This was not one of Hallmark's better efforts. One issue is the complete lack of chemistry between Alison Sweeney and Luke Macfarlane. First time I have seen Macfarlane not connect with his leading lady. As someone who has always admired Marlo Thomas and enjoyed her performances over the year, I was disappointed that her role was so quirky and off center. I do not know what is happening over at Hallmark, but the quality of the Countdown to Christmas movies this year have been a disappointment. This film was so slowly paced and at no time did I feel the main characters were a match. I just kept hoping the story would develop, but it never did.
29 Reviews
Team Summer
rebekahrox6 November 2022
Summer is an architect and a single mother who is busy busy busy. She is all about fixing things, control, rules and organization. She doesn't have time for a serious relationship, and plus she just hasn't felt that "spark" yet. She is kind of forced to take her hippy dippy mother in, (Marlo Thomas) when her lover leaves town and sells the house she has been living in.
Her mother, Vivian, is the exact opposite of Summer. She believes in living in the moment and letting "the universe" guide her life. Plans Schmlans. Because of her lifelong irresponsibility, she is in a financial mess, without enough money to live on. Luckily Summer and her other daughter, April, provide a safety net. But to my irritation, that does not stop her from nagging Summer about her overly planned out life which has stopped her from living freely, finding love, and stopping to smell the roses. All while living in Summer's home, on her dime, one step away from homelessness.
The irony is that Summer is the way she is because of Vivian's unstable parenting. It is revealed that *16 year-old* Summer had to go to the bank and set up a payment plan after 6 months of living without electricity because Vivian just couldn't be bothered to pay the bills after her husband died. Throughout most of the movie, Vivian thinks she is some kind of wise shaman with all of the answers, which is far far from reality. I was not a fan.
The main story is about how the two women learn from each other and learn to find a happy medium. The charming Luke Macfarlane provides the Love interest and he has great chemistry with Allison Sweeny, which, TBH, I was kind of surprised about.
Their happy ending, and to a lesser extent, the rapprochement between Summer and Vivian is guided by the Magical Christmas Village that Vivian sets up at Summer's house. Summer's daughter starts to move the figurines around and soon figures out that she is also guiding the footsteps of people in real life as she does so. It was a cute concept if you ignore the horror movie aspects to it. This was pretty good, despite the fact that I hated Vivian's guts through most of it.
Her mother, Vivian, is the exact opposite of Summer. She believes in living in the moment and letting "the universe" guide her life. Plans Schmlans. Because of her lifelong irresponsibility, she is in a financial mess, without enough money to live on. Luckily Summer and her other daughter, April, provide a safety net. But to my irritation, that does not stop her from nagging Summer about her overly planned out life which has stopped her from living freely, finding love, and stopping to smell the roses. All while living in Summer's home, on her dime, one step away from homelessness.
The irony is that Summer is the way she is because of Vivian's unstable parenting. It is revealed that *16 year-old* Summer had to go to the bank and set up a payment plan after 6 months of living without electricity because Vivian just couldn't be bothered to pay the bills after her husband died. Throughout most of the movie, Vivian thinks she is some kind of wise shaman with all of the answers, which is far far from reality. I was not a fan.
The main story is about how the two women learn from each other and learn to find a happy medium. The charming Luke Macfarlane provides the Love interest and he has great chemistry with Allison Sweeny, which, TBH, I was kind of surprised about.
Their happy ending, and to a lesser extent, the rapprochement between Summer and Vivian is guided by the Magical Christmas Village that Vivian sets up at Summer's house. Summer's daughter starts to move the figurines around and soon figures out that she is also guiding the footsteps of people in real life as she does so. It was a cute concept if you ignore the horror movie aspects to it. This was pretty good, despite the fact that I hated Vivian's guts through most of it.
I would call this particular film "Christmas light" it won't blind you with it's (lack of) brilliance
Ed-Shullivan10 November 2022
The four main actors Alison Sweeney, Luke Macfarlane, Marlo Thomas, and
Maesa Nicholson did their very best to make this a pleasant Christmas themed film, which they succeeded in doing. Having said that I need a heck of a lot more icing on my Christmas Yule logs than a run of the mill romance with a new handsome guy moving into town to sweep a single mom off of her feet.
Marlo Thomas's performance as the mom and grandma who lives life not only as a glass half full type of mom and grandma but more like a gypsy woman who can cure all that is needed for her family and friends. Marlo Thomas may have been in her mid 80's when she filmed this but you wouldn't have guessed her age with the expressive energy she has displayed of a much younger octogenarian.
It is an okay Christmas film but I must admit it's rather a forgettable film to watch once and forget about it.
Marlo Thomas's performance as the mom and grandma who lives life not only as a glass half full type of mom and grandma but more like a gypsy woman who can cure all that is needed for her family and friends. Marlo Thomas may have been in her mid 80's when she filmed this but you wouldn't have guessed her age with the expressive energy she has displayed of a much younger octogenarian.
