I enjoyed this one, especially watching Jennie Garth and Cameron Mathison. I loved the holiday crackers scene and the line "no more secrets...until next year" was just perfect! (spoiler alert:) For once, the first kiss was not all the way at the end of the movie. It was great that the conflict resolution in which the main character realizes what he hadn't seen before was done through clips of flashbacks - it was unusual and helpful.
23 Reviews
Secret Santa and Mr. Hyde
rebekahrox6 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Widow Jamie, played by Jennie Garth, is inspired to become a Secret Santa to her town. With a seemingly limitless pocket book, she successfully provides a Christmas Tree to the town, Replenishes the local food bank's coffers, and provides a needy family with the Christmas of their dreams. Her good works catch the attention of a regional anchorman who makes it his business to unmask the do-gooder. Jamie has admired him from afar and is thrilled yet nervous to have gotten his attention. He unsurprisingly is attracted to her as well. Jennie does very well in this. She is warm, amusing, and relatable as a shy older woman getting a second chance at love. Emily Tennant is good as her married daughter, who along with Jamie's employee, Colleen, figure out their mother and boss is the mysterious Santa. They work together to help Mom in her mission and also to help her avoid exposure.
There were some serious problems with the male lead character played by normally likable Cameron Mathison. Anchorman Scott, like Jamie, has some mysterious source of limitless income. Local anchormen do not make a lot of money. Yet he buys out a whole expensive restaurant in order to dine alone with the winsome Jamie. Given the theme of this movie it seemed wasteful and indulgent given all of the good Christmas causes the money could have been spent on. Second, he is thoroughly taken in by an obvious imposter who falsely confesses to being S. S. He is really a gullible idiot in this scene, compounded by the fact that he is supposed to be a seasoned journalist.
The third strike is his harsh reaction when Jamie finally confesses that she is the Secret Santa. He turns on her on a dime screaming at her "You lied to me!" and acts like a crazy jerk. His change of personality and comes out of nowhere, is totally out of character, and is shocking. He even accuses the modest and reticent Jamie for "doing it all for the publicity," which makes zero sense. To make matters even weirder, the next day he provides a trip to Paris for her daughter's honeymoon. I mean, why when he seemingly now hates her mother and she was all part of it? (And again, where is all this fundage coming from?) Jamie ends up apologizing and groveling when it should be the other way around. All of this honestly ruined the integrity of the movie and brought a sweet story way down in my estimation.
There were some serious problems with the male lead character played by normally likable Cameron Mathison. Anchorman Scott, like Jamie, has some mysterious source of limitless income. Local anchormen do not make a lot of money. Yet he buys out a whole expensive restaurant in order to dine alone with the winsome Jamie. Given the theme of this movie it seemed wasteful and indulgent given all of the good Christmas causes the money could have been spent on. Second, he is thoroughly taken in by an obvious imposter who falsely confesses to being S. S. He is really a gullible idiot in this scene, compounded by the fact that he is supposed to be a seasoned journalist.
The third strike is his harsh reaction when Jamie finally confesses that she is the Secret Santa. He turns on her on a dime screaming at her "You lied to me!" and acts like a crazy jerk. His change of personality and comes out of nowhere, is totally out of character, and is shocking. He even accuses the modest and reticent Jamie for "doing it all for the publicity," which makes zero sense. To make matters even weirder, the next day he provides a trip to Paris for her daughter's honeymoon. I mean, why when he seemingly now hates her mother and she was all part of it? (And again, where is all this fundage coming from?) Jamie ends up apologizing and groveling when it should be the other way around. All of this honestly ruined the integrity of the movie and brought a sweet story way down in my estimation.
Well intentioned Christmas
TheLittleSongbird23 August 2022
There is a lot more to see of the relatively new GAC Family's work, but what has been seen so far has been a mixed bag. 'Much Ado About Christmas' was very well done and nearly great. 'The Great Christmas Switch' on the other hand was the complete anti-thesis of great, and was a big misfire despite its interesting premise. A big main reason for seeing 'Kindhearted Christmas' was the always worth watching Cameron Mathison, he has a very up and down filmography but his performances have generally been consistent.
