Contrary to some reviews, I enjoyed 'A Christmas Together with You'. Sure, it's not one of Hallmark's best this season. But this warm and sweet story, with its leisurely pace, is lovely to watch on screen nonetheless. Our two protagonists are Megan (played by Laura Vandervoort), a café owner whose fiancé broke off their engagement some months back, and Frank (played by Harry Lennix), Megan's favorite customer and good friend who carries around a photo of Claire (played by Liza Huget), his first love from 50 years ago. Frank, a recent widower, discovered the photo while rummaging through his garage for Christmas lights. At the café, Megan sees Frank's photo, and he tells her the story about his first love. Megan soon discovers the whereabouts of Claire online. She then convinces Frank to go on a road trip to find Claire. And so our story begins as these two go searching for love. And who knows what they might find along the way? As I alluded to above, the story has a warm and gentle vibe to it, which pulled me in. The writers also do a good job of developing the main storyline around Frank and Claire, creating a nice touch of suspense and mystery, which I enjoyed. Indeed, I might have even shed a tear or two towards the end of the film. Naturally, given that we are talking about an 84-minute movie, the storyline around Megan and Steve (played by Niall Matter) never really materialized on-screen. As a result, it felt rushed; the ending never really landed. The acting in this one was excellent. Vandervoort and Lennix's performances were brilliant. Their dialogue and scenes together, in particular, felt authentic, felt real. That is, I found it easy to connect with their performances, they pulled me in, as it were. The chemistry between the two couples was strong, though, as noted above, Vandervoort and Matter could have used some more screen time together. Finally, the Christmas vibe in this one was much more low-key than other Hallmark movies. Though the scenery, props, and sets were festive, and there was a Winter Wonderland festival (with a Christmas version of hot potato), there were very few classic Christmas filler scenes in this one (which for some, I suspect, is a plus). All in all, 'A Christmas Together with You' is a warm and heartfelt movie with some wonderful performances. Many fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy it.
20 Reviews
Nice friendship between an older gentleman and a young girl!
cgvsluis5 January 2022
Did I blink and they built a romance between Megan and Steve? Seems like we got very little work on their romance...Megan's pain, yes...romance? No. I felt like they did a nice job on the relationship from the past between Frank and Claire.
This is the story of a coffee shop co-owner Megan who is left be her fiancé and is melancholy with no plans over the holidays...oh! And she is also now an orphan. She sees an old photo from her loyal customer Frank and decides to help him hunt down an old flame. This takes them to a sweet Christmas-y town where Megan gets her flirt on with the inn owner Steve and Frank has some things to work out with Claire.
The acting was great. I love all four of our leads and I appreciated having an older love story. I do think that they either needed more time to tell the story or a tighter script.
Otherwise a nice story...and I appreciate the age gap between the friends Frank and Megan!
This is the story of a coffee shop co-owner Megan who is left be her fiancé and is melancholy with no plans over the holidays...oh! And she is also now an orphan. She sees an old photo from her loyal customer Frank and decides to help him hunt down an old flame. This takes them to a sweet Christmas-y town where Megan gets her flirt on with the inn owner Steve and Frank has some things to work out with Claire.
The acting was great. I love all four of our leads and I appreciated having an older love story. I do think that they either needed more time to tell the story or a tighter script.
Otherwise a nice story...and I appreciate the age gap between the friends Frank and Megan!
Not your typical Hallmark Christmas cheese...
paul_haakonsen18 December 2021
I sat down here in 2021 to watch the Hallmark Christmas movie titled "A Christmas Together With You". Sure, I hadn't heard about the movie prior to watching it, but I guess I didn't really need to, as I figured this was possibly a run-of-the-mill Christmas movie, given the Hallmark logo.
Well, I will say that "A Christmas Together With You" was actually watchable, and it was a nice break away from the sugar-coated and super sappy romantic Christmas movies that Hallmark churn out by the dozen. Sure, "A Christmas Together With You" did have a bit of romance in it, but it wasn't that kind of movie. Thankfully and luckily. And I will say that writers Don Locke and Graham Locke actually managed to put together a storyline that was entertaining, compelling and had a great feeling to it.