It is an okay Christmas film but I must admit it's rather a forgettable film to watch once and forget about it.
it was good
montgomerysue6 November 2022
We always watch Alison Sweeney movies because she is such a real, natural actress. We figured the icing on the cake would be to see Marlo Thomas act again after not seeing her since a St. Jude commercial a couple of years back.
Well, Marlo's opening scene in the beginning of the movie was sort of shocking. She obviously saw the Jackson Family cosmetologist for her nose and Goldie Hawn's botox physician - to the point that her appearance distracted big time from what was going on. To Hallmark's credit, though, they gave Marlo a lot to do in this movie.
This wasn't just a couple of scenes for namesake value - she plays a fully developed character with many interactions with the rest of the cast. And, once you get used to her appearance, you realize that Marlo is really quite good. Let's face it and give her credit, this month she turns 85 and she can still give an honest, natural, and interesting performance, which ultimately becomes rather endearing.
As a matter of fact, she has a "show down" scene with Sweeney that is quite excellent and her second meeting with Macfarlane at a market is moving and sweet. Throughout, her scenes with Maesa Nicholson, playing her granddaughter are very well done and, at times, nicely humorous. Nicholson is an impressive young actress.
As far as the story goes, it really kept our interest - an elderly person going broke is not all that uncommon nowadays and the relationship between Sweeney and Macfarlane's characters is nicely developed. As usual, they give really fine performances, particularly Sweeney whose character she seems to be relaxed and comfortable with - so much so that her performance is more multi-faceted and complex than in other Hallmark roles she has been given.
It's not the best new Hallmark this season, but it's still enjoyable and worth a watch.
Well, Marlo's opening scene in the beginning of the movie was sort of shocking. She obviously saw the Jackson Family cosmetologist for her nose and Goldie Hawn's botox physician - to the point that her appearance distracted big time from what was going on. To Hallmark's credit, though, they gave Marlo a lot to do in this movie.
This wasn't just a couple of scenes for namesake value - she plays a fully developed character with many interactions with the rest of the cast. And, once you get used to her appearance, you realize that Marlo is really quite good. Let's face it and give her credit, this month she turns 85 and she can still give an honest, natural, and interesting performance, which ultimately becomes rather endearing.
As a matter of fact, she has a "show down" scene with Sweeney that is quite excellent and her second meeting with Macfarlane at a market is moving and sweet. Throughout, her scenes with Maesa Nicholson, playing her granddaughter are very well done and, at times, nicely humorous. Nicholson is an impressive young actress.
As far as the story goes, it really kept our interest - an elderly person going broke is not all that uncommon nowadays and the relationship between Sweeney and Macfarlane's characters is nicely developed. As usual, they give really fine performances, particularly Sweeney whose character she seems to be relaxed and comfortable with - so much so that her performance is more multi-faceted and complex than in other Hallmark roles she has been given.
It's not the best new Hallmark this season, but it's still enjoyable and worth a watch.
Cute.
adamjohns-4257518 January 2023
A Magical Christmas Village (2022) -
I had a feeling watching this film that the little girl, Chloe (Maesa Nicholson), must have been a witch! She created a magic which moved the story forward and while I'm sure it was all a coincidence really, it would be nice to think that magic was real and that playing around with a Christmas village could bring Luke Macfarlane in to my life. He always plays such lovely guys that he must surely be that nice in real life. In the role of Ryan, he was as charming as always and his character was slightly more simple than the others I've seen from him, which seemed to make him even more accessible.
Initially I thought that Alison Sweeney, playing Summer, might be too old for Ryan, but actually I really liked them together and I empathised with her character.
I also thought that Grandma Viv (Marlo Thomas) was going to drive me nuts at first, with her "Hippy" ways, but she was actually a good character too and played well.
The script was a little off, not the usual cleverly written and organic flow that I've been used to and it had some lines that were a bit twee or corny, but in general I felt contented by what I saw.
Maybe I was just feeling emotional and it hit some of my buttons, but I really liked this one. I didn't know why there were so many poor reviews from others.
Christmas, charity, romance and Luke, what more could you want?
7/10.
I had a feeling watching this film that the little girl, Chloe (Maesa Nicholson), must have been a witch! She created a magic which moved the story forward and while I'm sure it was all a coincidence really, it would be nice to think that magic was real and that playing around with a Christmas village could bring Luke Macfarlane in to my life. He always plays such lovely guys that he must surely be that nice in real life. In the role of Ryan, he was as charming as always and his character was slightly more simple than the others I've seen from him, which seemed to make him even more accessible.
Initially I thought that Alison Sweeney, playing Summer, might be too old for Ryan, but actually I really liked them together and I empathised with her character.
I also thought that Grandma Viv (Marlo Thomas) was going to drive me nuts at first, with her "Hippy" ways, but she was actually a good character too and played well.
The script was a little off, not the usual cleverly written and organic flow that I've been used to and it had some lines that were a bit twee or corny, but in general I felt contented by what I saw.
Maybe I was just feeling emotional and it hit some of my buttons, but I really liked this one. I didn't know why there were so many poor reviews from others.