'Kindhearted Christmas' sees him on good form, regardless of my feelings on his character, and it is an even better representation of Jamie Garth. Comparing it to GAC Family's other work seen, 'Kindhearted Christmas' is not as good as 'Much Ado About Christmas' but is miles better than 'The Great Christmas Switch'. It does have flaws, which is not unexpected (haven't seen any Christmas film from Hallmark, Lifetime, UPTV, ION or GAC Family that has been perfect), but it is well intentioned, charming and well done in a lot of areas.
Am going to mention the issues first. Actually had no problems with Mathison's performance, but his character was inconsistently written for my tastes. He was amiable to begin with, but do agree that his character is too naive and that his sudden and overly aggressive jerk-like personality change during the conflict makes the character go really down in one's estimations.
Did think too that the ending, while sweet, was a little too on the neat side, and that the chemistry isn't quite there or as strong in the conflict, which could have had more tension and felt a little less abrupt.
However, 'Kindhearted Christmas' has a lot that is recommendable. Garth gives a very honest performance that is restrained but never phoned in or affected. Mathison is easy going and amiable and he is not to blame for the inconsistent writing for his character, other than overdoing the aggression a little. On the whole, their chemistry is very natural and genuine, with some nice development and is not rushed or aimless. The supporting cast are solid.
Furthermore, it is nicely filmed, fittingly scored and solidly directed. The writing flows and is not too sentimental in the more dramatic moments and has snap and wit in the comedic ones (that are not contrived or forced). The story is formulaic, but is also touching and heart-warming, and on the whole the characters were worth engaging with, misfiring only with Mathison's character's personality change.
In conclusion, very nicely done if not wow worthy. 7/10.
'Kindhearted Christmas' sees him on good form, regardless of my feelings on his character, and it is an even better representation of Jamie Garth. Comparing it to GAC Family's other work seen, 'Kindhearted Christmas' is not as good as 'Much Ado About Christmas' but is miles better than 'The Great Christmas Switch'. It does have flaws, which is not unexpected (haven't seen any Christmas film from Hallmark, Lifetime, UPTV, ION or GAC Family that has been perfect), but it is well intentioned, charming and well done in a lot of areas.
Am going to mention the issues first. Actually had no problems with Mathison's performance, but his character was inconsistently written for my tastes. He was amiable to begin with, but do agree that his character is too naive and that his sudden and overly aggressive jerk-like personality change during the conflict makes the character go really down in one's estimations.
Did think too that the ending, while sweet, was a little too on the neat side, and that the chemistry isn't quite there or as strong in the conflict, which could have had more tension and felt a little less abrupt.
However, 'Kindhearted Christmas' has a lot that is recommendable. Garth gives a very honest performance that is restrained but never phoned in or affected. Mathison is easy going and amiable and he is not to blame for the inconsistent writing for his character, other than overdoing the aggression a little. On the whole, their chemistry is very natural and genuine, with some nice development and is not rushed or aimless. The supporting cast are solid.
Furthermore, it is nicely filmed, fittingly scored and solidly directed. The writing flows and is not too sentimental in the more dramatic moments and has snap and wit in the comedic ones (that are not contrived or forced). The story is formulaic, but is also touching and heart-warming, and on the whole the characters were worth engaging with, misfiring only with Mathison's character's personality change.
In conclusion, very nicely done if not wow worthy. 7/10.
An anonymous secret Santa inspires others to give.
cgvsluis4 January 2022
The widowed Jamie is inspired by her niece's comment about needing her late husband around town for Christmas. So she takes it upon herself to be a secret Santa and help those in need around her hometown coopersville. This attracts the attention of the morning news show and tv celebrity Scott, who goes from interviewing her randomly to dating her. While Scott is trying to solve the secret Santa mystery, Jamie as secret Santa is inspiring others to give to those less fortunate...helping out their neighbors.
This was a sweet story and I love Cameron Matthison, he and Jenny Garth looked great together...of course he compliments everyone he is with.
Not a lot of family in this offering, but it really plays up the gift of giving.
This was a sweet story and I love Cameron Matthison, he and Jenny Garth looked great together...of course he compliments everyone he is with.
