One of the most essential aspects of a tv Christmas romance is if the two leads have chemistry with each other, which in this movie they didn't. In fact, their whole relationship was toxic throughout the entire film. They only see each other once a year (over the span of 12 years), they constantly fight (which is supposed to make them charming), and they find petty excuses for why they can't be together. They don't really mature over the course of the movie and they never communicate with each other like adults. They literally act like teenagers throughout, especially Danica's character.
The supposed awkwardness of the comedy also fell flat. Most of it is centered around the characters trembling over their words and the girl punching the guy. There were some confusing editing choices in certain parts like that one snow ball fight scene.
In the last third, the two leads say a bunch of mean, hurtful things towards each other. This is supposed to be the big dramatic scene because the plot demands that they break up before they confess their "love." Then, jump forward a few years later and the guy proposes to her all because he rekindles their childhood memories. None of it felt justified or earned. The movie even ends pretty abruptly.
Lifetime and Hallmark movies are formulaic and predictable, but some of them can have a sweet, goofy, charm to them. This one just didn't have any of that. It could even be pretty slow and mean spirited at times. If you want to feel the joy of the holiday season, just skip this flick.
The supposed awkwardness of the comedy also fell flat. Most of it is centered around the characters trembling over their words and the girl punching the guy. There were some confusing editing choices in certain parts like that one snow ball fight scene.
In the last third, the two leads say a bunch of mean, hurtful things towards each other. This is supposed to be the big dramatic scene because the plot demands that they break up before they confess their "love." Then, jump forward a few years later and the guy proposes to her all because he rekindles their childhood memories. None of it felt justified or earned. The movie even ends pretty abruptly.
Lifetime and Hallmark movies are formulaic and predictable, but some of them can have a sweet, goofy, charm to them. This one just didn't have any of that. It could even be pretty slow and mean spirited at times. If you want to feel the joy of the holiday season, just skip this flick.