User reviews

There's SO many cheesy Christmas movies made on a shoestring these days, but I'm happy to say that , once in a while, they give us a golden nugget in the shape of Hearts of Christmas. The romance is pretty typical - girl hates boy, girl maybe likes boy, hates him again , until the warming romantic ending. What made this film stand out was the on screen acting and chemistry of the 2 leads, Emilie Ullerop and Kristoffer Polaha. Good solid believable performances and an excellent under-story surrounding a Community Children's Hospital and forced redundancies amongst the staff, especially for Alice (Sharon Lawrence). On a cold night, it'll warm your heart and I defy you not to shed at least one tear !

Unless you are the Grinch tears will be rolling down your cheeks by the end of this film. The movie follows the story of the nurse manager of the NICU at the hospital being forced to retirement much to the dismay of other nurses and former patients. Nothing tugs at the heart strings like tiny humans and those that take care of them in their greatest hour. The reveal at the end and the romance that develops over the film is enough to warm the cockles of almost anyone's heart. This was a good one!

There has never been any bias for or against Hallmark Christmas films. Actually think there are a mix of good, bad (and worse in some cases) and somewhere between mediocre and decent, so it's a variable output really. One just needs to know what to expect and not to expect too much. Have also had any bias for this genre and the two leads are no strangers to good performances even in hit and miss film choices. Did like the idea for the story, although the structure is samey the setting is a departure to the usual ones seen.

'Hearts of Christmas' is a very pleasant watch and when taken for what it is and meant to be it succeeds at what it set out to do. Expectations were mixed, they were met and exceeded. The title is a pretty sugary one, but the film isn't as much so it's another case of not judging a film by its title. As far as Hallmark films go, 'Hearts of Christmas' is somewhere around high middle. This opinion is from judging the film on its own terms without comparing it to anything else, so am not saying (never have, never will do) that it is on par with something else that has gotten the same rating that will make some scoff.

Is 'Hearts of Christmas' perfect? No. The structure of the film and what happens is very familiar territory for Hallmark so there is a seen it all before vibe throughout. Did find the ending a bit too rushed and too tidy, as well as easily telegraphed.

A lot of the dialogue early on is heavy on the cheese and corn factors and doesn't flow very naturally, so there were moments where there was admittedly some cringing into my seat.

However, 'Hearts of Christmas' at least looks nice and professional. Although the authenticity of the locations can be, and has been, questioned, the scenery still looks lovely and appropriately festive, complemented very nicely by the photography. The soundtrack is nostalgic and isn't as intrusive in tone or placement as most other Hallmark Christmas films, as that has been a common criticism from me and quite a number of others. The direction is accomodating while not going through the motions.

The dialogue is less than great early on but if one sticks with the film it does improve, it is tighter and less stilted 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. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Emilie Ullerup and Kristoffer Polaha are very appealing leads, they look comfortable and don't overdo any habitual mannerisms. Their chemistry came over as genuine, took time to unfold and didn't come over as contrived. The supporting cast also do very well, with a sparkling Sharon Lawrence standing out and also giving the film's best performance.

Concluding, worth watching. 7/10.

Yes, it made a huge change from the usual cookies, bakeries, ad agencies etc,, and the two leads could actually act, BUT the basis of the story made the Emilie Ullerop look really shallow, not altogether very nice, and totally unrealistic in her outlook. Getting sulky because an accountant was hired to do cost cutting is a fact of life, and certainly not a reason to blank the guy ! This was the irritating side of this storyline and made her look stupid. Of course it all comes together in the end, but only because she got the ending she wanted. If I was the chap I'd send her packing - after she apologised.

This was a decent Hallmark script-wise and acting-wise. And it certainly was a tearjerker due to a surprise reveal at the end. But it suffered from a couple of things. First off, the character Emilie Ullerup played, Jenny, a Neo-natal Intensive Care nurse, was naive and closed minded. That alone would have made her unsympathetic, but unfortunately her "nemesis" the CFO whose job it was to keep the hospital from failing by cutting expenses and laying off a few senior employees, including her mentor, Alice, was played by Kristopher Polaha. He is possibly one of the most admired and loved of the Hallmark male leads. He is very attractive and sexy as well as conveying strength and gentleness. Those eyes! That voice! Yes, I'm a fan. If the character he played wasn't quite so likable, reasonable, and so obviously a good guy, It would have made Jenny's belligerent behavior more relatable and sympathetic.

I also had a problem with the CFO of the hospital romancing a nurse. He is in a position of power over her. She is for all intents and purposes, his employee. He is firing people and deciding whose departments get their expenses cut. It was inappropriate and dangerous for both of their careers and reputations. It would have taken one jealous colleague of either of them to cry "favoritism!" to make a whole lot of trouble. What if they got seriously involved and it didn't go well? Once she jumps into his arms in full view of the whole hospital in the end, she has sealed her fate as far as working with him at the same beloved hospital. So not such a happy ending for one of them. Probably her.

I just don't know what he saw in her. She was cute looking, but she came across as a spoiled teenager to his mature successful bachelor who could have had his pick of beautiful exceptional women. Why was he even single in the first place?

Trying to end on a positive note, what a treat to see some actors who are now Hallmark regulars in bit parts: Kimberley Sustad as Matt's sister, and Brendan Zub and Chris McNally as two worried fathers. Of course, Sharon Lawrence as Alice, the focus of all of the angst, was wonderful as always. And speaking of Alice, what was up with Jenny and her cohorts diverting all Alice's personal Christmas Cards to the point she thought she'd been forgotten by all of her old patients? It was for a good cause, I guess, but not very nice in the moment. Nope. Did not care for Nurse Jenny.