So yeah, "A Christmas Together With You" is definitely a movie worth watching. But honestly speaking, then it was lacking Christmas spirit. It felt more like a drama and not a proper Christmas movie, so on that account it was somewhat of a disappointment. But, just don't sit down to watch "A Christmas Together With You" on the notion of being in for a proper Hallmark Christmas movie, and you will be adequately entertained.
I wasn't really familiar with the cast that starred in "A Christmas Together With You". I do think I've seen Laura Vandervoort (playing Megan) somewhere before, but I can't recall where or in what movie.
Regardless, if you get the chance to watch "A Christmas Together With You", do it.
My rating of director Kevin Flair's 2021 movie "A Christmas Together With You" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Well, I will say that "A Christmas Together With You" was actually watchable, and it was a nice break away from the sugar-coated and super sappy romantic Christmas movies that Hallmark churn out by the dozen. Sure, "A Christmas Together With You" did have a bit of romance in it, but it wasn't that kind of movie. Thankfully and luckily. And I will say that writers Don Locke and Graham Locke actually managed to put together a storyline that was entertaining, compelling and had a great feeling to it.
So yeah, "A Christmas Together With You" is definitely a movie worth watching. But honestly speaking, then it was lacking Christmas spirit. It felt more like a drama and not a proper Christmas movie, so on that account it was somewhat of a disappointment. But, just don't sit down to watch "A Christmas Together With You" on the notion of being in for a proper Hallmark Christmas movie, and you will be adequately entertained.
I wasn't really familiar with the cast that starred in "A Christmas Together With You". I do think I've seen Laura Vandervoort (playing Megan) somewhere before, but I can't recall where or in what movie.
Regardless, if you get the chance to watch "A Christmas Together With You", do it.
My rating of director Kevin Flair's 2021 movie "A Christmas Together With You" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Now this is interesting
Jackbv12321 November 2021
I can't think of another story like this. It's just crazy enough. There are plenty of quest stories in Christmas movies, but not like this one. And there are actually two romance stories going on in parallel.
Megan and Steve's story is a by-product of Frank and Claire's but it is a nice romance with chemistry between Laura Vandervoort and Niall Matter. Meanwhile Frank and Claire's story has some mystery and sentiment. And the stories aren't just parallel, they intersect.
Megan is a wonderful character with a heart that keeps on giving.
Maybe the ending(s) is(are) predictable. But there were a couple surprises. The movie held my interest. The stories pulled me in. Good acting. Good storytelling.
Megan and Steve's story is a by-product of Frank and Claire's but it is a nice romance with chemistry between Laura Vandervoort and Niall Matter. Meanwhile Frank and Claire's story has some mystery and sentiment. And the stories aren't just parallel, they intersect.
Megan is a wonderful character with a heart that keeps on giving.
Maybe the ending(s) is(are) predictable. But there were a couple surprises. The movie held my interest. The stories pulled me in. Good acting. Good storytelling.
A bit off the reservation
MickyG33317 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
6.6 stars.
I'm glad we have a different type of story. A woman co-owns a business with her friend, but it's not her dream, because she went to culinary school and always wanted to be a chef. She and a much older man (the true star of this movie) who frequents the place have become really good friends over the years. He stumbles on an old photo of the one that got away 50 years ago. The two of them go on a journey to find his lost love, and on that journey she also finds love.
I am going to be cynical now because it's fun and much more satisfying. First of all, there is no way you find a woman that beautiful driving hundreds of miles across the state in the cold and some snow with a much older man to help him find his old soulmate. She drives, why, because he's too old? At a gas station they stumble on a busy guy on his cell phone who spills his coffee on her and doesn't have the time to apologize (she later falls in love with him). Soon they happen to run into him at the inn that he owns? They weren't even supposed to be at that inn. That's where the weird stuff only begins. She and the elderly fellow share a room? It's not frowned upon because he's old? She takes the couch?? No way he ever lets her do that, I don't care how much insisting is done on her part. And let's face it this guy is not THAT old, he is young enough he would probably be thinking to himself maybe there's an outside chance she likes me for more than a friend. Just being real. Show me any guy that is in his 70's who isn't going to try and bust a move. Trust me, I know... my parents were baby boomers. I think the writers try to diffuse this line of thinking by having her say that he is the father she never had but, there are too many holes in that theory and it doesn't jibe. And side note: there is no way he or his lost love are in their 70's. She's maybe 62 and he looks about the same, but he said they met in the 1960's and fell in love, so he had to be at least born in the early 50's, so doing the math...
