Sweet movie, but lacking in more story, and the biggest problem was definitely the military issues. As my husband said, "If this was a drinking game to drink whenever you find an error, you'd be on the floor before the movie was done." He was in the Army & Air Force for 20 years, and is a military history aficionado. Even I noticed that there was too much long hair and facial hair for any of the US military. My husband noticed too many points to mention, (or completely understand) including all of the military vehicles with civilian plates. Please hire someone to get these things correct! My husband, along with several other US Vets are available!
88 Reviews
"Time is our most precious gift of all"
MIssM1929 July 2022
Taylor and Luke meet while he is dressed as Santa and she is mourning a loved one. They talk, he even sends a gift and they dont see each other until the next year.
This movie is about a long distance relationship that is 3 years in the making (I think that is a first for Hallmark). It's definitely not what we are used to.
I thought the movie was quite heartwarming, there were moments between the characters that I felt I was intruding. You can feel how much Kevin and Kayla adore each other and they were happy to be there together.
Now, on the other hand, it is quite slow and there were moments that bored me. I'm not that happy with the ending either. It felt rushed. I thought it was heading in another direction. I also had questions, are civilians allowed there? Is this relationship doomed? They have barely spent time together, physically. What about his career?
Anyway, A+ for the effort Hallmark. But not the biggest fan. However, I would love to see more of Kevin and Kayla together, specially Kayla as a lead.
This movie is about a long distance relationship that is 3 years in the making (I think that is a first for Hallmark). It's definitely not what we are used to.
I thought the movie was quite heartwarming, there were moments between the characters that I felt I was intruding. You can feel how much Kevin and Kayla adore each other and they were happy to be there together.
Now, on the other hand, it is quite slow and there were moments that bored me. I'm not that happy with the ending either. It felt rushed. I thought it was heading in another direction. I also had questions, are civilians allowed there? Is this relationship doomed? They have barely spent time together, physically. What about his career?
Anyway, A+ for the effort Hallmark. But not the biggest fan. However, I would love to see more of Kevin and Kayla together, specially Kayla as a lead.
Should Have Had Army Consultant!
frankjmonaco-4474512 July 2022
Good Story - Sloppy Soldiers
garysteinweg12 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
First off, it's a nice story. A little far-fetched regarding a romance developing over so much time with so little actual interaction. But, the "military bearing" of the protagonist is eye-popping. It's been alluded to by others, but I'll elaborate a little. First, the hero's hair is much too long, and he frequently appears outside in uniform without his cover (hat). At his wedding he shows up in his uniform looking like he'd just come from a barroom brawl - again no cover, lapel crossed-rifle insignia misaligned, and his ribbons tilting at a 30-degree angle. This HAD to be done on purpose for reason(s) I can't begin to understand. Finally, the girlfriend shows up in far north ice country in a dress??? Again, pickiness aside, it's a Christmassy mooby worth watching.
Spoilers
debgolda11 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This was a new Christmas movie for 2022. I liked the concept, it wasn't new, I saw a similar one on lifetime a couple of Christmas' ago. I did enjoy the first hour, but then the second hour dragged a bit. I wasn't a fan of the proposal or wedding, which could have been done differently IMO. Wish over the time that elapsed was that we would have seen something change with their hairstyle even just a bit to show the time changed. Enjoyed that it was real snow not fake
Kevin and Kayla are great together though and perhaps they will do another movie maybe a vacation one in Greece?
It was good but I have other Christmas movies that I love much more.
Kevin and Kayla are great together though and perhaps they will do another movie maybe a vacation one in Greece?
It was good but I have other Christmas movies that I love much more.
Feel Good Christmas movie
ab-8403810 July 2022
Lots of chemistry and a really sweet story told in this family friendly Holiday movie.
Reminds us of the many sacrifices that our Military personnel and their families make all of the time and especially at Christmas.
Reminds us of the many sacrifices that our Military personnel and their families make all of the time and especially at Christmas.
you've seen it all before, but ....
montgomerysue22 November 2022
This is a prime example of how Hallmark re-hashes the same old plot lines in some of their new Christmas movies.
There's really nothing here that you haven't seen done before, but the saving grace is that it is so well acted by the cast, particularly the leads. Kayla Wallace and Kevin McGarry are very good as a woman who has lost her Christmas spirit and the military man she becomes involved with. Together, they elevate the script so much so that you can't help being entertained by this endearing, yet often told, story. Plus, it really is winter - there is no fake snow here so the cinematography is very attractive at times. It looks and feels real. All in all, it's worth watching.
