What a fun movie! There is a lot of chemistry between the two lead actors. This heartwarming love story set around the Thanksgiving parade in Chicago centers around Emily, the Thanksgiving Parade Coordinator and Henry the handsome consultant hired to cut costs. These two likable characters at opposite ends, argue and banter beautifully as sparks and tension fly between them. The music and the occasional split screen, highlights Emily and Henry's angst and turmoil for each other. This gem of a film is reminiscent of successful romantic films of the 60's. When Emily's fiancée of five years returns, it thickens the plot resulting in twists and surprises. The vintage attire worn by Emily throughout the film is charming and exemplifies the character's love for the past, propelling her to protect the city's history and annual Thanksgiving parade. Autumn Reeser as outspoken Emily gives a performance that is funny, vulnerable and adorable! "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade" is sheer delight and acted with great comedic pacing. The Karaoke scene is not to be missed. I love this movie!
35 Reviews
Precisely what one should expect from a Hallmark romance - with a smallish twist in the final 6 minutes.
conleytgwinn4 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Yes, it is simple - but simple is also the essential property of elegance. Yes, the right guy winds up with the right girl - who would expect otherwise? This IS a Hallmark romance movie. There is one thing I did not catch from the credits: what is that memorable song that Autumn does as the champagne catches up to her? I recall having heard it many times (on the radio) but cannot put a name to it, nor an artist credit. If you are a sap for sweet romance, this it the place for you. If you are not, watch something else, and find the mp3 for the terrific song. I feel guilty about awarding this one an 8 of 10 - but then, I AM a certified sap for Hallmark romances.
!!!! Blondie - ah, yes! NOW I remember! Thanks to all who answered the question.
!!!! Blondie - ah, yes! NOW I remember! Thanks to all who answered the question.
Predictable but satisfying
mritchie-874-15678722 November 2012
Emily (Autumn Reeser) is in charge of Chicago's traditional Thanksgiving parade—think Macy's but on State Street in downtown Chicago. This year, she's worried when Henry, a rather aloof consultant (Antonio Cupo), arrives to potentially overhaul the parade and, in her eyes, ruin it or even halt it completely. Both are having relationship troubles: Emily has been with Brian, a slightly nerdy marine biologist (Ben Cotton; think Richard Dreyfuss in JAWS but less cute and funny) for years and assumes that when he returns from his latest trip that he will propose to her; Henry has drifted apart from his girlfriend Gretchen, accused of not understanding how to work at keeping a relationship alive. Of course, after a rough few days, Emily and Henry hit it off and smooth out each other's rough spots—but what about Brian and Gretchen?
The movie looks colorful and shiny, and it helps that there is a fair amount of footage shot on location on the streets of Chicago. The two leads are attractive, and after all, that's what really counts in these cable TV romances, and I was pleased that Cupo's "bad guy" personality was a bit more rounded than usual. Cotton was fine as the clueless biologist; poor Gretchen gets almost no characterization at all, only present near the end to provide one more speed bump on the way to the happy ending, and Ali Liebert is quite likable as Reeser's best friend— more of her would have been welcome. The script could have used another draft; once it gets to the last 15 minutes, things are rushed and plot holes are exposed—I'm still not sure how on earth Cupo wind up in a Santa suit??—but given the genre, it's fairly satisfying.
And to "conleytgwinn," another reviewer, the song Reeser sings is Blondie's "Heart of Glass."
The movie looks colorful and shiny, and it helps that there is a fair amount of footage shot on location on the streets of Chicago. The two leads are attractive, and after all, that's what really counts in these cable TV romances, and I was pleased that Cupo's "bad guy" personality was a bit more rounded than usual. Cotton was fine as the clueless biologist; poor Gretchen gets almost no characterization at all, only present near the end to provide one more speed bump on the way to the happy ending, and Ali Liebert is quite likable as Reeser's best friend— more of her would have been welcome. The script could have used another draft; once it gets to the last 15 minutes, things are rushed and plot holes are exposed—I'm still not sure how on earth Cupo wind up in a Santa suit??—but given the genre, it's fairly satisfying.
And to "conleytgwinn," another reviewer, the song Reeser sings is Blondie's "Heart of Glass."
