User reviews

Merritt Patterson is one of my favorite actors and I also like Trevor Donovan. My main complaint with this movie is the plot device of showing the characters lives only around successive Christmases. This device has been used several times, but it isn't as overused as many other premises.

The background for it all is a cornucopia of the usual stuff. Addie just broke up after a long term relationship. What little family she has is off jet setting for the holidays. Grandma decides to do some matchmaking. Both Addie and James will be leaving town soon after Christmas dinner. There were many other echoes of other Christmas movies, especially early on.

My problem is that there is too much jumping forward into next year and not enough spending time together and getting to know each other. Between Christmases their lives move on and we get brief recaps at the beginning of the next season. I thought it showed in the acting. Donovan and Patterson did a movie together last year and should have had great chemistry but I didn't really see it. It seemed like they were going through the motions to get on to the next Christmas.

Many Christmas movies have a cute kid that adds a spark and forms a bond with one of the leads. Paige did not play a big role in that sense. And two years after we first see her, she hasn't changed which isn't noticeable in an adult, but should be obvious in an early teen.

The movie is family friendly but might not have a lot to attract small children.

I continue to hope for great things from Great American Family, but it is not a good sign if two of their best veteran actors fail to deliver in one of the first premieres of the season.

This movie is supposed to span a period of 2 years, and 3 Christmases. But amazingly, none of the characters change in any way during this 2 year span. They wear the same clothes, I think Trevor has maybe 2 shirts during the whole movie, one of which looks very very cheap and poorly made. The character's hair, all of them, doesn't change one iota. A 11-12 year old girl, an age at which there are normally TONS of changes, does not change one little bit.

The restaurant scenes with the female lead and her father are exactly the same all 3-4 times. Same table, same background people, everything the same. Even though the several scenes take place over this 2 year period.

The movie itself is pretty boring. The actress playing the elderly mom would be more suited to play the grandmother, she has to be at least 75. She's fine, but unless Trevor is 50+, too old to play his mother.

Merritt Patterson is exactly the same in every role. Shiny happy face, no depth. Neither her nor Trevor are given much to work with here, just so so boooring, no chemistry at all. He is so wasted here.

GAF need to tone down their set decoration for these movies. It's always over the top and unrealistic. And doesn't anyone use other types of Christmas tree decorations? Why just large shiny balls everywhere? A women who loves Christmas and is 65+ in age would have a ton of more vintage looking stuff.

The idea is not bad, leading actors i usually find likeable and the supporting ones were all pleasant, but it's like the writer and director tried to keep it as primitive as possible. Nor was there a hint of chemistry between the leads. Till the last moment they were willing to give up on each other, then he decides her happiness means so much to him that he's willing to follow her to another country... (when it makes a lot of sense to stay in his new home now, near his mom they both love...)

To offer a half-baked product that has all the potential of being a satisfying and original story with good actors must be ...sad.

7.3 stars.

I like both the actors, bar none both are in my top five of Hallmark and Family channels males and females. Unfortunately this story is so beat to death it becomes old hat. The dialogue is generic and plain, a lot of phony small talk with no point. Two adults are doing a dance year after year, as the timeline spans a few Christmases, she comes over to an old woman's house every holiday and it's just about as generic as they come. The romance doesn't build up enough tension, it's too easy going and expected. It seems realistic in a sense, two very familiar friends finally take the romantic plunge, but mostly his character is too uncomfortable and indecisive. Her character has much more personality, although she could have shown a bit more frustration, or impatience, I don't know. The whole story is lacking angst.

I'm not sure why all the rave reviews, 'Twas the Text..' just doesn't have what it takes for a memorable experience. Again, I really love both of these actors and I soooooo hoped this was gonna be mind blowing awesome. The rating currently is 7.1, very high praise for anything in this genre, but there are only 17 reviews, which indicates it's actually only a bit above average, and deserves no trophies or ribbons in my book. Aww man, I wanted it to be good. I might have to give it a whirl again, you never know when your mood has colored the experience badly, and I feel this could be one of those rare instances.

