I don't see how some say Carlos PenaVega is any worse than other actors for the Hallmark channel. He is actually an average actor... it's true that his own bouncing-off-the-walls energy came thru a little bit, but it didn't take me out of the movie because his acting was bad. What was sort of bad was the script - it gave too much time to the party planning and secondary characters instead of SHOWING the romance between the leads. Too much telling instead of showing... but overall, not bad for a Hallmark Christmas movie.
17 Reviews
Better than I thought
acborgia31 December 2018
6.5 stars. A cute premise for a movie that turned out better than I thought. Adeline Kane was wonderful as Mia and truly made the movie what it was. Unfortunately they casted Carlos Penavega opposite her and his acting isn't the best. The movie lost half a star towards the end of the movie where something happened just like in two previous Hallmark movies this season.
Lovely Adelaide
phd_travel6 February 2019
Adelaide Kane is super pretty above the usual Hallmark standard sweet actress.
She is a party planner tasked with a last minute New Years Eve party for a huge new client. Her brother's college buddy helps her out and they fall in love. He is played by Carlos Pena Vega. The planning gets a bit mundane after a while.
Kudos to Hallmark for showing an interracial romance for a change.
She is a party planner tasked with a last minute New Years Eve party for a huge new client. Her brother's college buddy helps her out and they fall in love. He is played by Carlos Pena Vega. The planning gets a bit mundane after a while.
Kudos to Hallmark for showing an interracial romance for a change.
A Midnight Kiss
JoBloTheMovieCritic20 July 2019
Carlos PenaVega shines in this New Year's Eve Holiday Romance.
cgvsluis24 December 2022
Carlos PenaVega always seems to play these super charismatic and chivalrous characters. I don't know if he is like that in real life...if so Alexa, must be the luckiest girl.
This holiday romance is about Mia Pearson. Her and her brother Jake are taking over the family's event planning business and they get offered their first big last minute job for a New Year's Eve Party. Unfortunately, Jake falls off a ladder and Mia is going to have to go solo. Thankfully, Jake's friend film maker David Campos is in town to help.
David and Mia end up making the perfect last minute party planning pair all the while falling in love!
This is a sweet, feel good film that will make any true romantic happy. This is a recommendation to all my romantics out there.
This holiday romance is about Mia Pearson. Her and her brother Jake are taking over the family's event planning business and they get offered their first big last minute job for a New Year's Eve Party. Unfortunately, Jake falls off a ladder and Mia is going to have to go solo. Thankfully, Jake's friend film maker David Campos is in town to help.
David and Mia end up making the perfect last minute party planning pair all the while falling in love!
This is a sweet, feel good film that will make any true romantic happy. This is a recommendation to all my romantics out there.
Wanted to like it, but lacks punch
TheCheeseMistress27 April 2021
There's nothing terribly wrong with this movie, Adelaide Kane is gorgeous and, unlike what's seems to be the norm in romance movies, the male lead is not a plank of wood.
The only problem is that nothing serious is at stake, nothing for us to root for the leads to accomplish. Sorry movie, but having beautiful people on screen is a necessary but not sufficient condition.
The only problem is that nothing serious is at stake, nothing for us to root for the leads to accomplish. Sorry movie, but having beautiful people on screen is a necessary but not sufficient condition.
No lead actor
edetcetera29 November 2019
I don't know what others were watching, but the three of us watching thought that this had to be the most mismatched lead actors ever.
The casting crew should all be fired. Adelaide Kane's character was the best in that she portrayed a person that was NOT interested in her brothers college buddy.
When this herkie actor showed up we all said I hope this is not supposed to be her love interest. Unfortunately he was.
Some of his poor acting was probably the screenplay and mostly the director who should never have had him play the overconfident party planner who kept acting like he was the planner and she was just the assistant while in truth it was the opposite.
I found him to be a very poor actor that thought he should have been the director and tried his best to overshadow the better actress.
Anyway, in real life, we believe that her actions spoke how she felt about the pairing and with everyone, her sis-in-law and the client harping about how good looking this dork was made it even harder to swallow.
I am writing this because half way through our friends left as they couldn't watch anymore. It being on dvr we watched the rest of the show without them.
Totally pathetic for a Hallmark film which we normally enjoy watching with our friends.
