If Christopher Russell is paired with the right female lead, and he has a script that takes advantage of his GQ worthy handsomeness and the kindness that you can see behind his eyes, he can be great. Unfortunately that doesn't always happen. It does in this one. The script explores the phoniness behind reality series and how untrustworthy and false they can be. I didn't much care for the heroine, but Christopher made up for that and had charm enough for both. I did like that they had a fairly sizzling love scene as opposed to the usual chaste kiss at the end of the movie.
19 Reviews
The book is a nice Christmas read
FSMeurinne29 May 2020
I read the book and knew what to expect, this movie made it justice, it was just as the book in the adaptation department, we know not all the book can fit on film so the general and the most important parts where there, it's an enjoyable Christmas movie Hallmark alike but a higher rating.
Predictable
Jackbv12327 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I thought the movie started off well in the setup in terms of providing something different. Then it became totally cliché from beginning shooting on through the ending. The viewer can almost write the script. And the climax is the worst of all. The exec starts her speech and I'm like "your grim face is not convincing me at all, so wait for it ...." And there it was just as expected. This isn't Hallmark, so not every little detail is wrapped up neatly in an HEA bow, but it's still a Rom/com so the big thing is.
I'd like to say that Chelsea Hobbs and Christopher Russell had good chemistry. They are certainly an attractive couple. For once, even I as a male could see that this guy is the epitome of "hot". Hobbs is beautiful but with a sweet element. But there wasn't enough screen time with just the two of them, and much of that was overwhelmed by the elephant in the room of how the show would turn out.
The executive producer, Paul, had some funny moments and he wasn't an ogre of a boss.
I'd like to say that Chelsea Hobbs and Christopher Russell had good chemistry. They are certainly an attractive couple. For once, even I as a male could see that this guy is the epitome of "hot". Hobbs is beautiful but with a sweet element. But there wasn't enough screen time with just the two of them, and much of that was overwhelmed by the elephant in the room of how the show would turn out.
The executive producer, Paul, had some funny moments and he wasn't an ogre of a boss.
Pretty bad spoof on reality show
kjc-322057 December 2021
Dullness at Christmas
TheLittleSongbird18 January 2022
Throughout my whole Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late last year through to early this year, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Lifetime's output but in some cases it came not too far off. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level.
2018's 'Forever Christmas' is sadly not one of watchable ones, though is not quite cash in level quality. Have absolutely personal against Lifetime and have liked enough of their work, but when they were on bad form the film in question was bad. While not one of their all time worst, 'Forever Christmas' fits this negative definition sadly. Very little works and the worst aspects are pretty awful and this is being said with regret, not malice.
'Forever Christmas' is not a disaster. The scenery is truly beautiful and the photography is also attractive and slickly framed.
Christopher Russell is a likeable leading man that deserved a better film and female lead, much better than he was in 'Merry Matrimony' where he was too introverted.
Was a lot less enamoured by Chelsea Hobbs however, who came over as bland and awkward. Their chemistry is non-existent, the two look so indifferent and under-rehearsed when together and there is just nothing to the relationship. The rest of the cast are a mix of very stiff or overripe.
The characters are shallow ciphers and little more than typical Lifetime cliches with no variation, and none of them are believably developed or likeable. The direction throughout is as indifferent as the lead chemistry and is at best leaden. The music is, as can be the case with Lifetime, intrusive and there is nothing memorable to it. When it comes to the dialogue, it is very awkward in flow and there is no heart to it.
Both the cheese and sentiment go overboard, and because of disliking the characters so much there was nothing in 'Forever Christmas' to connect with emotionally. The story is not much of one at all for most of the length, much of the first portion is endless and pointless filler and what there is of the story is very dull and makes no sense. The ending feels too rushed and too tidy.
Overall, weak. 3/10.
2018's 'Forever Christmas' is sadly not one of watchable ones, though is not quite cash in level quality. Have absolutely personal against Lifetime and have liked enough of their work, but when they were on bad form the film in question was bad. While not one of their all time worst, 'Forever Christmas' fits this negative definition sadly. Very little works and the worst aspects are pretty awful and this is being said with regret, not malice.
