I enjoyed this 'Christmas in July' Hallmark movie. The plot was a bit more 'grown up' as another reviewer has pointed out, and the acting was very strong. The underlining message too was warm and heartfelt, which is what one might expect when watching a Hallmark movie. The storyline revolves around Maggie Collins (played by Amy Acker), who is awkwardly invited by her ex-husband Jeff's (played by Kristian Bruun) girlfriend Kate (played by Brooke Nevin) to spend Christmas with them and the children at her parents' estate in Aspen, Colorado. The plot thickens when Kate's brother Sam (played by Warren Christie) shows up for Christmas. Noticing that Maggie is struggling with seeing her daughters spend time with the new girlfriend/family, he makes her an offer to help her 'beat' his sister in the 'competition to win Christmas'. Little did they know that such a partnership would lead to something much more. Though the plot was very 'Hallmark' (predictable), it dealt with real-life issues common in the US; i.e., how parents and children deal with blended families after divorce, especially during the holidays. The script was strong, though I would have liked a bit more development of a backstory as to why Maggie and Jeff divorced. The dialogue between the two leads (Maggie and Sam) was engaging. Indeed, the chemistry between Amy Acker and Warren Christie was quite convincing on screen, I felt. The hot springs scene towards the end, for example, felt authentic. Warren too had some nice warm scenes with the daughters. Overall, both had excellent performances. The supporting cast was strong. The two daughters (played by Summer Howell and Myla Volk) both had very cute performances. If I am being honest, it did take me a while to get used to Kristian Bruun's performance as Jeff (the ex-husband); it seemed awkward at times. The movie too had a bit of your typical Hallmark festive cheer and Christmas spirit. In particular, I enjoyed the Reindeer Relay. The wrapping paper ornaments were a new one for me as well. And, of course, it would not be a Hallmark movie without the building of a gingerbread house. The music in this one was also done well, especially during the reindeer relay scenes, something that Hallmark and Lifetime don't always get right. All in all, it was a wonderful way to begin the 2021 Christmas season (in July). I highly recommend it.
43 Reviews
An Untraditional Christmas
atlasmb11 July 2021
Maggie (Amy Acker) is a single mother of two daughters. When her ex (Kristian Bruun) asks if the girls can spend Christmas in Aspen with his girlfriend Kate's (Brooke Nevin) family, it upsets Maggie's holiday traditions. When they ask if she wants to come too, it means some unusual relational dynamics will be at play. Things really get complicated when Kate's brother Sam (Warren Christie) unexpectedly comes for the holidays and is attentive to Maggie's needs.
Each of the characters is dealing with strong feelings, which ebb and flow with each happening or revelation. There really are no villains in this story, just miscommunications and realistic interpersonal concerns.
The cast is uniformly strong, giving each character its due in the emotional dance that envelops them all. The ending is satisfying, but open enough that a sequel could even make sense. I would watch it.
Each of the characters is dealing with strong feelings, which ebb and flow with each happening or revelation. There really are no villains in this story, just miscommunications and realistic interpersonal concerns.
The cast is uniformly strong, giving each character its due in the emotional dance that envelops them all. The ending is satisfying, but open enough that a sequel could even make sense. I would watch it.
A more than worthwhile crash
TheLittleSongbird10 March 2022
Don't let the title put you off. From the title, one would think that 'Crashing Through the Snow' could be very cheesy and corny. Did remind myself though that there are many Hallmark films with unappealing, corny titles, but actually the content of the film itself is more mature than it sounds. This did sound interesting and different, and with it being one of the better reviewed 2021 Hallmark films of an inconsistent year expectations were raised.
Those expectations were met on the whole. 'Crashing Through the Snow' did something different, which was really appreciated in a year where there was a good deal of tired executions of tired formulas, and did it very well a vast majority of the time. As far as the 2021 Hallmark films go, 'Crashing Through the Snow' is one of the best by quite some way, along with 'A New Year's Resolution' and 'As Luck Would Have It' (that one surprised me).
Will begin with the not so good. The ex-boyfriend character could have been better incorporated in the story perhaps, the role is a bit of a stretch in the context of the situation and is played a little too seriously.
