Christmas Bake-Off

A Dash Of Christmas/Christmas Bake-Off (2023) -

Christopher Russell is usually a winner in these films and right from the start he was very charming as Aaron.

However, Megan's "First" baking attempt was annoying. No one is that stupid or insecure and I actually struggled to connect with her throughout. Thank God Aaron was such a nice guy to keep me interested in the story.

Although he was probably too nice for reality, he was also the more natural actor too.

I did think that it was nice to see Adam Hurtig as Ronald looking a bit more polished and getting a few more lines. He hasn't generally been in the forefront of these films except in 'Snowmance' (2017) so I liked that he was given a chance to showcase himself a bit more.

And I know that Christmas is for kids, but I was glad that Erica (Zoe Fish) wasn't overly featured because the kids in these films can sometimes make things really treacly.

As the relationship developed between the leading two, in order for her to get a new job, I generally liked the direction that it took with his selflessness and the risk that things might not go the way that they obviously would, but without it being for some stupid reason or misunderstanding like an overheard conversation or some such thing.

But one of the flaws was that Aaron did vlogs but didn't like websites, which just didn't fit the character, even after the explanation given, which then seemed to be irrelevant very quickly when Megan started doing almost exactly what his ex had done. I won't explain too much. You'll have to watch and see what that was.

And also, as a Brit I do find the Americans distaste for Fruit Cake a tad bizarre. Their take on it is very strange. Certainly the version depicted here didn't seem like any baking I'd ever seen before, definitely not when making a Christmas Cake. I think that they're doing it wrong which is why they don't like it?

There's nothing to report regarding the production values, which were all fine, but I did think that with a different lady in the lead, delivering things in a slightly less over the top way, it could have been a more successful film for me.

Christopher Russell was the element that made it as enjoyable as it was.

6.43/10.

Both of the main characters are excellent actors. I enjoyed seeing them on the Hallmark Channel when they were acting in those movies. Now that they are on the Great American channel, these Christmas movies are feel good and I really enjoy watching them. I look forward to the Christmas movies in July, that is my favorite. But, they tend to be all the same. Girl comes home with an assignment or recently fired from their job. Runs into a man or sees ex-boyfriend. Storylines need to change up some. Get creative. I do love the traditional relationships so I will continue to watch. I do recommend everyone tuning in to this movie.

As some other reviewers noted, the storyline moved along well. While the bakery theme is not too far off the usual themes, the perfunctory "conflict" moment was not too contrived. I find Christopher Russell to almost always deliver a likable, charming character and manages to avoid coming off looking like the bumbling idiot in front of the girl which is such a staple of this Hallmark type genre. The romantic chemistry was there, although Laura Osmes actually delivered that better than Russell. Why didn't he kiss her upon leaving after the family dinner? When she says 'I love you' at the end, why didn't he actually say that too? I sometimes wonder if these HM screenplay writers have any firsthand knowledge of how a normal male reacts under feelings of sexual attraction? One thing we don't do is just stand there, not saying or doing anything.

5.2/10

I don't watch these Hallmark style films to purposefully hate on them. I genuinely go into each one hoping that one of them will spark in me a little joy for Christmas love. However, it's really hard to not hate on them when they're all the same, or start off in the most horrendous ways possible.

I would say about ninety percent of this film feels fake. The chemistry isn't totally there, the makeup on the male lead is awful at times, and the prop drinks don't even move. The story is cute, the build-up feels unromantic, and the rest is just awkward googly eyes.

The big butt here is that it slightly saves itself at the end. The chemistry finally kicks in. The love, while seemingly forced, works the way it should. And everybody gets that classic happily ever after.

Overall, there are a group of people who'll love this film, and I don't want to take that away from them. I feel like this a film my mom and sister would watch on one of their Hallmark Saturdays. Unfortunately, I get nothing out of it, and if you're not a fan of the cheese then best to stay away from the nachos.

That's all for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my review. Until next time.... Enjoy the show!

Thank you GAC, I loved this movie!! The actors were very good and everything just seemed so natural. The flow of the movie was also very good.. the supporting cast were also nice to watch. I liked it because A) it centered around food and B) it wasn't a "save the farm" or "save the family inn" Yes it wasn't the most original plot but at least it wasn't one that's been done countless times. I felt the leads had very good chemistry together but natural chemistry not forced and fake. The scenery was beautiful especially the interior of their home with all the Christmas lights - so pretty and festive. Watch out Hallmark... here comes GAC!! Kudos to all involved in this project- keep up the good work!!