Joy for Christmas (2021 TV Movie) User Reviews

Good chemistry

[Jackbv123 · 7/10 · 21 December 2021]

The bones of this story are very much like many other movies where the romantic leads are thrown together to save a family institution. But in this case, it's a charity they are trying to save and the reason for the problem is not the usual slow business but because the family was scammed out of the collected donations. And instead of working on a pageant or a festival or a ball, Holly is trying to inspire Jack's Christmas spirit. The dynamics are different than the usual.

What impressed me in this movie was how natural Cindy Busby and Sam Page were together. Their conversations sounded natural. They really enjoyed their time together.

The climax creating the conflict is interesting and kind of ticked me off. For one thing it didn't make sense why a third party did what he did. And then there is a bit of a twist even if it leads to the expected.

Wesley MacInnes (Wes Mack) plays and sings a few Christmas songs and he sounds great.

What did I watch

[pearson1994 · 5/10 · 31 July 2022]

Yes I found it weird with step mom and step brother. But they were so focused on helping community children that when they opened their home to these kids, I saw o ly about maybe one and a half dozen kids and not more. Where were all these kids they were so fixated on getting gifts for.

OK ...

[toncincin · 5/10 · 28 December 2021]

Five stars for Sam Page. Minus for Cindy Busby. Can't for the life of me figure out why she keeps being cast in these movies - in Hallmark, GAC, and Lifetime. She is a terrible actor ... always plays the same character in EVERY movie. No different in this one. Thankfully she left Heartland ... she ruined it too.

Pair Sam Page with an actor of the same quality. He's awesome.

Better than average

[mbiv777 · 6/10 · 23 November 2022]

I'm still catching up from last year, and I just got around to Joy for Christmas.

This was actually pretty good.

The story involves a charity that has been ripped off, who's administrator is desperately trying to find a way to obtain toy donations by Christmas. She devises a plan to utilize the celebrity of a ballplayer, who's foundation has been similarly duped.

Sam Page plays the ballplayer, and he does a nice job. I'm kind of hit or miss with Sam. However, in this instance, he has excellent chemistry with his co-lead Cindy Busby. I have never been much of a fan of hers.

It might be just me, but it seemed to me there were a lot of shots of her...posterior regions. I've never noticed that before. I might like her a little better now.

Her sister is played by Erin Boyes, who has always been one of my favorites ever since she played Zoey in The Mistletoe Promise. Do yourself a favor and watch that.

All in all, worth a watch, if only once.

It was OK

[crosemnnc · 6/10 · 31 December 2021]

The story was OK. Cindy Busbee's character seems the same as all her other characters. The actress that played the sister was great. Maybe she should have been given the lead. She would probably have carried the part better.

It's a shame Cindy Busby's Real Life is the Same

[ReelProjectionist · 6/10 · 6 November 2022]

A gorgeous Canadian actress who just like her many movies, is always single, looking for the next best man that appears. Zero children always and no plans to start a family, her legacy will be a long list of B rated movies. You would think in all those years on the set the opportunity to start a meaningful life and family would of presented itself many times, but she didn't know how to recognize the true opportunities in real life. On paper she's perfect in ever way, Cindy can play any character with "real" emotion, but she cannot transform her personal life to reflect her movie life, which always ends "happier ever after!"

The Mystery of Lost Script. Or was it kidnaped?

[rebekahrox · 3/10 · 29 December 2021]

This movie began by ticking me off. Cindy Busby plays a publicist whose boss screws up a booking with their client leading to great embarrassment for her. Then he turns around and throws her under the bus when it was his fault. And apparently it is not the first time. Now most Hallmark heroines would suck it up and take one for the team, but not Cindy. She up and quits on the spot! Her boss is horrified because she is his star employee. So as quickly as it made me angry, it immediately redeemed itself.

At a loss as to her next career move, the family business beckons. Her sister is a top executive with the family firm and she tells her that they need her desperately. All of the money meant to fund their big charity of the year has been swindled. Cindy left the firm after her father, under the apparent influence of his second wife and her son, had gotten away from the charity, community and people-focused ethos begun by her dead mother and is now solely focused on profits. This is shaping up nicely into an interesting story involving more than a hint of family skullduggery with a dose of wicked stepmother and an equally wicked half-brother. And maybe even some justice served, groveling, redemption on the horizon.

