7/10 - charismatic characters and an entrancing storyline made this one stand out
27 Reviews
Jingle Around the Clock
JoBloTheMovieCritic20 July 2019
Fun and sweet movie with two actors who made it work.
MIssM1916 February 2019
Yes, I'm watching a Christmas movie in February and no, I don't regret it. I decided to watch this because it actually had a good rate.
First of all, give Brooke Nevin more lead roles, please and thank you. And Michael Cassidy... the movie worked because of them. It also helps that they are "new" faces. The plot is quite plain, no surprises, not so much drama. And their chemistry was amazing. Besides, that group looked fun.
The best thing about this, other than their chemistry is that the characters talked to each other: I noticed twice that they came forward to the other and just asked or said what they had to say. In pretty much all the Hallmark movies they just asummed until proven otherwise, which causes drama. And that makes is so predictable. So I was pretty happy with that.
I don't know why all the negative reviews, I thought this was pretty great.
First of all, give Brooke Nevin more lead roles, please and thank you. And Michael Cassidy... the movie worked because of them. It also helps that they are "new" faces. The plot is quite plain, no surprises, not so much drama. And their chemistry was amazing. Besides, that group looked fun.
The best thing about this, other than their chemistry is that the characters talked to each other: I noticed twice that they came forward to the other and just asked or said what they had to say. In pretty much all the Hallmark movies they just asummed until proven otherwise, which causes drama. And that makes is so predictable. So I was pretty happy with that.
I don't know why all the negative reviews, I thought this was pretty great.
Brooke Nevin is so watchable.
rightisright24 December 2018
Just another Hallmark movie set at an ad agency. The story here just never clicks.
However Brooke Nevin is a fiesty, frothy beauty who can carry even a boring movie up a notch.
Michael Cassidy also adds some zip toi a lifeless script.
6/10
oriente3858 January 2019
This is a Hallmark film so everybody's smiling and happy here XD . Just before this one I'd tried to watch another Hallmark Christmas film and I switched it off after 15 minutes and rated it 1/10. So why this one 6/10? Well, because in the end it was OK to watch, even though there were some really unrealistic and naive things. Somehow they pulled it off, I don't really know how. And I loved that the protagonists, who were very charming, treated each other with respect (even though they were rivals), they weren't hysterical, judgemental or plain stupid. It was like a gulp of fresh air.
just nice
Kirpianuscus17 December 2020
One of seductive Halmark films . Sure, the recipe is same but it has the gift to seems real different. Duty, love, Christmas and drops of old fashion, just fair romance. The result - more than seductive. In few senses, the deserved hot chocolate cup.
Worth watching!
Christmas-Reviewer5 August 2019
Review Date 8/4/2019
Review Date 8/5/2019
I have Reviewed OVER 650 "Christmas Films, & Christmas Television Movies , & Television 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. I am on a mission to watch every Christmas Movie ever produced. Since 2014 I average 100 per year.
When Elle Bennet (Nevin) decides to reunite her college friends for a special Christmas celebration, her plans are thwarted by an opportunity at work she can't pass up -- spearheading a Christmas campaign relaunch to prove she's ready for a career-altering promotion. Much to her surprise, she's forced to team up with advertising campaign 'fixer' Max (Cassidy), who has a completely different take on the Holidays. But as Elle and Max work together and learn more about each other's Christmas traditions, they unexpectedly find themselves falling for each other. With the help of a little Christmas magic, will Elle pull off the perfect Christmas reunion and find the love she's been searching for?
Great film with charm to spare. If you like Christmas movies then add this to your "Must See List"
Review Date 8/5/2019
I have Reviewed OVER 650 "Christmas Films, & Christmas Television Movies , & Television 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. I am on a mission to watch every Christmas Movie ever produced. Since 2014 I average 100 per year.
When Elle Bennet (Nevin) decides to reunite her college friends for a special Christmas celebration, her plans are thwarted by an opportunity at work she can't pass up -- spearheading a Christmas campaign relaunch to prove she's ready for a career-altering promotion. Much to her surprise, she's forced to team up with advertising campaign 'fixer' Max (Cassidy), who has a completely different take on the Holidays. But as Elle and Max work together and learn more about each other's Christmas traditions, they unexpectedly find themselves falling for each other. With the help of a little Christmas magic, will Elle pull off the perfect Christmas reunion and find the love she's been searching for?