Sweet And Adorable Love Story
sajin_kc14 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
A very good love story.I loved it.
A very sweet romantic love story by Hallmark.The movie is about a sweet, lively and passionate girl who is also the operations manager for the Thanksgiving Day parade she admires and values a lot.Her life seems to be just perfect, on track, ready and waiting to be proposed by her boyfriend who is a marine biologist.
But fate has something else in store for her: someone who will love her for who she is, someone she deserves to be with, to save her from the marine biologist who is crazy about whales and knows nothing about the girl who appreciates him so much.
The stiff, not at all perfect guy comes in as the person who may well cancel the parade if he sees no profit in the whole thing and fate starts playing from there on.The two very different souls(one lively-one stiff)are forced to work together and eventually end up discovering each other.The guy discovers the essence of the parade and the girl slowly begins to discover her true mate but what about the marine biologist she is suppose to marry? who will get to be the Santa in the parade? who will she finally kiss?.Only fate will help her make the right decision and provide answers to all the above questions. Give it a try my friend the movie will not disappoint you.
A very sweet romantic love story by Hallmark.The movie is about a sweet, lively and passionate girl who is also the operations manager for the Thanksgiving Day parade she admires and values a lot.Her life seems to be just perfect, on track, ready and waiting to be proposed by her boyfriend who is a marine biologist.
But fate has something else in store for her: someone who will love her for who she is, someone she deserves to be with, to save her from the marine biologist who is crazy about whales and knows nothing about the girl who appreciates him so much.
The stiff, not at all perfect guy comes in as the person who may well cancel the parade if he sees no profit in the whole thing and fate starts playing from there on.The two very different souls(one lively-one stiff)are forced to work together and eventually end up discovering each other.The guy discovers the essence of the parade and the girl slowly begins to discover her true mate but what about the marine biologist she is suppose to marry? who will get to be the Santa in the parade? who will she finally kiss?.Only fate will help her make the right decision and provide answers to all the above questions. Give it a try my friend the movie will not disappoint you.
Retro delight
gaymiller0913 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
For all the women out there of an age, you will delight in this "Rock Hudson/Doris Day" romance. In an age where all the choices we have include vampires and zombies, it is wonderful to sit and watch the Hallmark movies. This movie, in particular, is one of their best as it is focused on these two leads, not just some boring story line that drags through with the two finally coming together at the end. It builds their relationship every step of the way with both growing in their own way to reach the point where they find they have more in common than when they met. Bravo to Hallmark. Now, if we can convince them of the treasure they hold in these two as the next Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan, we may see more of these delightful movies by these two together. To say Antonio Cupo is handsome is the understatement of the year. To say Autumn Reeser is adorable is understated, also. They both have since acted in other Hallmark movies but none that can compare to this movie. Can you tell I loved it? Nancy Silvers, Ron Oliver, Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo need to team up more often in the future.
A 7 michelin starred movie!
Sergiodave7 June 2022
This is a very good Hallmark movie with a wonderful feel good story and the two lead actors work brilliantly together. My one gripe is that a cat lover is too lazy to put cat food into a bowl and leaves it in a tin! Who would do that?
Really cute movie!
jnkm-532-20104818 November 2012
Yes, it's "typical" Hallmark feel-good romance, but the actors have great chemistry that makes the characters more believable as a couple than some other Hallmark movies. It's cute and quirky and refreshing compared to the many Santa-is-real movies that abound this time of year. Loved the reason behind her passion for vintage clothes -- that explanation had never occurred to me. Some of spliced scenes when they were in their respective beds thinking about each other reminded me of old classic movies which actually lended another layer of believability to her vintage clothes and determination to keep traditions alive. I like that Hallmark makes so many different kinds of Christmas movies that range from comedy to drama and different levels in between. I give this one a 10.
Cute movie --
rmcguire3018 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I still find it fascinating that Hollywood can't seem to figure out time periods correctly. The young lady in the movie dresses in early to mid 60's fashion. The premise behind this is when her mother died, her father took all of her clothes to charity. The young lady believes that by dressing vintage she might actually be wearing some of her late mother's clothing and it makes her feel close to her mom. It's a lovely thought but she looks to be all of 25 years old. Even if she's 33 or 34 her mother would have been dressing like they did in the mid to late 70's. Think Charlie's Angels not Jackie Kennedy.