Also thought that the final quarter was on the too rushed and tidy side.
However, 'Crashing Through the Snow' is near-uniformly well acted, especially Amy Acker and Brooke Nevin as the most real characters and Acker and Warren Christie work well together. The characters mostly don't come over as excessively over the top, there is awkwardness but it fits with the tone, and they are not dull either. The dramas and conflicts feel realistic and relatable and don't come over as too sentimental or forced.
It looks good and the music at least fits and sounds appealing. The script is funny and light-hearted while also having a serious edge when needed without going overboard in that. The story doesn't come over as formulaic, structurally it's unique for the 2021 Hallmark films with very little typical or recycled about it (by Hallmark standards that is). It is warm-hearted and has a liveliness, without going overkill. There is some awkwardness but the conflicts and situation called for that. It is also heart-warming and never mean-spirited.
Overall, a surprising winner and much better than the title suggests. A title that doesn't do it justice. 8/10.
Those expectations were met on the whole. 'Crashing Through the Snow' did something different, which was really appreciated in a year where there was a good deal of tired executions of tired formulas, and did it very well a vast majority of the time. As far as the 2021 Hallmark films go, 'Crashing Through the Snow' is one of the best by quite some way, along with 'A New Year's Resolution' and 'As Luck Would Have It' (that one surprised me).
Will begin with the not so good. The ex-boyfriend character could have been better incorporated in the story perhaps, the role is a bit of a stretch in the context of the situation and is played a little too seriously.
Also thought that the final quarter was on the too rushed and tidy side.
However, 'Crashing Through the Snow' is near-uniformly well acted, especially Amy Acker and Brooke Nevin as the most real characters and Acker and Warren Christie work well together. The characters mostly don't come over as excessively over the top, there is awkwardness but it fits with the tone, and they are not dull either. The dramas and conflicts feel realistic and relatable and don't come over as too sentimental or forced.
It looks good and the music at least fits and sounds appealing. The script is funny and light-hearted while also having a serious edge when needed without going overboard in that. The story doesn't come over as formulaic, structurally it's unique for the 2021 Hallmark films with very little typical or recycled about it (by Hallmark standards that is). It is warm-hearted and has a liveliness, without going overkill. There is some awkwardness but the conflicts and situation called for that. It is also heart-warming and never mean-spirited.
Overall, a surprising winner and much better than the title suggests. A title that doesn't do it justice. 8/10.
Pretty good for a hallmark christmas romcom
Jithindurden26 February 2022
For a made for TV Christmas rom-com that didn't even come out on Christmas this was pretty great. There are many shortcomings due to the way it is produced but despite all that, it is much better than it has any right to be. An awkward family gathering and a romance around it is not a new concept but the family dynamics that are kind of entirely new with the exes prospectively going for siblings while thinking about their kids have been dealt with nicely. Amy Acker was so charming that even some of the over the top moments became much more believable. I wish this was an actual Hollywood production with a few cast changes which would've really made this a great Christmas rom-com.
Delightfully differrent
Jackbv12311 July 2021
The very fact that the premise is so unlikely for any of the participants to actually go along with is the strength of this movie. What mom would agree to this? Even more so, what new girlfriend would create the invitation? So many people complain (including me) about Hallmark's lack of fresh stories - this one is different.
At first, Kate is too perfect. And Brooke Nevin handles this quite well and even more so as the cracks in her façade appear.
The self-deprecating, clumsy, insecure Maggie is right in Amy Acker's wheelhouse. Many of us first knew her as Angel's Winnifred, but Acker has since been so many other personalities. Hallmark has used her, twice I think, but I think they should do so even more going forward. Actually, Acker probably overdoes this role slightly, but this personality is important in the story, so it's not surprising she has to really sell it.
Yes, Angst. The situation is unlikely because it's awkward and full of angst, and all the main actors bring this out. The insecurity of a mother afraid of losing her daughters to a step mother. A possible step mother afraid of competing with the real mom for both her possible husband and the girls. An ex-husband and boyfriend caught in the middle trying to reconcile them all but making mistakes that only make things seem worse. Isn't all this realistic?