Emilie Ullerup is so rude and arrogant in this movie defending Sharon Lawrence. Love Kristoffer Polaha such a good heart all cast good except Emilie

I am surprised I am the first one to write a review on this movie.

Very very pleasant lead actress and actor (Jenny and Matt) make this a delightful one to watch. There is a conflict on her part and even a hint of a "White Christmas" (Bing Crosby Rosemary Clooney) misunderstanding at the end. The supporting role of Alice made for some of the nicest heartfelt moments in the movie- well done.

The Neo Natal Ward at the hospital was well done with the care they provide the families. The smaller part of parents the baby in the incubator did make me wonder where I had seen him before-- Looked it up- he was in 4 Christmas Movies in 2016. The lady that played a small part as Matt's sister looked familiar and had starred in Nine Lives of Christmas.

I am borderline on this- but yes I would watch it again. Even though we were tired we did not doze. I gave it a 9 instead of an 8 because of a surprise at the end and the Neo Natal care for the family aspect.

Some criticisms. The movie title is a bit of a stretch. Another ice skating scene- really?

My family criticized my criticisms. There is a pledge/farewell that is said by the staff to the parents that has "Hearts" in it. I did not quite catch that, but thought it is great they do the pledge. The staff is about Heart and not the bottom line, hence the "Hearts of Christmas" title. Also what happens at the ice skating rink does contribute to the story.

As Hallmark movies go, this one is a tad more tolerable than the rest . The characters aren't silly and it's refreshing to have a plot centered on something other than cookie baking, chefs or small town Christmas festivals and reunited high school sweethearts. However, realism was left at the sound stage door when the action moves to the NICU. No one around these babies is gowned. Jenny wanders in wearing her street clothes, Mom and Dad - in their street clothes too,- hold baby James while standing. The nurses never seem to be actually taking care of the babies but rather sit around talking, and only look lovingly at the patients. every so often. Remember - NICU stands for Neonatal INTENSIVE CARE unit. The patients may be tiny but the technology and care provided is cutting edge and truly intensive as the name indicates. Hallmark makes it look like all that's needed to treat these babies is lots of sentiment and an abundance of Christmas decorations.

Any movie with Kristoffer Polaha will be a hit with me. Just his tender voice melts my heart! This was another one of Hallmark's heartwarming productions. I love their "farewells" to the babies as they are discharged. I think that would be a good practice for any neonatal unit to adopt.

This is a fine rom com of the cheesy Hallmark variety with better acting than most. But please must we have the inevitable uh oh, she's mad he's doing his job, he must be evil trope!? If a grown woman got angry at someone for necessary cost cutting eyes would roll and coworkers would say get a grip.

I've never seen a movie where EVERYONE is a good cast! Every single actor/actress in this movie delivered an authentic performance. Although a typical Christmas story, with no surprises, it delivered on every note spot on! The story goes together perfectly, and every happening becomes fully authentic because the director gives every acting performance time and space to play out.

I LIVE IT! Will look for and see again and again. The best Christmas movie ever. Nothing is done blandly I n this one.

DO see the it. You won't regret it. <3

I might have missed something. But is Jenny supposed to be canadian? Why is she saying "eh?" at the end of every question? Regarding the movie i feel Kristoffer is here to make budget cuts. No way he would do so with such a smile while flirting with the girl. It's kinda weird. Also, as pointed by other viewers, everything is so unrealistic. I understand they film in a few days/weeks top with very low budget so they can make 40 films/year but don't do the nicu sooo unsanitary. Even without doing much research, it's common knowledge that babies are hooked to tones of machines! Everyone needs to wear masks and gloves etc to not risk anything with the fragile premature babies. I wish hallmark would focus a tad more than just girl meet boy, girl hates boy but actually is falling in love in 3 days. Boy helps girl with a little mission and they kiss and declare their love forever. I like hallmark movies cause of their predictibility which brings comfort. But you can be predictible and still have some kind of scenario. Usually actors known outside of the hallmark sphere are playing in different plot-movies but i felt this one was too easy peasy everything is a mess but, hey, lets resolve every more profound issue than in usual hallmark, just the same way.

This is a GREAT FILM.

It turns out the elderly colleague saved the young colleague at birth. Her step father looks like the trivago guy.

It's basically like a Christmas movie combined with a good feeling holesum movie. And there's a steamy love-storey !

I watched it two time

I love this movie Emilie Ullerup and Kristoffer Polaha great chemistry.love Sharon Lawrence Crystal Lowe she is great in any movie she is in . Starts off kind of harsh but it is a great movie .The mom and stepdad of Emilie in movie are great and actually look like older parents not like a daughter or sister of leading actress .great casting job

RATED 8/10 Language: English RECOMMENDED

Feel good romantic drama set in hospital backdrop. Its templated story tailored for christmas vacation.

All the expected situations like rich hero, misunderstanding and grand reunion on climax, everything is there in this movie.

Still the its heart whelming and must watch one to forget the real world...

8.4 stars.

Grab the tissue box for this one. You won't need it until the last 15 minutes, but you'll weep my friend. Just be ready for it, in case you don't like crying at movies, you will have no choice. I wanted to forewarn you so you could find an excuse to leave the room when the tears flow.

Once again there is real magic produced, and I am very proud for the opportunity to witness the miracles portrayed in 'Hearts of Christmas'. There is no particular aspect that stands out for me, this is a smorgasbord of good tidings of joy (quality).

The romance was so tension filled and frustrating at first, then suddenly we are on a wonderful journey with our two leads as they fall in real love, not that fake stuff. In a 90 minute film, somehow Hallmark has given us a ship in a bottle, the whole package of a story of old fashioned goodness.

I think this has the most kissing I've seen in a Hallmark so far, but it's very tasteful and appropriate. Romance, chemistry, fun, tension, and the BEST FEEL GOOD I've had in a long time.