When Jenny plans a traditional yearly Christmas party for nurses in neonatal intensive care unit and their beloved supervisor Alice, she butts heads with Matt, a new CFO tasked to cut costs.When Jenny plans a traditional yearly Christmas party for nurses in neonatal intensive care unit and their beloved supervisor Alice, she butts heads with Matt, a new CFO tasked to cut costs.When Jenny plans a traditional yearly Christmas party for nurses in neonatal intensive care unit and their beloved supervisor Alice, she butts heads with Matt, a new CFO tasked to cut costs.
- Lauren
- (as Crystal Lowe)
- Mr. Dudley
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- Trivia"Bobby Sox 50's Diner", the establishment where the main characters drank hot chocolate, is the actual name of the restaurant in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada where that scene was shot.
- GoofsJenny and Kate watch Bob hang the Christmas lights on the exterior of the house. The exterior of the house had previously been shown already with the lights hung.
- Quotes
Jenny: It's a party for nurses. You know, they're hard-working, underpaid...
Store Manager: Yea, I'm hard-working and underpaid.
Jenny: But look how much I'm buying, through.
Store Manager: Discounts on advertised items only.
Jenny: Come on, Chris... Can I call you Chris? I'm on really tight budget here.
Matt: You know, I can actually verify that. There was a tight fisted, bean-counting Scrooge, just slashed it to shreds.
Store Manager: This is not my problem.
Jenny: You know what? Community Memorial is a non-profit, so any sorts of discount that the store wants to give would be considered a tax write-off.
Store Manager: Are you authorized to take donations on behalf of hospital?
Jenny: No, but he is.
Matt: I am. I am because I am the CFO of the hospital.
Store Manager: There is a form for that. I'll be right back.
Matt: Thanks Chris.
Jenny: Great.
Matt: Uh, you're welcome.
Jenny: Thank you.
Matt: Wow... That's a pretty... That's a pretty cold shoulder. Let me see... Is this?
Jenny: Nope, not going to find that one any warmer.
Matt: It's pretty frosty, too.
Jenny: You know what? I get that you're trying to be funny right now.
Matt: I'm bringing my best stuff here.
Jenny: I'm not going to take the bait...
Matt: Why... a little bit, you are. Little bit.
Jenny: I told you how I feel about what are you doing at the hospital this morning.
Matt: Jenny, my job is not me.
Jenny: Well, mine is.
- ConnectionsReferences It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
'Hearts of Christmas' is a very pleasant watch and when taken for what it is and meant to be it succeeds at what it set out to do. Expectations were mixed, they were met and exceeded. The title is a pretty sugary one, but the film isn't as much so it's another case of not judging a film by its title. As far as Hallmark films go, 'Hearts of Christmas' is somewhere around high middle. This opinion is from judging the film on its own terms without comparing it to anything else, so am not saying (never have, never will do) that it is on par with something else that has gotten the same rating that will make some scoff.
Is 'Hearts of Christmas' perfect? No. The structure of the film and what happens is very familiar territory for Hallmark so there is a seen it all before vibe throughout. Did find the ending a bit too rushed and too tidy, as well as easily telegraphed.
A lot of the dialogue early on is heavy on the cheese and corn factors and doesn't flow very naturally, so there were moments where there was admittedly some cringing into my seat.
However, 'Hearts of Christmas' at least looks nice and professional. Although the authenticity of the locations can be, and has been, questioned, the scenery still looks lovely and appropriately festive, complemented very nicely by the photography. The soundtrack is nostalgic and isn't as intrusive in tone or placement as most other Hallmark Christmas films, as that has been a common criticism from me and quite a number of others. The direction is accomodating while not going through the motions.
The dialogue is less than great early on but if one sticks with the film it does improve, it is tighter and less stilted and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Emilie Ullerup and Kristoffer Polaha are very appealing leads, they look comfortable and don't overdo any habitual mannerisms. Their chemistry came over as genuine, took time to unfold and didn't come over as contrived. The supporting cast also do very well, with a sparkling Sharon Lawrence standing out and also giving the film's best performance.
Concluding, worth watching. 7/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 5, 2021
- Permalink
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Each Precious Heartbeat
- Filming locations
- Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre - 32900 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada(Community Memorial Hospital exterior & interiors)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro