★ 7 / 10
Anti-Escapist holiday movie
innerlooper96
If you are looking for a fun and bubbly Christmas movie, this movie doesn't really fit that bill, but it has some qualities worth noting.It's a story about two…
If you are looking for a fun and bubbly Christmas movie, this movie doesn't really fit that bill, but it has some qualities worth noting.It's a story about two sisters, their growing tension, and their deep love for their family (grandparents). Romance was a distant side-story, although some is added for the sake of being Hallmark-y.Rather than dissect this easy-to-follow plot, I'll spare us, and move on to commentary.The good aspect of this movie for me personally was moving beyond everything being perfectly-perfect. Every family has their relationship challenges. This one explores the all-too-common problem of one grown sibling undertaking more familial responsibility than the other.Ashley Williams was believable in this movie. She didn't play a fan favorite (see other reviews), but depicts a person that has tried to escape their own guilt and reality for too long. She is like a lot of us, in that she thinks she is on top of her life-game, but needs to self-reflect and explore her priorities AND own her mistakes. I appreciated that she was not her usual 'zippity doo-da' self, and was less pleasing.Laci Mailey was a lovely addition to this movie. She is easy to watch and credible, and her chemistry with Ashley was positive.The sister relationship resolution was a little fast and 'too easy'. In real life, I feel like Kelly (laci) would have held more of a grudge than her character portrayed, but that wouldn't bode well for a Hallmark movie. Other reviewers mention the bickering/snips between the sisters, and I agree that it's not ideal for people who hate to watch drama.The worst aspect of this movie for me personally is the bleakness of the weather. Obviously I am alone on this, because so many appreciate the beautiful backdrop, but the gray and snowy/cold look made me sad.French Freddie didn't seem to play much of a role in the plot, and was - i hate to say it - "eye candy", without any depth. I don't remember much of what he did or said, except "let me leave you two alone".Faith (Ashley) was sometimes super annoying, with her relentless insistence of snow-hiking through a snowstorm, but this can be reframed as a Hallmark nod to the stupid battle lines that often lead to big sibling estrangements.If you watch this movie, it is probably best for a weeknight, or a really hot summer day when you might be wishing for cold, snowy surroundings.
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★ 5 / 10
Please Move Out Of The Way Of The Scenery
montgomerysue
Credit must be given to the scenery in this movie although, apparently, it was filmed in Bulgaria (not France). The locales are very attractive and…
Credit must be given to the scenery in this movie although, apparently, it was filmed in Bulgaria (not France). The locales are very attractive and interesting. The problem is, the performers get in the way with some of the most inane dialogue you have ever heard in a Hallmark movie. We usually enjoy Ashley Williams but, here, her performance is over-the-top goofy. What was she thinking ? She is so weird that her character loses any sympathy whatsoever. The only other plus is that it is interesting to see real French performers in a Hallmark movie - not North American actors using a fake accent. But, there are some absolutely ridiculous circumstances that the director should be ashamed of. For example, the three leads trudge through a horrendous snowstorm at the top of a mountain and finally reach a rickety looking cabin. When they go inside (which is amazingly beautiful and full of Christmas decorations !), they are completely dry with perfect hair and make-up and ready to make some cocoa !!!!! Are you kidding me??? This simply is a far-fetched story, poorly written, and over-acted by the leading ladies. Too bad because the scenery is quite good - if only the performers had kept their goofiness out of the picture.
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80%
AUDIENCE
6.0/10
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