I LOVE THIS MOVIE. IT IS NOW ONE OF MY FAVOURITES
MovieTVRomanceFan22 February 2019
OMG I cannot express how much I LOVE THIS MOVIE. This has to be one of the best Hallmark Christmas films I've ever seen. Carlos PenaVega is an amazing actor and I love his character, David Campos in this film. Watching the chemistry between David and Mia is soo sweet. They are meant for each other and it's cute how they try to hide their feelings. I love how David is helping Mia to realize her dream and gives her the courage to do what she really wants to do in life. Plus Mia is a great character as she is so hardworking as we all as loving and caring towards her family. Overall, this is one of the best Hallmark films that truly combines family and romance.
Its Cute
nward-1705716 December 2023
I think the reviews are really harsh. Its a typical Hallmark film. I don't think Carlos was bad I just think he felt awkward being around another woman honestly. Him and Alexa are really open about their marriage and do literally everything together. Adelaide has done Major Major work so seeing her in a Hallmark film does throw you off. Carlos comes off more Comedian hence the show Big Time Rush so seeing him in Romance films might throw people off also. But I liked it, it was cute. Honestly I think all Christmas movies come off a bit cheesy but that's kind of the point. As cheesy as they are I enjoy them all lol.
Totally Agree
rwl-9543030 December 2018
I totally agree with "Formula for failure". I struggled through the first movie that featured Carlos PenaVega and his wife.However, I could not make myself watch Love at Sea even though I do like Alexa. They were terrible as a couple in Enchanted Christmas. I tried to watch Midnight Kiss as I do like Adelaide Kane. But, as expected, Carlos ruined this movie as well. He is really a horrible actor and was really surprised to see how much previous work he had done. Since I am a Hallmark Movie junkie I was disappointed that he was cast in one of the Christmas movies, especially to ruin a movie with Adelaide. I would hope Hallmark checks these reviews and think twice before they ruin another movie with casting Carlos. I don't usually write reviews like this but Carlos is so bad I needed to vent my frustration. There are way too many good movies to waste your time on this one.
Loved this movie!
husna_athan7 December 2023
I think this movie was great!
So many negative reviews about Carlos Panevega, he was actually better than the lead actress who has years of experience. Most of the movie she looked angry even though they didn't have much of a past.
Carlos was so natural. Not only is he good looking but that's how many guys are happy n energetic. I have watched his other movies n even with his wife Alexa, they are a perfect couple and bring so much to audiences that like something diverse.
Honestly I watched a lot of Hallmark movies, with the same actors some of whom are boring n just do it for the money it looks like.
As soon as there is a different actor or with a different diverse background people assume these actors are boring.
Keep an open mind when watching movies.
It's nice learning about their different customs, food n background in these movies.
When you have traveled the world, you love seeing different actors/actresses instead of the same old year after year.
Some of them are aging now n still they offer them same roles instead of trying new actors.
His ideas about the party made it unique n saved the party esp food, flowers n theme.
Her ideas were same old boring that hosts do to keep it safe.
Their chemistry was fine too...how can you fall in love n be lovey dovey in one week s what most of these movies portray. It's not realistic.
Please keep making different movies with diverse actors n actresses, it's fun to watch.
So many negative reviews about Carlos Panevega, he was actually better than the lead actress who has years of experience. Most of the movie she looked angry even though they didn't have much of a past.
Carlos was so natural. Not only is he good looking but that's how many guys are happy n energetic. I have watched his other movies n even with his wife Alexa, they are a perfect couple and bring so much to audiences that like something diverse.
Honestly I watched a lot of Hallmark movies, with the same actors some of whom are boring n just do it for the money it looks like.
As soon as there is a different actor or with a different diverse background people assume these actors are boring.
Keep an open mind when watching movies.
It's nice learning about their different customs, food n background in these movies.
When you have traveled the world, you love seeing different actors/actresses instead of the same old year after year.
Some of them are aging now n still they offer them same roles instead of trying new actors.
His ideas about the party made it unique n saved the party esp food, flowers n theme.
Her ideas were same old boring that hosts do to keep it safe.
Their chemistry was fine too...how can you fall in love n be lovey dovey in one week s what most of these movies portray. It's not realistic.
Please keep making different movies with diverse actors n actresses, it's fun to watch.
A good festive season movie
allmoviesfan1 January 2024
Blending Christmas and New Years' together is a new one for Hallmark, and it works.
'A Midnight Kiss' is the story of Mia Pearson (Australia's own Adelaide Kane, another 'Neighbours' alum) and her brother Jake (Jason Cermak), who inherit their parents' party planning operation and are asked by a client to plan a party last-minute for New Years' Eve. When Jake is injured, Mia must work with his best friend and aspiring filmmaker David Campos, played by Carlos PenaVega.