Christmas, charity, romance and Luke, what more could you want?
7/10.
Solid performances by the cast
perogy413 November 2022
As staples of Hallmark movie casts, Sweeney and Macfarlane deliver solid acting and are the draw for the movie. It's great to see Marlo Thomas in a supporting role that is actually more developed than Luke Macfarlane's (which is unfortunate). Yes the plastic surgery is a distraction at first, but she's looking pretty darned good for 85! I really want to rate the movie higher because of these actors, however it just feels there's something missing in all the other characters' development.
There are plenty of choices each year for new Christmas movies. A Magical Christmas Village is entertaining enough to be worthy of 90 minutes of your attention and should make the cut.
There are plenty of choices each year for new Christmas movies. A Magical Christmas Village is entertaining enough to be worthy of 90 minutes of your attention and should make the cut.
Just couldn't get into this
VetteRanger6 November 2022
When I saw Marlo Thomas attached to this movie, I was eager to see it. I'm an original Marlo Thomas fan since That Girl back in the 60s. However, her role in this movie didn't work for me, and I believe that was a failure by the writers.
They went for kind of a zany hippy but wise character who was irresponsible but several times promoted the idea that "the universe will make things right". The dialogue simply sounded contrived and delusional.
I also found it painful to watch her. Marlo has done a lot of great things, including continuing to support and promote her father's effort with St. Jude's hospital, but she's also now a cautionary tale for any older woman considering plastic surgery. It doesn't look good on her ... at all. But with the face lift and died hair, they had her playing a role probably 25 years younger than her actual age, and that didn't work well, either.
More on just the movie. Despite us liking the actors in the romantic lead roles, I wasn't sold there. Again, just writers going through the motions rather than selling the characters and the relationships with something deeper than a magical fake pond causing him to suggest ice skating or some very thin dialogue about architecture.
This movie won't be on our rewatch list.
They went for kind of a zany hippy but wise character who was irresponsible but several times promoted the idea that "the universe will make things right". The dialogue simply sounded contrived and delusional.
I also found it painful to watch her. Marlo has done a lot of great things, including continuing to support and promote her father's effort with St. Jude's hospital, but she's also now a cautionary tale for any older woman considering plastic surgery. It doesn't look good on her ... at all. But with the face lift and died hair, they had her playing a role probably 25 years younger than her actual age, and that didn't work well, either.
More on just the movie. Despite us liking the actors in the romantic lead roles, I wasn't sold there. Again, just writers going through the motions rather than selling the characters and the relationships with something deeper than a magical fake pond causing him to suggest ice skating or some very thin dialogue about architecture.
This movie won't be on our rewatch list.
So much better than these reviews would have you believe
hayesmikiet19 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Hallmark is clearly having a rough year with plots and political correctness and bad chemistry between leads. This movie, for the most part, is an exception. The cast is actually quite lovely and enjoyable. Note: It takes a while for the movie to warm up and get its groove. But these reviews are perplexing. Marlo Thomas is an absolute gift in this movie. Has she had abysmal plastic surgery... Yes. Is it distracting... At times, a little. But her performance is incredible. She's adorable. For 85, she's seriously a dynamo! Her energy. Her timing. Her mobility. Her wardrobe. Her spirit. Her chemistry with the entire cast - all amazing! AS and LMcF are terrific together. No. 1, they play an architect and an engineer... obviously not silly over-the-top characters. Their performances are more nuanced but perfectly believable for this movie. The magic village element works well... the progression of the pieces of the village as romance moves forward makes perfect sense! And the daughter is darling as she essentially figures it out. Not sure why the hate re: the magic. This isn't a God wink movie - sure, it hits a bit hard on the "Universe," but Thomas' character is a bit of a hippy - and ultimately, it works. The ending doesn't necessarily cover new ground, but is it disappointing!? In no way. Take a chance - watch the entire movie!
Fits the Bill As a Christmas Movie
cyrenaica7 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Good
A well executed plot, not quite original but plausible
The Bad Why has Marlo Thomas let herself go? The cosmetic surgery results are a distraction if you're like me and are old enough to remember 'That Girl'
The Plot (3/5) As I stated the movie plot and script were decent, and plausible.
The Acting (3/5) Alison Sweeney is a professional at the 'Filmed in Canada, Hallmark Christmas TV Movie" and this one was no exception. Despite her looks, Marlo gave a good performance as always as did Luke Macfarlane. While I realize she's young, I was not impressed with Maesa Nicholson's acting. This is one of her first three movies so hopefully she will improve.
Overall (6/10) The movie is watchable and enjoyable, and a decent example of the Hallmark Christmas TV Movie genre. Nothing extraordinary here, but nothing cringeworthy either. 10-15 years ago, a lot of these movies made me cringe when watching them, but today, out of the 30+ movies Hallmark ships out every Christmas, only 2-3 make me feel that way now.
