Surprisingly incoherent and boring

Admirable film.

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is one of the better modern Christmas stories put on film. My eight stars may be pushing it a bit because at times the acting seems wooden or hesitant by the two young leads. At other times, especially early on, Brooke Burns as Jennifer Cullen seems to over act, or over react. Maybe it's that so many films focus on the busy-ness of people around the Christmas season that this seems to be wearing thin in the modern run of films. The engagement between Jennifer and Richard, played by Woody Jeffreys, isn't believable. The guy is so intense as a businessman that he doesn't show any affection toward her at all. He doesn't smile one time in this film. Yet she insists several times that "Richard is a good man," etc. It's a real stretch for viewers to think or believe that she could be in love with that guy. The screenplay comes up short in these areas; and the directing should have put some life into Richard. While it may seem a little hokey that Uncle Ralph (played by Henry Winkler) would invite a stranded airline passenger, Morgan Derby (played by Warren Christie) to spend Christmas with his family, it hearkens to a similar situation in the highly popular movie of 1987, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Morgan seems a little awkward at first, then uncertain of himself, then a little forward toward Jennifer. Still, this is a good story - and a refreshingly fun film. It owes most of its appeal to Winkler. He is a retired police officer from Brooklyn who is making his annual flight across country to spend the Christmas holidays with his niece and nephew. He meets Morgan in the airport, and Morgan pulls a little caper with Ralph's help to get them checked in at the head of the line, and moved up to first class. On the plane flight out, he tells Morgan that Jennifer is more like a daughter than a niece. And his nephew, Brian, is played beautifully by young Connor Levins. It seems to be a formula for all films in which a single parent child appears, that the child intuits who the right mate should be for his or her mom or dad. Well, it's that way here with Brian taking to Mogan right away and not caring for Richard. But of course, we viewers can see the same thing just in how the characters are presented. The film has some nice touches of humor throughout, especially with a busybody neighbor. Uncle Ralph takes every opportunity to push Morgan toward Jennifer, and to ease her out of her engagement to Richard. Jennifer knows what he's doing, and part of the humor, and warmth, is their interaction. The relationship between Ralph and Jennifer shows a very believable and lovable chemistry between an uncle and a niece. That's one of the strengths of this move. I agree with the reviewer who noted the fight scene with Morgan and the store owner. Playing that for humor detracts from the value of this as a family film. Hallmark tried to make it seem innocuous, but that's sending a message to a child that white lies are OK. Overall, though, this is a Christmas film for adults that one might add to his or her holiday film collection.

Another Christmas movie. It is not a comedy but it is interesting enough. Henry Winkler is a retired cop who comes to his daughter's and her son for the Christmas season. Henry brings along a man he found at the airport who had no place to stay. This guy turns out to be a lot better than the guy the daughter is dating. He has flair, unlike the boyfriend, who is a real tool. He proposes in front of a bunch of people, what is she to do? Of course she feels compelled to accept. She then finds out what a tool her fiancée, no longer that is. She dashes to the airport to look for the guy and after her plea is broadcast over the PA they meet and obviously get together. A decent enough movie for he season but not great.

THIS is what a heart-warming Christmas movie is all about. The feeling that represents why many of us look forward, every year, to watching the Christmas season movies. A feel-good feeling that you can let spill over into your hustle-bustle season's rituals and calm your frenetic pace. I only wish I could give this a 12 rating! Joining "A Grandpa for Christmas" and "The Christmas Card", this movie enters into my top 5 picks for the seasonal specials. And what a pleasant surprise is Henry Winkler! He was wonderful and so believable. I never imagined this level of performance from "the Fonz". There are those who may think it too predictable, but that's what kept me attached, awaiting the ultimate prize ending. I only wish that the endings would not end so quickly. It could spill over for a longer effect if we could just put the best part on a lingering pause. And really give it more time to settle into our hearts. Hope you enjoy too!

This movie is for you if you like pure romantic fluff in a Christmas setting. I personally love these type of movies so I loved this one. It's complete escapism for me but I'm also a romantic at heart. This one will definitely go in to my annual rotation and, if it does come out on video, I'll be purchasing it.With these type of movies, the romantic leads don't always have chemistry but Brooke Burns and Warren Christie have boatloads of it. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Warren is one of the best looking men I've seen in a while :) The story is cute and uncomplicated - The Uncle of an impossibly beautiful single mom (Jen) shares a flight with an impossibly beautiful guy (Morgan) in his 30's who can't seem to settle down in one place (read: very full Passport). Several snow storms and canceled flights later, the Uncle convinces his niece to allow the "stranger" to stay with them "for just one night" until the airport re-opens. One night turns in to 2, etc, due to some finagling by the uncle who is convinced that Morgan is good for his niece. He is considerate, kind, helpful with household chores, and is wonderful with her son. He really helps Jen to find the "Christmas Spirit" so to speak. Not helping matters is that Jen has a boyfriend who is a self-centered jerk complete with $800 shoes and completely stuck-up parents. He is awful with her son and is responsible for the plot point that eventually drives Morgan and Jen together.Yes, it's predictable. Yes, it's "fluffy". But, in all reality, that's what makes it an enjoyable movie for me. I love romance movies anyway and I really love those that are set during Christmas. If you feel the same way, and aren't looking for anything more out of it, you will love this movie.