You'll never guess what happens when David and Mia start working together. Actually - unless you've been living under a huge rock or in a universe where Hallmark doesn't exist - you probably will. But it's a fun movie nonetheless.
Adelaide Kane is in the upper echelon of Hallmark actresses. She is bubbly, sweet and very easy on the eye. I thought she was great and so was Carlos PenaVega. Let's hope Hallmark puts a long-term contract in front of her, sooner rather than later.
It just goes to show how we all interpret and enjoy films differently: there are plenty of reviews disparaging both stars and the film generally, but I enjoyed it for what it was: some light-hearted festive season entertainment.
'A Midnight Kiss' is the story of Mia Pearson (Australia's own Adelaide Kane, another 'Neighbours' alum) and her brother Jake (Jason Cermak), who inherit their parents' party planning operation and are asked by a client to plan a party last-minute for New Years' Eve. When Jake is injured, Mia must work with his best friend and aspiring filmmaker David Campos, played by Carlos PenaVega.
You'll never guess what happens when David and Mia start working together. Actually - unless you've been living under a huge rock or in a universe where Hallmark doesn't exist - you probably will. But it's a fun movie nonetheless.
Adelaide Kane is in the upper echelon of Hallmark actresses. She is bubbly, sweet and very easy on the eye. I thought she was great and so was Carlos PenaVega. Let's hope Hallmark puts a long-term contract in front of her, sooner rather than later.
It just goes to show how we all interpret and enjoy films differently: there are plenty of reviews disparaging both stars and the film generally, but I enjoyed it for what it was: some light-hearted festive season entertainment.
Formula for failure
ronbokirk30 December 2018
First you cast a great actress with loads of talent and acting ability. One who can make you feel her emotions. She should be paired with a male lead with the same ability, but instead she is paired with a male lead who has absolutely no talent, can't act at all, and the only feeling he gives you is nausea. After about 40 minutes I had to turn it off as unwatchable. This is not the first movie ruined by Carlos, a non actor in a lead role. Don't waste your time on this one.
Lead actress flops it.
duchessbolet19 June 2019
Were we all watching the same movie here? Adelaide Kane's portrayal of the party planner protagonist was cringeworthy at best, uncomfortable to watch at worst. There was not an ounce of believability in what she was bringing to the table. Maybe she isn't used to these types of scripts (she's not a Hallmark regular, after all), but then again, you don't exactly need to be an Oscar-worthy actress to tackle the complexities of a Hallmark romance. She was lacking real feeling, any emotion, and also didn't even seem all that comfortable in her own skin.
On the plus side, it's a nice holiday movie with a great New Years atmosphere, and all the holiday decorations everywhere really set the mood well. The acting needed definite help (Carlos PenaVega isn't off the hook either, but he still was better than Adelaide Kane), and the script was a bit amateur, but the movie is fun to watch (when you have nothing better to do) regardless. I do think last year's New Years movie was a huge cut above this one, though.
On the plus side, it's a nice holiday movie with a great New Years atmosphere, and all the holiday decorations everywhere really set the mood well. The acting needed definite help (Carlos PenaVega isn't off the hook either, but he still was better than Adelaide Kane), and the script was a bit amateur, but the movie is fun to watch (when you have nothing better to do) regardless. I do think last year's New Years movie was a huge cut above this one, though.
Cringeworthy acting all around.
savethewatchmaker9 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is one of those examples you share with someone when trying to make a point on how even mediocre scripts can be plummeted by extremely bad acting. I'm really not sure what's more to blame here: extremely flat characters, or even flatter acting.
After finishing it, I was surprised to find how much the reviews were pummeling Carlos PenaVega. The man is definitely no Marlon Brando, but I still found him to be miles above what Adelaide Kane was bringing to the table, which was disappointing acting at best. You'd think that a few years as the lead in a CW drama would strengthen her acting chops, but she entirely failed to deliver in this movie. Her acting was underdone, with barely an emotion in sight, and perhaps most annoying of all, was the strange way she carried herself, as if there were always an invisible catwalk underfoot -- the sort of way an amateur might behave when hyper-aware of the camera on them and wanting desperately to make sure that all their best angles were on display. There were even times when it sounded like she fumbled her way through lines, and even though she certainly wasn't given the best script in the world to work with, her portrayal of Mia was seriously underwhelming. There were points when a cardboard cut-out would've been a viable stand-in for her.