The last GAF movie I watched had over the top autumn decorations and annoying background music. Fast forward to this Christmas movie and now we have over the top Christmas decor and more distracting background music. I'm not sure who thinks this adds to the movies but please stop!

Other than these distractions, I thought it was a good movie although the pace was slow, especially the romance between Addie and James. The leads, Merritt Patterson and Trevor Donovan, worked well together and I liked the interactions with Jayne Eastwood's "Nana". Probably not a movie I'd watch again but enjoyable for a one time view.

A stranger's text leads to a Christmas dinner invitation and an unexpected romance in this cute holiday story about found family. Unfortunately, the over-the-top, tacky holiday decor is a big visual distraction rather than offering a warm festive setting. (This seems to be a reoccurring problem with GAC/GAF productions.) Hoping that for next year GAC learns the art of classic, elegant holiday decor - less is more people! There are also a few disconnects that should have been caught in editing, but overall this is a festive, uplifting watch with a primary romance in the making, as well as a sweet secondary romance.

Love the ex-pat actors from Hallmark (Trevor Donovan & Merritt Patterson) but these GAF movies are super low budget and desperately in need of better dialog with very limited scenery. Even the Xmas decorations look cheap compared to the competition of Xmas movies from Hallmark, UPTV, Lifetime, etc. I devour Xmas and romance movies so I'm a conosseur of this genre and frankly after the first 15-20 min, I fast forward to the end and didn't miss much with this film.

I'm a big fan of the lead actors and the plots of their past Hallmark movies were way more complex and watchable compared to this GAF release. I know many actors moved to GAF to get production credit but obviously they didn't get script approval. This movie felt more like a low budget community stage production with a quickly written script than what I've grown to expect from other seasonal releases.

I enjoyed watching this movie! Merritt Patersen and Trevor Donavan are so talented! They both can create characters, develop the story and create chemistry no matter who they are matched up with in a leading role! Just love the two of them playing opposite each other in a romance movie. This movie addresses multigenerational family life which is refreshing in today's world! Jayne Eastwood and Rob Stewart are great as is the rest of the cast. The story has some interesting twists and turns and teaches what can happen when a "divine" appointment leads to more than just one moment in time! The writer deserves some allocades and the set crew and makeup/wardrobe did a great job too!! Thankful for another clean and decent movie to watch!! Thank you Bill Abbott and your team!

If you're curious about how a low-budget holiday movie can go completely off the rails, Twas the Text Before Christmas provides the answer. Unfortunately, it's not in a good way.

The plot lacks coherence, feeling more like a series of disconnected ideas rather than a cohesive story. Characters often feel superfluous, contributing little to the narrative. Performances, while perhaps earnest, come across as awkward and lack polish.

The technical aspects of the film don't fare much better. Dialogue often feels unpolished, and many scenes appear rushed, as if the filmmakers opted to move forward with the first take.

Overall, this movie struggles to deliver even as light holiday entertainment. While some might find unintentional humor in its flaws, most viewers will likely find it an unenjoyable experience.

I realize that GAF productions are obviously meant to be in the same ('tame") genre as another production company that makes you think of greeting cards, but geez, I was hoping GAF would 'up the game' a bit.

I enjoy the 'happy ending' romance genre with a certain select few of these actors (both male and female) but it doesn't mean I enjoy the same last 2 minute formula in so many of both companies' script-writing. Why are the characters scripted to be so annoyingly reluctant to express a bit of passion before the final seconds? As a male, I can't possibly fathom being such a dork in the company of a woman I am attracted to for so long of a time. It could work on occasion, but we are subjected to brainlessness most every time. I know that anything more than a close-mouth kiss is not going to be 'family-friendly, but do you really need to teach kids to be timid in expressing feelings to maintain family-friendly? How about you script a few where the relationship materializes in the first half of the movie and then have a story built around what transpires next?....just a thought to break some new ground. Unfortunately, the scripting in this movie, like so many from both these production houses, leave the viewer feeling the leads have no real chemistry throughout the movie, so much so that the ending comes across as effectively contrived.

