I must admit, this one was a pleasant surprise. It is a fun and festive Christmas movie. The movie touches upon an important issue facing the US today, which is not talked about enough among the general public, that is, the decline and death of independent, local newspapers/news (over the past decade or so). The numbers are quite serious/alarming if you believe in independent, local news. So, it was nice to see some light shined on the issue here in a more entertaining format. I thought the script, the dialogue, was well written for this genre of film (i.e., a made-for-TV Christmas romance movie). I was quite impressed with the performance of Carly Hughes as Jackie. I have never seen her on-screen before, so I did not know what to expect. She had a great performance. Rob Mayes too had a solid performance. The chemistry between the two was good, believable, which is always important for a romance movie. The supporting cast was great. I enjoyed Aloma Wright as Edna, Emily Alabi as Dolores, and Langi Tuifua as Teddy (the latter had sort of a happy, pleasant vibe to him). The scenery, props, and sets are very festive. Well done. Overall, this is a nice new edition to Lifetime's original Christmas movie collection/lineup this season. Well worth the watch.
23 Reviews
Enjoying This One
mammamia70120 November 2020
The formula is familiar with a new location, job and talking in love. The acting, however, was better than many I have watched. I haven't even finished watching this movie, yet, but I'm pretty certain it will have the familiar happy ending we are accustomed to.
The worthwhile edition
TheLittleSongbird9 November 2021
Christmas films can go either way, which has been my experience watching overtime the festive output of Lifetime and Hallmark. They can either be well-meaning, charming, warm-hearted and don't feel too heavy. Or they can be too over-sentimental, cheesy, contrived and bland. There have been many films of theirs that have fallen in both camps and in the camp where there is a bit of both. And 'The Christmas Edition' did have the sort of premise where the execution could have gone either way.
Lifetime's 2020 Christmas film batch, like all their previous years, was pretty hit and miss which was not unexpected when one takes the circumstances into account, though a better standard than 2019's. 'The Christmas Edition' managed to be one of the better ones once it settled fully, despite there being a medium sized gap where there was some uncertainty of whether to continue or not. It also had a more mature theme than most which was appreciated and done quite well.
'The Christmas Edition' isn't perfect. It does start on the slow side and the dialogue is a bit cheesy to begin with. Will agree that the relationship did feel rushed at times, as did some character motivations towards the expectedly too tidy end.
Marie Osmond for my tastes overdoes it in her role, though she does have a character that is difficult to play subtly and dialogue that is not always easy to take seriously.
However, 'The Christmas Edition' is worth seeing for primarily the effervescent performance of Carly Hughes, who really brightens up the screen and makes her character likeable. Rob Mayes also has the likeability and charm factor, he looks comfortable and doesn't take any flaws with his character to extremes. Their chemistry didn't quite ignite straightaway but when it settled it was genuine and charming. Aloma Wright and Emily Alabi are lively support and don't come over as forced.
Furthermore, a great job is done with the Christmas atmosphere, where it does feel like Christmas and in an affectionate way. Some lovely Christmas touches and there are some very sweet, but not sickly, scenes. Was not crazy about the script early on, but it did have a nice mix of funny and poignant lines. The story may be thin but has a warm heart and charm and doesn't take itself too seriously, despite exploring a topical issue (which it handles quite intelligently). It benefits from some nice photography and scenery and the music isn't constant or too drone-like.
Overall, worth watching. 7/10.
Lifetime's 2020 Christmas film batch, like all their previous years, was pretty hit and miss which was not unexpected when one takes the circumstances into account, though a better standard than 2019's. 'The Christmas Edition' managed to be one of the better ones once it settled fully, despite there being a medium sized gap where there was some uncertainty of whether to continue or not. It also had a more mature theme than most which was appreciated and done quite well.
'The Christmas Edition' isn't perfect. It does start on the slow side and the dialogue is a bit cheesy to begin with. Will agree that the relationship did feel rushed at times, as did some character motivations towards the expectedly too tidy end.
Marie Osmond for my tastes overdoes it in her role, though she does have a character that is difficult to play subtly and dialogue that is not always easy to take seriously.
However, 'The Christmas Edition' is worth seeing for primarily the effervescent performance of Carly Hughes, who really brightens up the screen and makes her character likeable. Rob Mayes also has the likeability and charm factor, he looks comfortable and doesn't take any flaws with his character to extremes. Their chemistry didn't quite ignite straightaway but when it settled it was genuine and charming. Aloma Wright and Emily Alabi are lively support and don't come over as forced.
Furthermore, a great job is done with the Christmas atmosphere, where it does feel like Christmas and in an affectionate way. Some lovely Christmas touches and there are some very sweet, but not sickly, scenes. Was not crazy about the script early on, but it did have a nice mix of funny and poignant lines. The story may be thin but has a warm heart and charm and doesn't take itself too seriously, despite exploring a topical issue (which it handles quite intelligently). It benefits from some nice photography and scenery and the music isn't constant or too drone-like.
