Pretty Good

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

Hallmark movies are synonymous with corny and quick productions and this film is just a bit different because it is actually filled with the "season of miracles" as Mayor Fred Barnes (Fred Henderson) comments. The Mayor introduces his single and handsome building contractor Scott Terrell (Victor Webster) to event coordinator Lindsey Monroe (Bridget Regan) who join forces to restore a 30 year old tradition of lighting the annual Christmas tree under the towns yet to be built replica gazebo. Lindsey's daughter Hannah Monroe (Imogen Tear) receives a free Christmas stocking from one of the ladies booth at the town hall bazaar which Hannah immediately hangs up on their fireplace mantle. Suddenly the stocking falls off of their mantle and an old locket and chain fall out which Hannah says is her moms since she was the one who discovered it. Grandma Donna Chastain (Iris Quinn) comes over to help out and now the three ladies (grandma Donna Chastain, mother Lindsey and daughter Hannah) get ready to prepare for Christmas in their own ways. Young Hannah wants a puppy named Lucky for Christmas and both grandma and Lindsey are currently without men in their lives so as any Hallmark movie should have, their is romance brewing in the air for these two lovely ladies.Building contractor Scott Terrell experiences initial problems constructing and perfecting the town hall's gazebo without any blue prints and time is of the essence if the towns Christmas lights are to be turned on on Christmas Eve. Gradually we find out that Scott's heritage had something to do with building the original towns square gazebo and as if by magic , Lindsey and Scott's business plans are falling into place as is their love lives also seem to be falling into place.Not to be outdone, Mayor Fred Barnes has been flirting with grandma Donna Chastain who wants nothing to do with his romantic intentions, at least initially anyways. (For personal interest Mayor Fred Barnes and grandma Donna Chastain are married to each other in real life) As the film unfolds there are interludes of grave disappointments as well as some very heart-warming scenes.Mrs. Shullivan and I agreed that this Hallmark Christmas romance film is a keeper.I give the film an 8 out of 10 rating

The theme of this movie seemed to be that the characters just needed to believe (in magic?) The events were certainly not explainable in normal terms.To me the movie was just a little underwhelming. The story was OK, but not great. The heartwarming moments were nice but just OK. Even the ending was not really that big a deal.I did not like Lindsey. I don't think you can blame Bridget Regan. Maybe they just played on the heartbroken widow theme too long and too hard. I think that most guys in Scott's shoes would have said that she was just too much trouble, although it is much to Scott's credit that he felt compassion for her situation. Iris Quinn was good as a slightly overbearing, but in reality a good grandmother. Imogen Tear was pretty good as Hannah. They really had some cute puppies.

This movie is refreshing! It has a lot of family values in it and can be enjoyed by children/parents/grandparents. Sad things happen in this world and losing a spouse/father is very difficult. You don't get over it in a few months---it's different for everyone and healing takes time. Holidays are especially emotional filled with memories of happier times with your loved one. The main characters, Scott & Lindsey are good actors, as well as being gorgeous, and there's a good rapport between them. I especially liked Donna and Fred, who are married in real life. The puppy added a lot to the story line. There's always something magical about Christmas and the fantasy of a magical Christmas stocking is charming. Perfect for family viewing at Christmas---and even in July👍🏻

The storyline was good but it was so full of mistakes !! One after another that it keep me watching to see them all. But it was hard to watch. Also the lead female character was such a whiny, selfish, poor me, I was the only one who suffered from what happened, cried all the time etc. it was really hard to feel anything for her. I love Hallmark Christmas movies & look forward to them. Yes, I know they're basically the same but this one surprised me. In my opinion the worst one they've ever made. Usually Hallmark is on the ball w/their movies. Guess someone slept through this one. Just entertain yourselves with watching all the goofs, mistakes, & the lead female. You will shake your head at it.