The Bad Why has Marlo Thomas let herself go? The cosmetic surgery results are a distraction if you're like me and are old enough to remember 'That Girl'
The Plot (3/5) As I stated the movie plot and script were decent, and plausible.
The Acting (3/5) Alison Sweeney is a professional at the 'Filmed in Canada, Hallmark Christmas TV Movie" and this one was no exception. Despite her looks, Marlo gave a good performance as always as did Luke Macfarlane. While I realize she's young, I was not impressed with Maesa Nicholson's acting. This is one of her first three movies so hopefully she will improve.
Overall (6/10) The movie is watchable and enjoyable, and a decent example of the Hallmark Christmas TV Movie genre. Nothing extraordinary here, but nothing cringeworthy either. 10-15 years ago, a lot of these movies made me cringe when watching them, but today, out of the 30+ movies Hallmark ships out every Christmas, only 2-3 make me feel that way now.
Nobody asked you to be my keeper!
LtlHippo7 November 2022
Whew! Would have never guessed that was Marlo Thomas. Why are women afraid of wrinkles, she looked very freakish and it looked painful. It was distracting for me to watch the movie. Her character was just absurd, rude, disrespectful. I saw a loving daughter wanting to help her mother, obviously her mom needed help. The whole "you just gotta believe" nonsense. Tell the bill collectors that and see what they say. Alison was of course, wonderful to watch. I'm so glad she didn't jump ship to the other channel like Candace and Danica did. And Luke, I just can't get his role as Scotty on Brothers and Sisters out of my head. Loved him on that show, he's good on Hallmark too. The more the movie went on, the more I disliked that mom. I would have ran away from home as a teenager. Haha.
Hurrah for Marlo Thomas
vjf3614 January 2023
Enjoyable Hallmark typical movie. What stands out is Marlo Thomas. She stole every scene she was in This is what Hallmark needs good supporting actors. The criticism I have is the other daughter in a interracial marriage Have no idea why Halllmark drops this in without exploring this cast or vision. I'm all for interstice marriages etc but why HallmRk has the need to put this in without any exploration or any comments makes no sense to me. The rest of the cast gave their typical hallmark acting. McFarland who now has come out seems very incortable on his role. Allison is always good. I love her in the wedding vail movies too.
Surprisingly good! Charming and quirky.....
jimbojim-037395 November 2022
Okay let's all say it on the count of 3 and get it out of systems.....Marlo Thomas' facelift.....awful and distracting! Enough said! Really enjoyed the movie and was engaged throughout...,not sure where it was going. Beautifully photographed and thoroughly enjoyed Marlo Thomas as the quirky and hip Grandma. What is most interesting is that the romance of the lead characters takes a back seat to Grandma story. Like the casting and well written too. The endings final moments left me a bit short changed. Enjoy and welcome back to TV That Girl or I should say That Grandma !!! Happy holidays to all!!
Missed the mark
d-robold18 November 2022
Allison Sweeney and Luke Macfarlane are better than this forced and fairly empty mess. Too easy to solve issues, too sappy and sugary and disgustingly sweet. Hallmark took an outline and filled it in with fluff and nonsense, but no heart. Why does the network feel it necessary to churn out mediocre junk in great numbers rather than make fewer but much better movies? The magic Christmas village was a wasted element that was tossed into the story to provide Christmas Magic? It didn't. I found Marlo Thomas's dated hippy philosophy and preachy tendencies distracting and annoying. (As was her plastic surgery face, especially as I am old enough to remember That Girl). I couldn't wait for the movie to end. It won't be on many Do Not Miss lists next year.
Fa,la,la,la.. Flop!
ts-000021 January 2023
Sometimes women don't age gracefully,especially with botched plastic medical help.
MT face was painful to look at from the fillers,to her nose which don't recall it being so non-dimensial in years past.. Regardless,rather distracting.
Unfortunately this movie like many are falling flat by Hallmark,don't feel they know how to make quality over quantity movies anymore.
Please Hallmark start choosing new cities,buildings,time of year filming or something there's no authenticity left.
The cinematography was decent one of the good things Hallmark does,they need to learn about mixing music with people talking & making their fake snow better looking.
Casting somewhat was ok,but could of been better.
Not on my list of seeing,again.
MT face was painful to look at from the fillers,to her nose which don't recall it being so non-dimensial in years past.. Regardless,rather distracting.
Unfortunately this movie like many are falling flat by Hallmark,don't feel they know how to make quality over quantity movies anymore.
Please Hallmark start choosing new cities,buildings,time of year filming or something there's no authenticity left.
The cinematography was decent one of the good things Hallmark does,they need to learn about mixing music with people talking & making their fake snow better looking.
Casting somewhat was ok,but could of been better.
Not on my list of seeing,again.
A big No to Marlo Thomas.
mgreaney-121 December 2023
Agree with the other reviewer. Marlo Thomas's freakish looks were distracting and I found it hard to watch her. She has had more than one too many face lifts. Also agree her character was rude and disrespectful and the whole " just believe was " was very annoying. I found myself wanting to yell at the tv every time Marlo was on screen. Also I have always found her voice annoying.