There's really nothing here that you haven't seen done before, but the saving grace is that it is so well acted by the cast, particularly the leads. Kayla Wallace and Kevin McGarry are very good as a woman who has lost her Christmas spirit and the military man she becomes involved with. Together, they elevate the script so much so that you can't help being entertained by this endearing, yet often told, story. Plus, it really is winter - there is no fake snow here so the cinematography is very attractive at times. It looks and feels real. All in all, it's worth watching.
Love It Anyway
thave-3176817 December 2022
My husband proudly served in the United States Army and we are a patriotic family. I really enjoyed, "My Grown-up Christmas List." In fact, it's in my top two movies so far this season. I looked past the errors made regarding military protocol because the storyline, acting and chemistry made me happy. I also like that it was filmed in the winter, so the weather wasn't faked. The times of separation between Taylor and Luke got to me as well. We appreciate that our military was honored by the characters and always watch the Hallmark movies that do so. I'd love to see more with Kevin and Kayla. They have great chemistry and make a wonderful couple.
Other reviews are too flowing, but still a good outing.
mccabe-shannon11 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love Kevin. He is so attractive, seems genuinely nice and acts well I like most of his work. His costar was adorable. And most people are right that they had good chemistry. But they were never together.
I needed more of the first year and then getting to know each other.
I like the idea of changing time periods given that he is deployed but some of it didn't make sense. She loves so far away and then came twice the first year just before xmas and for xmas (yes I get anniversary of moms death) but next year they have the xmas dinner and then she goes back to work across the country then back there? Then a video engagement and then the whole wedding is to be planned by the time he is home? So you've seen each other in person like 4 or 5 days? Not by the time of engagement. Even. By the time of the wedding. Is this a bravo movie?
I thought his mom was adorable. Her grandpa seemed too young.
Also he is close to 40. He shouldn't be that shocked to become a captain.
This is a movie that could have benefitted a ton by another 42 minutes (or hour in the time) I needed to see more about why and how they fell in love and their relationship while he was gone.
Also I can't stand when it's the small town and they don't know each other? It wasn't as if her mom grew up there and she lived elsewhere. She said she hadn't been back since (which we know from hallmark is typically a parents death and in this case was only 2 years). Grandpa knew the family well. He sent the basket to the house and didn't know it was the grandpas? It's all it logical.
With all that said. It's very cute. It's better acted and produced than most. And I love them all. Worth a watch!
I needed more of the first year and then getting to know each other.
I like the idea of changing time periods given that he is deployed but some of it didn't make sense. She loves so far away and then came twice the first year just before xmas and for xmas (yes I get anniversary of moms death) but next year they have the xmas dinner and then she goes back to work across the country then back there? Then a video engagement and then the whole wedding is to be planned by the time he is home? So you've seen each other in person like 4 or 5 days? Not by the time of engagement. Even. By the time of the wedding. Is this a bravo movie?
I thought his mom was adorable. Her grandpa seemed too young.
Also he is close to 40. He shouldn't be that shocked to become a captain.
This is a movie that could have benefitted a ton by another 42 minutes (or hour in the time) I needed to see more about why and how they fell in love and their relationship while he was gone.
Also I can't stand when it's the small town and they don't know each other? It wasn't as if her mom grew up there and she lived elsewhere. She said she hadn't been back since (which we know from hallmark is typically a parents death and in this case was only 2 years). Grandpa knew the family well. He sent the basket to the house and didn't know it was the grandpas? It's all it logical.
With all that said. It's very cute. It's better acted and produced than most. And I love them all. Worth a watch!
So many strange errors
jpk-8464111 August 2022
Glaring military errors from the inappropriate "military" hair, to improper uniforming, to the absurd flying a fiance to a top-secret location. If Hallmark is making these military-based movies to honor troops, this one was an unfortunate disservice. Poor Kayla's costumes were also awful and ill-fitting. I normally enjoy a sweet romantic story as well as these two actors, but this did not showcase their talents and screamed low budget.
The best Hallmark movie in a long time!
theheartieobserver10 July 2022
This movie was phenomenal! From the emotion, to the story, to the wonderful performances of Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace, this one has it all! I loved the deep, heartfelt conversations and the beautiful scenery as well. The story also breaks the cookie cutter formula of typical movies in the same genre, which is so refreshing! I would highly recommend. It's one of a kind and well done all around!