And when she thinks about moving to this new town that they've been staying at for several days (why does she want to move there?) she is talking on the phone to her friend/co-owner of the diner who says at the drop of a hat without hesitation: go ahead and move to Timbuktu, I have a friend who will buy you out... Huh? Not realistic AT ALL.
The romance in this movie is non-existent, she falls in love with the innkeeper after wrapping presents and making food with him one time. There is a lack of any growth of this courtship whatsoever. And the older man can't seem to get his lost love to fall in love with him again because he can't, (or won't) tell her why he left her 50 years ago. She has always thought he abandoned her (we call it ghosting these days) so who wouldn't defend themself immediately, spit it out, you left her because her dad forbade you to marry her, say it already.
Our young "lead" male (definitely a supporting character) gets little screen time. The point is there is minimal romance... if you are going to make this a romance movie then give it some romance! When the young "couple" kiss at the very end it's practically awkward. He says he doesn't want to spend another day without her. First of all they never even spent a day together, well maybe almost a day, but there's no real relationship yet. She certainly has shown no indication that she really likes him, yes she's attracted but...It was very strange. If I were her I'd be running for the hills. My first thoughts would be, "what on earth did I do to give him the impression that we are soulmates? I must be putting out signals that scream of desperation, but I am not desperate I am a confident woman and I won't give any man the impression that he can tell me that he doesn't want to spend another day without me before making sure he understands that I'm a catch and I'm not that easy..."
I'm glad we have a different type of story. A woman co-owns a business with her friend, but it's not her dream, because she went to culinary school and always wanted to be a chef. She and a much older man (the true star of this movie) who frequents the place have become really good friends over the years. He stumbles on an old photo of the one that got away 50 years ago. The two of them go on a journey to find his lost love, and on that journey she also finds love.
I am going to be cynical now because it's fun and much more satisfying. First of all, there is no way you find a woman that beautiful driving hundreds of miles across the state in the cold and some snow with a much older man to help him find his old soulmate. She drives, why, because he's too old? At a gas station they stumble on a busy guy on his cell phone who spills his coffee on her and doesn't have the time to apologize (she later falls in love with him). Soon they happen to run into him at the inn that he owns? They weren't even supposed to be at that inn. That's where the weird stuff only begins. She and the elderly fellow share a room? It's not frowned upon because he's old? She takes the couch?? No way he ever lets her do that, I don't care how much insisting is done on her part. And let's face it this guy is not THAT old, he is young enough he would probably be thinking to himself maybe there's an outside chance she likes me for more than a friend. Just being real. Show me any guy that is in his 70's who isn't going to try and bust a move. Trust me, I know... my parents were baby boomers. I think the writers try to diffuse this line of thinking by having her say that he is the father she never had but, there are too many holes in that theory and it doesn't jibe. And side note: there is no way he or his lost love are in their 70's. She's maybe 62 and he looks about the same, but he said they met in the 1960's and fell in love, so he had to be at least born in the early 50's, so doing the math...
And when she thinks about moving to this new town that they've been staying at for several days (why does she want to move there?) she is talking on the phone to her friend/co-owner of the diner who says at the drop of a hat without hesitation: go ahead and move to Timbuktu, I have a friend who will buy you out... Huh? Not realistic AT ALL.
The romance in this movie is non-existent, she falls in love with the innkeeper after wrapping presents and making food with him one time. There is a lack of any growth of this courtship whatsoever. And the older man can't seem to get his lost love to fall in love with him again because he can't, (or won't) tell her why he left her 50 years ago. She has always thought he abandoned her (we call it ghosting these days) so who wouldn't defend themself immediately, spit it out, you left her because her dad forbade you to marry her, say it already.
Our young "lead" male (definitely a supporting character) gets little screen time. The point is there is minimal romance... if you are going to make this a romance movie then give it some romance! When the young "couple" kiss at the very end it's practically awkward. He says he doesn't want to spend another day without her. First of all they never even spent a day together, well maybe almost a day, but there's no real relationship yet. She certainly has shown no indication that she really likes him, yes she's attracted but...It was very strange. If I were her I'd be running for the hills. My first thoughts would be, "what on earth did I do to give him the impression that we are soulmates? I must be putting out signals that scream of desperation, but I am not desperate I am a confident woman and I won't give any man the impression that he can tell me that he doesn't want to spend another day without me before making sure he understands that I'm a catch and I'm not that easy..."