Not a lot of family in this offering, but it really plays up the gift of giving.
Beautiful movie but
deepakhalbali8 December 2022
Such a sweet story. A Samaritan from little town Cooperville acts as a secret Santa to help the needy and put a huge smile on their faces. This inspires the town to give back to the community.
A great movie and Scott - the reporter was absolutely charming as the tv host, and the lonely traveller who runs away to wander the world during Christmas time.
Jamie is the reason this movie gets only 6 stars. Her dialogs are good, but her eyes and expressions are all wrong. She comes off as a stalker or psychopath with those expressions. I almost thought this was going to turn into a thriller who would torture Scott after kidnapping him.
A great movie let down due to weird expressions.
A great movie and Scott - the reporter was absolutely charming as the tv host, and the lonely traveller who runs away to wander the world during Christmas time.
Jamie is the reason this movie gets only 6 stars. Her dialogs are good, but her eyes and expressions are all wrong. She comes off as a stalker or psychopath with those expressions. I almost thought this was going to turn into a thriller who would torture Scott after kidnapping him.
A great movie let down due to weird expressions.
Sweet film but that is not how you do crackers!
tashkeegan13 December 2022
A lovelt film with the real spirit of Christmas feeling. It's nothing mind-blowing, just a warm, feel good easy to watch film for a cosy evening.
Was also good to see Garth again, she's actually looking more beautiful than her younger years and the rest of the cast are great.
However...Christmas crackers are to be pulled with someone else, it's part of the fun. And traditionally, whoever gets the large part keeps the gift inside..although usually you make it fair and give any extra you win to someone else.
So put your feet up, get a cup of your favourite hot beverage and enjoy. Merry Christmas to all a good night.
Was also good to see Garth again, she's actually looking more beautiful than her younger years and the rest of the cast are great.
However...Christmas crackers are to be pulled with someone else, it's part of the fun. And traditionally, whoever gets the large part keeps the gift inside..although usually you make it fair and give any extra you win to someone else.
So put your feet up, get a cup of your favourite hot beverage and enjoy. Merry Christmas to all a good night.
It was cute ... But
toncincin23 January 2022
Jennie Garth's eye rolling and opening eyes wide was distracting. Not a lot of range. I've seen her in other movies where she hasn't done it - she really accentuated it in this movie. Cameron Mathison's anger seemed out of place. Why was he so mad? Couldn't figure it out. He still got his stories.
Way better than expected
hypzrkunt30 November 2021
Better than most- well worth watching
MyContribution21 April 2023
I do enjoy Christmas movies, the Hallmark variety that is. Sometimes when life gets tough, we just need to escape, to breathe in a bit of hope and positive outcomes, even some predictability. This movie delivers. The premise is wider than the typical romance that is found in most movies of this genre. While the 'secret santa' concept is also a popular one, this movie does play it well. I found the characters sufficiently three-dimensional. Their relationships are credible (well, within the realm of the genre). The plot is to be expected, but it is fun to see it develop. I would recommend the movie.
really boring
JulesRules7723 November 2021
This plot has been done sooo many times. If it had been done well, I might not complain. But it was slow, full of cliches, and Cameron and Jennie had no real chemistry. I was hoping for more. So far, Hallmark have had the far better movies this year with more original, emotional and magical story lines.
Another Secret Santa movie
Jackbv12321 November 2021
This movie is uplifting. So why is Jennie Garth so restrained? I would expect Jamie to be bursting with holiday cheer, positively bubbly. I think her restraint lessened the chemistry with Cameron Mathison. Mathison was fine.
The story was pretty much by formula for most of it. It picks up a bit of the pay-it-forward theme as it goes on and others join in. I will say the climax has a nice little twist. Then comes the conflict that you know is inevitable. I love the way the memory flashbacks resolve it.
Another reviewer commented the irony that Jennie Garth previously played a reporter in Holidaze sent to unmask a Secret Santa. That's not exactly how the synopsis reads on that movie, but notice that she costarred with Mathison in that movie. And Mathison was in Christmas Club which had a similar uplifting pay it forward theme even though it wasn't quite Secret Santa.