So-So Hallmark Movie
parksidedrive10 July 2022
First, I love Hallmark Christmas movies. This attempt was a miss. Story is a little far-fetched but acceptable because it's Hallmark.
What does stand out as a glaring mistake: The long hair for the military is way off. The low, low cleavage of the wedding dress was a "what was I thinking" dress faux pas.
Movie had some laughs for all the wrong reasons.
Better luck next time, Hallmark.
What does stand out as a glaring mistake: The long hair for the military is way off. The low, low cleavage of the wedding dress was a "what was I thinking" dress faux pas.
Movie had some laughs for all the wrong reasons.
Better luck next time, Hallmark.
They didn't get the basics right
jtully1910 July 2022
If you're going to do a movie based on the US military at least have the actors look and act the part. The star says he's a Captain of Infantry. Captains haven't looked like he did since Vietnam when guys tried to look like civilians. I watched 15 minutes and gave up. Just could not get past the optics.
Come on Hallmark. At least require the actors to look the part. For what they're paid it's not asking all that much to get a haircut.
Come on Hallmark. At least require the actors to look the part. For what they're paid it's not asking all that much to get a haircut.
It was cute
lilysmommy-1796326 July 2022
The movie was good and thought it was cute. The military aspect as way off though. The hair was too long, lapel rifles crooked, etc. If they're going to use the military in a story line at least make sure things look more put together.
Great scify, rom-com, campy, drinking game movie
scottdavort10 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Me and my wife enjoy watching Hallmark movies. We don't expect epic productions, with multimillion dollar graphics budgets. We understand fully what these movies are about. We enjoy them.
But this movie takes the Oscar for epic writing by the young adult category. Let me explain, while in some movies you may find errors like v8 sounds on Teslas or things that move from scene to scene. These errors happen, sometimes you can't afford multiple editors.
But here, this takes it to the next level, willingly. These actors really had to work hard at not laughing or crying. Having been placed in epic situations by some of the most epicly bad military command in history. They did great.
In this universe, the military command of well groomed, shampooed hair operations are ready to take on the bad guys. Soldiers are sent to remote special ops to dark bases which can only be reached by teleportation (or heli) once a year. Around Christmas. Our hero is determined to complete his mission.
The Army while claiming to be training some of the most hardened soldiers for WW3, seem to place critical infrastructure in random mountain places unlocked in trail cameras. While evading bears (or whatever is in these mountains) certainl radio signals are also lost. When one soldier crashes in the woods, since there is nobody equipped to find the soldiers in the epic snow storm, Army command decides to call in their best... From thousands .. of miles ...away. Time is of the essence. Or not. These poor soldiers stranded in a mountain that eats radio waves are most likely popsicles for wildlife by now. Our hero however, bending time and space gets there in 20 minutes. Hair intact having skipped his wedding.
To make it better, his soon to be wife also makes it there just to see them come back from the mountain rescue. The soldiers tired and limping from what looks like perhaps a pulled hamstring.
But when it comes to communication with soldiers, pay attention to the official Army command letter. The Army has a 10 year old with scissors sending out their special ops letters. Overall. This completes the trifecta for a great movie.
Get ready for a brain bending, drink inducing epic love story. This army of great hair special ops and his lonely, very lonely Christmas writer will keep you hooked through this epic Hallmark movie.
But this movie takes the Oscar for epic writing by the young adult category. Let me explain, while in some movies you may find errors like v8 sounds on Teslas or things that move from scene to scene. These errors happen, sometimes you can't afford multiple editors.
But here, this takes it to the next level, willingly. These actors really had to work hard at not laughing or crying. Having been placed in epic situations by some of the most epicly bad military command in history. They did great.
In this universe, the military command of well groomed, shampooed hair operations are ready to take on the bad guys. Soldiers are sent to remote special ops to dark bases which can only be reached by teleportation (or heli) once a year. Around Christmas. Our hero is determined to complete his mission.
The Army while claiming to be training some of the most hardened soldiers for WW3, seem to place critical infrastructure in random mountain places unlocked in trail cameras. While evading bears (or whatever is in these mountains) certainl radio signals are also lost. When one soldier crashes in the woods, since there is nobody equipped to find the soldiers in the epic snow storm, Army command decides to call in their best... From thousands .. of miles ...away. Time is of the essence. Or not. These poor soldiers stranded in a mountain that eats radio waves are most likely popsicles for wildlife by now. Our hero however, bending time and space gets there in 20 minutes. Hair intact having skipped his wedding.