She was in no way a sympathetic or likeable character. It was impossible to find any redeeming qualities in her character as a mother. Alison Sweeney as always did a marvellous job. It was easy to feel sympathy for her character.
She was in no way a sympathetic or likeable character. It was impossible to find any redeeming qualities in her character as a mother. Alison Sweeney as always did a marvellous job. It was easy to feel sympathy for her character.
A little bit of magic
Jackbv1235 November 2022
The story strongly implies that the family's Christmas village set has magical powers that intervene in the lives of the story's main characters. One thread of the story is the developing romance between Allison Sweeney's Summer and Luke MacFarland's character. Another thread is the family struggles that center around Marlo Thomas' Vivian.
I am more than happy to imagine how Chloe can use the village's magic to find romance for her mother whom everyone says over and over is controlling. As controlling characters go, I found Summer to be not nearly as bad as many in this type of movie. I resent that the movie implies that there is something wrong with a woman who is financially responsible and works hard to accomplish the tasks before her through her organizational skills. Summer has rules for Chloe and holds to them, but in a reasonable way balancing carrot and stick in her parenting.
Vivian seems to think that overdue bills will be taken care of by the Universe in its own good time. Even Summer's sister recognizes her mother's challenges. She and Summer have a running joke about whether a discussion about mom is a "five alarm" discussion. Yet she seems to take mom's side when these differences create conflict within the family. This entire premise in the movie turned me off to what could have been fun.
Sweeney and MacFarland have chemistry. The dialogue in the movie is good, although not as sparkling as some movies. The acting is good.
I am more than happy to imagine how Chloe can use the village's magic to find romance for her mother whom everyone says over and over is controlling. As controlling characters go, I found Summer to be not nearly as bad as many in this type of movie. I resent that the movie implies that there is something wrong with a woman who is financially responsible and works hard to accomplish the tasks before her through her organizational skills. Summer has rules for Chloe and holds to them, but in a reasonable way balancing carrot and stick in her parenting.
Vivian seems to think that overdue bills will be taken care of by the Universe in its own good time. Even Summer's sister recognizes her mother's challenges. She and Summer have a running joke about whether a discussion about mom is a "five alarm" discussion. Yet she seems to take mom's side when these differences create conflict within the family. This entire premise in the movie turned me off to what could have been fun.
Sweeney and MacFarland have chemistry. The dialogue in the movie is good, although not as sparkling as some movies. The acting is good.
Christmas with an Aging Family Member
innerlooper9631 December 2022
This movie truly was enjoyable for me, although a lot of the comments from my fellow reviewers resonate for me as well.
The benefit in particular for me was getting to see a story that involved an elderly parent and the complicated nature of being an obedient child while still setting healthy boundaries that honor the very values that parent helped instill in you.
As the daughter of a mom exactly Marlo's age, I was intrigued to see so many similar feelings and it made me feel incredibly validated.
The Summary: A single, successful woman with one beautiful pre-teen daughter is compelled to invite her older mother to stay while settling some unresolved issues that have rendered Older Mom without a home. The nature of the matriarch is stubborn, 'last minute', impractical, and loving, which strongly contrasts with her adult daughter, who is pragmatic and wants the best for everyone involved.
I loved Alison Sweeney; I'm a fan of HM movies, but I've missed most of hers and rarely watch any sort of HM series/shows. I recognized her and found her to be a really excellent choice for this role; the story is believable in the way it balances her character's love for her mom with her own need to follow 'formulaic' methods for life.
Her aging mom (Marlo Thomas), is confounding, and I can relate to the insistence, the stronger opinions, the "I'm right, you'll see"-ness that makes for challenging parent-adult child relationships. She overstepped immediately by trying to change the rules of her daughter's household and treating her home as her own (Yes, we want others to feel at home, but allow that invitation to be extended, don't just insist upon it from the start!). Watching Alison's character get frustrated and use her adult voice was gratifying, because it helped me see that I'm not alone, and that I also can improve my ability to show grace. The movie does a great job of showing how people can be hurt by each other but still forgive and uphold respect at all times.
The thing that I found a little uncertain was how Luke McFarlane was supposed to feel; is he interested genuinely in her, or was he just half-heartedly interested? It's hard to know if this was only a manifestation of his job logistics (necessitating a move far away, which would make the relationship impossible) OR if he actually did not feel ready for a relationship up until the very end when he finally returned the interest?
The holiday spirit of this movie was evident to me; the Village piece was beautifully incorporated, and the young lady playing her daughter was awesome - she didn't steal scenes, but she had this demeanor of wonder, a sort of thoughtful, slow-to-react quality to her scenes, which just made her a welcome balance for her very-prepared Mom. I also appreciated that they opted to make her character grateful and sweet vs. The "know it all" teen who prissily snaps at her mom.
