As soon as I saw Peter Gallagher (aka the dad from 'The OC') and Bruce Campbell (aka Ash from the 'Evil Dead' franchise) at the top of the bill, I was looking forward to seeing 'One December Night'. I can report that I was not disappointed. The acting is great. The story is engaging; i.e., it feels genuine. And the musical performances sprinkled here and there are surprisingly good. The story is about two feuding rock star fathers (played by Bruce Campbell and Peter Gallagher) who, after ten years, reunite for a lucrative holiday concert in the small town of Pineville, the place where their band, Bedford and Sullivan, began. The challenging task of keeping these two from butting heads lies with their children, Jason Bedford (played by Brett Dalton) and Quinn Sullivan (played by Eloise Mumford). Jason and Quinn, who also work in the music industry, have their own personal and professional motives for making sure their dads reconcile and take the stage that one December night. It is through this challenging experience that the two reconnect and soon discover that they are more than childhood friends. The story has several layers, several storylines. The writers do an excellent job of bringing these together in a coherent, and more importantly, engrossing overall narrative. What makes this work, and one of the strengths of the film, is character development. The writers do a brilliant job of portraying Bedford and Sullivan as complicated and flawed men who are at turning points in their lives. The dialogue, in particular, between the two reveals a considerable amount of depth to their relationship, which pulled me in as a viewer. The script also does a good job of integrating humor with the more touching, heartfelt scenes. I may have even shed a tear or two. What makes all this work on-screen, of course, is the acting. It was impressive. Both Campbell and Gallagher had strong performances. They are the perfect duo in this one, both tapping into different energies that work well together on-screen. Dalton and Mumford too had convincing performances. The chemistry between the two felt authentic and genuine. I could feel them (re)connect and fall in love on-screen, which is always a plus for a romance. Finally, this Hallmark movie was a bit light on the Christmas traditions and holiday cheer (no making of gingerbread houses in this one...thank god), which I suspect will be refreshing for some and disappointing for others. However, we do get an ugly Christmas sweater and some fun Christmas sunglasses. All in all, it is an enjoyable Christmas movie, a change of pace for Hallmark, which many fans will no doubt enjoy this holiday season.
30 Reviews
Fresh
Jackbv12315 November 2021
The story has echoes of some other movies on Hallmark, but there are many fresh twists also.
It's interesting to get a look at one possible scenario of what bad boy rock stars look like in their Senior years especially as they remember good and bad times from their career. Quinn's memories of her life growing up with an alcoholic father and the loss of her mother add layers to the story. Jason's backstory isn't quite as sad, but shows the two families' histories from even another point of view. And of course the budding romance.
The acting is good as is the story. The dialogue also. There are song performances sprinkled in as well. I was surprised at how good Peter Gallagher sounded singing the title song. Jasmine Forsberg got to show off her outstanding voice a couple of times also.
It's interesting to get a look at one possible scenario of what bad boy rock stars look like in their Senior years especially as they remember good and bad times from their career. Quinn's memories of her life growing up with an alcoholic father and the loss of her mother add layers to the story. Jason's backstory isn't quite as sad, but shows the two families' histories from even another point of view. And of course the budding romance.
The acting is good as is the story. The dialogue also. There are song performances sprinkled in as well. I was surprised at how good Peter Gallagher sounded singing the title song. Jasmine Forsberg got to show off her outstanding voice a couple of times also.
A Christmas reunion
TheLittleSongbird15 December 2021
Films centered around music is not new territory for Hallmark, with it being used quite a lot in its 2021 output alone. Heck even the Christmas output had this sort of premise, and most of them are fairly samey formula-wise. 'One December Night' however was a music-oriented film from Hallmark that sounded different from usual and had potential to have more depth than is often seen. Peter Gallagher and Bruce Campbell are also always watchable, regardless of the state of everything else.
'One December Night' really impressed me and does a great job with its very promising premise. As far as the 2021 Hallmark films having music as a big part of the story go, this is one of the best and most emotionally investable and also is different to the usual formula. Which makes it stand out. As far as the 2021 Hallmark Christmas films go, 'One December Night' is also another one of the best, and one of the better films of the 2021 output with a scenario that is not as predictable as others that year.
Is it a classic? No. Did feel that the ending was not a surprise and that it was a little on the pat side.