The story was pretty much by formula for most of it. It picks up a bit of the pay-it-forward theme as it goes on and others join in. I will say the climax has a nice little twist. Then comes the conflict that you know is inevitable. I love the way the memory flashbacks resolve it.
Another reviewer commented the irony that Jennie Garth previously played a reporter in Holidaze sent to unmask a Secret Santa. That's not exactly how the synopsis reads on that movie, but notice that she costarred with Mathison in that movie. And Mathison was in Christmas Club which had a similar uplifting pay it forward theme even though it wasn't quite Secret Santa.
Clunky
MickyG33329 December 2023
7.0 stars.
This is a clumsy film with many errors and awkward scenes. Garth's character is deliberately portrayed as scatterbrained and naive, and she does it too convincingly. The theme is about as elevated and "holy" as can be, about a secret Santa benefactor who is giving large and amazing gifts to many needy people in town. These are selfless and righteous acts of kindness, from a "kindhearted" soul. We all suspect immediately who the mysterious donor is and that's the point. We are supposed to know from early on. I just wish the presentation would have been less awkward and more smooth.
I've always liked Jennie Garth who became a "household name" as the ever-so-gentle Kelly in 'Beverly Hills 90210'. She will never escape that stigma or honor, whichever applies. I've mentioned in other reviews I had a love hate relationship with her in the era of 90210, 'Melrose Place', 'Models Inc', etc. (it was an era for sure), which spawned a plethora of watered down clones like 'Dawson's Creek', 'The O. C.', 'One Tree Hill', and then morphed into amalgamations of teen drama and supernatural phenomena: 'Smallville', 'Supernatural', 'Vampire Diaries' and simultaneously 'Gossip Girl', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Teen Wolf', 'The 100'. I know that if you've seen one of the above shows, YOU'VE SEEN THEM ALL, and literally you've seen them all, because they are so darned addictive guilty pleasures. And so I now refer you back to where I started: Jennie Garth was one of the "originals" for this force of a new genre that we like to call teen romance drama. I was transfixed being introduced to the ultra high society rich snooty teenagers and young adults that were actually portraying good and wonderful rich kids, spoiled, but likable and deep down nice people. This is the caricature I will always think of when I see Garth in a movie. But she is still able to stand on her merits as an actress without the mark or merit of 90210 on her record.
This is a clumsy film with many errors and awkward scenes. Garth's character is deliberately portrayed as scatterbrained and naive, and she does it too convincingly. The theme is about as elevated and "holy" as can be, about a secret Santa benefactor who is giving large and amazing gifts to many needy people in town. These are selfless and righteous acts of kindness, from a "kindhearted" soul. We all suspect immediately who the mysterious donor is and that's the point. We are supposed to know from early on. I just wish the presentation would have been less awkward and more smooth.
I've always liked Jennie Garth who became a "household name" as the ever-so-gentle Kelly in 'Beverly Hills 90210'. She will never escape that stigma or honor, whichever applies. I've mentioned in other reviews I had a love hate relationship with her in the era of 90210, 'Melrose Place', 'Models Inc', etc. (it was an era for sure), which spawned a plethora of watered down clones like 'Dawson's Creek', 'The O. C.', 'One Tree Hill', and then morphed into amalgamations of teen drama and supernatural phenomena: 'Smallville', 'Supernatural', 'Vampire Diaries' and simultaneously 'Gossip Girl', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Teen Wolf', 'The 100'. I know that if you've seen one of the above shows, YOU'VE SEEN THEM ALL, and literally you've seen them all, because they are so darned addictive guilty pleasures. And so I now refer you back to where I started: Jennie Garth was one of the "originals" for this force of a new genre that we like to call teen romance drama. I was transfixed being introduced to the ultra high society rich snooty teenagers and young adults that were actually portraying good and wonderful rich kids, spoiled, but likable and deep down nice people. This is the caricature I will always think of when I see Garth in a movie. But she is still able to stand on her merits as an actress without the mark or merit of 90210 on her record.