But all in all it's a very cute movie and I love to see ladies who still dress for even the simplest occasion.
But all in all it's a very cute movie and I love to see ladies who still dress for even the simplest occasion.
Romantic and funny
bookandcandle14 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
If you love romance, you will love this movie. The season of Thanksgiving and Christmas comes alive in this movie, taking us on a planning tour of the Thanksgiving Day parade. The love/hate work relationship between Emily and Henry is motivating and carefully played out. They get to know each other as their own true selves and realize that they have a strong love interest. Emily is very funny and original, while Henry is supportive and generous. What better combination could one ask for? I would see this movie over and over. I love it. And, yes, I love a happy romantic ending. Love is what we all really search for and I watch Hallmark movies for that reason. Well done, Hallmark, and thanks for not playing music in the background while they were speaking, so you could hear each word clearly.
Well its Better than Most
Christmas-Reviewer22 August 2016
As Chicago gears up for its annual Thanksgiving Day parade, Emily Jones, an eager parade coordinator is shocked when Henry Williams, a wealthy new development consultant, is brought in to analyze the parade's finances. Faced with the challenge of teaching him that the parade means so much more to her than dollar signs.
What was nice about this film was the fact this country likes to demolish things and not fix anything.
My major problem with this film was the inconstancy of the boyfriend. The film however works. You are rooting for the parade. I think it would of been a better film had they made everything less obvious
What was nice about this film was the fact this country likes to demolish things and not fix anything.
My major problem with this film was the inconstancy of the boyfriend. The film however works. You are rooting for the parade. I think it would of been a better film had they made everything less obvious
Love amongst the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
cgvsluis9 November 2021
This was sweet but campy, with a little overacting. A wealthy financial consultant, Henry, comes to town to analyze the financials of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Emily, the Thanksgiving Day Parade Coordinator, is less than thrilled with the interference and takes it upon herself to teach Henry about all of the important philanthropy of the parade and to show him how important the parade really is to the city and it's inhabitants. At first these two seem to have nothing in common...including Emily, who is in a relationship and is hoping that her long distance boyfriend is going to propose. Except he doesn't...and Emily realizes that she has feelings for Henry in-spite of his 5 date rule, but can she get up the nerve to risk telling him.
The campy overacting seemed to work in this sweet holiday hallmark romance. The actors had chemistry and this was fun and funny...which is rare in these holiday romances.
"You're as rare as a grey Pearl in an Italian oyster."-Brian
Vintage clothing, thanksgiving day parade, clowns and Santas...what more could a girl want?
The whimsy in this holiday romance makes this film worth watching.
The campy overacting seemed to work in this sweet holiday hallmark romance. The actors had chemistry and this was fun and funny...which is rare in these holiday romances.
"You're as rare as a grey Pearl in an Italian oyster."-Brian
Vintage clothing, thanksgiving day parade, clowns and Santas...what more could a girl want?
The whimsy in this holiday romance makes this film worth watching.
One of the best!
abcj-220 February 2020
Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of my favorite Hallmark movies of all times! The writing, the chemistry between the two leads, the touching moments interlaced with quirky humor make this a can't miss movie. I keep it on my DVR, but it's also available at Prime, but they still show it in a tiny, early window of Christmas films as of 2019. I adore Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo in this movie and hope that Hallmark can learn from the older movies that this movie is a model for how to make a good movie no matter what time of year. Enjoy!
Good fun.
Pete-Claus24 January 2020
Most obnoxious main character ever
Madgrrl8017 November 2019
I know this movie is older, but I created an account just to make sure no more poor souls get suckered into watching this piece of crap again. Autumn Reeser is usually pretty good in these Hallmark movies, but in this one, she played an obnoxious, self-righteous, judgmental prig. Her role was so terrible, it was inconceivable that the main guy would ever fall in love her; how in the world would he want to spend more than one second with her? She didn't have more than two lines in each conversation before she started insulting and judging him. Who wrote this crap?