'Forever Christmas' is not a disaster. The scenery is truly beautiful and the photography is also attractive and slickly framed.
Christopher Russell is a likeable leading man that deserved a better film and female lead, much better than he was in 'Merry Matrimony' where he was too introverted.
Was a lot less enamoured by Chelsea Hobbs however, who came over as bland and awkward. Their chemistry is non-existent, the two look so indifferent and under-rehearsed when together and there is just nothing to the relationship. The rest of the cast are a mix of very stiff or overripe.
The characters are shallow ciphers and little more than typical Lifetime cliches with no variation, and none of them are believably developed or likeable. The direction throughout is as indifferent as the lead chemistry and is at best leaden. The music is, as can be the case with Lifetime, intrusive and there is nothing memorable to it. When it comes to the dialogue, it is very awkward in flow and there is no heart to it.
Both the cheese and sentiment go overboard, and because of disliking the characters so much there was nothing in 'Forever Christmas' to connect with emotionally. The story is not much of one at all for most of the length, much of the first portion is endless and pointless filler and what there is of the story is very dull and makes no sense. The ending feels too rushed and too tidy.
Overall, weak. 3/10.
No chemistry makes for a bad show
mstexn12 November 2021
I liked the story line and the lead actor but there was no obvious chemistry between the two leads. And the actress, well...she should stick to being the villoness; she always has a look of being devious and hateful about her. Perhaps they can remake this movie with a different lead actress.
Chelsea Hobbs sizzles!
Racingphan226 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Chelsea Hobbs is just great in this movie that Lifetime renamed Forever Christmas. She is super cute and takes you on an emotional journey from first attraction to a confirmed relationship.
Christopher Russell seems to pop up in three or four Christmas movies a year, but his laid back charisma really evokes the meaning of Christmas.
Mr 365 gets an extra star for including one of the best of the rotating cast of Canadian actors that appear in all these movies on Lifetime and Hallmark, Ken Camroux-Taylor. His turn as the next door neighbor goes from comic to heart warming.
I would rather drown in Egg Nogg
Ed-Shullivan14 December 2019
Pumped in snow, wearing winter clothes in California, and just because the word "Christmas" is said as often as I blink my eyelids does not make this a Christmas themed film. The lead actress and actor show off their chiselled stomachs a few times during the movie which doesn't exactly harken of angels singing, but may be more appropriate with a stripper's rock song.
The romance between the two lead actors looks about as real as anything in the film but what does that have to do with Chritsmas?
I give this Lifetime film a 3 out of 10 rating
The romance between the two lead actors looks about as real as anything in the film but what does that have to do with Chritsmas?
I give this Lifetime film a 3 out of 10 rating
Total turkey.
ramananand15 December 2019
Ridiculous
tatjaansjaan7 December 2019
Watching a plant grow is more entertaining
jasperkrom9028 December 2019
There doesn't really happen anything is this film, except for the most unlikely romance and a guy, who is too perfect, who shows how to celebrate Christmas when you have a villa and too much money. But than, less entertaining than what I just wrote.
Such a cute holiday movie.
heatherbauer-0111727 October 2020
Bad casting of lead actors.
boself13 November 2020
Except for the editor in chief, the funny lady friend and the dog, there is absolutely nothing believable in this movie. I find it rather sad that movies like these are made. You know, you could have saved the movie somewhat by casting more believable lead actors for the parts they are playing.
Bit too sexy for this genre
SunnyDaise10 December 2022
With Christmas 365 and a cute dog, I thought this would be a regular all-age festive TV movie. However there is too much emphasis on the characters fancying the lead guy, so it is a bit awkward for kids etc. Also there is more intense kissing and even undressing than usual. I understand the context as it is spoofing reality TV etc but I'm not sure it really fits this style of movie. The ending IS typical and there are some nice moments along the way - especially the frank conversations - but we wouldn't watch again and will be cautious when choosing what to watch next from this company / cast. One last surprise - the end credits song is beautiful, but I wasn't expecting the religious element as nothing else in the movie is. I guess maybe it ties in with the charity theme.