Did feel too that Eloise Mumford's character was slightly underwritten.
However, the acting is very good. Terrific actually in the case of Gallagher and Campbell, both showing different sides and bringing edge and heart to them with no signs of being taxed. The chemistry between them also grows realistically and doesn't come over as contrived or anaemic. The same goes with all the relationships, with that between Brett Dalton and Mumford not being too sidelined and being genuine and not dull. The characters were ones worth caring for, with both flaws and strengths that never go overboard in either extreme, and any development doesn't feel rushed or aimless.
Visually, 'One December Night' is not lavish, but it is slick and attractive enough. The music is great on its own and is beautifully integrated into the film, it is always a good thing when music is like a character of its own in a film etc, which is what this premise calls for, and that is definitely the case here. Very nicely performed too. The script is not too sentimental, while being more serious and personal than can often be seen from Hallmark, while having enough lightness to avoid being over serious without being juvenile or cheesy. The story is heart-warming and moving, done in a way that's not difficult to relate to.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10.
'One December Night' really impressed me and does a great job with its very promising premise. As far as the 2021 Hallmark films having music as a big part of the story go, this is one of the best and most emotionally investable and also is different to the usual formula. Which makes it stand out. As far as the 2021 Hallmark Christmas films go, 'One December Night' is also another one of the best, and one of the better films of the 2021 output with a scenario that is not as predictable as others that year.
Is it a classic? No. Did feel that the ending was not a surprise and that it was a little on the pat side.
Did feel too that Eloise Mumford's character was slightly underwritten.
However, the acting is very good. Terrific actually in the case of Gallagher and Campbell, both showing different sides and bringing edge and heart to them with no signs of being taxed. The chemistry between them also grows realistically and doesn't come over as contrived or anaemic. The same goes with all the relationships, with that between Brett Dalton and Mumford not being too sidelined and being genuine and not dull. The characters were ones worth caring for, with both flaws and strengths that never go overboard in either extreme, and any development doesn't feel rushed or aimless.
Visually, 'One December Night' is not lavish, but it is slick and attractive enough. The music is great on its own and is beautifully integrated into the film, it is always a good thing when music is like a character of its own in a film etc, which is what this premise calls for, and that is definitely the case here. Very nicely performed too. The script is not too sentimental, while being more serious and personal than can often be seen from Hallmark, while having enough lightness to avoid being over serious without being juvenile or cheesy. The story is heart-warming and moving, done in a way that's not difficult to relate to.
Concluding, very well done. 8/10.
Peter Gallagher and Bruce Campbell ARE Rock Stars even as Christmas Carollers
Ed-Shullivan23 December 2021
For anyone who has been estranged from a close friend or even worse, a close family member, it really doesn't matter with the passing of time. There is always a glimmer of hope that time can heal old wounds and in this case both family and an old friend are reunited.
The film title, One December Night, is a classic song the former duet of Bedford and Sullivan stopped singing ten years ago and so it has remained a mystery until this Christmas season when the son and daughter respectively of Bedford and Sullivan are tasked with bringing their fathers together again for a once in a lifetime Christmas performance.
The story has a mysterious past that needs to be revealed, a challenge for the present in making this Christmas concert a reality by re-uniting Bedford and Sullivan on stage, and a future romance brimming with possibilities.
Mrs. Shullivan and I both enjoyed the entirety of the film and recommend it to movie viewers who enjoy some good music, family and old friend reunions with a Christmas period theme. I give the film a better than decent 7 out of 10 IMDb rating.
The film title, One December Night, is a classic song the former duet of Bedford and Sullivan stopped singing ten years ago and so it has remained a mystery until this Christmas season when the son and daughter respectively of Bedford and Sullivan are tasked with bringing their fathers together again for a once in a lifetime Christmas performance.
The story has a mysterious past that needs to be revealed, a challenge for the present in making this Christmas concert a reality by re-uniting Bedford and Sullivan on stage, and a future romance brimming with possibilities.
Mrs. Shullivan and I both enjoyed the entirety of the film and recommend it to movie viewers who enjoy some good music, family and old friend reunions with a Christmas period theme. I give the film a better than decent 7 out of 10 IMDb rating.