Merritt Patterson has absolutely no depth as an actor. I've seen many of her movies (on GAC and Hallmark). She is EXACTLY the same in every single one of them. Smiling and reciting her lines with an occasional giggle. Just not a fan. The only reason I watched this was because Trevor Donovan was in it. There's absolutely no connection between the two of them in this movie. Perhaps because they really weren't given the time on-screen together. One would think since they'd done a movie together before - they'd connect better.

The decorations! Geez ... NO ONE DECORATES LIKE THIS! The fall movies were the same. Completely over the top. Please be more realistic! AND the constant background music! GIVE IT A REST... it's quite distracting and ridiculous.

GAF needs to step up their game and put out movies that actually work. The quality in production and scripts is pretty bad ...

Twas the Text Before Christmas presents a delightful holiday tale, full of warmth and charm. The story weaves an accidental text message into a journey of friendship and love, set against the cozy backdrop of Vermont's winter wonderland. Trevor Donovan as James brings a subtle, gentle charm that compliments Merritt Patterson's Addie perfectly. Their evolving camaraderie over three Christmases feels genuine, making the heart flutter with hope and holiday spirit. With a quaint setting, tender performances, and a story that warms the heart, this movie is a sweet addition to the holiday season's viewing list, delivering a dose of love, laughter, and Christmas magic.

The GAF movies I wave watched so far have improved a little this year but the decorations & set design are awful to look at; too much just lumped on and it appears its recycled into several movies. It takes away from the improved story telling. Even the snow is visibly fake, no care is taken to create a convincing illusion of it. Someone is a sleep on the job and could do so much better with some effort Please please do not let your audiences and cast down with this lack of attention to the canvass on which the stories are told. Without which we are better off listening and not watching and that's a real let down.

I've often said that these Hallmark/Lifetime/GAC Family movies live or die based on their casting of the lead actors and how much chemistry those leads have. Safe to say, the producers got it one thousand percent correct when casting Canadian Merritt Patterson (one of my favourites, from ever since her early Hallmark days, through her incredibly risqué turn in 'Heatwave' and recent work on GAC Family) and Trevor Donovan, who is a sold actor and can always be counted on to turn in a good performance.

If Patterson and Donovan were good together two years ago in 'Jingle Bell Princess', they are GREAT here in 'Twas the Text Before Christmas', which features an inventive (if somewhat unlikely in real life) scenario that takes place over three Christmases (similar to one of my favourites, 'Four Christmases and a Wedding') and a well-cast group of secondary actors.

This slow-developing and pleasant movie is definitely one of the better Christmas movies you're likely to see in 2023.

I have never left a review before, but felt so angry after finishing the movie because it was such a waste of time. Who approved this movie and thought it was going to be good? It took her three years to get one kiss and tell him how she felt. I thought that at the second Christmas, something was going to happen, but it was the same exact thing that happened in the first scene, ridiculous. Really wish I would have looked online to read reviews truthfully they don't make Christmas movies like they used to be before and this movie show us how much movie productions have changed. Completely killed movie night please give everyone a warning.

The only reason this is an enjoyable watch is because of how poorly it's produced. With such a low budget and poor acting and terrible scripting is more than enjoyable to watch as it is pathetic excuse for a movie. Some say don't waste your time but I say grab a friend sit down get some popcorn and have a laugh because this is no doubt in my mind the best worst movie I've ever seen.

The music is constantly reminding you of how you should feel three seconds before it actually happens. It's almost comical with the timing. I'm sure I've seen a movies like this many of times before, it is very original. With no creative suggestions and very predictable story line, makes it a very easy watch. If you want your anxiety to be at ease and you're scared of unpredictable movies, just watch this because you know exactly what will happen.

With this being said, Don't watch this. It's dreadful.

Unless you're drinking, you might enjoy it.

Have you ever taken a chance and we're so glad you did? Have you ever left the comfortable to explore the unknown? Have you ever thought something was weird at first and it turned out to be the best thing that's ever happened to you? That's the idea in this wonderful Christmas movie!

Merritt and Trevor light up the screen with friendship, kindness, hope, and love as they grow together one Christmas season at a time.

I enjoyed how unique this Christmas movie was, taking us on a journey over 3 years of Christmas connections until finally the timing was perfect and love had blossomed.

