A Christmas Mission (2020 TV Movie) User Reviews

Average

[Jackbv123 · 5/10 · 27 November 2021]

When it comes down to it, the story is another rehash of many of the same old things, but maybe with a little more diversity. Emma has a deadline for some great recognition and she has creator's block. Her childhood best friend shows up and they do a lot of Christmas things together. The climax is predictable.

Mary Antonini and Michael Xavier have good chemistry. There is a lot of screen time for their relationship.

The design guru, or the lady who seems like an influencer, is overdone, but influencers usually are. I'm not sure why - are they all really like that?

I thought Emma overreacted too much, but that can be normal too in these movies.

The story didn't have any great highs or lows or surprises. The only tension other than the relationships is the deadline. There is a tender moment near the end, but it's not enough.

My Christmas Mission To You Is To Watch This Christmas Movie.

[P3n-E-W1s3 · 7/10 · 30 December 2022]

Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for A Christmas Mission.

Story: 1.50/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.50/4 - Performances: 1.50/2 - Enjoyment: 1.50/2

Total 7/10

There is a surprising amount of things to like about this movie. First, there's the story. It comprises one main plot and three side plotlines. The three yarns have been used separately in many a Christmas movie. However, the writers use them superbly to keep the story engaging for the viewer. The principal tale is about Emma King. Celebrity Mogul, Kate Margulies, has chosen Emma's store to host her Christmas Eve Event. It also means she won't be able to visit her Father at home. This inconvenience doesn't upset her too much because it allows her to block herself from remembering her Mother's death the year before. But plans are underway to change Emma's mind. Her Dad's accepted Aaron's help - He's the former boyfriend fresh out of the military and promising to bring her home for Christmas. Of course, their relationship will re-ignite but will they make it to Happily Ever After Land, like most of the other Christmas movie principals? Interwoven with this is her Dad's story. Tom's writing a novel about his life. However, it becomes painfully clear that he might not know much about his family. Then there's Kate's event and all the preparation that goes into it. This subplot could easily have disappeared within the dominant storyline. However, the writers create a superb over-exuberant character with Kate, and her persona enables the formation of her own plot line. Last, there's the story about friends and family: There's plenty of rediscovery going on in A Christmas Mission.

Another bonus the writers give us is the creation of robust and credible individuals that populate the narrative. As I stated, Kate is an extrovert. Emma's Father, Tom, and Aaron are both the sturdy and quiet types. Unfortunately, this personality trait hinders them in their relationships and ultimately gives a deeper depth to the story. When Tom realises he knows more about his brothers-in-arms than about his family, it's saddening - but no hankies are required. We then witness his growing wisdom and understanding when he narrates from his book. And though nothing is astonishing about the other characters in the story, there are just as potently written. And luckily for the viewer, they are superbly portrayed by the actors and actresses. Of course, I simply adored Stephanie Sy, who imbued Kate with just the right amount of energy. It could've been easy to undercook or overcook a character like her.

The one element that could've been slightly better - and it is only slightly, was the direction. The director used a standard style of filming. But a touch more pizazz at key moments wouldn't have gone amiss. That said, they chose the right style for this type of tale as it allows the story to unfold and flow better; it also permits the performers to shine.

So, if you're looking for a Chrimbo pic to entertain you, I suggest you give A Christmas Mission a look-see. It's an enjoyable way to waste an hour and a half whilst cuddled up with your beloved under a cosy duvet.

Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.

Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.

Shown on Lifetime as "You Make It Feel Like Christmas".

[librau2 · 6/10 · 27 November 2021]

Nothing too interesting about this one. Leads are good. Plot is ho-hum but the missing letter scene is touching. However, the wokeaverse will be triggered by the lesbian arc. 🙄

LGBT movie with too many similar, millennial-aged female characters so a bit boring for 40+

[SunnyDaise · 3/10 · 22 November 2021]

This movie falls foul of the common problem with LGBT shows that there isn't enough variety / balance of genders. The plot about the main couple and parents is ok, but the secondary characters, especially the design guru, aren't likeable and even embarrassing. This movie would have worked better with less characters and flashbacks showing the leads' history including some military scenes, contrasting with the artist's career.

Mission or Feeling?

[carickmiller · 7/10 · 31 December 2021]

If your checking if you've watched or missed a show from Lifetime or Peacock-- This gem was listed under 2 names in 2021.

A. A Christmas Mission B. You Make It Feel Like Christmas.

Stopping at 30 minutes.