So-so Hallmark movie
herrcarter-9216122 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This offering from Hallmark, which had little to do with Christmas except for the time of year it took place, was just so-so. I'm not sure which movie the effusive reviewers on IMDb who gave it high reviews were watching.
The performances from the main characters, particularly Laura Vandervoort as Megan and Harry Lennix as Frank, were solid. The relationship between Megan and Frank was both touching and a little creepy. What beautiful young girl has such a tight relationship with an older guy who's not related to her? I did like the relationship between Frank and his long-lost love Claire, though. It was very sweet.
The actors can't be faulted for anything, as they could only work with the lines and story they were given. The storyline was really lacking in a lot of areas. First off, I have a hard time dealing with stories where everything could be cleared up in 5 minutes if the characters in the story just said what they needed to say. In this case, why didn't Frank just tell Claire the whole story about wanting to propose to her as a young man, but being dissuaded by her dad, who didn't find him suitable for his daughter? Why, when she was walking away, didn't he tell her the whole story instead of the silly, abortive line, "Please, let me explain ..."? Why, instead of just telling her, does he take the wimp's way out and send her an explanatory card and then high-tail it out of town? Oh, and then, when he and Megan briefly return and he sees Claire, why does he suddenly get a backbone and tell her what he should have told her in the first place? It all just seems too stupid.
And then there's the supposed relationship between Megan and Steve, the inn owner. That relationship was extremely underdeveloped. So, he's actually expecting her to quit her job and uproot her life to move to that small town that's 7 hours from her home, and based on what, exactly? She won't even agree to go out to dinner with him, for some unknown reason (too fresh off the heartbreak of her broken engagement, perhaps? They never say). But in the end, she comes back, not to be with him, or confess her feelings or anything, but to return his dog that stowed away in her car! Really? And then they have the obligatory Hallmark kiss at the end of the movie, and everything's cool. Not much chemistry between that supposedly happy couple, I'm afraid, and I don't fault the actors at all. "Chemistry" in a romantic movie is as much a product of a good script as some intangible connection between actors, and in this case, the script provided little opportunity for chemistry.
So, a valiant effort by all here. The film certainly had potential and there were aspects of the story that I liked. But in the end, the screenwriters just didn't get it done.
The performances from the main characters, particularly Laura Vandervoort as Megan and Harry Lennix as Frank, were solid. The relationship between Megan and Frank was both touching and a little creepy. What beautiful young girl has such a tight relationship with an older guy who's not related to her? I did like the relationship between Frank and his long-lost love Claire, though. It was very sweet.
The actors can't be faulted for anything, as they could only work with the lines and story they were given. The storyline was really lacking in a lot of areas. First off, I have a hard time dealing with stories where everything could be cleared up in 5 minutes if the characters in the story just said what they needed to say. In this case, why didn't Frank just tell Claire the whole story about wanting to propose to her as a young man, but being dissuaded by her dad, who didn't find him suitable for his daughter? Why, when she was walking away, didn't he tell her the whole story instead of the silly, abortive line, "Please, let me explain ..."? Why, instead of just telling her, does he take the wimp's way out and send her an explanatory card and then high-tail it out of town? Oh, and then, when he and Megan briefly return and he sees Claire, why does he suddenly get a backbone and tell her what he should have told her in the first place? It all just seems too stupid.
And then there's the supposed relationship between Megan and Steve, the inn owner. That relationship was extremely underdeveloped. So, he's actually expecting her to quit her job and uproot her life to move to that small town that's 7 hours from her home, and based on what, exactly? She won't even agree to go out to dinner with him, for some unknown reason (too fresh off the heartbreak of her broken engagement, perhaps? They never say). But in the end, she comes back, not to be with him, or confess her feelings or anything, but to return his dog that stowed away in her car! Really? And then they have the obligatory Hallmark kiss at the end of the movie, and everything's cool. Not much chemistry between that supposedly happy couple, I'm afraid, and I don't fault the actors at all. "Chemistry" in a romantic movie is as much a product of a good script as some intangible connection between actors, and in this case, the script provided little opportunity for chemistry.
