'Christmas at the Golden Dragon' (2022)
Opening thoughts: 'Christmas at the Golden Dragon' was mainly seen for Hallmark film completest sake. Their 2022 output, like all their previous years, was unsurprisingly uneven. With some highs, some lows and plenty somewhere in between. But considering the tumultuous couple of years, the standard generally could have been worse. This is obvious in their Christmas block, which was very patchy in its first half but on the whole it did improve quite a bit. The type of location is a familiar one, but it didn't sound as formulaic as most Hallmark films and have always appreciated it when Hallmark explore family relationships and more serious themes.
There are better 2022 Hallmark films than 'Christmas at the Golden Dragon', not just their Christmas output but overall too. There are also worse. 'Christmas at the Golden Dragon' is in the high middle category. It could easily have been one of the best 2022 Hallmark films, with so much being as well executed as they were, but the less than promising first portion stopped that from happening. Stick with it as it does get better.
Bad things: Starting with the not so good things, 'Christmas at the Golden Dragon' Starts off very badly, didn't see the point of the montage, it didn't add much and doesn't really say anything.
Didn't warm to the characters straightaway, the character flaws being a little overdone which was a common problem in the 2022 Hallmark output. And it is slow to begin with.
Good things: With all of that being said, the film does get a lot better and there are a lot of good things. Kara Wang and Osric Chau (always nice to see non-regular Hallmark performers every now and again) are very engaging leads and are as good as any popular Hallmark regular when on form. They have a sincere and easy going chemistry together and the relationship is not too hurried or aimless. They are well served by the supporting cast, with the standouts being charming Genevieve Buechner and the ever classy Barbara Niven.
Moreover, the character writing does improve a lot, the characters become more likeable and grow. Production values are suitably slick, lovely locations as is often the case with Hallmark (though the locations' authenticity has always varied) and the music has a nice festive cosiness. There is a lght hearted and never awkward or cheesy script and the story has a lot of charm and warm heart, while having some familiar elements they are not done too predictably. The family relationships are handled honestly, movingly and tactfully.
Closing thoughts: In conclusion, starts rough but mostly good.
7/10.