To save the charitable event she recruits a fellow victim of the charity swindler, Sam Page, a famous ex-baseball player. It isn't easy because he eschews social events and is a famous scrooge. It seems like a high cost and low possibility of benefit scheme, and it's boring. But with only the support of her sister, she finally succeeds in getting his help, but they fail in attracting enough donations to benefit the needy children. And disappointingly for the intrigue and plot, the stepmother turns nice and helpful all of a sudden.

Cindy and Sam have fallen in love and shared intimate confidences. At the end of the failed event her still wicked stepbrother spitefully twists her words about Sam to him which results in hurt, confusion, and a breakup.

Ok, it's all shaping up as usual and I was all set for the misunderstanding to be cleared up, the charity saved at the last minute, and best of all for the bad stepbrother to get his comeuppance. Then the story just falls apart at the seams. I don't know what happened but either the writers either lost the plot or the powers that be in charge of family values at GAC tampered with the script. Without warning or explanation the stepbrother's firmly established conniving bad guy persona gets abandoned and he's suddenly all about goodness, family values, rainbows, and unicorns. The charity and the romance is rescued in a non-related plot development and the bad guy is as happy as the rest of the family. It was downright insulting. So this was an 8, got demoted to a 6 or 7 during the middle and ended up a 1. I'll be nice and up it to a 3 out of respect for Cindy Busby and Sam Page who were great together.

Cindy Busby sparkles!

[JBThackery · 9/10 · 29 December 2021]

The script is more original than usual for this genre, and reaches out more to the heart. The cast are on their toes, and demonstrate great chemistry. The plot and action get on a role and never lose momentum and entertainment value.

Sam Page and Cindy Busby balance each other out; he calms her anxiety, and she motivates him to do some good. Everyone can come away from this film feeling the good in life, and wanting to do something to make the world better.

Glad it is decent for my family's viewing. And Cindy, you one fine, pro actress!

Great cast - horrible storyline!

[GeeJoDeeGee · 1/10 · 23 December 2021]

I usually enjoy holiday movies and am not a harsh reviewer as they are just made to bring a small bit of joy to everyone and a mindless time out. They provide a nice storyline, nice scenery, and good decor.

This one had a great cast! I really enjoy each and every one of these cast member in all other movies.

However, they were made to appear dull and over the top elite - boring and uninteresting.

I absolutely could not get past the idea that the characters were all made to appear very wealthy, ran non-profits or investment firms, yet, when they were in dire need of monies for toys, not one could issue a check to cover the expense of toys.

Sorry, not fun to watch.

Sam Page is good

[tinatalksavon · 8/10 · 2 January 2022]

The best part of the movie was her (Cindy Busby) showing him (Sam Page) how to have fun & enjoy Christmas.

But, as in most movies starring Cindy Busby, another actress could have done a better job. CB is always so perky, smiley & fake.

Loved the DOG!!! Cute dog with cute expressions & actions.

In real life, a former baseball player and an $elite$ family could have just bought gifts for the children themselves. 💁

CAST TOO GOOD FOR THIS STORY

[dlmartin-24169 · 2/10 · 31 December 2021]

The cast is good and this story was lousy. If this is the quality from GAC, Hallmark has nothing to worry about. The characters had no chemistry, the story was disjointed and strange. Hard to care anything about these 2 people or the story.

Not even Sam Page could save this one.

[debbie_packer · 5/10 · 14 December 2022]

Sam Page is such a good actor, but even he couldn't save this movie. I'm not sure why they paired such a serious actor, who is so good at heartfelt roles, with an actress who is so different from his style. I try to like her, but her reactions in scenes are always so overacted. She comes across as a bratty kid in and adult body. If she would bring it down a few notches, she would be more believable in her roles. This was a nice story idea, but the script was poorly written. The only good thing about the movie was Sam Page. Too bad they wasted his talent on this movie. He works better with more serious actors like Lacey Chabert.

