Hallmark Christmas Movies (Week 2)
My brief thoughts on Week 2 of Countdown to Christmas Movies & Miracles of Christmas 2024.
Let’s review Week 2 of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas plus the heart-warming Miracles of Christmas movie! All images are property of Hallmark Media, LLC.
This Time Each Year
Ranking 8/10
Lauren (Alison Sweeney) and Kevin (Niall Matter) are a married couple separated for over a year. They share a son, Charlie. Lauren and Kevin pretend all is well while Lauren’s mom is in town for Christmas. Their love is rekindled during the holiday season.
One of my favorite movie storylines for Hallmark is a married couple navigating the hardships of marriage. Seeing Lauren and Kevin fall in love again touched my heart in a way no other Christmas movie has this year. They navigated being parents to Charlie during the holiday like pros. Yes, I was screaming “please get back together!” at the TV far too many times during this movie but it was worth it!
Overall, this movie was one of the best ones this year. I rated it an 8/10 because of the heartfelt storyline of a lost marriage rekindled at Christmastime.
Operation Nutcracker
Ranking 8/10
Event planner Lottie (Ashley Newbrough) and heir to the Warby dynasty, Tristan (Christopher Russel) meet by chance. Erica Warby is hosting the annual Warby Christmas charity event at the pediatric hospital located in Boston. Lottie secured the job as the event planner which is a make or break career movie. The theme of the charity event and most prized object is the priceless Nutcracker. A classic three way switch-a-roo happens at the airport in Boston causing a spiral of events. Lottie and Tristan execute Operation Nutcracker in an attempt to find this priceless auction item before the Christmas Eve charity event. Lottie and Tristan develop feelings for one another by when Erica discovers the truth, Operation Nutcracker, falls apart leaving them wondering if they are better off separated until the pieces fall into place.
As a pediatric healthcare professional I LOVED seeing a charity event for the children’s hospital. These kids are so special and they deserve to have the best Christmas despite their sickness. It’s never good to start off with a lie but Tristan cast the lie onto Lottie to cover himself. In an elaborate hunt for the lost nutcracker they found purpose, love, and friendship.
Overall, this movie encompassed the meaning of Christmas and I’m here for it! That’s why I rated this movie 8/10.
The Christmas Charade
Ranking 5/10
Whitney (Rachel Skarsten) and FBI Agent Josh (Corey Sevier) accidentally meet on a blind date. Unbeknownst to Whitney, a librarian, she becomes embroiled in an undercover operation as Josh’s girlfriend in attempts to uncover a planned robbery of the Saint Nicholas Ruby at the Christmas Eve charity ball. Their mission is to steal the real Saint Nicholas Ruby and replace it with a fake to catch the art thieves.
I was excited about the premise of the movie but unfortunately it fell short for me. I felt like the big moment between the two leads was taken by Whitney’s parents. I wasn’t shocked they were FBI agents but I was disappointed they swooped in stole Whitney and Agent Josh’s big moment. The charade part of the movie was rather dull but the Christmas theme was done beautifully!
The Five-Year Christmas Party
Ranking 7/10
Alice (Katie Findlay) and Max (Jordan Fisher) are theater school rivals and co-workers at a catering company in Chicago. Over the course of 5-years they reunite and their developing feels deepen until they have to decide to say “yes” or “no” to a committed relationship.
This movie was middle of the road for me but I really enjoyed the idea of seeing their relationship develop over time. Something I miss from the Hallmark Movies is “what happens next?” That question lingered still but we also got to see their relationship deepen. It was a little frustrating how Alice continually pushed Max away. But soon the script flipped to Max ignoring Alice’s messages. Eventually, they talk about their feelings and it ends with a kiss. I would have liked a little less ignoring and more maturity but overall it was great.
Overall, I thought this movie a good idea and something different for Hallmark Channel. It enjoyed it and would definitely watch it again. That’s why I’m ranking it 7/10.
Week 1 Thoughts:
Thank you for reading my thoughts on the first round of Hallmark Christmas Movies! Stay tuned for Week 3!