Overall, worth watching. 7/10.
Disney feel
bl-6397416 November 2020
Good story line good casting the only problem I have with it is it times it felt like you were watching a Disney show with the acting of everybody so Over the top all the time, Anybody with kids should know what I mean by that type of acting. But all in all a good Christmas movie to add to the lineup
Deja Vu, But Better
chiltonsjillfreeport5 December 2020
I couldn't help but notice writer Anna White recycled plenty of her previous Lifetime movie 'My Christmas Inn' for 'The Christmas Edition.'
Here is Rob Mayes (Finn), again in Alaska, as an artisan who inherits his father's biz, mixing it up, again, with a driven San Francisco career gal of color on the verge of a promotion, Carly Hughes' Jackie, who lands sideways in a Christmas-happy small town.
Happily, Hughes is a breath of fresh air, and, with the exception of Finn's clutch of fugly sweaters (hello, wardrobe!), this movie is definitely an upgrade.
For one, Jackie, Finn & Co. unite around a real and heartfelt issue-the death of newspapers, specifically community news, a rare commodity in these films.
Jackie and Finn have an easy chemistry. Finn is off-the-beaten-path for a male lead, played with a laid-back touch by Mayes. It works. Most of the supporting characters bring some originality. It makes things flow, like rain in a desert of a stale among these movies.
All in all, it had a more natural vibe: less cardboard, more variety of folk, a few more interesting happenings, rather than the typical 'event' feel. Some thoughtfulness all-around. Even Marie Osmond, as the presumed villainess, packed a little surprise in the end.
One rub, FWIW: if you're set on calling it Alaska, and your cast is diverse, how about including Native Alaskan actors?
Here is Rob Mayes (Finn), again in Alaska, as an artisan who inherits his father's biz, mixing it up, again, with a driven San Francisco career gal of color on the verge of a promotion, Carly Hughes' Jackie, who lands sideways in a Christmas-happy small town.
Happily, Hughes is a breath of fresh air, and, with the exception of Finn's clutch of fugly sweaters (hello, wardrobe!), this movie is definitely an upgrade.
For one, Jackie, Finn & Co. unite around a real and heartfelt issue-the death of newspapers, specifically community news, a rare commodity in these films.
Jackie and Finn have an easy chemistry. Finn is off-the-beaten-path for a male lead, played with a laid-back touch by Mayes. It works. Most of the supporting characters bring some originality. It makes things flow, like rain in a desert of a stale among these movies.
All in all, it had a more natural vibe: less cardboard, more variety of folk, a few more interesting happenings, rather than the typical 'event' feel. Some thoughtfulness all-around. Even Marie Osmond, as the presumed villainess, packed a little surprise in the end.
One rub, FWIW: if you're set on calling it Alaska, and your cast is diverse, how about including Native Alaskan actors?
Good cast, nicely done typical story
Jackbv12318 November 2020
If you want realism, your in the wrong place. Actually, it's pretty easy to ignore the unrealistic parts unless one of them pushes personal buttons. I won't list them, but there's several.
The premise is actually a combination of some other Christmas themes. Jackie goes to Alaska as almost a last job resort. There's never really a deadline, but the idea is still to save Finn's family business (newspaper). The newcomer makes an immediate, somewhat unrealistic impact. A small town changes a city girl.
The story is thin. I thought there was going to be some tension from a certain quarter, but it didn't turn out that way and as a result, the only tension was the future for the newspaper and Jackie. There's no great highs or lows and no real surprises. What might have been a twist was telegraphed clearly before it happened. The ending was pretty typical.
The appeal is a combination of chemistry between Carly Hughes and Rob Mayes plus the small town charm. Most of the cast, if not all, performed well. Movies where residents go out of their way to help their neighbors always appeal to me. Throw in a couple of nice BFF's and I'm hooked. One note about chemistry: the movie diluted Jackie and Finn's screen time with too much of the rest of the story. The time they had was good and there's some interesting activities - not just the formula ones in all Christmas movies.
Hughes sings a beautiful Christmas song, but it's short and embedded in the middle of the movie.
Pet peeve that doesn't affect my review or rating: please make phone texts large enough for anyone who doesn't have great vision or a huge screen. This one may be one of the hardest to read I've ever seen.
The premise is actually a combination of some other Christmas themes. Jackie goes to Alaska as almost a last job resort. There's never really a deadline, but the idea is still to save Finn's family business (newspaper). The newcomer makes an immediate, somewhat unrealistic impact. A small town changes a city girl.
