Absolutely adore Christmas and Hallmark have done some above decent and more Christmas films over the years. As well as a fair share of misfires. 2020 was a typically inconsistent year for Hallmark in all their seasonal blockings, but considering the circumstances it turned out quite a lot better than expected. Part of me was expecting all the 2020 films of theirs to be mediocre or below but quite a lot were the opposite, some were surprisingly very well done.
'Christmas She Wrote' sadly is not one of those very well done efforts. Actually thought it pretty lacklustre, with one good performance surrounded by pretty much almost everybody else being pretty bad to put it lightly. As far as the 2020 Christmas Hallmark films go, 'Christmas She Wrote' is down there with the weakest. It is a case of me really liking the premise, which is a relevant one, but really not caring for the execution of most of the elements, the worst affected being the most crucial ones.
Starting with the good, Danica McKellar gives a charming lead performance, that isn't affected or dull. The role itself is very similar to those she plays a lot but it doesn't feel tired this time. Andrew Francis, the only other good performance, is strong and their chemistry is far more believable than the central one.
It is a very attractive film visually, very nicely photographed with beautiful scenery and festive decorations. The music is well placed and isn't too loud or constant, it appeals on the ears on its own too.
Dylan Neal however does not work at all. Far too uptight and with so little charm or charisma. Disliked his character too, who is a complete jerk and often for no reason, and his chemistry with McKellar is non-existent and completely mismatched due to being at a loss constantly as to what anybody would see in him. The personalities also contrast too much. The rest of the cast make little impression in stock roles, some hamminess going on too.
Too much of the dialogue is too cheesy and schmaltzy, and the flow in the first half is not natural. The interplay between McKellar and Neal is really contrived throughout. A lot of the story badly drags, and it is also very slight and predictable for most of the length. Some of the later plot developments like the underwritten and forced conflict is rushed and not developed enough. The ending is too easy.
Concluding, lacklustre. 4/10.