Great film with charm to spare. If you like Christmas movies then add this to your "Must See List"
Jingle all the way!
adamjohns-4257514 December 2020
I really like this one. It's just got a cuteness that makes it lovely. As does Michael Cassidy, the male lead.
The lead female is obviously taking on too much at what is already a busy time of year, but why wouldn't she? And she doesn't become a big meany in the process.
It's still got lots of Christmas in it and the romance is adorable, at least Mr Cassidy is.
The lead female is obviously taking on too much at what is already a busy time of year, but why wouldn't she? And she doesn't become a big meany in the process.
It's still got lots of Christmas in it and the romance is adorable, at least Mr Cassidy is.
Okay for One Showing; Nothing to Watch Again
mamachikn11 August 2021
The movie was nice but ho-hum. I didn't sense real chemistry. The actors did okay, but the story was bland. Nothing memorable or interesting. I did like that the misunderstandings were resolved rather quickly at maturely. Several actors in supporting roles. The story went back and forth between them all. They could have done more with the characters. We didn't get to see any development between any of them. Boring.
Great chemistry (and also don't let the title fool you)
Jackbv12317 November 2019
These two may have some of the best chemistry that I can remember for this kind of movie. (I have watched and reviewed hundreds.) Brooke Nevin is especially good in this role and this movie is pure Hallmark Christmas romance.
The story is pretty straightforward even a little predictable, although the ending is still touching on two fronts and it is set up very nicely. There are the token misunderstandings which add a little suspense.
Funny BTW: when the two are supposed to be skating and talking to each other, you don't see their feet, but their strides are obviously that of walking and not skating, not even clumsy skating. This is more obvious with Max.
Another BTW: when flipping through the TV movie titles, I flipped past this one a few times because I thought it sounded trite. Trite or not, the title gives no indication of what's in the movie.
The story is pretty straightforward even a little predictable, although the ending is still touching on two fronts and it is set up very nicely. There are the token misunderstandings which add a little suspense.
Funny BTW: when the two are supposed to be skating and talking to each other, you don't see their feet, but their strides are obviously that of walking and not skating, not even clumsy skating. This is more obvious with Max.
Another BTW: when flipping through the TV movie titles, I flipped past this one a few times because I thought it sounded trite. Trite or not, the title gives no indication of what's in the movie.
a Hallmark Christmas
SnoopyStyle2 January 2019
In Chicago, Elle Bennet (Brooke Nevin) plans to throw her college friends her annual misfits Christmas party. She's single and obsessed with coffee guy. They keep running into each other. Her boss has an emergency business issue. Despite being told to take time off, she insists on coming into the office. Maxwell Turner (Michael Cassidy) from the New York office is coming in to fix the problem. He turns out to be coffee guy.
These are two pretty people and their happy ending is inevitable due to its Hallmark pedigree. There is no drama for the first half. It's not until the midway point where the big conflict is introduced. It needs to be introduced much earlier. Even with the conflict, the tension simmers along at a pretty low setting. The romantic misunderstanding is too weak to make it into a real conflict. It's a Hallmark special with manufactured drama. It works for Christmas as holiday background noise.
These are two pretty people and their happy ending is inevitable due to its Hallmark pedigree. There is no drama for the first half. It's not until the midway point where the big conflict is introduced. It needs to be introduced much earlier. Even with the conflict, the tension simmers along at a pretty low setting. The romantic misunderstanding is too weak to make it into a real conflict. It's a Hallmark special with manufactured drama. It works for Christmas as holiday background noise.
Favorite Hallmark movie!
dfvalent-9871422 January 2019
This may be their best one yet. The acting was well done, the actors had chemistry, and the plot was great. All the issues that I seem to yell at a typical Hallmark character for (assumptions, lack of communication...) were all addressed in this movie. It was super relatable and realistic. Nice job!
Work at Christmas
TheLittleSongbird6 October 2020
Expectations were admittedly not huge for 'Jingle Around the Clock'. Nor were they rock bottom low. The story did not sound very exciting, but Hallmark have proved more than once that they can do Christmas films that are actually above decent. A primary example being one of their best (Christmas and overall) 'Once Upon a Christmas Miracle', also from 2018, that was seen just before seeing this that stood out for its relatability and that it tried to do something different.