The overall theme of this movie in my opinion is respect. It illustrates so many examples of the choice to be respectful, to understand boundaries, and to correct ourselves when we cross those boundaries. The other obvious theme is family dynamics, and giving up a bit of control before we ruin the very things that we worked so hard to acquire with each other. It's true: nothing wonderful comes easily, and this movie shows exactly this concept.
Watch this movie if you want to watch a movie that doesn't follow the usual formulaic romance journey, and instead explores family dynamics and the powerful role they can play in our lives.
The benefit in particular for me was getting to see a story that involved an elderly parent and the complicated nature of being an obedient child while still setting healthy boundaries that honor the very values that parent helped instill in you.
As the daughter of a mom exactly Marlo's age, I was intrigued to see so many similar feelings and it made me feel incredibly validated.
The Summary: A single, successful woman with one beautiful pre-teen daughter is compelled to invite her older mother to stay while settling some unresolved issues that have rendered Older Mom without a home. The nature of the matriarch is stubborn, 'last minute', impractical, and loving, which strongly contrasts with her adult daughter, who is pragmatic and wants the best for everyone involved.
I loved Alison Sweeney; I'm a fan of HM movies, but I've missed most of hers and rarely watch any sort of HM series/shows. I recognized her and found her to be a really excellent choice for this role; the story is believable in the way it balances her character's love for her mom with her own need to follow 'formulaic' methods for life.
Her aging mom (Marlo Thomas), is confounding, and I can relate to the insistence, the stronger opinions, the "I'm right, you'll see"-ness that makes for challenging parent-adult child relationships. She overstepped immediately by trying to change the rules of her daughter's household and treating her home as her own (Yes, we want others to feel at home, but allow that invitation to be extended, don't just insist upon it from the start!). Watching Alison's character get frustrated and use her adult voice was gratifying, because it helped me see that I'm not alone, and that I also can improve my ability to show grace. The movie does a great job of showing how people can be hurt by each other but still forgive and uphold respect at all times.
The thing that I found a little uncertain was how Luke McFarlane was supposed to feel; is he interested genuinely in her, or was he just half-heartedly interested? It's hard to know if this was only a manifestation of his job logistics (necessitating a move far away, which would make the relationship impossible) OR if he actually did not feel ready for a relationship up until the very end when he finally returned the interest?
The holiday spirit of this movie was evident to me; the Village piece was beautifully incorporated, and the young lady playing her daughter was awesome - she didn't steal scenes, but she had this demeanor of wonder, a sort of thoughtful, slow-to-react quality to her scenes, which just made her a welcome balance for her very-prepared Mom. I also appreciated that they opted to make her character grateful and sweet vs. The "know it all" teen who prissily snaps at her mom.
The overall theme of this movie in my opinion is respect. It illustrates so many examples of the choice to be respectful, to understand boundaries, and to correct ourselves when we cross those boundaries. The other obvious theme is family dynamics, and giving up a bit of control before we ruin the very things that we worked so hard to acquire with each other. It's true: nothing wonderful comes easily, and this movie shows exactly this concept.
Watch this movie if you want to watch a movie that doesn't follow the usual formulaic romance journey, and instead explores family dynamics and the powerful role they can play in our lives.
Cool concept, poor execution
tristevenin17 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The script is rough and the acting was very sup par for actors who usually bring a lot of charisma to their roles. There's very little focus on the magic of the village while we sit and watch the most awkward relationship play out. Then there's the crazy hippy grandma who has the biggest Deus Ex Machina when she suddenly remembers her dead husband has a pension. It's one thing to believe in the magic of Christmas but it's another to be dependent on it. It's frustrating to see how she ignored all responsibilities but still gets everything she wants and all her problems swept away by simply "believing in Christmas." They should've focused more on how the village plays a role in the holiday magic.
Alison Sweeney always shines and Marlo Thomas is magical!
susanmnorth5 November 2022
What do you really need for an enjoyable Hallmark Christmas movie? For me, it's a story that keeps me engaged, good performances and, oh yes, a little magic. That's why I choose Hallmark. I am a huge Alison Sweeney fan. Her performances are flawless and the chemistry between her and Luke Macfarlane is like watching teenagers navigate the beginning of a relationship. Now add Marlo Thomas. Delightful and whimsical. Her portrayal of Alison's mom and relationship with Macfarlane's character is where the magic shows up. And the daughter (moving the characters in her gramma's Christmas village) is the thread that ties them all together. Very enjoyable.
A rare Hallmark movie fail with a thoughtless self absorbed ending.
MichaelByTheSea23 November 2022
I'm a devoted Hallmark movie lover and I typically grade all their movies on a curve. I usually find something to appreciate in just about every one of their movies. Two recent glaring exceptions include Road Trip Romance and Christmas CEO both of which I absolutely hated. But most of the time I find Hallmark movies to be quite enjoyable.
I didn't hate this movie, but I didn't like it and, judging from the first batch of reviews, most of which I agree with, it didn't work for others either.