So, a valiant effort by all here. The film certainly had potential and there were aspects of the story that I liked. But in the end, the screenwriters just didn't get it done.
I loved The Story!
coloradoan21 November 2021
Started Strong, But Fell Short in the End
storytelling10122 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Personally, I thought the first half of the storyline started out strong with a road trip adventure to find an old flame and the fact that Frank's romantic history wasn't revealed all at once, bringing a bit of curiosity. Megan and Frank's relationship was sweet and endearing too, with its own unique charm to a father/daughter-like relationship.
In the second half of the storyline, the plot got a little zanier and the romance between Megan and Steve was just rushed. Megan is pretty passive when it came to the romance, and there was no emotional work for her on the screen concerning her past and if she actually wanted to choose the guy and the town (considering she was running from the town and the guy minutes before and it seemed to hinge on her issues, more than his). Also, they could have tried to build the romance between the two more.
It was pretty obvious there was more thought and work put into the older couple's story, Frank and Claire (whose storyline was so sweet). Whereas, Megan and Steve's romance only managed to cover the surface-level things and then a big bow was placed on top of it.
Sad that what I thought was a movie I'd watch again and again, flipped to a never mind or maybe if it's on.
In the second half of the storyline, the plot got a little zanier and the romance between Megan and Steve was just rushed. Megan is pretty passive when it came to the romance, and there was no emotional work for her on the screen concerning her past and if she actually wanted to choose the guy and the town (considering she was running from the town and the guy minutes before and it seemed to hinge on her issues, more than his). Also, they could have tried to build the romance between the two more.
It was pretty obvious there was more thought and work put into the older couple's story, Frank and Claire (whose storyline was so sweet). Whereas, Megan and Steve's romance only managed to cover the surface-level things and then a big bow was placed on top of it.
Sad that what I thought was a movie I'd watch again and again, flipped to a never mind or maybe if it's on.
TYPICAL HALLMARK WITH GOOD ACTING
fsogfan21 November 2021
With nothing to do during the Christmas holidays, a coffee shop owner who was left at the alter goes on a road trip with her widower customer in search of his long lost love from 50 years ago. Both characters eventually find their happily ever after with some bumps along the way.
I love Hallmark films. They're so positive in a world of Covid, political conflict and racism but at times I have to tolerate the mediocre acting and saccharine sweet writing. This film was a JOY not because of the plot but because of competent acting in a Hallmark film--an oxymoron! The female lead (Laura Vandervoot) and the supporting male lead (Harry Lennix) can really ACT and even everyday dialogue sounds believable coming from them. They ground the film in reality and provide touches of drama with uplifting notes. I would enjoy an entire film with just these two actors.
The rest of the cast as well as the male lead (Niall Matter) provide background. They are your typical goofy, grinning Hallmark support elves that are interchangeable between Hallmark films. They're all recognizable by their toothy grin and their slapstick style of acting.
I love Hallmark films. They're so positive in a world of Covid, political conflict and racism but at times I have to tolerate the mediocre acting and saccharine sweet writing. This film was a JOY not because of the plot but because of competent acting in a Hallmark film--an oxymoron! The female lead (Laura Vandervoot) and the supporting male lead (Harry Lennix) can really ACT and even everyday dialogue sounds believable coming from them. They ground the film in reality and provide touches of drama with uplifting notes. I would enjoy an entire film with just these two actors.
The rest of the cast as well as the male lead (Niall Matter) provide background. They are your typical goofy, grinning Hallmark support elves that are interchangeable between Hallmark films. They're all recognizable by their toothy grin and their slapstick style of acting.
Meh.
malachite-7843221 November 2021
1971. Back in those days, he says, we asked a girl's father for her hand in marriage.
And had black and white photos...
Excuse me? I was 17 in 1971. We had Polaroid cameras. We had touch-tone phones. We were hippies. No one asked anyone's father for their hands in marriage. Free love was the name of the game. We didn't ask anyone for anything.
Geez, writers-at least get your facts right for the decade you're writing about.