Something that 'Jingle Around the Clock' didn't really do. It was fairly typical Christmas Hallmark, though it was mostly related to the characters' work with Christmas being the backdrop, with some very recognisable plot tropes of theirs executed in a familiar fashion. Is 'Jingle Around the Clock' bad? No it isn't, with it improving once one attempts to get past the bail-worthy early portions. For me though, my feelings were somewhat mixed with some good (which generally were very done) and some bad (the worst of which very bad).
'Jingle Around the Clock' does have good things. Well of course it must do, otherwise my rating would be lower. The production values are quite nice, especially the scenery. There are some nice light-hearted and heart-warming moments when the film improves, namely down to the chemistry between the two leads. Which was on the most part very genuine and really liked how they were understanding and supportive of each other while not developing too fast. It was actually their chemistry that helped improve the film when it picked up.
Brooke Nevin and Michael Cassidy's performances also help quite a bit, with Nevin especially (a strong contender for the best thing about the film) being an absolute charmer as a lead character actually worth relating to with no exaggerated negative character traits or mannerisms. The supporting cast are solid.
However, the script could have been so much better. It is not a strong suit in a lot of Hallmark Christmas films, but this was a case of some of the dialogue being laughably bad in the early portions but even after the film picks up there were too many moments where it was still rather flat and lacked tension and emotion. The story is far too slight, to the point of being very uneventful, in the early portions, and it's all too predictable and contrived throughout.
Found the music too often lacking in subtlety and melodically quite forgettable. The pacing was generally off, with a real tendency to lag. Badly so in the first third or so, while the ending was typically rushed and pat. There is very little tension and the moments of charm and heart are not enough.
Concluding, very mixed on this film. 5/10
Something that 'Jingle Around the Clock' didn't really do. It was fairly typical Christmas Hallmark, though it was mostly related to the characters' work with Christmas being the backdrop, with some very recognisable plot tropes of theirs executed in a familiar fashion. Is 'Jingle Around the Clock' bad? No it isn't, with it improving once one attempts to get past the bail-worthy early portions. For me though, my feelings were somewhat mixed with some good (which generally were very done) and some bad (the worst of which very bad).
'Jingle Around the Clock' does have good things. Well of course it must do, otherwise my rating would be lower. The production values are quite nice, especially the scenery. There are some nice light-hearted and heart-warming moments when the film improves, namely down to the chemistry between the two leads. Which was on the most part very genuine and really liked how they were understanding and supportive of each other while not developing too fast. It was actually their chemistry that helped improve the film when it picked up.
Brooke Nevin and Michael Cassidy's performances also help quite a bit, with Nevin especially (a strong contender for the best thing about the film) being an absolute charmer as a lead character actually worth relating to with no exaggerated negative character traits or mannerisms. The supporting cast are solid.
However, the script could have been so much better. It is not a strong suit in a lot of Hallmark Christmas films, but this was a case of some of the dialogue being laughably bad in the early portions but even after the film picks up there were too many moments where it was still rather flat and lacked tension and emotion. The story is far too slight, to the point of being very uneventful, in the early portions, and it's all too predictable and contrived throughout.
Found the music too often lacking in subtlety and melodically quite forgettable. The pacing was generally off, with a real tendency to lag. Badly so in the first third or so, while the ending was typically rushed and pat. There is very little tension and the moments of charm and heart are not enough.
Concluding, very mixed on this film. 5/10
Amazing performance and Production
karynaonset10 November 2021
The story was well written. You can notice the difference between most Christmas Romantic movies. Elle played Brooke Nevin and her performance was like living the story in real life. Elle and Max (Michael Cassidy) had a real chemistry together, and during the development of the story not everything was predictable. Well doneHallmark!
I love it, and watching every christmas is just a must.
I love it, and watching every christmas is just a must.
OK Movie
toncincin29 December 2018
It's a work movie set at Christmas. Not really anout Christmas. Brook Nevin is pretty and made the movie. Her love interest is a little stiff. I kept looking at him and thinking "he's a Reptilian" (People of Earth fans know what I mean). I am a little tired of seeing the same supporting cast in ALL of these movies. I guess Hallmark doesn't think anyone will notice...
One of my new favorites
banks162025 December 2018
Jingle Around the Clock
Prismark106 December 2019
If only someone did Jingle Around the Clock.