There is a little more depth in this story than the usual Hallmark Christmas movie. It's not quite up with Two Turtle Doves, or Holly & Ivy, but this movie isn't the same old fluff like so many we get between late October and the first of the year.
I liked that there were no villains. In so many movies where there is a rival girlfriend or rival boyfriend, that person is developed into a villain. Often, the writers turn that character at the end to make them into an understanding and forgiving person. I never like either trope. It doesn't feel natural. But there doesn't have to be a true romantic rival here and thus there doesn't have to be a villain. These are real people trying to do the best they can for themselves and for two young girls. It's true that Jeff is wrong in a few ways including blaming Maggie for the situation, but it's only because he too is trying to dig himself out of a mess, and everyone's first reaction to a mess is to find someone to blame.
I thought the ending was a hair anti-climatic so maybe not a perfect score for this movie.
At first, Kate is too perfect. And Brooke Nevin handles this quite well and even more so as the cracks in her façade appear.
The self-deprecating, clumsy, insecure Maggie is right in Amy Acker's wheelhouse. Many of us first knew her as Angel's Winnifred, but Acker has since been so many other personalities. Hallmark has used her, twice I think, but I think they should do so even more going forward. Actually, Acker probably overdoes this role slightly, but this personality is important in the story, so it's not surprising she has to really sell it.
Yes, Angst. The situation is unlikely because it's awkward and full of angst, and all the main actors bring this out. The insecurity of a mother afraid of losing her daughters to a step mother. A possible step mother afraid of competing with the real mom for both her possible husband and the girls. An ex-husband and boyfriend caught in the middle trying to reconcile them all but making mistakes that only make things seem worse. Isn't all this realistic?
There is a little more depth in this story than the usual Hallmark Christmas movie. It's not quite up with Two Turtle Doves, or Holly & Ivy, but this movie isn't the same old fluff like so many we get between late October and the first of the year.
I liked that there were no villains. In so many movies where there is a rival girlfriend or rival boyfriend, that person is developed into a villain. Often, the writers turn that character at the end to make them into an understanding and forgiving person. I never like either trope. It doesn't feel natural. But there doesn't have to be a true romantic rival here and thus there doesn't have to be a villain. These are real people trying to do the best they can for themselves and for two young girls. It's true that Jeff is wrong in a few ways including blaming Maggie for the situation, but it's only because he too is trying to dig himself out of a mess, and everyone's first reaction to a mess is to find someone to blame.
I thought the ending was a hair anti-climatic so maybe not a perfect score for this movie.
Is Hallmark growing up?
rebekahrox11 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This one had an interesting dynamic and not in the usual Hallmark playbook of magic Santas, country good city bad, save the town/store/festival, and countless others too many to mention.
A mother finds herself at her ex-husband's girlfriend's estate at Christmas locked in a competition with the girlfriend for her two daughters' attention . I'll let that sink in. The slightly estranged brother of the girlfriend shows up uninvited and Mom and brother are attracted to each other. The mother and ex-husband are on good terms. The girlfriend, who invited Mom when she found out that Mom had never been away from her kids at Christmas, is not evil. She is really nice and loves the kids and the ex-husband.
So where's the conflict and drama? That's the thing. There wasn't much. They are all just so nice. The girlfriend, anxious to please and trying too hard, overschedules the kids leaving no time for Mom and her daughters' own Christmas traditions. Mom starts feeling like a third wheel at the Kate, Jeff, and Daughters' Show. The brother feeds in to her insecurity and starts wresting the girls attention away from Kate and towards Mom with a variety of activities that aren't on Kate's itinerary. Now Kate's feelings are hurt. But he means well (really). He has a complicated relationship with his sister.
The big crisis is when the oldest daughter runs away when Dad proposes to the girlfriend at dinner without warning. Bad move, Dude. But he takes ownership of his thoughtless faux pas, girlfriend Kate smooths things over, and all is well.
There is a lot more going on, of course, involving a possible career move by the brother and family complications.