He doesn't know how to open a cracker
samweston-667219 December 2022
So this guy talks the talk on English tradition on crackers. Then he proceeds to tell her how to open the crackers, which is wrong. You pull between two people. Then the winner is the one the the larger end, which typically has a paper hat, bottle opener (or whatever something small) and a joke and or fact. I had to watch it twice and me and my partner were shocked. I laughed so much at how stupid it was.
Also...terrible over the top acting.
A lot of wide eyed acting.
The facial expressions don't match the moods of the scenes.
Such a terrible movie. It's very...awful.
Get to know English traditions before showing it on tv.
Also...terrible over the top acting.
A lot of wide eyed acting.
The facial expressions don't match the moods of the scenes.
Such a terrible movie. It's very...awful.
Get to know English traditions before showing it on tv.
The premise was so offensive
egsfo22 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know what the writers thought when they wrote this. Jennie Garth's character wanted to do good anonymously, without publicizing her good deeds. Cameron's character couldn't get that, it was all about him. He couldn't fathom what was wrong with exposing the donor. When he found out, he was offended and hurt? Why? "I trusted you," he whined to Jennie. And the writers made it seem like she was guilty of not telling him that she was the Secret Santa. SHE HAD NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR! He was the selfish jerk who made it all about him. What an idiot his character was. He just couldn't see that someone might want to do good and not want views, or likes, or any type of publicity. What a selfish, whiny little boy.
Such an inspiring story
oksankadrobakha24 November 2021
A Halfhearted Christmas is More Like It
SaintFu15 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I'm all for plugging along through the same holiday tropes to get my Christmas fix, but this one was cobbled together in such a slapdash fashion that it caused plot holes, illogical premises, etc.
The "problem" that nearly breaks them up at the end is the single worst I've ever seen in a Christmas movie. His "you lied to me" dialogue is so stupid and it's clear the actor thought it was unbelievable as well.
There is no upstate in Washington, where they pretend to set the film for no apparent reason. It doesn't add to the plot or add any detail. It's clearly in the one place people use the term upstate because the news van and all the license plates read NY.
The main guy doesn't usually spend Christmas with his family, so he's flying to Belize. Pretty sure his family is closer than Belize.
I can forgive their lack of chemistry, just seems like two middle aged people finding placeholders so they don't have to be alone anymore though.
The "problem" that nearly breaks them up at the end is the single worst I've ever seen in a Christmas movie. His "you lied to me" dialogue is so stupid and it's clear the actor thought it was unbelievable as well.
There is no upstate in Washington, where they pretend to set the film for no apparent reason. It doesn't add to the plot or add any detail. It's clearly in the one place people use the term upstate because the news van and all the license plates read NY.
The main guy doesn't usually spend Christmas with his family, so he's flying to Belize. Pretty sure his family is closer than Belize.
I can forgive their lack of chemistry, just seems like two middle aged people finding placeholders so they don't have to be alone anymore though.
Saved by Cameron Mathison!!
smithduke14 February 2022
Let me start by saying it's hard for me not to love any movie starring Cameron Mathison so I'm a little biased. He always plays such a kind, genuine, caring, person, in all his movies.
I enjoyed the premise about an anonymous person giving help and kindness to those in need. Another reviewer said "This plot has been done sooo many times" and this person thought it was boring. I felt the opposite! I haven't seen many movies with this plot on GAC, Hallmark, or Lifetime. I've watched over 500 Hallmark movies. There are few here and there with the "Secret Santa" premise but not to many. Maybe I've missed them somehow. A movie by Lifetime called, A Christmas Angel, was a great movie about a "secret Santa" and I highly recommend it! Don't confuse it with the Hallmark movie and Angel for Christmas. Both great movies.
My only issue was Jennie Garth's character. Could she eke out a smile? Her character did not exude kindness and empathy at all. She never looked Mathison in the eye or responded with a smile when he complimented her.
I enjoyed the premise about an anonymous person giving help and kindness to those in need. Another reviewer said "This plot has been done sooo many times" and this person thought it was boring. I felt the opposite! I haven't seen many movies with this plot on GAC, Hallmark, or Lifetime. I've watched over 500 Hallmark movies. There are few here and there with the "Secret Santa" premise but not to many. Maybe I've missed them somehow. A movie by Lifetime called, A Christmas Angel, was a great movie about a "secret Santa" and I highly recommend it! Don't confuse it with the Hallmark movie and Angel for Christmas. Both great movies.
