A Cinderella Christmas (2016 TV Movie) User Reviews

Everything You Want from a Christmas Romance

[OneKat1 · 6/10 · 1 December 2020]

Keeping in mind this is a Christmas romance film, it's quite good. It's got everything you want from a Christmas romance:

• A case of mistaken identity
• A rich and wonderful bachelor;
• A hard-working and generally good protagonist;
• A masquerade ball; and
• An evil step-sister (cousin) who is obviously toxic but so obviously that it makes you stop and think.

Some plot points were a little farfetched, such as the urgent wedding, the fact that the bachelor couldn't work out who our protagonist was because she was wearing a mask, and of course, anyone believing the dress our protagonist wore was actually nice. Not to mention the stocking game which seems ridiculous because you're forced to give someone else five (5) of your possessions which have little-to-none monetary meaning but a whole lot of sentimental value. Personally, I'd rather keep the things that have no monetary value but great sentimental value because that's the point of keeping sentimental objects. Maybe, just maybe, the guests were supposed to return the stocking to the original owner, but considering that our protagonist and bachelor did not, I have no idea. Also. You were supposed to use the objects in the stocking to find the person who they originally belonged to, but neither our bachelor or protagonist did this. So, what's the point? Other than the risk of losing your five (5) possessions because someone else took them because they were supposed to, or took them because they just never returned them to you and went home with them (I'm looking at you bachelor and protagonist).

Cute movie

[rebecca-gzym · 6/10 · 27 December 2020]

This movie is cute, and as far as Hallmark movies go, it's one of my favorites. Here's a thought though...if the protagonists parents were dead from the beginning of the movie, why not let her be from the U.K.? I think her acting would have been better if she could just use her British accent. I could tell she was concentrating too hard on the American one. I know for an actress it's a challenge or rite of passage or whatever, but it was a distraction.

Clever twist

[Pete-Claus · 7/10 · 18 December 2020]

I thought this was a clever twist on the elements of the classic story. Acting wasn't the best, but the way the plot developed more than made up for that.

A Christmas treasure

[maggiemanley73 · 7/10 · 18 December 2020]

Emma Rigby is bewitching and delightful! The sister is such *****I heard that Emma worked as a party planner to get prepared for the part.. you can tell. This little gem is a magical Christmas ride into romance. I like to pretend that I'm that princess! Adorable.

Charming Cinderella

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 6 April 2021]

'A Cinderella Christmas' did sound like it had a lot of potential to work. The story of 'Cinderella' is one of my all time favourites, and to see a Christmas twist on it fascinated me. Seeing trusted friends and reviewers rating it highly also added to the interest. And there have been times where Emma Rigby has impressed me, while she was inconsistent as Red Queen in 'Once Upon a Time in Wonderland' my memories of her powerful annorexia storyline in 'Hollyoaks' are still vivid.

On the most part, 'A Cinderella Christmas' was nicely done. It wasn't amazing to me, it was a bit uneven and it didn't impress me as much as others, but when it works it works very well indeed. Can totally understand its appeal and why it's gotten a good deal of love, while understanding some of the criticisms that have been directed against it. Really enjoyed 'A Cinderella Christmas' spin on the 'Cinderella' story and it and Christmas do mix, which was the most important thing. Saw another Christmas spin on another fairytale, 'A Snow White Christmas', months back, and 'A Cinderella Christmas' (which unlike that film is actually good) is miles better.

Shall start with what doesn't work. There are plot elements that are on the far-fetched and contrived side (i.e. The urgent wedding), complete with the odd frustrating character behaviours that make them look dumb on occasion. The romance did feel rushed in development at times.

Was not particularly keen on the performance of Sarah Stouffer, who overplays her very shallow and already exaggerated character. No subtlety or likeability whatsoever. A bit cheesy in the dialogue in spots.

There are many good things though. It is a nice looking film, especially the luminous scenery and Angie's dress. The music doesn't sound over-scored, too much of a dirge or over-quirky, having seen a lot of Christmas films over-time with intrusive and overdone music. The script has its cheesy moments, but it is genuinely amusing more than once and is far from bland emotionally, quite heartfelt actually without being syrupy. Likewise the story isn't perfect, but it captures the magic of the story it's loosely inspired from and the charm of Christmas beautifully and has a warm heart and honesty.

Excepting Candace, the characters are nicely written and not hard to relate to and the acting is better than average and often good. Rigby is immensely appealing as Angie and brings a lot of charm to her without going too far on the sentiment. Peter Porte is dashing and equally amiable, he and Rigby have an easy going chemistry and while their relationship is too hastily developed at times it flows more realistically than most similar relationships in Christmas films. Lesley Ann Downe is suitably sincere.