[Whitneywest10 · 1/10 · 22 November 2021]

I may try later to finish this but so far it's just awful. I only watched for the male lead since I've enjoyed some others he was in. But when the female lead was all Bye with her dad on the first Christmas without her mom, oh bells no. No piece of art is more important. Not one single piece ever. Then the Master Sergeant and Generals felted forced and overused. I watch a lot of holiday movies every year, this one just doesn't seem worth the time. Skip it. There's better ones out there.

Michael Xavier was the attraction!

[lyndavanleeuwen · 5/10 · 3 December 2022]

I decided to watch this because I like Michael Xavier, but I found the story line & the actors annoying!

The character played by Stephanie Sy, was a real annoyance, and most of the others weren't redeeming!

Michael Xavier & the actress who played his cousin Sarah, were likeable; the rest, not so much!

Gave up after a half hour! I suspect the writing was also part of the problem! Not much of story to follow!

I couldn't take that voice of Miss Margolies for much longer! Sad indeed!

Even on a windy Saturday afternoon, I gave up on this one!

Fractured family situation wasn't worth two hours of my time!

Loved it

[jessicapahkah · 10/10 · 5 December 2021]

I've watched a ton of these movies, even just this season, so if a movie can keep my attention and then also draw me in it's a good start. This started off with genuine laughs from me and kept me engaged the whole movie. I liked the main story line and the secondary one about the business partner. The acting was solid and real and genuine, not the usual forced "smiling so hard to prove they're happy because it's Christmas and problems don't exist" kind of acting. Also the chemistry between the leads was tangible, and the dialog/script felt really natural to me.

Yeah, some elements are totally recycled from every other movie because that's how this works. But that's why it's noteworthy that I'm still willing to watch and genuinely enjoyed it anyway.

A beautiful story about the impact of military service, and loss in families, childhood romance, and traditions.

[luvnalaja · 10/10 · 11 January 2022]

This is a good movie, that would have been great with a few adjustments and a better written ending. Mary Antonini did a beautiful job in her day view and I hope is the start of a great career. Michael Xavier is always charming, believable, and committed to his roles. They had great onscreen chemistry.

Not every Christmas story is the same, because everyone has a different heritage, with different traditions, and people in the U. S. (or Canada) come from different countries. While this movie has a familiar story line, the story itself is authentic, heartfelt, and beautiful!

For those complaining about the plot, Hallmark has made a living off of repeating story lines, usually putting actors in rolls with similar themes way too often at this point, and you've been supporting them for years!

Why can't Lifetime do a familiar story line with a twist? They're called universal themes for a reason, many can relate as it happens to almost everyone in "different ways".

We can all relate to the love of family, to holding on to true love, to how losing a loved one changes our lives, to cherishing traditions, and to practicing values such as service to others, the importance of the arts in human development and life, etc.

We also get to see the impact of military service in families, which only certain people understand, so is nice to get insight into this heartbreaking reality that families who serve go through.

These universal themes, human experiences and values, and happy endings are the reason people look forward to see these movies every year. This movie was cute and enjoyable!

I invite open minded people, who see everyone as "human beings" first and foremost, to give themselves the opportunity to watch this and other lifetime movies (especially those with minority leads and cast), and rate them in a fair, objective, and unbiased way, as it should be.

I'm very pleased with this beautiful movie, and others done since (especially in the 2021-22 holiday season), which have shown classy, and culturally diverse stories that celebrate family and love in all its forms.

Bravo to Lifetime for making a commitment to be a network that employs diverse casts and champions inclusion! Please continue to do so always, and continue making beautiful movies! Lord knows our nation needs to see our stories, our children need to see themselves represented in people who look like them, and our actors need the platform and the opportunities.

I celebrate and support them all! Bravo!

P. S.

This gem was listed under 2 names in 2021: First Lifetime showed it as: "A Christmas Mission".

Then Peacock streamed it as: "You Make It Feel Like Christmas".

Enjoy!

Loved it!

[rayjay-34342 · 10/10 · 8 December 2021]

It's loved it. Like many Christmas movies It's predictable and a little corny, but I love it anyway. I also like that it's not the typical we fell in love in the town Xmas vibe. I'd watch it again.

A charming, must see movie!

[butterflylarita · 10/10 · 21 November 2021]

This is a good movie. The leading actors did a great job! Miss Mary Antonini, who I had never seen before, is just lovely and a fresh new face, and I hope she does many more movies! And who doesn't love watching Mr. Michael Xavier, he always does a good job! They really made a cute couple! Plus I really appreciate the side story of the sister and the partner, how it was toned down, but being believable from today's life! Yes, the story line of these Christmas movies are predictable, but showing family love, sharing memories, and happy endings is what they are all about, and why fans look forward to see them each year! This was an enjoyable one!