Charming tale, a must-see for hallmark/parade lovers
jml198811 December 2019
Feel good movie
ginasharp13 November 2020
I enjoyed this, but there are awkward moments! The main characters are very likeable. I would probably say this is a 6 for me but gave it a 7 because of the parade stuff that brings back good memories of watching Macys parade every year. The last 15 minutes got a little chaotic and crazy but it was a fun movie to watch. I adored the main characters clothes, very Aubrey Hepburn! Loved the fashion :D
Doris and Rock 2.0
rebekahrox14 November 2017
This was a charming romance with the talented and funny Autumn Reeser and the too handsome to live Antonio Cupo. Despite his fictionally good looks, he managed to be appealing and a worthy match for one of my favorite Hallmark actresses. They had great chemistry. This older effort is so heads and tails above the romances that Hallmark is spewing out these days. No cheesy cheap looking decorations or the phony Christmas tree. No small town with the Christmas name. I absolutely loved that Autumn's character loved and wore vintage clothes. That was a great imaginative detail written in that wouldn't even occur to whoever is writing the efforts of the last 2 years. And it really added even more to the homage to an old Doris Day romance. Her stupid boyfriend was not evil, but such a loser that it was fun to hiss and boo at him. There were a few little glitches, such as Henry dressed up as Santa at the end and making out with Emily in front of everyone at the parade. WTH? but other than that, Great writing, a sense of humor, talented stars, a good supporting cast, and lack of Christmas cheesiness made one of the best Hallmark Christmas movies ever.
Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
studioAT26 November 2021
Autumn Reeser makes her Hallmark debut here, and immediately shows us why she would soon go onto become of the channel's best loved stars.
Pretty, witty - she helps this film to fly along, and I liked that this didn't feel like a standard Hallmark film. The humour is broader and is all the better for it.
It's not perfect, it's very clear right from the off that her character's boyfriend will not be the one for her by the end, but minor gripes aside, this was good fun and I enjoyed it.
Pretty, witty - she helps this film to fly along, and I liked that this didn't feel like a standard Hallmark film. The humour is broader and is all the better for it.
It's not perfect, it's very clear right from the off that her character's boyfriend will not be the one for her by the end, but minor gripes aside, this was good fun and I enjoyed it.
Has the same winning elements of the best of romantic comedy; find it romcom fans
inkblot118 September 2015
Emily (Autumn Reeser) is a Chicago native who has worked her way up to a job that fits her well. This beautiful young woman is in charge of the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chi-town, among other things. Also pleasing, Emily believes, is her long distance, marine biologist boyfriend Brian. They conduct a romance in most modern fashion, on Skype. Then, Emily's perfect world comes crashing down a bit. A handsome number cruncher, Henry (Antonio Cupo) has been invited, at the mayor's request, to see if there is any ways to save money on the parade. Naturally, his initial meeting with Emily goes badly, as he seems all brash and no heart to her. She learns that his consultant's job has him traveling around the country, living in hotels, and making few attachments. He even makes a fiver wager with her, as he doesn't believe Brian is going to propose on his coming-soon visit. There are other mishaps and misunderstandings that arrive for this dueling twosome. Could it be that, between sarcastic barbs, Em and Hen really like each other? You KNOW IT, romance fans! This adorable romcom, which originated on the best network in the universe, Hallmark, has all the winning elements of the best romantic comedies out there. First, it sports attractive and charming performers in Reeser and Cupo. Then, a fine supporting cast, a lovely setting in Chicago's best venues, wonderful costumes, a clever script, and a made-to-entertain direction. So, parade out to grab the DVD somewhere or hit the download button soon.
Pretty and Funny: I Hate It
boblipton4 November 2012
Visually, this is one of the best Hallmark TV movies I have seen -- director Ron Oliver, who has done some pretty good Hallmark movies seems to know and love Chicago and has gotten some great shots of the city -- boats on the river, scenes in the parks and so forth: no Sears Tower, but a sense of the city. There are also some nice comic sequences, particularly one set in a supermarket where she is anxious not be be seen buying cat food and ice cream.
The reason I hate this movie is that Autumn Reeser plays the stereotypical Hallmark romcom Her, not only opinionated and brittle, but with a perky, squeaky voice that sets my teeth on edge -- somewhat like Reese Witherspoon in "Legally Blonde" but without jokes or amiability. She is a collection of neuroses who insists on everything she thinks traditional about Chicago, particularly the Thanksgiving Day Parade. This makes Him, played by Antonio Cupo, a developer brought in to revive the parade, seem especially nice. She's got the usual clueless boyfriend. Of course, She will relax by the end of the movie and they will get together, but the opening half is pretty grim. I hope you have something better to do with your time.