It was well acted by all, although I thought the ex-husband was a bit miscast. The klutzy Mom (spoiler alert) even manages NOT to break the stepmother's hand blown Venetian ornament. Yes, there is a stepmother. But she's nice too! There was some good comedy involving the Mom's klutziness. And good for Hallmark for not basing a Christmas romance on silliness and shenanigans, but the authentic emotion and complicated feelings involved in the formation of new family ties and big change.
A mother finds herself at her ex-husband's girlfriend's estate at Christmas locked in a competition with the girlfriend for her two daughters' attention . I'll let that sink in. The slightly estranged brother of the girlfriend shows up uninvited and Mom and brother are attracted to each other. The mother and ex-husband are on good terms. The girlfriend, who invited Mom when she found out that Mom had never been away from her kids at Christmas, is not evil. She is really nice and loves the kids and the ex-husband.
So where's the conflict and drama? That's the thing. There wasn't much. They are all just so nice. The girlfriend, anxious to please and trying too hard, overschedules the kids leaving no time for Mom and her daughters' own Christmas traditions. Mom starts feeling like a third wheel at the Kate, Jeff, and Daughters' Show. The brother feeds in to her insecurity and starts wresting the girls attention away from Kate and towards Mom with a variety of activities that aren't on Kate's itinerary. Now Kate's feelings are hurt. But he means well (really). He has a complicated relationship with his sister.
The big crisis is when the oldest daughter runs away when Dad proposes to the girlfriend at dinner without warning. Bad move, Dude. But he takes ownership of his thoughtless faux pas, girlfriend Kate smooths things over, and all is well.
There is a lot more going on, of course, involving a possible career move by the brother and family complications.
It was well acted by all, although I thought the ex-husband was a bit miscast. The klutzy Mom (spoiler alert) even manages NOT to break the stepmother's hand blown Venetian ornament. Yes, there is a stepmother. But she's nice too! There was some good comedy involving the Mom's klutziness. And good for Hallmark for not basing a Christmas romance on silliness and shenanigans, but the authentic emotion and complicated feelings involved in the formation of new family ties and big change.
Surprisingly movie!
hallmarkmov14 July 2021
I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed the movie! It was well written and kept me in suspense. I liked that there was no villain but like in real life we make people villains who we are threatened by and they are often threaten by us as well. It was a nice movie about blended families and all the awkwardness that comes along with that. The tough conversations, the balancing act, hurt feelings, and that no one is perfect. There were many mirrored storylines for each generation and they learned from one another. Lots of Christmas activities, cookies, and decorations.
The Premise was WILDLY unrealistic, but there there was chemistry between Acker and Christie and some good moments
MichaelByTheSea14 December 2021
As someone else pointed out, people often complain about Hallmark movies being all the same. I don't think that's fair, even though they do tend to follow a basic formula (there's only so many ways to tell a feel good love story). But this is not a typical Hallmark cookie cutter movie. The problems of divorced couples are rarely featured in Hallmark movies (former spouses tend to be conveniently dead). And there were some authentic well acted moments in the movie. That said, as a divorced father, I think it's wildly wildly wildly implausible that a divorced mother would ever agree to spend Christmas (and the days leading up to it) with her ex husband's girlfriend and her family, in their home, in another state (or that the ex and his girlfriend would suggest it- and pick that time to...). That kind of fantasy may work for Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, but not for the other 99.5% of us. Then again, with all the secret prince, amnesia, magical Santa, time travel stories, Hallmark is not exactly devoted to plausibility.
I like Amy Acker, Brooke Nevin, and Warren Christie, and there was good chemistry between Acker and Christie. But the ex husband Jeff was horribly miscast (not his fault). I don't see him being with either Acker or Nevin and I didn't see any chemistry between him and Nevin.
But kudos to Hallmark for trying something different and including a divorce plot line with both parents being around (instead of the convenient "my ex is out of the country on business" plot line). It was unrealistic, especially for those of us who had the opposite of an amicable divorce, but there's a lot to be said for promoting a post divorce life that puts the needs of the kids first. But that's easier to say then do.