To make it better, his soon to be wife also makes it there just to see them come back from the mountain rescue. The soldiers tired and limping from what looks like perhaps a pulled hamstring.
But when it comes to communication with soldiers, pay attention to the official Army command letter. The Army has a 10 year old with scissors sending out their special ops letters. Overall. This completes the trifecta for a great movie.
Get ready for a brain bending, drink inducing epic love story. This army of great hair special ops and his lonely, very lonely Christmas writer will keep you hooked through this epic Hallmark movie.
Better than Expected
evaready10 July 2022
So much negative press about HC, recently. I enjoy XMAS in July, with oh so predictable movie plot lines but this one was different. It enjoyable & fun to watch. I appreciated that it wasn't the same old actors. They can stay @ GAC😀
A few things spoiled this movie for me.
BellaGrace110 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love Kevin and Kayla and I hope they make many more movies together. They were great! And I liked that this movie was a little different than the normal Hallmark fare. A couple things spoiled the movie from being great for me. The biggest was when she went to Eastern Europe to see him, that just wouldn't happen even if his father was career Army. Everyone is complaining about his hair but the military has relaxed the hair regulations. You can see it if you watch actual soldiers returning home. So that didn't bother me but the surprise visit did. As others have said, the timeline got a little fuzzy in the middle. Hallmark did its typical over the top promotion so by the time the movie actually aired I was kinda tired of it already. Even with these faults I'm sure this movie will be shown over and over on Hallmark and I will watch it at least once a year.
What a beautiful, heartfelt movie!!!
mrsacos10 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is wonderfully written, the cast knocks it out of the park, so much heart and wonderful moments. I just watched it again! As an Ex-Army wife, it really nails it (minus the "her going to the training camp 😂😂😂)!!! Straight through the heart!!!
Heartwarming
jeffrapage-9222111 July 2022
Great cast, boring story, military haircut unbelievable
smhjjsngk9 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Between the long hair of a supposed Army Captain, the unbelievable ground hog day beginning, an ugly wedding dress and the boring, predictable story line, I'm surprised I still liked it. The chemistry is there..they are a very cute couple.. probably the reason I kept watching. The movie also hints at the suffering military couples and families go through when they are apart. (Military brat here at a time when it could be months before we got news about Dad). On a positive note 🎵 (ha!) the title song of course is the clincher.. suitably sappy and sentimental typical of a Hallmark holiday season.
Get a haircut
pdkirk10 July 2022
True and Genuine Chemistry on Display
videonutz10 July 2022
Honestly, I was Anxious to Watch this Film for a Very Unusual Reason. Knowing that Kayla and Kevin are an Actual Couple, I wanted to Check Out their On Screen Chemistry. I had Already Watched them in " Feeling Butterflies " and was Unfortunately Surprisingly Disappointed.
Thankfully, This Time They Did Not Disappoint!
They were Absolutely Magnificent. Their Prior Film " Butterflies " Must have Been Filmed at the Very Beginning of their Real Personal Relationship, because the Difference was Like Night and Day. I Believe that the Word " Wow " Best Describes it! Overall, I would Rate the Film as a 7/8 because I found the Necessary Constant Time Shifts Distracting. They Definitely Affected the Flow of the Film's Romantic Storyline. Therefore, I would Apply the Following Overall Rating: Couple Chemistry 10, Romance Story 10, and Production Quality 7.
You' ll Love Watching this Film because the Two Stars Obviously Love Each Other, and Loved Filming it. The Way that they Look, Talk and Act, when they are Together, Is Romance Personified.
Thankfully, This Time They Did Not Disappoint!
They were Absolutely Magnificent. Their Prior Film " Butterflies " Must have Been Filmed at the Very Beginning of their Real Personal Relationship, because the Difference was Like Night and Day. I Believe that the Word " Wow " Best Describes it! Overall, I would Rate the Film as a 7/8 because I found the Necessary Constant Time Shifts Distracting. They Definitely Affected the Flow of the Film's Romantic Storyline. Therefore, I would Apply the Following Overall Rating: Couple Chemistry 10, Romance Story 10, and Production Quality 7.
You' ll Love Watching this Film because the Two Stars Obviously Love Each Other, and Loved Filming it. The Way that they Look, Talk and Act, when they are Together, Is Romance Personified.
Isn't it supposed to be cold outside?