Instead this is one of these movies where corporates expect you to work up until Christmas Day. When you should be out partying, they hold job promotion interviews.
Elle Bennett (Brooke Nevin) plans to reunite her college friends for Christmas but she has been handed a Christmas promotional push at the last minute. Although the Hallmark Channel might start showing Christmas films from September, Christmas marketing ideas start in December!
Elle has to work with a fixer brought over from New York, Max Turner (Michael Cassidy) who she has seen a few times in the coffee shop and took a shine to before she discovered who he really was. Both of them get along great and they end up going for the same promotion.
This is an anodyne movie. Cassidy is so forgettable I had to look him up as to what else he has appeared in to satisfy myself he is actually an actor. He played Jimmy Olsen in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Here is the thing, I remember the actors who played Jimmy in other Superman movies and tv shows. I completely blanked him out, that is how much of an impression he made in Superman v Batman.
Instead this is one of these movies where corporates expect you to work up until Christmas Day. When you should be out partying, they hold job promotion interviews.
Elle Bennett (Brooke Nevin) plans to reunite her college friends for Christmas but she has been handed a Christmas promotional push at the last minute. Although the Hallmark Channel might start showing Christmas films from September, Christmas marketing ideas start in December!
Elle has to work with a fixer brought over from New York, Max Turner (Michael Cassidy) who she has seen a few times in the coffee shop and took a shine to before she discovered who he really was. Both of them get along great and they end up going for the same promotion.
This is an anodyne movie. Cassidy is so forgettable I had to look him up as to what else he has appeared in to satisfy myself he is actually an actor. He played Jimmy Olsen in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Here is the thing, I remember the actors who played Jimmy in other Superman movies and tv shows. I completely blanked him out, that is how much of an impression he made in Superman v Batman.
Stupid, stupid stupid
manfredpeter-0962820 July 2020
Didn't expect to like it but I loved it!!!
smithduke25 January 2022
Based on some of the reviews and the description of the plot I was not expecting to enjoy this movie. The story has been done before. Two people working together, clashing ideas, but attracted to each other. To me, I thought it sounded boring. Well, It was so much better than I expected! The lead characters were believable and realistic. They weren't feuding with each other which was a breath of fresh air compared to other movies with a similar plot. The supporting characters in the movie were also interesting. It's a very likable movie and has a positive feel to it. I'm so glad I ended up watching it!!
Coffee Boy meets Coffee Girl - Meet Cute Alert!
kz917-17 October 2019
This was just ok. The actors were fine enough. Although I liked of couple of the minor actors a bit more than the leads..but eh it's a Christmas movie. The bar isn't set really high.
I'm too busy, I'm too busy. But Christmas is my favorite time of the time. But then I volunteer for more work so that I have a better shot at getting a promotion! What?! Makes no sense. Also they never really say who gets the promotion. To make it such a big plot point and then have no resolutions in the end. LAME!
Skip It!
I'm too busy, I'm too busy. But Christmas is my favorite time of the time. But then I volunteer for more work so that I have a better shot at getting a promotion! What?! Makes no sense. Also they never really say who gets the promotion. To make it such a big plot point and then have no resolutions in the end. LAME!
Skip It!
Traditions, family, more than work
glori14912 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This film is about a girl who lost her grandmother years ago, so for her her family is her circle of friends, with whom she celebrates Christmas every year, however she always wants to be in charge of everything, plus she wants a promotion at her job which makes her work more at Christmas, having to work together with one of those in charge of the advertising campaign, whom she begins to know, as well as his family.
I enjoyed this movie, the 2 actors had a lot of chemistry, it's about maintaining family traditions, honoring loved ones who are no longer here, I liked the positive attitude of the main character, it teaches us that everything progresses depending on how we see it, what family It's not just the one we share DNA with, it teaches us that we have to learn to enjoy the process. It is a movie that can be enjoyed these Christmas afternoons with the family. It teaches us that life is more than just work.
I enjoyed this movie, the 2 actors had a lot of chemistry, it's about maintaining family traditions, honoring loved ones who are no longer here, I liked the positive attitude of the main character, it teaches us that everything progresses depending on how we see it, what family It's not just the one we share DNA with, it teaches us that we have to learn to enjoy the process. It is a movie that can be enjoyed these Christmas afternoons with the family. It teaches us that life is more than just work.