I like Amy Acker, Brooke Nevin, and Warren Christie, and there was good chemistry between Acker and Christie. But the ex husband Jeff was horribly miscast (not his fault). I don't see him being with either Acker or Nevin and I didn't see any chemistry between him and Nevin.
But kudos to Hallmark for trying something different and including a divorce plot line with both parents being around (instead of the convenient "my ex is out of the country on business" plot line). It was unrealistic, especially for those of us who had the opposite of an amicable divorce, but there's a lot to be said for promoting a post divorce life that puts the needs of the kids first. But that's easier to say then do.
Breath of Fresh Air
slclorenzen31 October 2021
Crashing Through the Snow was written with love, humor and believability ! I enjoyed it so much. It's not your typical Hallmark movie plot and was a breath of fresh air for me. Everyone was cast perfectly and all did a Christmas movie worthy acting job ! And, for all the nay sayers about x's spending time together..... I know a lot of blended families, with x's, that spend holidays together. Watch it and enjoy, it's a fun ride !!
Amy Acker makes it worth it
jfenn5305825 July 2021
The ex-husband was really, really, miscast, and while the all around nice-ness of the ex and step-mother dynamic is a bit too saccharine for me, the emotions of a blended family during Christmas make it worth watching.
A better Hallmark movie.
Avidviewer-0284728 July 2021
This is a more mature Hallmark movie, it still has "cocoa" and "traditions", but it's more modern and real. Jeff and Maggie are a divorced couple, that's the new reality and Jeff has a girlfriend Kate and Maggie has a developing relationship with Sam, Kate's brother. That parallels life, even though Hallmark would like all marriages to be "forever" they aren't, people get divorced and remarry. Amy Acker and Warren Christie the two leads have chemistry and the story is good and believable.
Hallmark has missed so many opportunities for hits, like the 2016 film "The Pumpkin Pie Wars" with Eric Aragon and Julie Gonzalo. They could have had spin offs from that movie, but they missed it. They have had competition from Lifetime, UP, Paramount and others ,which means their "formulaic" model isn't a trade secret any longer. Hallmark has to up their game and produce a higher quality product.
Hallmark has missed so many opportunities for hits, like the 2016 film "The Pumpkin Pie Wars" with Eric Aragon and Julie Gonzalo. They could have had spin offs from that movie, but they missed it. They have had competition from Lifetime, UP, Paramount and others ,which means their "formulaic" model isn't a trade secret any longer. Hallmark has to up their game and produce a higher quality product.
A good, quality Hallmark movie
fxaxrx11 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Prior to being televised and watching the commercials/promos, I wasn't optimistic about this movie. Amy Akers, Brooke Nevins, and Warren Christie are remarkable actors that have a proven track record for good hallmark movies. So when multiple actors are in the same movie, combination works well or it is a disaster.
But fortunately they worked well together with the right emphasis on each storyline. Premise of the movie is ex-wife is invited on a Xmas trip with ex-husband and his soon to be announced fiancé and her family. The main storyline is Amy's character adjusting with the family addition, Brooke's character trying to fit into, and Warren's character dealing with his issues.
Amy aptly demonstrates the angst and frustration of "losing" her daughters to their soon to be mother and them getting older. Brooke's imagined competition with Amy and trying to be the daughter's new mother. Warren is the successful but wayward son-chef and dealing with his feelings for Amy.
The movie intertwines the 3 storylines very well and reaches an adequate conclusion. Overall the movie moved at a good pace and was well-balanced in its content and attention to each storyline. The acting was believable and executed well.
Now for the negatives about the movie. First I had an issue with the ex-husband and his gaslighting of Amy's character. His insistence of "dragging her along" argument when really it was Brooke's begging Amy to go with them. This really highlighted the fact Brooke's character wanted to usurp Amy's character as the girls' stepmother. She really overstepped with the holiday reading and earring moment. The husband made some serious erroneous assumptions about how his ex-wife and oldest daughter took the engagement news. He never apologized for being rude and disrespectful.