The reason I hate this movie is that Autumn Reeser plays the stereotypical Hallmark romcom Her, not only opinionated and brittle, but with a perky, squeaky voice that sets my teeth on edge -- somewhat like Reese Witherspoon in "Legally Blonde" but without jokes or amiability. She is a collection of neuroses who insists on everything she thinks traditional about Chicago, particularly the Thanksgiving Day Parade. This makes Him, played by Antonio Cupo, a developer brought in to revive the parade, seem especially nice. She's got the usual clueless boyfriend. Of course, She will relax by the end of the movie and they will get together, but the opening half is pretty grim. I hope you have something better to do with your time.
Well done
Jackbv1239 November 2017
This is pretty standard fare for Hallmark Christmas movies. But it is very well done.
Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo work very well together. Reeser is perfect as a quirky, idealistic woman who loves vintage things and tradition. That is only part of why she always wears clothes that are from decades past.
There were some good laughs. Reeser made a good drunk (on one drink) singing and dancing karaoke. She constantly embarrasses herself with humorous consequences while rehearsing things she will say to Brian or Henry. Another nice touch is the split screen of Emily and Henry at different times when they are by themselves at night.
The typical Hallmark story has a couple of nice touches near the end.
Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo work very well together. Reeser is perfect as a quirky, idealistic woman who loves vintage things and tradition. That is only part of why she always wears clothes that are from decades past.
There were some good laughs. Reeser made a good drunk (on one drink) singing and dancing karaoke. She constantly embarrasses herself with humorous consequences while rehearsing things she will say to Brian or Henry. Another nice touch is the split screen of Emily and Henry at different times when they are by themselves at night.
The typical Hallmark story has a couple of nice touches near the end.
Doesn't do Chicago justice...typical Hallmark Faire
uwsupergirl7 November 2013
Watchable typical formula Hallmark fare. Seems to borrow elements from many other movies, in particular Sandra Bullock movies-While You Were Sleeping (location-Chicago), Two Weeks (absent boyfriend into whales, afraid of boats, he babysits her after she and the whale-dude break up and she drinks too much, he's the rich guy to hate/love, she's filled with "ideals"), Proposal(main characters antagonize each other at first). I agree with another reviewer that Autumn Reeser's voice is annoyingly similar to the clipped bossy voice of Reese Witherspoon's Elle Wood. That all said, as a native Chicagoan, other than some distant shots of Chicago Landmarks-the River, the Lakefront, some buildings-the rest is completely lacking in Chicago feel-the girls apartment, the hysterical indoor/outdoor supermarket (in Chicago in November?), the pizzeria that totally lacks charm, the park where the elderly couples dance? None of it looks like Chicago! If you are going to make a point of letting us know that this is Chicago, then you need to try harder to make it authentic. Just because you put a fur coat on a character and film them in a LA studio doesn't mean it looks like Chicago! Might fool some people but not me! Plus my mother worked for the city so the whole way the parade was planned was also a joke to me. As for the characters, predictable but not totally boring. But only because I was doing something else while I watched-multi-tasking. So if you're sick in bed with the flu or something, and nothing else is on, then I say go for it! Otherwise, you'll want your two hours back and if you're from Chicago you should watch just to entertain yourself with the goofs!
Hallmark's Golden Age
maggygrasso-5668617 November 2022
I am not, nor would I ever, knock today's Hallmark releases- but nothing compares to the early years.
I don't know how I had never seen this one before- but it's easily my favorite.
It's got the essential elements of falling in love during the holidays on the small screen: a conflict ridden meet-cute, a seemingly perfect boyfriend, the most adorable and wholesome woman in the world, a couple fun female extras, an unrealistically single man who's attractive, wealthy, and a gentleman- but a bit jaded.
But this Thanksgiving flick of Hallmark past(and WHY did they stop making Thanksgiving films?) Is far less sugar-coated than than today's, while still remaining wholesome enough. They openly drink and get drunk, the boyfriend isn't 'the right guy-just for someone else' he's actually quite the prick. The humor is just a shade darker and a notch sexier - and it creates a depth that's been lacking the last couple years.