You will not be disappointed in this movie and my guess is this will be one you will want to watch again and again.

Next time you send a text, remember, anything is possible.

Can't believe I watched a Christmas film in October.

This movie expects the viewer to be stupid

• The work collègue of Addie put in an offer for a house in the suburbs and had it accepted and already gave her notice without actually exchanging and moving in! Seriously I'm suppose to believe this how!

• Addie gets a job at Christmas in Aus and she has to start early January - yeah right has anyone heard of visas!

So funny the way Americans say Australia. Nobody who actually knows Aus would say Australia in long form as many times as they do in this movie. It's Aus or Oz people!!

And that accent from the voicemail when Addie gets her job offer - the worst try hard Aus accent ever!

I did like the concept of this film and the dog was so cute - that's all I liked about it.

The script is shockingly stale. Then I realized that the script is also very robotic, it resembles Chat GBT. The sentences follow a grammatical pattern which focus around grammar rules rather than actual plotline / actual human behaviour. It's shocking how people actually watched thia and enjoyed it. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the prior reviews are also chat GBT as they also lack human quality. Why are they explaining the plot instead instead of giving an opinion. A worrying state of affairs. Can we please stop accepting films with zero character, personality and zero skillset required to achieve it!

Title: A Cozy Christmas Tale With Trevor Donovan's Gentle Charm

As a Trevor Donovan fan, I was eagerly awaiting the premiere of "Twas the Text Before Christmas" on the Great American Family network. The movie, which rolled out on October 21, 2023, promised a sweet holiday romance with Donovan playing a pivotal role, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

The plot is a delightful concoction of mistaken identity, budding romance, and the classic magic of Christmas. It begins with a text message mistakenly sent to Addie, a New York City chiropractor, which forms the crux of a warm friendship between her and Nana, the sender of the text. This lovely error leads Addie to spend her holidays in the picturesque setting of Vermont, where she meets Nana's single son, James, portrayed by Trevor Donovan. Over three years of holiday rendezvous, the rapport between James and Addie transitions into something more profound.

Trevor Donovan's portrayal of James is a balanced blend of subtlety and charm. His character, a traveling doctor, is down-to-earth and relatable, reflecting the modesty and warmth that Donovan often brings to his roles. While his performance isn't a dramatic departure from his previous works, Donovan's gentle charm adds a comforting touch to the movie, making the storyline more engaging and heartfelt.

The chemistry between Donovan and Merritt Patterson, who plays Addie, is quite enchanting. It's the kind of on-screen pairing that makes you root for them right from their first interaction. Their evolving relationship over three Christmas seasons is portrayed with a touch of realism that makes the narrative both engaging and relatable. The gradual realization of their feelings for each other doesn't feel rushed or forced, which is a refreshing change from the typical whirlwind romances often showcased in holiday movies.

As a viewer who appreciates the nuances of performance, I enjoyed the expressive acting by the entire cast, not just the leads. The facial expressions, the body language, and the dialogues delivered added layers to the story, making it a rich viewing experience.

The backdrop of Vermont during Christmas is like a warm hug, with its picturesque snow-covered landscapes and quaint town settings. It's the perfect setting for a holiday romance to blossom, and it complements the sweet, easy-going narrative of the movie well.

Despite the predictability of the plot, which is common in holiday romances, the movie keeps you engaged with its well-timed humor, emotional moments, and the genuine camaraderie among the characters. It's a feel-good movie that leaves you with a smile, a light heart, and a touch of Christmas magic.

The gentle humor interspersed throughout the movie keeps the narrative lively and enjoyable. It's the sort of movie that you'd love to curl up with, a hot cocoa in hand, as the snow falls gently outside.

In conclusion, "Twas the Text Before Christmas" is a cozy, heartwarming holiday movie that brings a fresh narrative to the table while staying true to the classic Christmas romance genre. Trevor Donovan, with his subdued and gentle portrayal of James, adds a touch of realism and warmth to the movie, making it a pleasant watch for the holiday season. Without overshadowing the narrative or other performances, Donovan's portrayal as James is akin to a gentle sprinkle of snow - subtle, beautiful, and enriching the essence of Christmas in this sweet tale.