Warren's character had to deal with personal issues of being there for someone. He takes a liking for Amy and eggs her on to compete with his sister. It really go weird knowing his sister was getting married to his love interest's ex-husband and he was getting into a relationship with Amy. He would become an uncle-daddy to her daughters if they were to marry.
It was a better than average Hallmark movie.
But fortunately they worked well together with the right emphasis on each storyline. Premise of the movie is ex-wife is invited on a Xmas trip with ex-husband and his soon to be announced fiancé and her family. The main storyline is Amy's character adjusting with the family addition, Brooke's character trying to fit into, and Warren's character dealing with his issues.
Amy aptly demonstrates the angst and frustration of "losing" her daughters to their soon to be mother and them getting older. Brooke's imagined competition with Amy and trying to be the daughter's new mother. Warren is the successful but wayward son-chef and dealing with his feelings for Amy.
The movie intertwines the 3 storylines very well and reaches an adequate conclusion. Overall the movie moved at a good pace and was well-balanced in its content and attention to each storyline. The acting was believable and executed well.
Now for the negatives about the movie. First I had an issue with the ex-husband and his gaslighting of Amy's character. His insistence of "dragging her along" argument when really it was Brooke's begging Amy to go with them. This really highlighted the fact Brooke's character wanted to usurp Amy's character as the girls' stepmother. She really overstepped with the holiday reading and earring moment. The husband made some serious erroneous assumptions about how his ex-wife and oldest daughter took the engagement news. He never apologized for being rude and disrespectful.
Warren's character had to deal with personal issues of being there for someone. He takes a liking for Amy and eggs her on to compete with his sister. It really go weird knowing his sister was getting married to his love interest's ex-husband and he was getting into a relationship with Amy. He would become an uncle-daddy to her daughters if they were to marry.
It was a better than average Hallmark movie.
Miscast with Jeff, not believable
ssc722 October 2021
This one is a bit different than the cookie cutter of the usual Lifetime Christmas movie. That in itself is great. Don't fret the same-o patterns are still there. New love interest, a little conflict, a confusion, first kiss then make up. But this time it has an unbelievable story ofa woman going on a christmas vacation with her ex and his current g/f. No one in real life would ever do this no matter how much goading. The ex couple act more like college friends or better yet a woman and her gay friend. The man who plays Jeff is not a good fit for this part, he doesn't act like he loves either of the women, zero chemistry. The only real feeling I saw was when he was angry. The women did a good job, not really buying how nice either of them are to each other, but hey, it's not like they are fighting over the ex. The new love is classic rugged looking, he does good too. Not sure if it makes my cut of every year watch...
There's a missed opportunity here.
adamjohns-4257523 December 2021
Surely the reason that Maggie split up with Jeff was because he's so obviously gay? That would have made this a far more interesting story actually and showed something quite current, as more and more same sex couples are becoming parents or are able to find the courage to come out and still be a parent despite a break up. The 'Stepmom' thing has been done before though and they all seemed quite mismatched. I might even have swapped the couples around. I certainly can't see Brooke Nevin and Kristian Braun's characters getting together. I give it a year before he realises that it wasn't Amy Acker as Maggie's fault that they separated and that he actually enjoys fellas instead.
I can see Maggie and Sam working in a different setting, but it almost feels that she should have got back together with Jeff and Sam should have ended up with Kate, if she hadn't been his sister. I'd actually like to see more films about separated parents coming back together, but done properly. The other guy should be used as a tool to show what they've been missing.
Something in the setup is definitely amiss though and I obviously can't put my finger on it exactly.
I did like the fact that they looked at how Christmas is spent for divorced families and what that means emotionally for both sets of parents and the kids.
They explore how hard it must be to find favour as a new stepmother to two girls and how heart wrenching it surely is to let those kids go if you're the biological mother. All of which must be done of course whilst trying to balance a relationship with exes and yet still move on in your everyday life, including a potential new romance.
I would just like to have seen it finessed a bit more.
There is plenty of Christmas and a lovely posh house and it helps that Warren Christie is easy on the eye. I think they could have made more of that in the "Hot Spa" scene though.
It's not a bad film in its genre and I would say give it a watch, but all of the actors have done better.