It was just too weird. Too much "Trust the Universe". And "don't worry, there are no consequences to being irresponsible, magic fixes everything". I'm OK with a little magic, but only when it reinforces good values and acts more like a nudge or a mechanism of enlightenment, as opposed to something that wipes out free will
Alison Sweeney and Luke Macfarlane were fine, although I didn't really think there was any chemistry between them. Marlo Thomas did her best with the script, but her character was frustrating. And, as others have pointed out, she is yet another cautionary tale when it comes to plastic surgery. Yeah, I get that it's hard for beautiful women to handle the aging process, but I sure wish so many didn't feel compelled by society to go under the knife looking for an extreme change, only to come out looking like plastic mannequins with duck lips. It's simply not flattering. Quite the opposite. But hey, their bodies, their choice.
Plus, Marlo Thomas is 85. She handled what she was given with aplomb, but 85 is a bit old to be playing Allison Sweeney's mother (although I suppose she could've had her when she was 44). But not many women become mothers at that age.
Part of me hates saying anything negative about Marlo Thomas because she has done so much good in the world. Her work for St Jude's Hospital is truly amazing. My kids used to set up cookie and lemonade stands and we'd send the proceeds to St Judes.
And it's never a good sign when the ending is terrible. I hated the ending. Without spoiling it, I'll just say that the characters showed a complete lack of awareness, concern or care for the other people in that scene. And those people were children. "I don't care what you're doing, my needs are more important " Ugh. Sometimes, an uplifting and powerful ending can kind of fix the problems that preceded it. But here it was just yet another example of the movie's problems.
I didn't hate this movie, but I didn't like it and, judging from the first batch of reviews, most of which I agree with, it didn't work for others either.
It was just too weird. Too much "Trust the Universe". And "don't worry, there are no consequences to being irresponsible, magic fixes everything". I'm OK with a little magic, but only when it reinforces good values and acts more like a nudge or a mechanism of enlightenment, as opposed to something that wipes out free will
Alison Sweeney and Luke Macfarlane were fine, although I didn't really think there was any chemistry between them. Marlo Thomas did her best with the script, but her character was frustrating. And, as others have pointed out, she is yet another cautionary tale when it comes to plastic surgery. Yeah, I get that it's hard for beautiful women to handle the aging process, but I sure wish so many didn't feel compelled by society to go under the knife looking for an extreme change, only to come out looking like plastic mannequins with duck lips. It's simply not flattering. Quite the opposite. But hey, their bodies, their choice.
Plus, Marlo Thomas is 85. She handled what she was given with aplomb, but 85 is a bit old to be playing Allison Sweeney's mother (although I suppose she could've had her when she was 44). But not many women become mothers at that age.
Part of me hates saying anything negative about Marlo Thomas because she has done so much good in the world. Her work for St Jude's Hospital is truly amazing. My kids used to set up cookie and lemonade stands and we'd send the proceeds to St Judes.
And it's never a good sign when the ending is terrible. I hated the ending. Without spoiling it, I'll just say that the characters showed a complete lack of awareness, concern or care for the other people in that scene. And those people were children. "I don't care what you're doing, my needs are more important " Ugh. Sometimes, an uplifting and powerful ending can kind of fix the problems that preceded it. But here it was just yet another example of the movie's problems.
Wanted to love this movie
Ekm82851115 November 2022
I wanted to love this movie because Alison and Luke, are two of my longtime favorites on Hallmark Channel. Add in Marlo...I thought it would be great but to me, it fell short.
While the movie had some good moments, it won't be a favorite Sweeney or MacFarlane movie for me. The over the top family drama took away from the movie being a magical and heartwarming movie. The cast deserved a better written storyline.
It's also a shame if this is Luke Macfarlane's last Hallmark movie. He had limited screen time in the movie and Hallmark didn't put him on the movie poster...the guy has delivered many successful Hallmark movies and just made his big screen debut.
While the movie had some good moments, it won't be a favorite Sweeney or MacFarlane movie for me. The over the top family drama took away from the movie being a magical and heartwarming movie. The cast deserved a better written storyline.
It's also a shame if this is Luke Macfarlane's last Hallmark movie. He had limited screen time in the movie and Hallmark didn't put him on the movie poster...the guy has delivered many successful Hallmark movies and just made his big screen debut.
A Magical Christmas Village
aab87417 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Favorite scene with
Summer Ashby (Alison Sweeney) - Telling Ryan how she Feels about him in a Victorian Costume in front of a Crowd. BTW #1, Alison Sweeney Rocks! She is one of my Favorite Hallmark Channel Heroines Ever! She is The Girl Next Door! BTW #2, I Loved this Movie! BTW #3, I Love Luke Macfarlane! He is So Dang Charming and So Dang Funny! He is one of my Favorite Hallmark Channel Heroes Ever! BTW #4, I Loved Marlo Thomas! She was So Dang Adorable and So Dang Funny! BTW #5, This Movie had Charm, Heart, and Magic! - The Perfect Ingredients for a Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie!
Set in Colorado.