The actual production is really good, too- at least to someone who knows very little about movie production. They really made Chicago in November really beautiful. I even really loved the music- which is often the one element I kind of hate.
As for the story, a vintage-clad young woman prepared for her beloved annual Thanksgiving parade while waiting for her marine-biologist boyfriend to come home and propose to her. Meanwhile she bumps into the man who wants to commoditize the parade she's devoted her career to - and while they have opposite views on just about everything, including love- their chemistry is undeniable. Naturally they're forced to work together, and end up exposing every private thought that occurs to them- and eat peanut butter in their undies (separately, mind you- this IS still a Hallmark movie)
The leads- Hallmark favorite Autumn Reeser, and the very very handsome Antonio Cupo -just absolutely killed it. It was hard not to root for them.
If you're in the mood for predictable yet enjoyable couple hours, and don't want to feel like you're watching a disney-movie for adults, this is a good start. I always dvr the 2015 and earlier Hallmark movies- there really is something a touch more special about them (might be the fact they didn't churn out 200 a year) and this might have been the absolute best of them.
Also- I now REALLY want a best friend with a small vintage clothing shop. Might be my favorite set of any movie ever made. So- anybody with a vintage shop is obviously free to seek me out and befriend me, I expect tea-for two in a mid-century settee. And, yes- that's how adorable this movie is.
I don't know how I had never seen this one before- but it's easily my favorite.
It's got the essential elements of falling in love during the holidays on the small screen: a conflict ridden meet-cute, a seemingly perfect boyfriend, the most adorable and wholesome woman in the world, a couple fun female extras, an unrealistically single man who's attractive, wealthy, and a gentleman- but a bit jaded.
But this Thanksgiving flick of Hallmark past(and WHY did they stop making Thanksgiving films?) Is far less sugar-coated than than today's, while still remaining wholesome enough. They openly drink and get drunk, the boyfriend isn't 'the right guy-just for someone else' he's actually quite the prick. The humor is just a shade darker and a notch sexier - and it creates a depth that's been lacking the last couple years.
The actual production is really good, too- at least to someone who knows very little about movie production. They really made Chicago in November really beautiful. I even really loved the music- which is often the one element I kind of hate.
As for the story, a vintage-clad young woman prepared for her beloved annual Thanksgiving parade while waiting for her marine-biologist boyfriend to come home and propose to her. Meanwhile she bumps into the man who wants to commoditize the parade she's devoted her career to - and while they have opposite views on just about everything, including love- their chemistry is undeniable. Naturally they're forced to work together, and end up exposing every private thought that occurs to them- and eat peanut butter in their undies (separately, mind you- this IS still a Hallmark movie)
The leads- Hallmark favorite Autumn Reeser, and the very very handsome Antonio Cupo -just absolutely killed it. It was hard not to root for them.
If you're in the mood for predictable yet enjoyable couple hours, and don't want to feel like you're watching a disney-movie for adults, this is a good start. I always dvr the 2015 and earlier Hallmark movies- there really is something a touch more special about them (might be the fact they didn't churn out 200 a year) and this might have been the absolute best of them.
Also- I now REALLY want a best friend with a small vintage clothing shop. Might be my favorite set of any movie ever made. So- anybody with a vintage shop is obviously free to seek me out and befriend me, I expect tea-for two in a mid-century settee. And, yes- that's how adorable this movie is.
Overall, it's super-cute!
emmeline8297 November 2013
Good casting: the leads are not only attractive, they become more appealing as the movie goes on, because they take on their roles so well. Good chemistry. They have a nice natural style.
Cute soundtrack: reminds me of Disney/Pixar's UP. Think Russell & his quest for badges.
Nice character development on the leads. Makes you feel with them. Sweet little back stories.
Love the costuming: Suits on men make them more handsome & are so classy & I love vintage on Reeser. This added so much more character & tied in well with the plot.
Not too cheesy: Although I named my own daughter Noelle (Noelani), I'm glad that no main character in the movie was named Rudolf, Chris, Holly, Sandy Claus, Jingle Belle... or even Noelle.
