The story does not sound original at all, conceptually some of the plot elements are done to death, and the title sounds very corny. Hallmark though have showed more than once that they are capable of making above average festive films in a very hit and miss bunch. Candace Cameron Bure and Luke Macfarlane, both Hallmark regulars and no strangers to Hallmark Christmas films, are more often than not watchable and Jean Smart can be relied upon always to give a good performance.
'A Shoe Addict's' Christmas was surprisingly pretty good. Don't be put off by the title, the film is nowhere near as cheesy as the title indicates. It is not quite a great film and has flaws, but as far as Hallmark Christmas films go to me it's among the best and one of their better 2018 efforts too. Anybody that loves Christmas and wants a pleasant inoffensive distraction on a dull afternoon may find it likeable enough, and Bure, Macfarlane and Smart are all represented well.
Sure, 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas' is not perfect. It does jump around a little too much, so it is not always easy to follow narratively and some of the pace could have slowed down. Also felt that some of the supporting characters could have been developed more, they are little more than Hallmark cliches.
Have found more than once with Hallmark that their soundtracks are on the too intrusive and too constant side. Still find that the case here, though there have been worse cases before and since.
On the other hand, Bure brings a lot of sparkling charm to one of her easier to engage with characters in one of her better performances. She doesn't overplay the character's negative characteristics, and it is the type of role where that is a serious danger, and doesn't play it too twee either. Macfarlane's charisma smolders and he is very likeable and rootable. He and Bure connect very well together and have the adorable but not cutesy factor. Smart is both amusing and endearing. The supporting cast are all good enough even though their material could have been a lot more. The direction is sympathetic while not being leaden.
It looks great as a film. 'A Shoe Addict's Christmas' in my view is one of Hallmark's better looking films (Christmas and otherwise) from not just their 2018 output but also overall. It's beautifully photographed and the scenery is quite captivating. The dialogue flows better and more naturally than the dialogue in most Hallmark films and doesn't fall as much into cheese and soap. The story is very light-hearted and really warms the heart, any character changes actually not coming out of the blue or feeling hasty and the main character is one that actually grows.
Concluding, pretty good and in the better half of Hallmark's festive output. 7/10
