The Worst Film Ever

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 best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The acting in this movie is really good.

I'm honestly shocked this movie managed to squeeze two hours on this ridiculous plot and complete lack of chemistry? After the town Santa (who really isn't Santa but it's the family business???) breaks his arm Christmas-crazed Jessica makes it her mission to spend the rest of the movie trying to force Santa's son, Ben, to take his place. I agree with another reviewer, all of this plot is based on Ben not being able to give up 2 hours of his life to help out?I had so many moments in between being completely bored when I was left scratching my head. Like why is Jessica texting Ben's dad the entire drive from Boston and when they arrive he asks if HIS PARENTS know if he's there? He can't call his own parents? Ok. On the unnecessary drive back to Boston (to waste...I mean fill more time) they just happen to need to get out of the storm near Jessica's "friends" house? More questions...this friend doesn't care that they're just crashing in and spending the night? Or that Jessica just helps herself to the kitchen to make eggnog? Fast forward more boring stuff like Ben forcing Jessica to own up to not really being happy she took over her grandparents/parents year-round Christmas shop. Somehow, these two fall in love, or in like given the lack of chemistry. He ends up playing Santa, although he's 30-ish? No, the glasses don't make him look any older. They kiss, it's boring, the end. Hallmark do me a favor and pull this out of rotation.

I LOVE Hallmark movies. Old, new, Christmas, springtime, I love them all. Well, almost. This one was a pretty big disappointment. There were timeline issues, there were plot holes, there was mediocre acting, there was nonsensical dialogue, there was really nothing to the story. There was no spark between the leads. The music was laughable, especially that horrendous candy cane one near the end. Grace is an artist, and at the end of the movie cranks out this huge painting of Santa with some children (in a few hours, as near as I can tell) that is so obviously a photo I was actually cracking up. Then when she's interrupted she proceeds to throw a cloth over the painting she was just working on! The unexpected blizzard/whiteout was barely flurries, and certainly wouldn't have shut down the interstate immediately. One ongoing issue I have with these Christmas movies is their lack of realism regarding the weather and when it's daylight or dark out. The Christmas movies generally take place in colder climates, and yet people wander around without coats, gloves, hats, etc. for long periods of time, totally unaffected, even when it's snowing. I live in a colder climate, and I'm here to tell you, that's just not realistic. (And considering how many of Hallmark's hunky heroes hail from Canada, I would think someone would have been able to clue in the sun-worshipping southerners on what it's like to deal with winter weather.) I could go on, but what's the point?

Jodie Sweetin has a great personality that I found to be charming. But, I hate it when the leading man is better looking than the fraulein. Most of the time, Jody has stringy unwashed hair. Come on. The story was kind of dopey, but hey, it's a Christmas movie. Lighten' up. Not much sexiness, except for her tight sweaters, which basically carry the movie.

Almost everything in this movie seemed forced, or put differently too much by the formula. The concept itself was a stretch. Who cares who sits in the sleigh in a town parade? Certainly there would be a few reasonable candidates as long as it's not Clint. I think Clint was a combination of an attempt at humor, and justification for needing Ben so badly. Neither of these totally succeeded.Other things were forced as well. The theme seemed to be Follow Your Heart, which is so well-worn in Christmas stories. It was a little overplayed. I venture that most people have occupations that are not their dream in life, but then the purpose of these movies is to distract us from reality.Even the climax, just before the ending was forced. I won't say what it was. Jodie Sweetin was OK. Eric Winter was a little better, but the romance wasn't fireworks worthy. Jay Brazeau was also good as the mentor for aspiring Santas.Just a totally side comment that applies to almost all of these Christmas movies. The directors just don't seem to understand winter conditions, especially sunlight. It's 5:30 in the morning in Massachusetts and its' broad daylight - no not in late December. People walk around in winter climates with snow on the ground or falling from the sky, but coats wide open and scarves that don't cover anything. People leave their front doors wide open for extended periods during a snowstorm. Anyone who lives there wouldn't do these things. (But then so many of these movies are shot in warm weather and the actors are sweating.)There were some tender moments, even the ending to a certain extent. There was a great deal of Christmas spirit and a passable romance. If you like the usual fair of Hallmark Christmas, you may enjoy this.