Mr. Christmas is pretty perfect, too bad this romance is not.
cgvsluis30 January 2023
Christopher Russell's character Will Saunder's character is too good to be true as "Mr. Christmas". Sophia Worthy is a reality tv producer who convinces him to do a segment for her show with the promise that she won't make him look bad...enter her boss Paul Rivera who wants to add a little spice (or controversy) to the show.
Like I said Will is too good to be true, so romantics will love him...but the story is really lacking in romance otherwise...and steam. Looks great but comes across as juvenile in an adult arena, if that makes sense. As soft...if not softer than a Hallmark holiday film. Worth seeing once, but probably not worth a repeat.
Like I said Will is too good to be true, so romantics will love him...but the story is really lacking in romance otherwise...and steam. Looks great but comes across as juvenile in an adult arena, if that makes sense. As soft...if not softer than a Hallmark holiday film. Worth seeing once, but probably not worth a repeat.
Ruthy's 365 on film!
ellireid28 July 2020
I have followed the author of the book this film was based on for 10 years and I love Ruth's writing. This is a fun, light holiday story. It reminds me of my uncle who loved Christmas and was our Santa Clause. He took great pride and time in preparing for Christmas and made decorations all year. This story takes the love of Christmas, charity and the trouble of a reality TV series throwing in a love story. I hope some day Ruth's more serious books will also be adapted to screen, my favorites being Animate Me and Work of Art. <3
He's so hot
SnoopyStyle21 December 2022
TV producer Sophie Worthy (Chelsea Hobbs) is on thin ice after some recent fumbles. Her last chance may be making a reality TV star out of Will Saunders (Christopher Russell). He celebrates Christmas all year long.
The guy is super hot. It makes sense for him to be in a Lifetime Christmas movie. He is a little too casual for his own good. The role may work better with a more energetic Santa-like character. I can imagine a guy who works overtime to give gifts to children even if it's not Christmas time. This concept could be expanded to something so much more heartwarming. I just don't think that he would be good TV. They could edit a fun promo, but it's impossible to edit the whole show that way.
The guy is super hot. It makes sense for him to be in a Lifetime Christmas movie. He is a little too casual for his own good. The role may work better with a more energetic Santa-like character. I can imagine a guy who works overtime to give gifts to children even if it's not Christmas time. This concept could be expanded to something so much more heartwarming. I just don't think that he would be good TV. They could edit a fun promo, but it's impossible to edit the whole show that way.
I want a fireman who celebrates the season all year! Especially this one!
adamjohns-4257526 November 2020
I loved this one. It was a different setup than we've seen before and the romance was delivered quickly without all that drawn out tension that usually happens. Although there is some towards the end as you would expect.
I could have done without the vile gay guy. I prefer a kinder LGBT representation in films, but it was nice that it was there at least. I would also have liked to have seen the lead in his fireman outfit, although topless was good too. He is gorgeous!!! I also think another 15 minutes to show a bit more depth could have been good in this instance. Maybe show him at work or the shelter or perhaps give a bit more detail about his love of the season and how people could follow his lead, a moral message.
It could have gone down a very silly route, but it was played straight which I prefer.
So what happens when you celebrate Christmas all year around and a reality TV show wants to film you? Watch this to find out.
I could have done without the vile gay guy. I prefer a kinder LGBT representation in films, but it was nice that it was there at least. I would also have liked to have seen the lead in his fireman outfit, although topless was good too. He is gorgeous!!! I also think another 15 minutes to show a bit more depth could have been good in this instance. Maybe show him at work or the shelter or perhaps give a bit more detail about his love of the season and how people could follow his lead, a moral message.
It could have gone down a very silly route, but it was played straight which I prefer.
So what happens when you celebrate Christmas all year around and a reality TV show wants to film you? Watch this to find out.
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