6ish?/10.
I can see Maggie and Sam working in a different setting, but it almost feels that she should have got back together with Jeff and Sam should have ended up with Kate, if she hadn't been his sister. I'd actually like to see more films about separated parents coming back together, but done properly. The other guy should be used as a tool to show what they've been missing.
Something in the setup is definitely amiss though and I obviously can't put my finger on it exactly.
I did like the fact that they looked at how Christmas is spent for divorced families and what that means emotionally for both sets of parents and the kids.
They explore how hard it must be to find favour as a new stepmother to two girls and how heart wrenching it surely is to let those kids go if you're the biological mother. All of which must be done of course whilst trying to balance a relationship with exes and yet still move on in your everyday life, including a potential new romance.
I would just like to have seen it finessed a bit more.
There is plenty of Christmas and a lovely posh house and it helps that Warren Christie is easy on the eye. I think they could have made more of that in the "Hot Spa" scene though.
It's not a bad film in its genre and I would say give it a watch, but all of the actors have done better.
6ish?/10.
Not the Typical Hallmark Movie
tiffanytallent198113 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, does Amy Acker ever age? I remember watching her on the show, Dollhouse, over 20 years ago. She basically looks the same now as then! Acker plays Maggie, who gets invited by her ex husband's (Jeff) new girlfriend (Kate) to spend Christmas with them. This way, Maggie doesn't have to spend the holidays away from her kids. She begins to feel left out of the new family dynamic. To make matters worse, Kate's brother, Sam, intensifies Maggie's insecurities about her kids liking Kate more. This was such a jerk move. I automatically didn't like Sam. He agreed to help Maggie "win" Christmas from Kate, if she will help him with a work project. As they spend time together, Maggie and Sam fall hard for each other. He does manage to prove he's a decent guy after all. In the end, Maggie learns that there is room for Kate in the family and that her kids can love them both. Sam learns how to take responsibility for his life and go after what he truly wants.
I enjoyed the storyline in this movie because it's different from the usual. Maggie and Sam had AMAZING chemistry, much better than most TV movies. Jeff and Maggie seemed very natural together as ex spouses, turned good friends. But, Jeff and Kate did NOT feel like a couple in love. I'm not even sure I remember them kiss even once. I realize they were the secondary couple, but a little connection would be nice. Other than this, I definitely enjoyed it!
I enjoyed the storyline in this movie because it's different from the usual. Maggie and Sam had AMAZING chemistry, much better than most TV movies. Jeff and Maggie seemed very natural together as ex spouses, turned good friends. But, Jeff and Kate did NOT feel like a couple in love. I'm not even sure I remember them kiss even once. I realize they were the secondary couple, but a little connection would be nice. Other than this, I definitely enjoyed it!
Warren Christie - Great as Usual, Amy Acker - Terrible as Usual
dorothyexeter1 December 2021
I agree with at least one other reviewer here.
Amy Acker has such an artificial exaggerated smile.
I hope that Hallmark gets the message that these contrived smiles just don't depict a pleasurable realistic look! ... and spoil the desire to watch such films.
There are other recent actresses that exhibit such obnoxious SMILEs.
This is a reason that I don't watch the films with Amy in them, nor the other films with actresses with such artificial smiles.
However, Warren Christie is a very amicable character to watch.
He is such, as usual, in this film.
This is the only reason I gave this a rating of 6. Without him the rating would be substandard and below 5.
Amy Acker has such an artificial exaggerated smile.
I hope that Hallmark gets the message that these contrived smiles just don't depict a pleasurable realistic look! ... and spoil the desire to watch such films.
There are other recent actresses that exhibit such obnoxious SMILEs.
This is a reason that I don't watch the films with Amy in them, nor the other films with actresses with such artificial smiles.
However, Warren Christie is a very amicable character to watch.
He is such, as usual, in this film.
This is the only reason I gave this a rating of 6. Without him the rating would be substandard and below 5.