Summer Ashby (Alison Sweeney) - Telling Ryan how she Feels about him in a Victorian Costume in front of a Crowd. BTW #1, Alison Sweeney Rocks! She is one of my Favorite Hallmark Channel Heroines Ever! She is The Girl Next Door! BTW #2, I Loved this Movie! BTW #3, I Love Luke Macfarlane! He is So Dang Charming and So Dang Funny! He is one of my Favorite Hallmark Channel Heroes Ever! BTW #4, I Loved Marlo Thomas! She was So Dang Adorable and So Dang Funny! BTW #5, This Movie had Charm, Heart, and Magic! - The Perfect Ingredients for a Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie!
Set in Colorado.
Hallmark Thank you
mrtewills4 December 2022
An Equal Opportunity Employer. Selecting actors not based on talent but a check mark satisfying diversity. It is painful that 2021-2022 shows, movies need to throw this in our face.
Marlo Thomas, while while inwouldnt chose facial alteration, it was distracting.
The story line is blase, and like every other HM movie. There is no harmony between the characters, like watching sandpaper rubbed together.
Hallmark is simply getting lazy, with stories written by interns and no imaginative writers. In other words, if you've seen one you've seen them all.
Hallmark, please put a little more effort into the stories, and quit worrying about the check marks.
Marlo Thomas, while while inwouldnt chose facial alteration, it was distracting.
The story line is blase, and like every other HM movie. There is no harmony between the characters, like watching sandpaper rubbed together.
Hallmark is simply getting lazy, with stories written by interns and no imaginative writers. In other words, if you've seen one you've seen them all.
Hallmark, please put a little more effort into the stories, and quit worrying about the check marks.
This was just a miss-but Marlo Thomas was cool!
HallmarkJenny7 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Summer's Mother brings a Christmas Village to her home with a history of Magic. The universe's magic brings love and lightness to Summer and her entire family this Christmas season.
"I think this village is magic...it's full of Christmas spirit and possibility.... You just make a wish and watch what happens." -Vivian, played by Marlo Thomas.
MeetCute: Summer is taking ornaments off of the Christmas Tree at Newland's when Ryan catches an ornament. Ryan asks for Summer's help as he running the annual toy drive. He suddenly asks her out on a date without even knowing if she is single. It just came over him! Summer says yes to the date.
Ending Kiss: Luke has a job offer in California and tells Summer over a beautiful dinner date. Summer is obviously upset and buries herself in work. Summer apologizes to her Mother for their fight over their different perspectives on life and the two reconcile, hugging with love.
Later, at the Christmas Play, Chloe spots Ryan and is taken back by him as he is the "him" from her village.
Ryan and Summer are dressed just like the Christmas Village figures as Ryan hands out Christmas presents to the children from the toy drive gifts. She confesses to Ryan that she wants him to stay in town because they could be perfect together, like " a little bit of Christmas magic every single day." Ryan kisses Summer in front of most of the town, tells her that he wants to give it a chance too and is not going to California.
Chloe spreads snow and makes on more Christmas Village wish for the best Christmas ever. Outside, it starts to snow as Ryan and Summer kiss! The Christmas Village is all lit up after the kiss!
"I think this village is magic...it's full of Christmas spirit and possibility.... You just make a wish and watch what happens." -Vivian, played by Marlo Thomas.
MeetCute: Summer is taking ornaments off of the Christmas Tree at Newland's when Ryan catches an ornament. Ryan asks for Summer's help as he running the annual toy drive. He suddenly asks her out on a date without even knowing if she is single. It just came over him! Summer says yes to the date.
Ending Kiss: Luke has a job offer in California and tells Summer over a beautiful dinner date. Summer is obviously upset and buries herself in work. Summer apologizes to her Mother for their fight over their different perspectives on life and the two reconcile, hugging with love.
Later, at the Christmas Play, Chloe spots Ryan and is taken back by him as he is the "him" from her village.
Ryan and Summer are dressed just like the Christmas Village figures as Ryan hands out Christmas presents to the children from the toy drive gifts. She confesses to Ryan that she wants him to stay in town because they could be perfect together, like " a little bit of Christmas magic every single day." Ryan kisses Summer in front of most of the town, tells her that he wants to give it a chance too and is not going to California.
Chloe spreads snow and makes on more Christmas Village wish for the best Christmas ever. Outside, it starts to snow as Ryan and Summer kiss! The Christmas Village is all lit up after the kiss!
So boring
smt_21625 November 2022
Normally I love anything with Alison Sweeney and Luke MacFarlane, but this one missed the mark. The plot was almost nonexistent and there was never enough at stake to make you feel any sort of connection to the characters or sympathy for their situations. The actors did fine with what they were given, but their talent was really wasted with this one.
And was the village magical or not? I don't mind a Christmas movie with some supernatural elements, but you have to commit to it. All in all, it was a very boring movie and one that is easily forgettable. I hope Alison and Luke get something better to work with next year!
And was the village magical or not? I don't mind a Christmas movie with some supernatural elements, but you have to commit to it. All in all, it was a very boring movie and one that is easily forgettable. I hope Alison and Luke get something better to work with next year!
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