Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy

Personally was not the biggest of fans of the previous two 'Christmas in Evergreen' films, which is not going to be popular opinion. They are certainly not terrible, but neither are they great in my view. Hallmark did far worse than the whole 'Christmas in Evergreen' series, but they also did better. While not being that excited over the premise, the cast consisting of some Hallmark regulars have been good in other things and Hallmark have done some surprisingly decent sequels.

'Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy' is a decent follow up and of the three films in the series at this point it gets my vote as the best of the three. It is not one of the best Hallmark Christmas films, but it is also far from being one of the worst. 'Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy' is a pleasant and more than serviceable enough diversion and has a lot to like, providing that you don't expect too much, but it doesn't fit my definition of great.

It has more good than bad though. The production values are attractive, especially the scenery which is quite picturesque. Some of the soundtrack is pleasantly nostalgic and is less overscored than most Hallmark Christmas films. The Carrie Underwood song was a nice touch. The script once it finds its groove is sweet and light-hearted, it also flows well. The story isn't perfect, but it has a warm heart, doesn't take itself too seriously and has a genuine charm to it. The idea is a great one and it's not wasted or confused (the film could have done more with it though).

Did feel that generally the characters were worth engaging with and caring about, good to see lead characters that had personality while not having negative traits overdone. Have seen the latter happening a lot recently and it is annoying and alienating when it happens. The acting is better than average, with both leads Maggie Lawson and Paul Greene being likeable (particularly Greene). Good to see the film attempt, and succeed, with continuity by having Ashley Williams and Jill Wagner in supporting roles. Rukiya Bernard has fun with her role without overdoing it.

However, the film does get off to a somewhat dull and routine start complete with too much forced dialogue. Would have liked more chemistry between the leads, it is there and they look at ease with each at least but it doesn't fully connect or feel fully fleshed out and the same goes with the relationship development.

While liking enough of the story, it's not flawlessly executed with the final third having too many conveniences and recycled cliches. The ending felt too neat and hasty.

Overall, not great but decent. 6/10.

Although this is a generically enjoyable Christmas film, I think it helps if you have seen the two other 'Christmas In Evergreen' films that go before it as a lot of the characters and the situation have already been quite obviously established. They don't effect the storyline as such, but you might come away thinking "Huh? What was that all about when they did that/said that?"

I'm not sure I would put the two leads together, I didn't really believe their romance. I did however like the idea of a time capsule lost for decades, but the execution was a bit much.

I like this little town of Evergreen and I can see it making a good TV series, but it would have to be a bit extreme to be maintained for very long, with lots of other wacky ideas like the time capsule.

It will be interesting to see what the fourth instalment will have in store and whether Ryan and Zoe will ever be there to celebrate again?

Magic, beauty, love, joy and warmth! A lovely movie with great story and actors like Paul Greene, Maggie Lawson and Rukiya Bernard!

Thank you Hallmark <3

Christmas In Evergreen: Tidings of Joy is such a breath of fresh air this holiday season! In my opinion, it's one of the best Christmas movies this year. From the very beginning, Paul and Maggie have great onscreen chemistry and immediately grabbed my attention. I'm such a fan of Paul Greene and his acting is at its best here! The town of Evergreen is celebrating their 50th Anniversary of their Christmas Festival. But this is more than just your typical movie about a festival, the whole town is working to uncover the lost Christmas time capsule. There were several stories that intertwined together throughout the film. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming in other movies but this worked well in here, I think this is a testament to the great writing. I truly was surprised by how much I like this movie, it's quite different and full of heartwarming surprises. There is such a spectacular cast all around! Paul and Maggie really do such an amazing job leading this movie and work so well with each other! I'd love to see them in more projects together! This film is so special and truly already a Christmas classic!

Always enjoy the chemistry between Paul & Maggie, they seem to work well together. However the movie shifted focus between the leads and was directed at other characters in the community of Evergreen. On the surface that's not a bad thing, but you require interesting story lines support the screen time of these folks. My impression was this was a hallmark feel good moment to show case Hallmark cast members we have seen in past productions.