Cute and engaging!
dlmartin-241697 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I thought main characters were all terrific, but just wasn't sold on the ex-husband. I loved the fact that these characters were more adult and interesting. Amy and Warren were terrific and had a lot of chemistry in the movie. As a divorced mother, I could relate to the issues here especially when it came to the ear piercing. Loved it when the Mother said there were certain rites of passage including watching Gilmore girls and that the dad and stepmom shouldn't take those away from her. Had some great funny lines.
actual stakes
SnoopyStyle4 July 2022
Maggie Collins (Amy Acker) is set to spend a rare Christmas without her daughters. Her ex-husband Jeff Randall (Kristian Bruun) and girlfriend Kate Reynolds (Brooke Nevin) are bringing them to her family's Aspen home. Before Sam could stop her, Kate invites Maggie. Sam Reynolds (Warren Christie) is Kate's charming brother.
This is not the usual Hallmark fare. There is real stakes imbedded in the premise. Normally, this would be a fight to the finish between Maggie and the villainous Kate with a final reconciliation to conclude the story. The fact that this is Hallmark complicates matters a bit and I'm not sure the mixture the film decides upon. They do keep the conflict at a good simmer but never at a boil. The kids give this movie actual stakes but Hallmark does prevent it from turning into actual conflicts.
This is not the usual Hallmark fare. There is real stakes imbedded in the premise. Normally, this would be a fight to the finish between Maggie and the villainous Kate with a final reconciliation to conclude the story. The fact that this is Hallmark complicates matters a bit and I'm not sure the mixture the film decides upon. They do keep the conflict at a good simmer but never at a boil. The kids give this movie actual stakes but Hallmark does prevent it from turning into actual conflicts.
If you've been through a divorce... this is really good
dankolbet4 November 2021
Very fun/cute Hallmark movie!!
jimdebc16 July 2021
Definitely worth a watch! Great cast with such fun characters. Amy Acker really shined & her character was actually really fun (sometimes quite hilarious), yet such a warm, loving mom! And Warren Christie is always enjoyable to watch in pretty much anything, (especially in "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"). This is quickly becoming a new favorite & love to watch it each time it's on!
Had potential
jakethesnake-420076 November 2021
It started off good but the middle was meh and like all hallmark films the end is just well predictable and it just ends. There's good chemistry between the leads. The story is good I haven't seen it done in hallmark films but it's just meh. It could of been so much better but it's just meh.
Not your Mother's Hallmark movie
simms-2673824 October 2021
Finally! A movie from Hallmark that isn't a repeated script with different actors plugged in! It's still made-for-tv, but a breath of fresh air.
So many of their movies are so focused on romance, that Christmas is just the background. This one has some humour, physical humour, lots of Christmas fun too.
So many of their movies are so focused on romance, that Christmas is just the background. This one has some humour, physical humour, lots of Christmas fun too.
Great Family Movie
marsmii14 December 2021
Fun movie!
pktharris12 July 2021
WE NEED A DUO WEDDING SEQUEL
mrocco-114 April 2022
I haven't missed a Hallmark/Hallmark MM/Lifetime/UP romance movies in over a decade. I love them all, although some stand way above others. This is top of class, mostly due to a story line that put the conflict on the divorce/insecurity situation instead of the usual easily solved misunderstanding between the H/h. Then add the HIGH caliber acting, I swear that Amy Acker steals every production she's in, although Warren Christie, with his classic movie star good looks, holds his own. I always wonder if acting is like playing tennis, you rise to the level of your opponent. They were both smoking hot!
This is a keeper and how fun would it be to have a them reprise these characters in a June 'duo' wedding movie? Yes a little unrealistic but isn't that what romance movies are all about?
PS when I read people criticize the movies I love best for not being realistic or whatever the usual Hallmark criticisms are, I always think I have way too much realism in my life, please give me fantasy, cheesy wholesomeness and lots of HEA's!
This is a keeper and how fun would it be to have a them reprise these characters in a June 'duo' wedding movie? Yes a little unrealistic but isn't that what romance movies are all about?
PS when I read people criticize the movies I love best for not being realistic or whatever the usual Hallmark criticisms are, I always think I have way too much realism in my life, please give me fantasy, cheesy wholesomeness and lots of HEA's!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