What a joy to watch!

[splashpont · 10/10 · 2 November 2022]

These Hallmark-actors (oops!) knock out a story celebrating actual (as in "real" rather than contrived) Christmas traditions from 20th century America: decorations, gathering as family (in its broadest definition), children and the need to remember gift-giving from the heart to those in need.

The singing of traditional carols (whose origins span the centuries) are sung tunefully with a single guitar, remembering key figures associated with the holiday--like Santa Claus (and Jesus, too).

The classic romcom design is used, though the joy of Christmas as focal point pervades every bit of angst. Enter into the meaning of the season with this GAC movie.

Ridiculously Bad Storyline. Unwatchable

[jjbalsalm · 1/10 · 4 March 2022]

Possibly the worst most arcane and stupid script in the history of cheesy TV movies. And that's saying a lot. Acting not too bad. Sets like a margarine box. Casting pretty awful. Music predictable. But all of these components are Oscar worthy compared to this goofball awful script.

Christmas

[judyharl · 10/10 · 25 July 2022]

This is a really good Christmas movie I must admit not a fan of Cindy Busby but she shined in this one. Sam Page always good a really good actor. Why is Cindy Busby so arrogant this movie was better but Sam played a real good lead as apposed to other leading actors like Ryan Pavey Ty Hynes.

Beautiful scenery beautiful sets wonderful casting .

Keep up the good work Cindy and Sam compliment each other's talents and empathy.

Joyless

[TheLittleSongbird · 4/10 · 30 January 2023]

GAC Family have literally just about been formed, but it's not faring too badly. Sure, there have been misfires, such as 'The Great Christmas Switch'. There have also been winners, primarily 'Much Ado About Christmas'. Despite not being a fan of Cindy Busby (at all), Sam Page has done a sizeable amount of above average and even good films and performances. The premise did sound quite cute, though nothing out of the ordinary. Was very willing to give it a fair chance.

'Joy for Christmas' did not live to its name for me, so it wasn't a joy. Actually found it very lacking in it and one of GAC Family's weaker films. The failure does not lie with Page or with the supporting cast, it's the script and story that sink the film and anybody who isn't a fan of Busby are not going to have their feelings converted (strengthened probably). 'Joy for Christmas' isn't awful or a complete mess, but if you want to see whether a newly formed company has been capable of good yet 'Much Ado About Christmas' is a much better bet.

The best aspect is Page, who is very likeable and easy going, not overplaying his role while not phoning in either. The supporting cast on the whole are fine too, with Erin Boyes bringing charm and vigour as the sister.

Did think also that 'Joy for Christmas' didn't look too bad, some very nice scenery here and photographed with care.

However, Busby comes over as much too manic and nothing looked natural about her performance, like she was trying too hard and making everything bigger than needed. Her character could have had more personality and development, while the romantic chemistry is too underused and low key to convince. There is too much of everything to do with the stepbrother, who is an over the top annoying caricature overacted to cartoonish effect by Madison Smith, and it leads to a conflict that is very forced and hasty. Would have liked more development to Page's character, he is the most interesting character in the film and progresses very believably but there could have been more of how he converts and have it happen more gradually.

On the whole, the story is very dull, very predictable in pretty much every area, lacks charm and takes itself a little too seriously. Also thought that it tried to do too much and that it needed to balance its elements a lot better (i.e. Less of the stepbrother, more romance). The script is stilted and also a real cheesefest that is really quite embarrassing to listen to later on. The ending is beyond unrealistic, with everything being resolved too easily, too neatly and in too rushed a manner. The music could have been used less and is forgettable and the direction is routine.

Concluding, rather lacklustre. 4/10.

I know they can do better.

[adamjohns-42575 · 4/10 · 4 February 2023]

Joy For Christmas (2021) -

I did not like Sam Page's character Jack at all. I just didn't connect with the cocky sports star type that he played and didn't really fit to be honest. He had none of the charm of his characters from 'Annie Claus Is Coming To Town' (2011) or 'A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love/Christmas Coincidence 3' (2020).