Frenchie from Grease! This was a little different and surprisingly refreshing.
cgvsluis16 December 2021
It was refreshing to see some older actors get some front row roles in one of these holiday hallmark films. This was a reunion of a famous musical duo for a pre-Christmas live tv concert. Things aren't exactly as they seem it is also a story about Alzheimer's, being clean and sober, and reuniting families.
As mentioned it was thrilling to see Didi Conn who played Frenchie in the original 1978 film, Grease.
This was a little different than most of the holiday romances on Hallmark in that it focused less on the romance and more on reuniting these two former musical brothers.
As mentioned it was thrilling to see Didi Conn who played Frenchie in the original 1978 film, Grease.
This was a little different than most of the holiday romances on Hallmark in that it focused less on the romance and more on reuniting these two former musical brothers.
A refreshingly different Hallmark Christmas movie
sheryl-watkins18 November 2021
I've been a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies since they did few enough titles a year that they didn't all look the same. "One December Night," thankfully, doesn't follow the recent formula.
I was curious to see how Peter Gallagher had matured; my image of him is from another favorite Christmas movie where he plays the immature brother, "While You Were Sleeping." Age has been kind to Gallagher, and his acting proved he's more than just a pretty face.
While the plot still contains a few too many, "Will they or won't they?" (when we all know they will), it's nice to see a story that revolves around older actors in this bromance. The young folks in this case are the side story.
While it's no "Christmas Card" or "Snow Bride," still, nice job Hallmark.
I was curious to see how Peter Gallagher had matured; my image of him is from another favorite Christmas movie where he plays the immature brother, "While You Were Sleeping." Age has been kind to Gallagher, and his acting proved he's more than just a pretty face.
While the plot still contains a few too many, "Will they or won't they?" (when we all know they will), it's nice to see a story that revolves around older actors in this bromance. The young folks in this case are the side story.
While it's no "Christmas Card" or "Snow Bride," still, nice job Hallmark.
Not the best Hallmark Christmas movie, but the best so far in 2021
ssc73 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
First off I don't like the musical Hallmark movies or the royals. They usually aren't the best of the lot, and I watch them ALL! The "only" reason I selected this was because of Bruce Campbell. We are rabid fans, not just of Evil Dead, but Xena, Bubba HoTep and all the others. Even conned my husband into watching, now that was saying something. He was like, "well if Bruce is in it, I'll try to stay awake." It was ok. Did like the different spins on aging, health, and a feud. Although, I'm sure this was taken from the Everly Bros. But most people that watch are younger than that story. Regardless, watched. Too many montages, not enough meat. Loved Eloise Mumford as usual, all her Christmas movies are on my yearly watchlist. Not as much heart as I would like, but it was ok. Although I gave a 7 rating (only because Bruce is in it), it won't make my yearly watchlist. If he would have slipped a little "groovy" or shop s'smart in there, would have added it. 2021 is full of flops, but this is the top of the heap.
Not the usual Hallmarl Schlock!
gryffindor24915 November 2021
Wow! This movie breaks the mold of what one finds on Hallmark this time of the year. I almost believe that it was made my an independent production company and Hallmark just bought it--it really does not have any of the usual tropes. Ladies, if you have a husband/ boyfriend around and you want to force them to watch a Hallmark movie this Christmas, I guarantee that this one will make them the least ill!
One December Night
JoBloTheMovieCritic11 December 2021
Mixed feelings
cak81316 November 2021
I think a lot of younger viewers might not be aware of all the parallels and references to the singing duo the Everly Brothers (who had a string of top ten hits in the late 1950s - early 1960s) in "One December Night". As a longtime fan of the Everly Brothers, I found "One December Night" to be a bit tasteless especially considering that Don Everly just passed a few months ago. There was one parallel after another between the fictional duo in the movie and actual events in the lives of the Everly Brothers. I won't go into all the references but in the first ten minutes of the movie, I counted about 8 of them. Perhaps if the movie had been shown in 2022 instead of now, I might not have felt so uncomfortable with it. Don and Phil both have living spouses, adult children, grandchildren, and quite a large extended family. I realize the movie was filmed before Don died but I think Hallmark should have taken that into consideration before airing the film this year.