Overall, it's super-cute! It gets cuter every time I see it.
p.s. I think I love this movie, because the leads are like the Windows 8 version of me & my awesome husband! Merry Christmas! Every day is Christmas when you have Christ! John 3:16
Cute soundtrack: reminds me of Disney/Pixar's UP. Think Russell & his quest for badges.
Nice character development on the leads. Makes you feel with them. Sweet little back stories.
Love the costuming: Suits on men make them more handsome & are so classy & I love vintage on Reeser. This added so much more character & tied in well with the plot.
Not too cheesy: Although I named my own daughter Noelle (Noelani), I'm glad that no main character in the movie was named Rudolf, Chris, Holly, Sandy Claus, Jingle Belle... or even Noelle.
Overall, it's super-cute! It gets cuter every time I see it.
p.s. I think I love this movie, because the leads are like the Windows 8 version of me & my awesome husband! Merry Christmas! Every day is Christmas when you have Christ! John 3:16
Nice, but could be a lot better
eviemmitchell12 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this movie last night and overall I came away feeling a bit dissatisfied. I am aware that I'm probably taking this too seriously; if you just want a typical cute Hallmark romcom, you will definitely enjoy this. And there WERE some genuine good parts- the leads were quite good actors, the main plotline was nice if a little overdone, and the main couple had chemistry and fairly nice build-up towards the end.
Only slight criticism on the creation of the romance is that the writers were clearly going for an enemies-to-lovers trope, but they struggled to get them from enemies to friends in a believable way. There were plenty of hints that the main guy, despite not getting along with the leading woman, fancied her a bit, but the woman seemed to absolutely hate the guy then all of a sudden she invited him to lunch at a 6 star restaurant out of nowhere.
Although the film had its good points, there are some flaws that I can't get past. Although the leading actress did a good job acting the script she was given, the script itself was awful. I don't know exactly how old the character is supposed to be, but she's clearly a grown woman, yet she acts like a 5 year old. The writers were so eager to communicate the fact that she hates this guy in the beginning that they made her act completely over the top and childish. Within moments of their meeting she was yelling at him and being very insulting and rude. Even when they were at work supposedly being colleagues she was shouting at him when he hadn't even done anything. And the worst part was that he didn't even stand up for himself and tell her not to talk to him like that. With enemies-to-lovers, the enemies part needs to be mutual, but this guy seemed to find it funny when she was yelling at him and overall behaving in an anti-social way. A real person with this woman's attitude would never function in society, but then again it's not a real person so maybe I should remember that.
The writers were also trying too hard to make the leading female character 'quirky' and included one or two tropes that made me cringe so hard I had an out of body experience. Her temper tantrums were obviously supposed to be part of this quirkiness (like 'ooh look she's so feisty') and she also did things like rehearsing her 'confession' in an elevator but being seen by the CCTV guys. Then there was a scene where she couldn't decide whether to buy a tub of ice cream or not and the guy was watching her and thinking it was cute, because oh my god, women need to consume food to live, that's so quirky and special of her. The writers also of course added in the line 'I'm not like most women' towards the end of the film, because obviously all other women are exactly the same and are just boring compared to this woman who yells at people she just met and eats ice cream.
Finally, the most unforgivable flaw of this movie was its treatment of Brian. Brian is the boyfriend of Emily before she dumps him to get with Henry (I only just remembered the characters' names, sorry). Giving one of the main couple a partner at the start of the movie is always a gamble because for it to work, you need to get it exactly right. You need the audience to want the main couple to end up together, and to achieve that, the character's current partner has to be really unlikeable. But there was nothing unlikeable about Brian. He's a marine biologist who researches whales, which is cool. He tells Emily that she's perfect and wouldn't change a thing about her. He even invites her to come on a boat trip with him for 2 years, which is commendable because I couldn't stand two minutes of Emily's company. The writers clearly understood that they needed to make Brian and Emily's relationship unappealing, but they didn't do this very well. When Emily reads Brian's book on whales, she doesn't enjoy it and throws it across the room, which just made me dislike her, not Brian. Then, they're not right for each other because Brian works on boats and Emily is afraid of boats. Brian is apparently a bad boyfriend for not knowing this, despite the fact that Emily never told him and they didn't mention that Brian has psychic powers. Their big break up moment comes when Emily thinks that Brian is going to propose to her but actually he asks to go on a boat research thing with him. Emily has another tantrum and storms out. I think this is supposed to make us hate Brian but I'm not sure why because he didn't do anything wrong here. How was he supposed to know Emily expected him to propose?? He actually proposed later on and she accepted him but then gave back the ring because...he wasn't watching the Thanksgiving parade. All I can say is, I wish I had a boyfriend where the worst thing he could possibly do to me is invite me on a boat trip and not watch a parade.