To make matters worse, the two leads had absolutely zero chemistry with each other, not that the movie was trying very hard to give them some aside from a half-hearted slow dance and a few random conversations about their life aspirations. Their final kiss at the end of the movie looked unbelievably awkward; they were both stock-still, barely one step above two siblings being forced to give each other an apology kiss.
Still, the most laughable part of the movie was undoubtedly the execution of the plot. The idea of two people finding love while planning a New Year's Eve party? Not a bad idea. How it could wind up so convoluted is baffling. The characters spend the beginning of the movie worrying over being able to plan the party in under a week, but they hardly seem pressed for time once they actually get to work, which doesn't seem to involve any stress beyond driving to one store a day and ordering flowers/food/music. If planning this party was a difficult ordeal to take on, the movie definitely should've worked harder to make that clear. What sort of party planning business needs a massive office space (always stocked with food)? Why was the couch-ridden brother barely able to help plan the party despite the fact that the majority of the work could've been done with the help of a cell phone and the internet? Was there really any point in the movie when love interest and party-planner-stand-in David was actually needed to get the party on the road? Did Mia's mundane filming of a snowglobe and a family unwrapping presents really make her seem like a moviemaker with potential talent? And was the client's juvenile hissy fit over not getting the fireworks she wanted for her party really reasonable for a grown businesswoman?
And lastly, as a nitpick, this movie could have seriously tried harder to convince the audience that it took place in the wintertime. The short-sleeved dresses, open coats without scarves, and legs without pants or tights were all glaring reminders that this movie was shot in warm weather.
After finishing it, I was surprised to find how much the reviews were pummeling Carlos PenaVega. The man is definitely no Marlon Brando, but I still found him to be miles above what Adelaide Kane was bringing to the table, which was disappointing acting at best. You'd think that a few years as the lead in a CW drama would strengthen her acting chops, but she entirely failed to deliver in this movie. Her acting was underdone, with barely an emotion in sight, and perhaps most annoying of all, was the strange way she carried herself, as if there were always an invisible catwalk underfoot -- the sort of way an amateur might behave when hyper-aware of the camera on them and wanting desperately to make sure that all their best angles were on display. There were even times when it sounded like she fumbled her way through lines, and even though she certainly wasn't given the best script in the world to work with, her portrayal of Mia was seriously underwhelming. There were points when a cardboard cut-out would've been a viable stand-in for her.
To make matters worse, the two leads had absolutely zero chemistry with each other, not that the movie was trying very hard to give them some aside from a half-hearted slow dance and a few random conversations about their life aspirations. Their final kiss at the end of the movie looked unbelievably awkward; they were both stock-still, barely one step above two siblings being forced to give each other an apology kiss.
Still, the most laughable part of the movie was undoubtedly the execution of the plot. The idea of two people finding love while planning a New Year's Eve party? Not a bad idea. How it could wind up so convoluted is baffling. The characters spend the beginning of the movie worrying over being able to plan the party in under a week, but they hardly seem pressed for time once they actually get to work, which doesn't seem to involve any stress beyond driving to one store a day and ordering flowers/food/music. If planning this party was a difficult ordeal to take on, the movie definitely should've worked harder to make that clear. What sort of party planning business needs a massive office space (always stocked with food)? Why was the couch-ridden brother barely able to help plan the party despite the fact that the majority of the work could've been done with the help of a cell phone and the internet? Was there really any point in the movie when love interest and party-planner-stand-in David was actually needed to get the party on the road? Did Mia's mundane filming of a snowglobe and a family unwrapping presents really make her seem like a moviemaker with potential talent? And was the client's juvenile hissy fit over not getting the fireworks she wanted for her party really reasonable for a grown businesswoman?
And lastly, as a nitpick, this movie could have seriously tried harder to convince the audience that it took place in the wintertime. The short-sleeved dresses, open coats without scarves, and legs without pants or tights were all glaring reminders that this movie was shot in warm weather.
nice
Kirpianuscus2 January 2021
A nice New Year Halmark film.Interesting for the effort of Carlos PenaVega to give a cool character, not just perfect as photographer in Extreme Orient - more as stand up comedian - but the try seems not so bad. Unfortunately, Adelaide Kane seems remain out of her role. And the chemistry is absent, saved, maybe, by the final fireworks. A film like so many others. Easy story, acceptable, with indulgence, performance, imposible cause - and in this case it is just imposible - and the midnight kiss as end of trip. So, after a busy day , a good option.
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