Work Movie Not Christmas Movie
ginate-1889225 December 2018
I love Hallmark Countdown to Christmas movies because they are all about the holidays, family and love. They are lighthearted and enjoyable rides. This movie was horrible!!! It evoked stress and tension and was really all about work, the stress of work, over scheduling yourself and competition. It did not belong on the Countdown to Christmas schedule!
Of course I love it!
MickyG3339 November 2023
8.4 stars.
So if you agree with many of my reviews you will probably enjoy 'Jingle Around the Clock'. Brooke Nevin is in my top five favorite Hallmark women, but alas there is not enough of Brooke to go around. I wish she was in a few more films like this one. And Mr. Cassidy is a great counterpart to her staggering presence, manifesting an equal measure of charisma. How fortuitous for Hallmark and myself that the two of them and this wonderful supporting cast assemble for this phenomenal Christmas tale.
And the plot, in a nutshell: these two are very career oriented workaholics with just enough extra time to get acquainted and fall in love. In the meantime they are vying for the same promotion, and may the best person win. Refreshingly, they don't drift apart or harbor bitterness in spite of the friendly competition, rather the opposite; a rare diversion from the typical Hallmark. As a very excited member of this audience, I must admit I wasn't concerned about who landed the promotion as both were deserving; I simply yearn for more of this movie. Alas, all good things must end.
'Jingle Around the Clock' is a wonderful and endearing and a must-see Hallmark "masterpiece" (is any Hallmark truly a masterpiece...but this one comes close).
So if you agree with many of my reviews you will probably enjoy 'Jingle Around the Clock'. Brooke Nevin is in my top five favorite Hallmark women, but alas there is not enough of Brooke to go around. I wish she was in a few more films like this one. And Mr. Cassidy is a great counterpart to her staggering presence, manifesting an equal measure of charisma. How fortuitous for Hallmark and myself that the two of them and this wonderful supporting cast assemble for this phenomenal Christmas tale.
And the plot, in a nutshell: these two are very career oriented workaholics with just enough extra time to get acquainted and fall in love. In the meantime they are vying for the same promotion, and may the best person win. Refreshingly, they don't drift apart or harbor bitterness in spite of the friendly competition, rather the opposite; a rare diversion from the typical Hallmark. As a very excited member of this audience, I must admit I wasn't concerned about who landed the promotion as both were deserving; I simply yearn for more of this movie. Alas, all good things must end.
'Jingle Around the Clock' is a wonderful and endearing and a must-see Hallmark "masterpiece" (is any Hallmark truly a masterpiece...but this one comes close).
Ebarrassingly bad
kristianwest26 December 2019
Bland decaf coffee couple
frukuk24 November 2019
Elle Bennett (Brooke Nevin) and Max Turner (Michael Cassidy) are the "coffee girl" (arabica) and "coffee guy" (robusta) who get thrown together at work. But any chemistry there might have been, seems to have been used to decaffeinate this movie: it feels bland and heartless. I guess the script is primarily at fault, but Brooke Nevin's monotone performance certainly doesn't help.
Slow and Disappointing
richard_sikora5 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Slow and Disappointing
For some reason, this movie does not seem to work, possibly because there are too many weak strands. After the usual stock shots of Chicago, it starts OK, but then seems to drag and feels about 15 minutes too long.
It stars Brooke Nevin putting forwards a marketing campaign with enforced last minute changes. She is also being interviewed for a Directorship. Michael Cassidy plays her East Coast competitor and love interest.We never find out if she did gets the job. It is all about work, not about Christmas.
At one point Brooke Nevin claims she cannot skate, which seems odd for someone who is Canadian.
Overall, slow and disappointing. Won't watch this one again.
For some reason, this movie does not seem to work, possibly because there are too many weak strands. After the usual stock shots of Chicago, it starts OK, but then seems to drag and feels about 15 minutes too long.
It stars Brooke Nevin putting forwards a marketing campaign with enforced last minute changes. She is also being interviewed for a Directorship. Michael Cassidy plays her East Coast competitor and love interest.We never find out if she did gets the job. It is all about work, not about Christmas.
At one point Brooke Nevin claims she cannot skate, which seems odd for someone who is Canadian.
Overall, slow and disappointing. Won't watch this one again.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