The story is thin. I thought there was going to be some tension from a certain quarter, but it didn't turn out that way and as a result, the only tension was the future for the newspaper and Jackie. There's no great highs or lows and no real surprises. What might have been a twist was telegraphed clearly before it happened. The ending was pretty typical.
The appeal is a combination of chemistry between Carly Hughes and Rob Mayes plus the small town charm. Most of the cast, if not all, performed well. Movies where residents go out of their way to help their neighbors always appeal to me. Throw in a couple of nice BFF's and I'm hooked. One note about chemistry: the movie diluted Jackie and Finn's screen time with too much of the rest of the story. The time they had was good and there's some interesting activities - not just the formula ones in all Christmas movies.
Hughes sings a beautiful Christmas song, but it's short and embedded in the middle of the movie.
Pet peeve that doesn't affect my review or rating: please make phone texts large enough for anyone who doesn't have great vision or a huge screen. This one may be one of the hardest to read I've ever seen.
Meh
technoticanime8915 January 2021
Had potential but really hard to get into. The romance felt way too rushed and acted with over the top dramatic interactions between the two main characters. There's no real flow in the relationship being built so I didn't feel invested in the relationship at all. It was awkward. Also, a lot of the decisions of the character seemed rushed, underprepared and overly impulsive to the point of lacking common sense. Painful to watch and cringeworthy. No thanks
Enjoyable movie...
toncincin19 November 2020
I haven't cared for Rob Mayes in other movies - but he did a good nob in this one. Carly Hughes was great. Loved her in American Housewife - didn't know she could sing like that. Need more! The best part was the romance grew over time ... not just a few days. It was a fun escape.
Did anyone else notice - in the VERY beginning of the movie - the directional sign? One of the cities/towns was Garland. Shout out to Christmas Under Wraps - which also took place in a fictional Alaska town. Loved that ...
Did anyone else notice - in the VERY beginning of the movie - the directional sign? One of the cities/towns was Garland. Shout out to Christmas Under Wraps - which also took place in a fictional Alaska town. Loved that ...
Why did she randomly start singing?
joshjleeman12 December 2021
Hark the herald angel sing.
When she started singing I laughed so hard for a long time.
10 out of 10 funny. Would highly recommend. That part.
Edna had some great scarfs and I wonder why the mayor stopped wearing his top hat .
When she started singing I laughed so hard for a long time.
10 out of 10 funny. Would highly recommend. That part.
Edna had some great scarfs and I wonder why the mayor stopped wearing his top hat .
Ok Christmas story
rdrichards-784703 November 2021
Nice Storyline
susanashland15 November 2021
Not Special, Only Average
srooks124 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The Christmas Edition is your standard Christmas romance set in Alaska. The script is workmanlike. The film is paced well since the story has to resolve in 90 minutes. The two leads are o.k., but there is no real emotional connection between them. The backstory of saving a small town newspaper is serviceable. The background characters are interesting, but not developed.
The one irritating facet of the movie is Marie Osmond's acting. Osmond plays the communications mogul who wants to buy the small town paper, and thus put an end to the romance between the two leads. Even in this formulaic romance, Osmond's acting is uninspired and one-dimensional.
The Christmas Edition is not special, only average.
The one irritating facet of the movie is Marie Osmond's acting. Osmond plays the communications mogul who wants to buy the small town paper, and thus put an end to the romance between the two leads. Even in this formulaic romance, Osmond's acting is uninspired and one-dimensional.
The Christmas Edition is not special, only average.
Too much background music
baeboo-7078724 November 2021
I'm not sure what it is called,maybe the score, but there is background music through the ENTIRE movie, even when just having casual conversations. It's too much for my liking. Story line was ok, predictable. But a refreshing watch.
Not worth 90 minutes of your life
johne-5595219 November 2020
Below average as a Hallmark genre movie. Script / dialog is pretty terrible. Acting ok but no chemistry between love interests. After slogging through the first 15 min of exposition I skipped to the last 15. I wouldn't recommend spending any more time than that on this one.
The Best one this season!
butterflylarita16 November 2020
This was really good! This was my first time seeing Carly Hughes, and she was fantastic! It's nice to see new faces in these movies! She is a good actress, and from looking her up, she can really sing! Too bad she didn't get a longer singing part. And her matching up with Rob Mayes was believable! Not the falling deeply in love in a short time, but really connecting with someone for the interest of the cause! I took off 1 star because please, can we get another story line, besides going to Alaska, and seeing the Northern Lights. And can the actors, do a better job of drinking those "HOT" drinks!!! That won't stop me from watching all the available Christmas movies, because they still are fun, enjoyable, happy endings, which I like!
Print a Retraction
stagecoachmn9 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a third of the way into watching this movie, and I have to stop because I'm so bored. There is absolutely zero conflict. There's no chemistry or real tension between the love interests. The supporting characters are only there to smile warmly after one of the main characters does or says anything.