It's these ridiculous glaring inaccuracies that takes us out of the story you are trying to tell. Try getting the little things right so we can get into the story without yelling at the TV.
And while I'm writing, she went to culinary school for a couple of years, makes a green bean casserole, and he tells her it looks amazing. What? A green been casserole? Every Tom, Dick and Judy can make one-with their eyes closed. Give me a break.
Couldn't get into the story because of some of the stupid dialogue.
I'll try it again to see if I feel the same way. I'm not holding my breath.
Lots of crappy Christmas movies made in 2021. Oh well. Maybe they're finally running out of good writers.
And had black and white photos...
Excuse me? I was 17 in 1971. We had Polaroid cameras. We had touch-tone phones. We were hippies. No one asked anyone's father for their hands in marriage. Free love was the name of the game. We didn't ask anyone for anything.
Geez, writers-at least get your facts right for the decade you're writing about.
It's these ridiculous glaring inaccuracies that takes us out of the story you are trying to tell. Try getting the little things right so we can get into the story without yelling at the TV.
And while I'm writing, she went to culinary school for a couple of years, makes a green bean casserole, and he tells her it looks amazing. What? A green been casserole? Every Tom, Dick and Judy can make one-with their eyes closed. Give me a break.
Couldn't get into the story because of some of the stupid dialogue.
I'll try it again to see if I feel the same way. I'm not holding my breath.
Lots of crappy Christmas movies made in 2021. Oh well. Maybe they're finally running out of good writers.
This time Hallmark does not miss its mark.
gfrasmd21 November 2021
Maybe, I should not review this film. I may be biased, as I am a sucker when it comes to Laura Vandervoort. She has that ethereal quality that attracts even in the worst moments. Yet, in this movie, Niall Matter, Harry Lennix and the rest of the cast work fine. Could be that the story is fairly original and embraces the spirit of Christmas, rather than happening around Christmas, as in other productions. The results are heart-warming. This is a movie that will be enjoyed by all people who still expect Yuletide to bring kindness an joy.
Not the best
susanashland21 November 2021
Storyline is good. Drawn out dialogue. Boring. Not the greatest acting except for Niall Matter. What is he doing in this movie? The dog was a nice touch though. Just not Christmassy enough for me. Not on my list to watch again next year.
7.5
dsklodginski29 November 2021
Somebody get the writers a pick-me-up, please
AnonymousIndica2 December 2021
If you want to see how to beat around the proverbial bush in six different ways, spend your time on this movie. I typically do not review holiday romance movies, but man alive, this one has me yelling at the telly in four languages. No one is saying what they mean, or meaning what they say. (This is not a spoiler because you'll see it happen within five minutes.). Of course, if you want the muzak to help you sleep, go for it.
Dullsville
jakethesnake-4200727 November 2021
Another Great Romance - Without All The Typical Hallmark plots
dorothyexeter18 December 2021
I enjoyed this film, as I enjoy all the romances that don't follow the typical Hallmark plots, and have some originality and creativity unique to the story line, along with good actors, of course.
The story line is sweet, uplifting, and original.
I recommend this movie as a welcome addition to the greater Hallmark Christmas films.
Enjoy!
The story line is sweet, uplifting, and original.
I recommend this movie as a welcome addition to the greater Hallmark Christmas films.
Enjoy!
A fine addition to the Hallmark Christmas movies
dennissadberry7 December 2021
Hallmark has upped their game this year with some very good Christmas movies. A Christmas Together With You is no exception. It has an excellent cast and a very warm and charming story. That said, someone please, for the love of God, give Megan (Laura Vandervoort) a sandwich!
Really Good Movie
pattersonjamie-1207917 January 2022
Story was good. All the actors did a good job, Niall Matter, Laura Vandervoort, Harry Lennox, and Liza Higet we're excellent. The story between Megan and Frank was sweet. Loved that it wasn't a typical Hallmark love story. Loved the dog.
An interesting enough story but issues
stephangw21 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is a decent enough story line (s), and the acting is good. But I have some issues with the flashback scenes and photos of what is supposed to be 1971. They are completely out of touch with the time period. In 1971, high schoolers were not wearing shirt and ties to school, they weren't singing "I've got my love to keep me warm". This was the peak of anti war protests and hippie movements. That is my issue with this movie.
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