On the whole, nicely done with debits. 6/10.

romance

[Kirpianuscus · 22 July 2018]

...with flavor of old times. the music, the actors, the predictability. good points to a Christmas film looking for give a different image of classic fairy tale. and doing that in succesful manner. because it is one of well crafted films. the presence of Lesley - Ann Down represents one of clues . and , sure, the music and the right actors in the lead roles.

It's ok

[weetreehome · 7/10 · 9 July 2023]

It's ok.

Great story... in spite of the foolish mistakes & the fact that Candace is unbelievably selfish & horrid. Was that necessary? She is a useless, inept, self- centered twit with no redeeming qualities. How can her dad be oblivious to such behavior?

Who wrote that garbage? And her phrases of endearment? Ew.

Then there's the spelling of Carmichael...or is it Karmichael. Who does the proofing?

They use both. I do appreciate that they give him a more human side.

Emma's lips are hideous. There's the scene where she finally tells the truth & her lips are so swollen they flap.

Ew.

The music is EXCELLENT... 5 stars.

wow !

[linda-plant2 · 5/10 · 1 August 2019]

Who wouldn't want Peter Porte as Prince Charming, BUT not sure if it was Emma Rigby or her lips that did the most acting ! I wonder how much they cost her, because they came into the room before she did.

And despite him being the ideal Prince Charming, as a character he clearly didn't have anything between his ears, if he couldn't detect a pair of lips on a woman like those beneath the mask ! You have to laugh !

Enjoyable Christmas Film

[cwg2005a · 8/10 · 31 December 2020]

This is one more of the "Christmas romance" genre films (I read there were 74 new ones made in 2020; they are cheap to make and very popular). There is no deviation from the formula: cute girl (make that EXTREMELY cute girl) wanders into a new relationship with a Handsome (rich) man who is looking for love, and there are obstacles, but ... guess how it ends? (I am not holding my breath). Despite a snarky comment by another reviewer about Emma Rigby's lips being bought, she has always looked this way and yes, many men do like full lips. Not sure why, I guess it's biological. Anyway, Emma is a really likeable actress in a likeable film. Don't stress out over the plot ... it's a pleasant way to spend a couple hours.

As syrupy sweet as it gets

[mjanssens26 · 7/10 · 27 December 2021]

Saw this on Tubi. This is about as sappy as it gets but the leads are attractive and the plot was a classic so overall, not a bad way to spend a night. I think I'll move along now from Christmas season as it's December 27th 2021 and I'll get back to watching normal movies. I will say though, these Christmas films work wonders to make one smile if you're alone during the holiday season.

What happens after the prince matches the slipper (or stocking)

[Jackbv123 · 5/10 · 28 December 2017]

This movie goes quickly through a version of the Cinderella story but with two exceptions. First, the prince finds the wrong sister. And second the movie goes past the usual story. The movie explores what happens after Nicholas gets engaged to Candace.

I almost gave up on this movie. Of course Candace is a jerk. But Angie is such a wimp that it's hard to like her either. Unfortunately Emma Rigby overplays the melancholy, subservient, wimpy girl. Sarah Stouffer also overplays the shallow, money-hungry sister. Can anyone be this dumb and spoiled?

Superbly Updated Modern Cinderella Fairy Tale

[P3n-E-W1s3 · 9/10 · 19 December 2016]

This film really surprised me on all sides.

The story: So how could you bring the Cinderella tale up-to-date while keeping it fresh. Well, Kelly Goodner needs respect for doing a fantastic and ingenious job on doing just that. Some things, like the Stepmother, have gone and the Ugly Stepsisters are now an Ugly Cousin. There's also no glass slipper but a Christmas stocking, with an added twist, and this is the ingenious part, for which you'll have to watch the movie. With all these great changes Kelly still gives the entire story a light and heartwarming feel.

The Acting: All the actors are superb, especially Emma Rigby playing Angie, who's shy and self-conscious until she puts the mask on... then she can be the person she longs to be. Sarah Stouffer does an excellent job as the domineering, self-centered, and cunning Candace. It was also nice to see Lesley-Anne Down back in action.

Direction: Was light and steady as you'd expect from a Christmas love story. Though, when the ball arrived it took on an air of fantasy and fairy tale.

With all three coming together you get a great movie and if you like your love stories or fairy tales, then this is for you.

Meh, it was okay

[brookeaprilrain · 6/10 · 10 October 2021]

I liked the premise, and everything except for the acting. The guy that plays Nicholas was great, but.. the lead actress wasn't the greatest. It made it hard to watch. I plowed through it though, it had potential. Just bums me out that they didn't cast a stronger lead.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 5/10 · 11 January 2020]

For a christmas cliche movie, this one was good enough. Sure it was predictable and the romance was rushed, but it was enjoyable, though a little less festive.

How Refreshing?