Sure to be a Christmas classic
texasfolk14 November 2021
Back, back, back, way back way back. It's a home run! Hallmark does it again. From perfect sets to slipping in the pre-1950s pick up trucks, Hallmark has a way of bringing back memories for the older viewers. I especially love it when they bring in actors and actresses that us old fogeys can relate to. DiDi was my favorite.
I think the part I like best was that all of the players seem to have great chemistry with each other and again, were the perfect choice for their roles. You can thank casting for that.
I do not work in the movie industry, and never have. I just appreciate a really good movie that just might make your eyes need windshield wipers and you feel your heart come a little closer to your mouth.
This is one of those movies. This is what I like to call a one sit movie. You sit down, you watch a movie and never get up from your bed or couch.
Thanks Hallmark. This is one of those movies I will enjoy watching the second time just as much as the first time and I still remember who won the game.
I think the part I like best was that all of the players seem to have great chemistry with each other and again, were the perfect choice for their roles. You can thank casting for that.
I do not work in the movie industry, and never have. I just appreciate a really good movie that just might make your eyes need windshield wipers and you feel your heart come a little closer to your mouth.
This is one of those movies. This is what I like to call a one sit movie. You sit down, you watch a movie and never get up from your bed or couch.
Thanks Hallmark. This is one of those movies I will enjoy watching the second time just as much as the first time and I still remember who won the game.
Mixed Feelings
haa423 November 2021
I really wanted to love this one given all the actors in it and the story but there were too many underlying issues for the aging fathers. I did not come away from this feeling very happy. I get the need to add some reality to Hallmark movies but this felt like a bit too much. I expect Hallmark Christmas movies to be uplifting and feel good. While this was a good movie, it was not very uplifting. That said, Peter Gallagher and Bruce Campbell were terrific, the love story between their kids was believable, and the song One December Night is still in my head. A wonderful treat to see Didi Conn as well. I will absolutely watch this again-just felt more Lifetime than Hallmark. And even Lifetime Christmas movies are more uplifting than this.
Meh not the best or the worst
jakethesnake-4200727 November 2021
two older veterans
SnoopyStyle2 July 2022
Mike Sullivan (Peter Gallagher) and Steve Bedford (Bruce Campbell) are former best friends and best selling musical act. It's been ten years since they had a big blow-up split. Quinn Allan (Eloise Mumford) is told to reconnect with her estranged father Mike and come up with a reunion show. He had become a semi-recluse. Jason Bedford (Brett Dalton) is Steve's son and manager.
This is a much more compelling story for the two older actors. It's not the standard Hallmark story and yet it keeps trying to make it so. The young couple isn't that compelling. This is a father-daughter movie or a movie for the two older veterans. This could have turned into a musical with Gallagher and Campbell having fun playing their music. This should not be the standard Hallmark. That part does hold this back.
This is a much more compelling story for the two older actors. It's not the standard Hallmark story and yet it keeps trying to make it so. The young couple isn't that compelling. This is a father-daughter movie or a movie for the two older veterans. This could have turned into a musical with Gallagher and Campbell having fun playing their music. This should not be the standard Hallmark. That part does hold this back.
It was good, but I didn't enjoy it.
rebekahrox21 November 2021
All of the acting in this one was excellent. A special shout out to Eloise Mumford who handled her emotional role with aplomb. She also looked very pretty in this one. And all it took was a decent hair stylist.
The plot was fresh, and I do like the almost legendary Bruce Campbell and very successful and multi-talented actor Peter Gallagher. I can't leave out Brett Dalton either who always does a very nice job.
Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me, story wise. It was something different, yes, but in this case, it was just too depressing and emotional in an angsty sad way. Kudos to Hallmark for once again taking a chance to diverge from a stale formula, but it just wasn't what I look for in a Hallmark Christmas Movie. Sorry!
The plot was fresh, and I do like the almost legendary Bruce Campbell and very successful and multi-talented actor Peter Gallagher. I can't leave out Brett Dalton either who always does a very nice job.
Unfortunately, this just wasn't for me, story wise. It was something different, yes, but in this case, it was just too depressing and emotional in an angsty sad way. Kudos to Hallmark for once again taking a chance to diverge from a stale formula, but it just wasn't what I look for in a Hallmark Christmas Movie. Sorry!
