This was a real "10" for a Christmastime movie. They may all arrive at the same predictable place in the end, but the journeys vary. This was a sweet journey. The plot was a bit intriguing and the casting was very well done, in my opinion. Of course, it may have gotten a little "soupy" in the end, but it's a Christmastime movie and I loved it. Probably my favorite for this season. I always make sure to check out every new Hallmark Christmas movie or Lifetime or where ever I find them. 2014's were, overall, pretty darn good. If you like the them, be sure to see this one. I actually watched it twice! Good story too! Christmas Under Wraps was good too.
... View MoreMy wife asked, "Why do you like this movie but don't like movies about Santa?" There are two classes of formulaic Christmas movies produced by Hallmark. One class succeeds most of the time, given a good script and good actors. The other doesn't. To be successful, it must be believable if we can suspend our prejudices. When it comes to angels, etc., we all want to believe they exist. Even an agnostic like me, wishes this to be true. On the other hand, when it comes to fantasy Christmas involving Santa, we all know it isn't believable so we just ride with it because, after all, it is fantasy. With Angels and Ornaments, we have a wonderful script and a mesmerizing Sergio Di Zio (H). Coupled with Jessalyn Gilsig well, the magic works. This is on par with The Christmas Card, one of the best Christmas movies made in recent years.
... View MoreThe twelve new Hallmark movies for the Christmas season of 2014 have been disappointing and this may be the worst of all. There seems to be no original story, no refreshing dialogue and only fair acting. I'm getting somewhat tired of these Hallmark movies that are supposed to be set in the USA and clearly feature all Canadian actors. The lead in this one who is a good actress with a large TV background is not only Canadian but French Canadian playing a woman from New York City. The accents give them all away. If Hallmark would set these films in Canada I could accept it, but they are too cheap and trying to fool the TV viewers. Overall, however it was the very weak plot that doomed this film.
... View MoreJessalyn Gilsig has just broken up with her boyfriend and has lost the audition for the solo at the community center where she volunteers. Little does she know that her boss is in love with her -- neither does he -- but thanks to her guardian angel, things are going to turn out just fine for them. However, that doesn't matter.Many of these Hallmark TV romantic comedies succeed, when they do, because of the major actors in minor supporting roles. In this one, however, it is Sergio de Zio as the on-assignment angel, Harold, who makes this movie. With his old-fashioned, formal clothes, direct gaze and emphatic, nasal voice, he owns every scene he's in and makes his absence in others telling. Of course everything is shot to emphasize him, but that's more than okay, since he makes it worthwhile.The rest of the story is competent and workaday, although the other actors are fine in their scenes. There are the usual details that make me wonder if the movie-makers have ever been in New York City, where they set this movie: the store has a big second story sign announcing it has been in business for 25 years; no New Yorker looks at those signs and do they change it every year? Everyone lives in huge apartments. However, it's still a fine movie.
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