Happy Howlidays

6.1 stars.

What everyone else already said. But the actors both have screen presence. It's a weird feeling watching several bad actors in one film. It's deliberate they cast these awkward leads, for sure.

The producers see something in the male lead. He has potential, he's getting there. But yikes, he's off sometimes. Lowndes is who she is. All of her characters are generally the same. She needs help too. She creates too much tension and drama in characters, so we often get the wrong impression.

The male lead's little sister seems cool and maybe she will get more opportunities in the future. The woman who is Lowndes' character's boss and best friend is likable too. So this movie is not all bad for casting choices.

The "other" woman should have been the lead actress. She is a good actress. I am going to repeat that the male leads younger sister is actually pretty good and should have had a more prominent role.

Hallmark took an average script and made a cheap movie. You can see how inexpensive this was. There are no big city scenes or major sets or props and I'm sure the actors weren't paid much. It's a free plug for spreading the message of animal adoption and such.

Her parents seemed out of place as if they were three strangers in an uncomfortable way. We soon find out what the problem is with her character, and it's an emotional moment, but she doesn't fit the mold for who she's supposed to be. I think you'll see. I think her parents were portrayed well for the short screen time. A shame they got stuck in this dead-end story.

Why am I wasting so much time criticizing this film? All said, this movie is grossly underwhelming, but I still felt the need to finish it.