A Song for Christmas

It's clean and it's uplifting. Both leads are very likable. The characters not only fall in love, but motivate each other to be true to themselves. And it's sweet to watch this girl bond with her future in-laws (I mean, come on, it's a Hallmark Christmas romance. Is that really a spoiler?).

Love, love, love Kevin and Becca in this movie. It's about following your dreams, doing what scares you but is what you know you need to do. Love the story line, the characters, the music. Love them singing together. Great movie!

A Song For Christmas (2017) -

Some of the leading ladies in this genre of film can be a bit inconsequential opposite some very talented fellas at times, but I actually do like Becca Tobin as an actress and I liked her as Addy in this film.

However, I have always struggled to connect with Kevin McGarry, who played Dylan. He's just a bit pretty and unattainable, there's a distance about him, whereas she was far more natural, despite playing a country star.

The singer hiding in the sticks thing has been done to death though and that was only one of many clichés in the film, including a sleigh ride, wreath making and Christmassy pancakes, although I do like it when there are actual elements of festive fun in these seasonal films, because that was essentially what I tuned in for.

The whole rescuing a tree farm idea has appeared in quite a few of these films too.

So overall, it wasn't the most original story that I've seen, but it still had heart and although everyone was a bit unusually nice, the fact that they were so pleasant was refreshing. With the exception of Russell (James McGowan). I found it hard to believe his change of heart.

Other than that, it was a shame that they obviously didn't use real ferns to make the wreaths, considering the message that they were trying to send, as well as the setting of a Christmas tree farm and once again it was those little details that let things down a bit.

It wasn't really a bad film at all, but it was just a bit too samey. 2022 was a year of some fresh thinking with regards to the stories of the made for TV seasonal films, so watching this one for the first time, five years after it's release, it showed how contrived and formulaic the genre had been.

5.5/10.

Was not expecting to like 'A Song for Christmas' this much. While certainly not having any bias against Hallmark Christmas output (far from the truth and have always made that clear) and a fair share of them have fallen into the better than expected category, their output has always been very formulaic and can be very cheesy and schmaltzy and the characters and acting have always varied. 2017 was a hit and miss year for Hallmark's Christmas output.

'A Song for Christmas' was for me one of the surprising hits and easily one of the best of their 2017 batch of Christmas films. As well as actually their Christmas films in general. As far as their overall films for any occasion or genre goes, 'A Song for Christmas' is somewhere in the top end in my view. This opinion is from judging the film on its own terms without comparing it to anything else, so am not saying (never have, never will do) that it is on par with something else that has gotten the same rating that will make some scoff.

Sure, the structure of the film and what happens is very familiar territory for Hallmark so there is a seen it all before vibe throughout. Did find the ending a bit too rushed and too tidy, as well as easily telegraphed.

Quite a lot of the dialogue early on is heavy on the cheese and corn factors and doesn't flow very naturally, so there were moments where there was admittedly some cringing into my seat.

However, 'A Song for Christmas' at least looks nice and professional. Although the authenticity of the locations can be, and has been, questioned, the scenery still looks lovely and appropriately festive, complemented very nicely by the photography. The soundtrack is nostalgic and isn't as intrusive in tone or placement as most other Hallmark Christmas films, as that has been a common criticism from me and quite a number of others. The direction is accommodating while not going through the motions.

The dialogue is less than great early on but if one sticks with the film it does improve, it is tighter and less stilted and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Absolutely adored the family characters, full of life without being caricaturish or overdone and with likeable personalities. Becca Tobin is a very appealing lead, with no signs of over-eagerness or phoning in, and Kevin McGarry is easy going and charming.

Very well done on the whole. 8/10.

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries tends to do much complex (and better movies(. And this is no exception.

Adelaide, a country star is tired of being told what to do regarding her career, so when she sees the opportunity to stay for a while in this family farm with an adorable family she takes it, and grows personally and therefore, professionally.

My favorite aspect of this movie is that it is not centered on the romance but on Adelaide's development and her relationship not with Dillon but with his entire family and the family farm. I'm also glad that the plot took another direction, different as usual, and that Dillon discovered who she was almost at the beginning of the story.

I really like the script. It wasn't corny and it had a few funny comebacks. So, points for that. Kevin and Becca had great chemistry between themselves and even with the actors who were part of the family, who contributed so much to the story.

Even though I knew how the story was going to develop, I had a very good time watching it.