[olympicator · 3/10 · 4 July 2020]

I will admit this movie tried to give the "Cinderella" story a fresh spin, with a plot twist that occurs about halfway through the movie. But when you have to examine the plot with a microscope to see the originality, you're selling yourself short as an audience member.

Painfully selfish and unpleasant stepsister (or cousin? sorry, I just don't remember), hunky rich guy who hesitates to take any responsibility for himself, repressed kitchen maid who works nonstop but isn't good at keeping a secret. Some scenes went on too long, some things got glossed over, the movie tries to be realistic but we still have to stretch plausibility for the "love-at-first-sight" schtick.

I was very indifferent to this movie. The acting was passable and I'll admit that was quite a dress she wore. I liked the subtle reference to the "fairy godmother" with the dressmaker, I wish they had done a little more with her character. Too much of this movie was either bland or awkward. I recommend "Ever After" instead.

The prefect Holiday Movie

[courtnocl · 10/10 · 2 November 2018]

I've read some of the negative reviews concerning this movie and I have to disagree.... This is by far my all time favorite Christmas movie. It made me laugh, cry and wish on so many levels about finding the one. I just pray it airs this holiday season on the hallmark channel. I'm so looking forward to it.

My lunch was put together more professionally than this film- and cost more

[iranu-74195 · 1/10 · 9 November 2019]

As is often the case, this is a Happy Gammon Christmas movie. The general lighting is suspect, it has all the signs of a movie knocked off in early Summer, so every possibility to discover a missed frame with an Elf or reindeer having a chug on an iced Bud. In this movie, the "confessional device" is a pet rabbit so, that beats dog, stuffed toy, old Auntie or talisman. Much of the female cast have been given a suck on a Helium canister before every scene, so it does get very chipmunk-ery: keep some Tylenol close to hand. The male lead went to Stubble Skool and certainly has a future selling house insurance, other than that, I forgot his name before it was even mentioned. I think the Director was going for light comedy but ended up with heavy potato mash. Guessing the Producers were very satisfied, because if this film didn't come in under its budget of $782, then I will eat my Santa hat. Cheap, no quirks, no charm, no smaltz, no twist, no hope, no snow. Very very poor

Truly a Cinderella Christmas story!

[roselo · 10/10 · 29 December 2016]

This movie is so romantic and adorable! I love the music and would love to buy the soundtrack but doesn't seem to be available for purchase. Niki and Zack Hexum did a great job with the music. Truly touching, angelic and beautiful! Love Niki's voice. It's truly a Cinderella Christmas story. I couldn't keep my eyes off the screen and it kept you engaged and wanting more. Loved Peter Porte and Emma Rigby! They portrayed the characters so well and chemistry was great! A modern day Cinderella with a mean cousin portraying a wicked step-sister. I've been watching over and over because it brings you back to the time when romance was at its innermost innocence, the feelings of your first true love and first heartache. But it all ends in a happily ever after. Will definitely be an all- time movie favorite for sure!

I wish Emma Rigby dissolved fillers before taking this role

[umafromnyc · 3/10 · 25 November 2021]

My biggest concern with this movie wasn't poor actors performance but overdone lips of Emma Rigby. It's like a woman with two beef links in place of her mouth, it was hard to take her seriously. You'd expect her supposedly shallow and superficial cousin to have some obvious job done, but instead they chose someone who doesn't leave cosmetologist office to perform a role of a shy and busy with hard work girl. It simply doesn't make sense.

A clichéd made for TV romance with a predictable premise

[lisafordeay · 5/10 · 24 May 2021]

A Cinderella Christmas is a made for TV romantic comedy and it tells the tale of a young woman named Angie(Emma Rigby) who goes to a masquerade ball incognito and falls for a charming bachelor named Nicholas(Peter Porte) who thinks that the young woman is Angie's cousin Candace(Sarah Stoffer).

But when the real Candace pretends to Nicholas that she was the one he saw at the ball and not Angie,will Angie come clean to Nicholas that she was the one he met and not Candace as well as being Nicholas's real true love and future wife?.

Overall it's a silly cheesy romantic comedy with alot of plotholes. For instance Nicholas met Angie at the ball and he heard her speak,but for some strange reason he thinks Candace was the woman he met? Clearly this poor dude must be tone deaf and blind.

Also the whole film was predictable from start to finish. If you love seeing a romantic film with beautiful people and a silly plot than give it a shot,as its always playing every Christmas on Great TV Xmas(Formerly Sony Movies Xmas).

Well Written Story that will Please.

[gehewe · 8/10 · 2 January 2017]

The best part of the movie for me was some of the witty dialogue between the two leads. For example it went something like this.

Angie- "I feel like I don't fit in here" Nicholas- "That is precisely what makes you stand out" These moments were thought provoking and provided depth to the characters. The 2 leads did a nice job.