My only issue was Jennie Garth's character. Could she eke out a smile? Her character did not exude kindness and empathy at all. She never looked Mathison in the eye or responded with a smile when he complimented her.
I'm still laughing at the Christmas cracker scene!!
nebula_2117 January 2023
This movie is a usual Christmas cheesy romance, but I'm afraid to say that it isn't one of the better ones. The characters are pretty one dimensional and I didn't like any of them. There were a lot of wide eyed, over exaggerated facial expressions going on and overacting that was downright annoying.
The main guy is an annoying mansplainer who clearly thinks he knows more than he does. There is one scene where he books out a whole restaurant and then introduces the Christmas cracker from England (like it's the most exotic place in the world)- Da-Dah!!! - and then proceeds to show her how to pull it wrongly. He missed the whole concept of the Christmas cracker! I must admit it's hilarious and I laughed at loud. It was so ridiculous. He's just so pleased with himself. For me that was the most entertaining bit of the film.
The main guy is an annoying mansplainer who clearly thinks he knows more than he does. There is one scene where he books out a whole restaurant and then introduces the Christmas cracker from England (like it's the most exotic place in the world)- Da-Dah!!! - and then proceeds to show her how to pull it wrongly. He missed the whole concept of the Christmas cracker! I must admit it's hilarious and I laughed at loud. It was so ridiculous. He's just so pleased with himself. For me that was the most entertaining bit of the film.
Syrupy, but..... why not?
gfrasmd21 November 2021
What goes around..... It is ironic that Jennie Garth played the role of a reporter sent to unmask a Secret Santa in a small town, years ago [Holidaze, 2013], and, now, plays a Secret Santa trying to save her anonymity from an investigating reporter. At any rate, she and Cameron Mathison are captivating in their parts. There are a couple of awkward or inconsistent moments, but, over all,the story is sweet and convincing. I had expected GAC to run like an extension of Hallmark. Until now, it's acting more like its luxury line and delivers the ol' time clean, kind and a little syrupy movies that Hallmark is progressively less able to create. Coming Christmas time, I believe many viewers, like myself, still expect to find these unreal, sweet feelings again.
flipped the story
twodiamonds28 November 2021
This movie kind of flipped jennie's earlier movie secret santa (one of my all time favorite christmas movies) where jennie was looking to uncover the secret santa. In this one she was the secret santa. Was great seeing jennie again. The movie overall was an enjoyable treat for me and well worth the watch.
Feel good story
augustharter-828628 November 2022
This was an enjoyable movie presented in a genuine way! Jennie Garth and Cameron Mathison were superb in their roles. My only little complaint is that they should not have made Mathison character get a little too irritated when he found out who was the secret santa. I think the different ways that people were helped are unique. I have done things anonymously for people before and to see how it blesses their lifes is very rewarding. This movie makes me want to do more this year as well.
Let's all remember what this time of the year means. There are those out there who are struggling now and all year long. So important to help these people. This movie really pointed this out in a wonderful way!
Let's all remember what this time of the year means. There are those out there who are struggling now and all year long. So important to help these people. This movie really pointed this out in a wonderful way!
Pay it forward this Christmas, everyone.
chantalvanderende-465-64609119 December 2022
If people give this an average 6.3, as it stands now, it makes you wonder about the averages of other films. I recently saw both Falling for Christmas and I believe in Santa, the new Netflix Christmas movies. They currently stand at 5.2 and 4.5 respectively. If you compare this to those two, this should definitely have a higher average.
