Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace. There are a fair share of them though that are surprisingly above average and even good amidst the many average and less ones.
Despite being pleasantly surprised by some of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films, part of me was expecting to be very corny and cheesy for some reason with a title like 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater', which is more akin to a list of "not to do" things written during secondary school. With no prior knowledge of the source material, that was my impression. 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater' is one of those films where one shouldn't judge a film by its title and it is not near as corny as it sounds. As far as 2020 Hallmark Christmas films go, it's one of the better faring ones.
Admittedly, the plot structurally and in terms of events is nothing special and is quite typical, not much new here. A lot of what happens here can be seen from a long way off. The gingerbread house plot was agreed on the rushed and silly side, cute idea not quite executed right.
Maybe it took a little too long to get going and maybe the central relationship could have been developed a little more.
Taking all that into account, a lot is good though. It is particularly well compensated by the acting, Ashley Williams and Niall Matter are Hallmark regulars and while Williams' performances have varied wildly Matter's Hallmark popularity on the whole is more than justified here. Both are good here. Williams has a very infectious smile that to me is not overused and is also photogenic and charming, mannerisms are not overdone and she doesn't hold back. Matter is more than comfortable and is a very sympathetic and subtly charismatic partner, nothing dull about him. While the relationship could have been developed more in the writing, the chemistry between the two is natural and feels real. Kayden Magnuson stands out in support and gives one of the more appealing younger performances of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films.
Did like too that the characters were appealing ones, grew rather than not changing or being too perfect and felt like real people, not always the case with Hallmark. They're not complex but they are not simplistic either and the interaction never looks stiff. It pleases visually too, especially the appropriately festive locations that are not drably shot or too drab in colour scheme. Once 'Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater' gets going and things get better, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films 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. It is not as slight as most Hallmark Christmas films too, again though once it gets going. The ending is not a surprise but was touching.
Overall, not great but nicely executed. 7/10.
