2020
After so many Hallmark Christmas films, Christmas Made to Order is just...comfortable. Not surprising, not touching, not sweet. Only comfortable , in many scenes against Alexa PenaVega and Jonathan Bennett, each giving fair jobs but the expected chemistry between them being only a sort of...sketch. Her hard effort to be the lovely young woman, his try to be the expected architect, the total unrealistic end are, for many reasons, too much but, like many Hallmark productions, it is saved by secondary actors , by the eulogy to family and by not very bad humor. And, sure, the spirit of Christmas is the first savior.
Scared to take the leap and fail.
cgvsluis4 January 2022
Steven hires Paige to not only decorate his house for Christmas but to be his Christmas ambassador for his family who is spending Christmas with him for the first time ever.
Steven is torn between work and his family, Gretchen is afraid to quit her part-time job to do the decorating passion project full time, and Steven's niece (Paige)is afraid to tell her parents that she wants to sing and not be a doctor.
As Gretchen is showing his family a good time...they are slowly starting to fall for one another.
I got a big laugh at the photo of the real-life married Vegas' written off as a photo of her ex.
The holiday decorations were over the top and the love story was simple but sweet.
Steven is torn between work and his family, Gretchen is afraid to quit her part-time job to do the decorating passion project full time, and Steven's niece (Paige)is afraid to tell her parents that she wants to sing and not be a doctor.
As Gretchen is showing his family a good time...they are slowly starting to fall for one another.
I got a big laugh at the photo of the real-life married Vegas' written off as a photo of her ex.
The holiday decorations were over the top and the love story was simple but sweet.
Not that great
anneliesblanckaert1 November 2020
Checks the cliche boxes Hollywood expects us to love.
hmspeart27 November 2020
✅ Wealthy Young Architect, lawyer, doctor with an upcoming promotion.
✅ Beautiful designer (who awakes with a full makeover and perfect hair) with an upcoming promotion.
✅ A CEO, Head of...fill in the blank who is not a white male.
✅ Perfect model homes the Scott Brothers would be envious of.
✅ An abundance of hot chocolate
✅ Perfect winter scenes filmed in July.
✅ Perfect teeth.
✅ Perfect smiles
✅ And a perfect fan base who loves to hate it but stills watches it.
Hallmark needs to put more effort into live music scenes
ricster5521 July 2022
It's bad enough when a choir director isn't conducting with the beat (many movies), but in this movie, the carolers (at 55:00) are clearly not doing the singing. The soundtrack, is clearly a 2-female duet. Yet all 7-8 people's lips were moving - including the men. Come on Hallmark. Put more effort into the live music scenes.
Great movie for people who love bad movies
j-995458 November 2020
The cheesiness of this movie's plot, coupled with the emotionally devoid acting, can make this either a joy or a pain, depending on whether you love bad movies or not.
The two leads have little chemistry, made stranger by the fact that it appears that the lead actor seems to have a better chemistry with his niece than he does his eventual other half.
4/10, do love the cheese.
The two leads have little chemistry, made stranger by the fact that it appears that the lead actor seems to have a better chemistry with his niece than he does his eventual other half.
4/10, do love the cheese.
Not that good!
didos-f15 November 2020
I watched this movie expecting it to be better based on the rating here, however, I was unpleasantly surprised. The main problem for me was the leading lady, she felt like "acting nice" and her facial expressions were cringy. No chemistry between her and the leading man as well. I couldn't bother finishing it.
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