Jackbv12310 July 2022
I love both these leads and only partly because I'm a Heartie. I also love Christmas in July and Christmas movies about either Veterans or Active Duty Servicepeople. I wanted this movie to be great and it was OK, but I feel like it could have been so much more.
The story has fresh aspects and also echoes of other common storylines, especially the climax. I think it's great there were no snowmen or snowball fights or food fights or Christmas pageants.
Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace know each other well as actors. In addition to WCtH, they have another recent movie together as leads. They have obvious chemistry. Both of them appear to be go-to actors for Hallmark. I especially like something about Kayla Wallace.
There were some very romantic moments early on and then pfft. I won't go into what, but the movie quickly had the two leads separated, at least physically, most of the time. I want to call a lot of that "place holding" in the story.
I often say that Hallmark type movies and realism don't have a lot in common. I thought there was a lot of that here, but the most glaring was some of the attire just taken for granted in a snowy environment especially a week after Christmas.
The story has fresh aspects and also echoes of other common storylines, especially the climax. I think it's great there were no snowmen or snowball fights or food fights or Christmas pageants.
Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace know each other well as actors. In addition to WCtH, they have another recent movie together as leads. They have obvious chemistry. Both of them appear to be go-to actors for Hallmark. I especially like something about Kayla Wallace.
There were some very romantic moments early on and then pfft. I won't go into what, but the movie quickly had the two leads separated, at least physically, most of the time. I want to call a lot of that "place holding" in the story.
I often say that Hallmark type movies and realism don't have a lot in common. I thought there was a lot of that here, but the most glaring was some of the attire just taken for granted in a snowy environment especially a week after Christmas.
Hallmark screws up again
caseybones11 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Holy crap, My Grown Up Christmas List was just so bad! So very many things were major eye rollers that I can't see straight.
She is supposed to be some fabulous journalist who is promised a cover story and the best she can come up with is some granny who crochets ornaments?
These two meet on Christmas Eve and don't see each other for, what, a year or so. Yet yet they look exactly the same right down to the hair styles. And this "love affair" dragged on for how many years (it was so boring I lost track of that) and they never, ever change? Grandpa and his parents never age a day?
And don't get me started on the long, decidedly unmilitary hair the dude sported. Or the military vehicles with civilian plates. Or the incorrect uniforms and the dude not wearing a cover outdoors.
Virtually every military-related scene was so ridiculous. The super secret base is halfway round the world yet he manages to drop everything to run and save the soldiers because he's apparently the only person in the entire army capable of it and manages to arrive within minutes of the call - do they have teleportation in the miltary these days? And then she hops aboard some magic starship and finds her way to this super secret base as well, just in time to greet him.
And what was with that hideous bridal gown that was riding so low that you could almost see her nipples except for the bath mat that she had wrapped around her shoulders.
I realize that these two are apparently a couple in real life but, gah, what a lack of chemistry.
Just when you think Hallmark might do something different, they botch it up yet again.
She is supposed to be some fabulous journalist who is promised a cover story and the best she can come up with is some granny who crochets ornaments?
These two meet on Christmas Eve and don't see each other for, what, a year or so. Yet yet they look exactly the same right down to the hair styles. And this "love affair" dragged on for how many years (it was so boring I lost track of that) and they never, ever change? Grandpa and his parents never age a day?
And don't get me started on the long, decidedly unmilitary hair the dude sported. Or the military vehicles with civilian plates. Or the incorrect uniforms and the dude not wearing a cover outdoors.
Virtually every military-related scene was so ridiculous. The super secret base is halfway round the world yet he manages to drop everything to run and save the soldiers because he's apparently the only person in the entire army capable of it and manages to arrive within minutes of the call - do they have teleportation in the miltary these days? And then she hops aboard some magic starship and finds her way to this super secret base as well, just in time to greet him.
And what was with that hideous bridal gown that was riding so low that you could almost see her nipples except for the bath mat that she had wrapped around her shoulders.
I realize that these two are apparently a couple in real life but, gah, what a lack of chemistry.
Just when you think Hallmark might do something different, they botch it up yet again.
Great story, a little slow
therusticapothecary12 July 2022
Overall the movie was good. The first hour was slow-moving, but I appreciated the evolution of their relationship. We have dear friends in the military, and the holidays are extremely tough for their families, especially if they can't be together. I wouldn't watch it again, but I didn't dislike it either. I prefer more humor, and the military inaccuracies were noticeable, but the storyline was believable.
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