The screenplay was so poorly written; it's honestly baffling. The premise is dime-a-dozen. Large corporation threatens lead character's job, lead character moves to small town to help save a failing business, lead character falls in love with charming townie.
I don't ask for much in a Christmas film, but a story would be nice. The only reason I didn't give it a lower rating was because some of the actors were okay, and I respected most of the casting decisions. That's about it.
The screenplay was so poorly written; it's honestly baffling. The premise is dime-a-dozen. Large corporation threatens lead character's job, lead character moves to small town to help save a failing business, lead character falls in love with charming townie.
I don't ask for much in a Christmas film, but a story would be nice. The only reason I didn't give it a lower rating was because some of the actors were okay, and I respected most of the casting decisions. That's about it.
LOVED this MOVIE
aishadawn23 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I personally thought this was a great movie. The story was a Christmas usual (fast paced woman moved to small town etc) but it was executed so well. The characters all had great chemistry together. I loved how the relationship grew between the two main characters and of course had a happy ending. This is one I plan on watching again and again!
Alaskan
paisleypants1629 December 2021
As an Alaskan I got a kick out of this movie. The only thing Alaskan about it was they said the name and showed a few different stock videos from Southeast and Anchorage area (two very very different places). With any setting I think it's important to add actual local culture. The wardrobe was way too fresh and new. It would of been more believable if everyone was in carharts, flannel, or xtratuffs (heavy emphasis on the tuffs). If this was any run of the mill Christmas movie the cast would of been great, but that is not what our cultural diversity up here looks like. It would of been better with Alaskan natives, Polynesian, and Asian heritage.
They vaguely make it seem like their town is outside Juneau, but close to the North Pole. Lemme tell ya, there is about a thousand miles between those two places. Also Juneau is basically an island and the only place to drive from there is Juneau.
If the location of a place has to be so specific, a bit of research would be nice. Also snapdragons don't bloom in winter... anywhere.... Other than that I enjoyed this cheesy Christmas movie.
They vaguely make it seem like their town is outside Juneau, but close to the North Pole. Lemme tell ya, there is about a thousand miles between those two places. Also Juneau is basically an island and the only place to drive from there is Juneau.
If the location of a place has to be so specific, a bit of research would be nice. Also snapdragons don't bloom in winter... anywhere.... Other than that I enjoyed this cheesy Christmas movie.
Best Christmas movie ever in a long time!!!!
Thisismyyear202117 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was so cute and adorable and beautiful made the lead actress Carly Hughes reminds so much about another actress I liked too Angela Basset the way Carly plays in this movie is so much alike how Angela plays and I loved her chemistry with Rob Mayes in this movie 🎥 + this movie is very much alike another movie he did called The Christmas inn!!!! I just love this movie so much keep doing more movies like this again.
Not a bad movie
nqgzepjgj8 December 2021
The movie itself is pretty good. I love a good love story and this is it. The weather in Alaska just before Christmas is apparently summer like since they were blowing glass outside without jackets. Marie Osmond looks awful, so fake looking, and is the worst actress! Casting could use some work!
A really great Christmas movie
mikeandfiona-4530916 November 2020
Hot off the presses for another holiday season
hiramcrowder7 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The Christmas Edition is a refreshing holiday treat, good enough to be shared with friends and family. Carly Hughes as Jackie is an aspiring journalist with an ambitious dream, sees her hope dashed when Melanie, played by Marie Osmond, buys the paper she writes for and offers a lesser position. She seizes an opportunity with a struggling newspaper in a far away town, where she meets Finn, played by Rob Mayes, whose late father owned the newspaper. A whole new way to experience Christmas and save the newspaper comes as she participates in their traditions while writing about her experiences. Comedy, drama and an undertone of romance makes for a delightful sight worth watching.
Nicely done
toni20006227 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILER ALERT
I was all set for this to be the typical formulaic Hallmark Christmas movie. I was pleasantly surprised that instead of Finn huffing out in a storm, when he heard she was being offered the job, he was gracious & wanted her to be happy. Marie Osmond's Character not a big fan of, but the 2 main characters had great chemistry. They painted such a picture of Alaska, it made me want to visit. The blown glass art was amazing. Plus rather than the gift almost always taking the lead, it was nice to see assertiveness of the female. Good job.
I was all set for this to be the typical formulaic Hallmark Christmas movie. I was pleasantly surprised that instead of Finn huffing out in a storm, when he heard she was being offered the job, he was gracious & wanted her to be happy. Marie Osmond's Character not a big fan of, but the 2 main characters had great chemistry. They painted such a picture of Alaska, it made me want to visit. The blown glass art was amazing. Plus rather than the gift almost always taking the lead, it was nice to see assertiveness of the female. Good job.
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