Wonderful movie!
toncincin23 December 2021
Bruce Campbell and Peter Gallagher can do no wrong. The interaction between the two of them was great. They were actually just like brothers - conflict, bickering - just great!
The secondary story about the young singer - not interesting. Yes - Eloise Mumford's character was a music/singer manager - but the focus on this singer wasn't really necessary (even as little story time devoted to her). The music manager issue could have been handled without the screen time given to her story.
Solid performance by Eloise Mumford and Brett Dalton ... and what a treat to see DiDi Conn (Frenchie from Grease)! No one can mistake that voice...
The secondary story about the young singer - not interesting. Yes - Eloise Mumford's character was a music/singer manager - but the focus on this singer wasn't really necessary (even as little story time devoted to her). The music manager issue could have been handled without the screen time given to her story.
Solid performance by Eloise Mumford and Brett Dalton ... and what a treat to see DiDi Conn (Frenchie from Grease)! No one can mistake that voice...
Handled with a careful touch.
gfrasmd16 November 2021
A broken friendship in need of mending, grief for losses in need of closure, aging with failing health, a rekindled youth friendship, good music, and Christmas time. Here, all you need for a rich story to tell in a movie. What makes the movie enjoyable is that all the ingredients are honestly dosed well, with gentle touch, and rendered credible. What could have gone, as often happens, pretentious or garbled with cheap emotions, becomes, here, a captivating and moving production. The acting is good, the pace is just right, the pathos is real. Kudos to Hallmark for choosing a different and thoughtful pathway.
A massive downer
HotToastyRag5 December 2023
As I knew the plot of One December Night involved a singing duo getting back together for a Christmas concert, I was very excited to hear Peter Gallagher sing. Fans of the Evil Dead franchise were probably just as excited to hear Bruce Campbell sing. But there's a bit of a warning that perhaps should have been issued: this Hallmark movie isn't as cutesy as it seems. Sure, there are some very funny parts, and the romance between Peter's daughter, Eloise Mumford, and Bruce's son, Brett Dalton, is supposed to be endearing; but there's a real downside to the Christmas flick. From his opening scene, the screenplay drops massively unsubtle hints about Bruce's character forgetting things. Why was this necessary? Couldn't the story just be about Peter and Bruce reconnecting after ten years and mending old wounds? There were enough dramatic bits, with Peter's dead wife, former alcoholism, and estrangement from his daughter. Adding in Alzheimer's Disease took all the joy out of what could have been a sweet Christmas movie.
However, if you do want to sit through it, you'll get the treat of hearing both lead actors perform the title song. There is another "opening act", Jasmine Forsberg, who sings quite a few songs; but the over-35 crowd will be far more interested in the older folks. After all, we're the ones who grew up watching Xena: The Warrior Princess and all the Center Stage movies. Those who remember the 1980s certainly won't care about Jasmine, and they probably won't care about the little romance, either. Had this movie not been such a downer, I'd probably want to watch it again next year. But Center Stage puts me in such a better mood. To quote Peter Gallagher, "I want you to really think. . ." about whether you want to watch this Hallmark.
However, if you do want to sit through it, you'll get the treat of hearing both lead actors perform the title song. There is another "opening act", Jasmine Forsberg, who sings quite a few songs; but the over-35 crowd will be far more interested in the older folks. After all, we're the ones who grew up watching Xena: The Warrior Princess and all the Center Stage movies. Those who remember the 1980s certainly won't care about Jasmine, and they probably won't care about the little romance, either. Had this movie not been such a downer, I'd probably want to watch it again next year. But Center Stage puts me in such a better mood. To quote Peter Gallagher, "I want you to really think. . ." about whether you want to watch this Hallmark.
One of the best From Hallmark
michaelRokeefe15 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This just could be one the best movies that Hallmark Hall of Fame has put their trademark on. Quin (Eloise Mumford) is a promising music manager that is ordered to oversee a live telecast reunion of the legendary musical duo, Bedford & Sullivan. One of the two artists is her estranged father , Mike Sullivan (Peter Gallagher). Mike's former bandmate , Steve Bedford (Bruce Campbell), still has flashbacks of a strong public breakup several years ago. Quin must navigate her relationship with Steve's son and manager (Brett Dalton) to negotiate peace between the former duo and convince them to do the lucrative Christmas Telecast reunion. Gallagher performs "One December Night", an original song for the movie.