Another nice feature was a Christmas stocking where the characters would put things that were only of value to them. Great stuff that really helped to identify with the characters in the story.

Also thought the character of Max was well done. A cool friend with cool language to give some humor to what Nicholas was feeling.

Oh yes- Lesley-Anne Down with an English accent (we saw her 30 years ago as Madelaine on North and South mini-series)

With all this good- why not a ten? The cousin Candace part did not add to the story- it may have been good for a few laughs. Such a superficial character- not really believable. Also the first 30 minutes were very lively full of surprise, but then some parts got a bit slow and predictable.

The witty dialogue and literary quotes between the two leads would get me to watch it again, but I'd have to tolerate cousin Candace.

Pretty good!

[brookenichole-98054 · 8/10 · 13 December 2020]

Surprisingly, A Cinderella Christmas is pretty good! The acting and the story were great. Nothing felt out of place and fit really well. The two leads have nice chemistry but I thought that Nikolaus' characters was a jerk. Angie was definitely too smart for him. Yet, they made it work. Overall, it's enjoyable!

Not really Cinderella but still good

[jewelch · 8/10 · 13 December 2020]

Well written Somewhat like Cinderella without even being close to it, No there are NO evil stepmothers But a wicked cuz. Well worth watching and the cast was really great. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 12/12/2020

A different, refreshing modern Cinderella movie

[mischievouslyradiant · 10/10 · 7 February 2017]

I prefer to say inspired, because it's loosely based on Cinderella than other modern Cinderella movies. This movie is different. There is no stepmother; Angie has an uncle, who isn't shown much, but he's a good man and has been a wonderful father figure to her. She has a cousin, Candace, instead of a stepsister, and it seems Angie has had quite a good relationship with Candace, but Candace's selfishness and difficulty strains it.

Candace gets an invite to the Christmasquerade Ball by Nikolaus Karmichael, who, along with Angie, are the ones planning the party, with Angie doing everything. Angie wants to take over her uncle's business after he retires, but Candace talks with her father and they both are in it together. Candace makes a deal with Angie that if Candace marries a rich bachelor, she can have the business to herself, but until then, Angie works for her.

Nikolaus' mother says he has to marry to claim inheritance. His past relationships failed because the women were only interested in money.

Angie plans for Candace's facial, hair styling, and dress. When Angie goes over to pick the dress up, the designer made it to fit Angie. Candace's face is ruined by her facial. Angie, who is waiting at the stylist's, who was paid in advance, secretly gets her hair and makeup done, and goes to the Ball. She tells Candace she's not going, or it'll be over for her, but she tells Candace no one will be able to say she was there. She looks at the mask, mischievously.

At the Ball, Angie is enjoying herself and picks out a stocking. A masked Nikolaus sees Angie and shows that he has her stocking, which was made out of the dress Angie is wearing. Coincidentally, Angie picked out Nikolaus' stocking. They dance and talk, finding how much they can relate and understand each other. Angie finds out they unmask at midnight, and leaves, dressed as a caterer in the kitchen who leaves after midnight.

Angie looks through his stocking and correctly interprets the meaning of the stuff; for example, a scented candle suggests he's homey, a rock suggests he likes the outdoors.

Nikolaus goes over the guest list, then heads over to see Candace. He bumps into Angie, and she seems familiar, but she denies being the one at the Ball. Candace, not knowing about Angie's act, tells him she wasn't at the Ball. He proposes to find her by holding another party/wedding

Angie goes over to his house to plan the party, and asks personal questions which makes her have second thoughts about him; he is sure that he would know if the woman at the Ball were standing in front of him, and that it would be a woman who liked him, since Angie wasn't showing it. She leaves with a handshake, and Nikolaus recognizes the touch.

Candace sees the dress and Angie confesses she was at the Ball. She blackmails Angie into nudging him in the way toward her, to make him think it was her. Nikolaus finds it impossible to believe it was her, because of her behavior, but Angie uses headphones to speak for her, which Candace repeats back to Nickolaus. Still, he's drawn to Angie.

Eventually, he looks at her stocking, but since the stuff could belong to either, he visits an international restaurant where a box of matches belong to, and he concludes that Candace would never go there; then he sees the dress Angie wore at the Ball in the dress shop. The lady says a different woman brought it back because it didn't fit, and says she ran into the woman who wore it to the Ball, directing him to Angie's parents' grave where Angie is often seen by the lady; a similar rose is at the grave, which was where the rose from Angie's stocking comes from. Nikolaus then asks Candace some questions and has her try the dress on, though she refuses to let him see the back.

---

I'd summarize the rest of the movie, but it can really only be enjoyed by watching it.

Romantic

[cjrydell · 8/10 · 2 December 2019]

Better than most Hallmark movies. Unpredictable. They say my review is too short.