Because this TV-movie was a refreshing change of pace. The initially competitive male and female protagonists weren't butting heads over how to decorate a hotel or ancestral estate for the Holidays. Or if he/she was worthy to marry the sole heir to some postage-stamp kingdom located between the North Sea and the Swiss Alps. Which--let's face it--are plot gimmicks even Hallmark can recycle once too often!
They were simply a young man and woman looking to make Christmas a little cheerier for a much-loved mentor who could, occasionally, be too unselfish for her own good. Teryl Rothery, the only recognizable big name in the cast (probably most famous for playing the chief medical officer on STARGATE: SG-1), plays that mentor. And she does so, quite believably. Almost stealing the show from the ones who play Danny and Maggie!*
Almost, but not quite. The vignettes where the two of them increasingly bond with each other are quite charming and equally believable. Leading to some happy laughter on my part when they finally achieve full lip-lock while Mrs. Wise is trying to stir the gravy on live TV. Not to mention the eye-moistening surprise some five minutes afterward!
In short? I liked this movie. A lot! And, those blessed with non-frigid hearts will, as well.
*More importantly, she gives over-exposed Susan Hogan a break.
They were simply a young man and woman looking to make Christmas a little cheerier for a much-loved mentor who could, occasionally, be too unselfish for her own good. Teryl Rothery, the only recognizable big name in the cast (probably most famous for playing the chief medical officer on STARGATE: SG-1), plays that mentor. And she does so, quite believably. Almost stealing the show from the ones who play Danny and Maggie!*
Almost, but not quite. The vignettes where the two of them increasingly bond with each other are quite charming and equally believable. Leading to some happy laughter on my part when they finally achieve full lip-lock while Mrs. Wise is trying to stir the gravy on live TV. Not to mention the eye-moistening surprise some five minutes afterward!
In short? I liked this movie. A lot! And, those blessed with non-frigid hearts will, as well.
*More importantly, she gives over-exposed Susan Hogan a break.