Good movie - something for everyone
jenrn-0972228 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was a very good movie. This had depth and more than one storyline. I enjoyed it - a nice break from the usual Hallmark formula. Thought the Alzheimer storyline was well done and fit the story well. The writing was ok, and the relationship between the romantic leads was a little forced at times, but was a riveting movie. A very well done movie over all. Just wish that Brett Dalton would have shaved. Very tired of the sloppy 2-day-unshaved look on most of the Hallmark men this year - they all look like they need a shower.
Better than Expected
ljs6515 November 2021
I'm a huge fan of both Bruce Campbell and Peter Gallagher so I was hoping this would be good, but I'm not at all a fan of Eloise Mumford, so I almost skipped it.
I ended up kind of liking Mumford's character in this movie because she wasn't really that prominent, even though she still looked like she was going to cry every 10 minutes. As I expected Gallagher and Campbell we're fabulous as aging, feuding musicians and friends. I had all the feels while watching this movie.
I ended up kind of liking Mumford's character in this movie because she wasn't really that prominent, even though she still looked like she was going to cry every 10 minutes. As I expected Gallagher and Campbell we're fabulous as aging, feuding musicians and friends. I had all the feels while watching this movie.
I was hoping this would be good
mbiv14 November 2021
It was better than that. This might be the best Christmas movie Hallmark has ever produced.
At the center are two phenomenal, multi-layered performances by Campbell and Gallagher. The supporting cast is excellent and the story of two aging, feuding rock stars trying to find their way through painful memories back to healing is at times contentious, humorous, and touching.
It's directed by Clare Niederpruem, who also directed Holiday for Heroes and The Christmas Bow.
I've never given a ten before, but I can't recommend this enough.
Excellent movie.
At the center are two phenomenal, multi-layered performances by Campbell and Gallagher. The supporting cast is excellent and the story of two aging, feuding rock stars trying to find their way through painful memories back to healing is at times contentious, humorous, and touching.
It's directed by Clare Niederpruem, who also directed Holiday for Heroes and The Christmas Bow.
I've never given a ten before, but I can't recommend this enough.
Excellent movie.
one of the best this year
montgomerysue8 December 2021
This is really well done mostly because the story is different and unique from the stable of Hallmark Christmas movies. There are no bake-offs, searches for the perfect Christmas tree, family businesses to be saved, or any other typical Hallmark dilemmas. It is about human relationships during the Christmas season as children of a Hall and Oates type music act find themselves thrown together as they work to re-unite their fathers, both of whom have personal issues that the children are unaware of. The writing, direction, and production values are rich and very professional. And the acting is top notch. Eloise Mumford and Brett Dalton are extremely effective as the children, as are Peter Gallagher and Bruce Campbell as the fathers. These four actors give realistic performances that are very natural and heartfelt. And all of the supporting players are very good, too, and have their moments to shine, particularly Jenna Stern as Mumford's employer and Jasmine Forsberg as an up-and-coming singer. Plus, there's Didi Conn, who is always a pleasure to see, and adds some nostalgia to the story. For a different but totally engaging new Hallmark movie this season, this is the one to watch.
Goshen NY hits the big time
kjsullivan141 December 2021
This movie was different from the usual theme of a typical Hallmark movie and it was enjoyable . It was filmed mostly in Goshen NY which was great; my wife's chance to appear in it was washed out by a rainstorm which wasn't so great.
The characters were named Bedford and Sullivan (and I too am a Sullivan ) so I was wondering if this has any resemblance to the intersection of Bedford and Sullivan in Brooklyn ( I too am from Brooklyn originally ) . Bedford and Sullivan was the address of Ebbets Field , home of the Brooklyn Dodgers . Just wondering if this was intentional or merely coincidence .
The characters were named Bedford and Sullivan (and I too am a Sullivan ) so I was wondering if this has any resemblance to the intersection of Bedford and Sullivan in Brooklyn ( I too am from Brooklyn originally ) . Bedford and Sullivan was the address of Ebbets Field , home of the Brooklyn Dodgers . Just wondering if this was intentional or merely coincidence .
Excellent movie making
kip-6121 November 2021
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