I couldn't see him giving in to her whims so easily, unless he really wanted to get in to her pants, which didn't seem likely. He was just so awkward in an odd role.

If Sam hadn't had a proven track record, I would probably have given up on the film altogether and I repeatedly felt like doing that.

Cindy Busby as Holly had an eternal optimism that was very annoying and she made everything too daft. Her dress at the end was absolutely hideous too.

The storyline was a very typical collection of clichés and a farcical concept where the leads had to come up with a massive event in a few days and in time for Christmas. It was even worse than other versions of this story that I have seen before.

The Step-Brother (Madison Smith) and Step-Mother (Lauren K. Robes) were stereotypically awful as well, as if they couldn't be bothered to explore their characters or give them any depth.

Not to mention the fact that her Sister Eve (Erin Boyes) could have done so much better than Bob (Wesley MacInnes) who was actually a bit grim and quite irrelevant to the story, as was their lacklustre flirtation.

The whole film felt like the people in charge were still working from old values, because I might have forgiven it more if it had been made 20 years ago, but for a 2021 effort it seemed more than a bit poor just two years later.

The ultimate result of the film was so unbelievable and I found it really unlikely that Jack managed to achieve so much in 24 hours. I believe in Christmas Miracles, but even the elves and Saint Nick would scoff at what they can achieve in these films sometimes.

As much as I like Sam, the performances overall and the story weren't enough to bring me back to this one again.

3.75/10.

Might be Busby's best

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 20 December 2023]

7.5 stars.

I've seen so many Hallmarks and Family stations movies featuring Busby as the lead female, but this is probably her best performance. Something about her acting seems to be self deprecating to a degree that detracts from her screen presence. Sometimes she is amazing, like in 'Joy for Christmas'. For the most part in this movie her style and personality are enjoyable. Her interpretation of this character comes across as endearing and sweet. That's not my general consensus for most of her performances, so I was pleasantly surprised. The lead male, he's always great, so he probably brings out her best form.

The aspects of this story that are refreshing are the musician who plays the guitar and helps them with the benefit event, and the blended family trying to get along. You can see there is weird tension amongst the family members, almost as if they feel like strangers, the stepmother and her son don't fit in and that whole element is interesting.

Good story even though its the same story as usual. Woman attracts man...pushes away man... comes back to man...man pushes away woman...both come together...misunderstanding...they repel each other...the misunderstanding is clarified...both unite in the last minute...kiss...credits roll.

Mediocre acting, scattered plot, great music

[jenrn-09722 · 5/10 · 9 November 2023]

This was a cute movie, but very hard to follow. There was mention of a couple charities being swindled, but never got the long and short of who did it and why they were not caught, nor the money returned. The brother wanted to end the charity side of the "family business" at the beginning because they were apprently one of the swindled, then suddenly becomes the charity's biggest cheerleader.foe no apprent reason. The brother attempts to sabotage the budding relationship, then suddenly tries to help Holly fix the relationship with Jack. The dad was also not a fan of the charity, then became a supporter as well. I almost got whiplash watching the multiple shifts in characters. The story felt like the writers had multiple ideas and couldn't make up their minds about which way they wanted the story to go. It felt like they just wrote in every direction and hoped it would sort itself out. If it had better fleshed out characters and chosen one decent storyline, it would have been probably held the attention. But by not developing the swindling aspect and having the brother and father have such character shifts, it just didnt feel like issues were resolved, just ignored. Holly even mentioned she was the reason Jack was in trouble in the press, then never once apologized to him for causing him grief. It felt unfinished and rushed. The saving grace for me was the singing. I am normally not a fan of singing in Hallmark movies, because it's usually the Hallmark players and they are stilted, awkward, and it feels scripted. This time they found an actual singer, who was comfortable singing and he truly felt like he was caroling off the cuff. Wes MacInnes is a great talent and was wonderful in the movie - I would have liked to see some actual character development for his character with the sister - that really felt ignored. I hope to see him in future movies with a bigger part. His impromtu caroling with Sam Page was great - high point of the movie. I would watch again just for that.