The ending where Emily and Henry kiss was cute I guess but all I could think about was poor Brian and how he really got screwed over by this movie just for being a good person.
Only slight criticism on the creation of the romance is that the writers were clearly going for an enemies-to-lovers trope, but they struggled to get them from enemies to friends in a believable way. There were plenty of hints that the main guy, despite not getting along with the leading woman, fancied her a bit, but the woman seemed to absolutely hate the guy then all of a sudden she invited him to lunch at a 6 star restaurant out of nowhere.
Although the film had its good points, there are some flaws that I can't get past. Although the leading actress did a good job acting the script she was given, the script itself was awful. I don't know exactly how old the character is supposed to be, but she's clearly a grown woman, yet she acts like a 5 year old. The writers were so eager to communicate the fact that she hates this guy in the beginning that they made her act completely over the top and childish. Within moments of their meeting she was yelling at him and being very insulting and rude. Even when they were at work supposedly being colleagues she was shouting at him when he hadn't even done anything. And the worst part was that he didn't even stand up for himself and tell her not to talk to him like that. With enemies-to-lovers, the enemies part needs to be mutual, but this guy seemed to find it funny when she was yelling at him and overall behaving in an anti-social way. A real person with this woman's attitude would never function in society, but then again it's not a real person so maybe I should remember that.
The writers were also trying too hard to make the leading female character 'quirky' and included one or two tropes that made me cringe so hard I had an out of body experience. Her temper tantrums were obviously supposed to be part of this quirkiness (like 'ooh look she's so feisty') and she also did things like rehearsing her 'confession' in an elevator but being seen by the CCTV guys. Then there was a scene where she couldn't decide whether to buy a tub of ice cream or not and the guy was watching her and thinking it was cute, because oh my god, women need to consume food to live, that's so quirky and special of her. The writers also of course added in the line 'I'm not like most women' towards the end of the film, because obviously all other women are exactly the same and are just boring compared to this woman who yells at people she just met and eats ice cream.
Finally, the most unforgivable flaw of this movie was its treatment of Brian. Brian is the boyfriend of Emily before she dumps him to get with Henry (I only just remembered the characters' names, sorry). Giving one of the main couple a partner at the start of the movie is always a gamble because for it to work, you need to get it exactly right. You need the audience to want the main couple to end up together, and to achieve that, the character's current partner has to be really unlikeable. But there was nothing unlikeable about Brian. He's a marine biologist who researches whales, which is cool. He tells Emily that she's perfect and wouldn't change a thing about her. He even invites her to come on a boat trip with him for 2 years, which is commendable because I couldn't stand two minutes of Emily's company. The writers clearly understood that they needed to make Brian and Emily's relationship unappealing, but they didn't do this very well. When Emily reads Brian's book on whales, she doesn't enjoy it and throws it across the room, which just made me dislike her, not Brian. Then, they're not right for each other because Brian works on boats and Emily is afraid of boats. Brian is apparently a bad boyfriend for not knowing this, despite the fact that Emily never told him and they didn't mention that Brian has psychic powers. Their big break up moment comes when Emily thinks that Brian is going to propose to her but actually he asks to go on a boat research thing with him. Emily has another tantrum and storms out. I think this is supposed to make us hate Brian but I'm not sure why because he didn't do anything wrong here. How was he supposed to know Emily expected him to propose?? He actually proposed later on and she accepted him but then gave back the ring because...he wasn't watching the Thanksgiving parade. All I can say is, I wish I had a boyfriend where the worst thing he could possibly do to me is invite me on a boat trip and not watch a parade.
The ending where Emily and Henry kiss was cute I guess but all I could think about was poor Brian and how he really got screwed over by this movie just for being a good person.
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