Better, more natural acting. And yes, that includes Jamie/Jennie. I see some people mentioning her eyes, but trust me, if you've just seen I believe in Santa, Jennie's acting is nice and real (indulge me - watch ten minutes of I believe in Santa, I dare you). In my opinion, that more natural acting also applies to the 'restrained' vibe Jamie has in the view of a reviewer. That reviewer said they would expect Jamie "bursting with holiday cheer", but if you expected that, you don't understand the premise. I found it very logical and realistic, her not being an over the top Christmas lover is part of the point of the film, I have no idea what premise would make one expect otherwise. It's this realism, this authenticity, this not overdoing it that appeals to me. The film is Christmassy in a more tasteful way with more natural decorations, not the incredibly tacky plastic AliExpress versions that i see in most new films. Surprised at the criticism about him being hurt by her not telling him; I thought that was well done and logical. If they hadn't been so involved, if it was just a neighbour or something, that hurt would have been misplaced. But dating and continuously talking about the secret Santa and not telling would not feel right to me either, from both perspectives. Nicely shot and produced, with everything looking real, including the shop/office, snow, scenery, etc. (that is one of my biggest issues with Christmas films and a realistic looking film without fake car rides, fake snow, fake backgrounds, fake streets, etc. Immediately gets a few extra points from me). Predictable, yes (I think we want our Christmas movies to be), but not overly corny or over the top. I was afraid people wouldn't respect her wish to remain anonymous, which would surely have happened not only in other Christmas movies but also in real life, because usually others decide what that person wants instead of the person itself, and was very pleased it didn't happen here.
There are only a few small things I would have done differently. The morning show logo is very 'my dad who has just started to use a computer made it'. There's no need to mansplain how crackers work and if you do, do it correctly. Apparently, they were meant to stand underneath mistletoe, but it wasn't mistletoe. It looked like holly but with white berries. The people who surprised the struggling family were standing way too close to the house to not be seen, and the video they supposedly took was done from much closer than that even. But if my only criticisms are these small things, they did well, in my opinion.
Pay it forward this Christmas, everyone.
Better, more natural acting. And yes, that includes Jamie/Jennie. I see some people mentioning her eyes, but trust me, if you've just seen I believe in Santa, Jennie's acting is nice and real (indulge me - watch ten minutes of I believe in Santa, I dare you). In my opinion, that more natural acting also applies to the 'restrained' vibe Jamie has in the view of a reviewer. That reviewer said they would expect Jamie "bursting with holiday cheer", but if you expected that, you don't understand the premise. I found it very logical and realistic, her not being an over the top Christmas lover is part of the point of the film, I have no idea what premise would make one expect otherwise. It's this realism, this authenticity, this not overdoing it that appeals to me. The film is Christmassy in a more tasteful way with more natural decorations, not the incredibly tacky plastic AliExpress versions that i see in most new films. Surprised at the criticism about him being hurt by her not telling him; I thought that was well done and logical. If they hadn't been so involved, if it was just a neighbour or something, that hurt would have been misplaced. But dating and continuously talking about the secret Santa and not telling would not feel right to me either, from both perspectives. Nicely shot and produced, with everything looking real, including the shop/office, snow, scenery, etc. (that is one of my biggest issues with Christmas films and a realistic looking film without fake car rides, fake snow, fake backgrounds, fake streets, etc. Immediately gets a few extra points from me). Predictable, yes (I think we want our Christmas movies to be), but not overly corny or over the top. I was afraid people wouldn't respect her wish to remain anonymous, which would surely have happened not only in other Christmas movies but also in real life, because usually others decide what that person wants instead of the person itself, and was very pleased it didn't happen here.
There are only a few small things I would have done differently. The morning show logo is very 'my dad who has just started to use a computer made it'. There's no need to mansplain how crackers work and if you do, do it correctly. Apparently, they were meant to stand underneath mistletoe, but it wasn't mistletoe. It looked like holly but with white berries. The people who surprised the struggling family were standing way too close to the house to not be seen, and the video they supposedly took was done from much closer than that even. But if my only criticisms are these small things, they did well, in my opinion.
Pay it forward this Christmas, everyone.
We are secret Santa
glori14912 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is about Jamie, a widow of 5 years, who always spends Christmas with her niece Kylie doing the same thing every year, Jamie is a secret saint and helps several people in need in the community (but she doesn't want to be the center of attention ), so a morning show reporter is in charge of covering these secret Santa activities. This film reminds us that the Christmas season is more than gifts and activities, it is about helping others without receiving anything in return, and not only at that time, and not like now that everything has to go to a social network. This film reminds us that deep down we are all secret saints, since in some way we help others.
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