Is anyone else in awe that Christmas is right around the corner? This is a good news/bad news scenario in my world. But hey, on the upside, the close proximity to Christmas means the 2015 Christmas movies has begun. Yes that’s right. You probably can guess what this means. Around here, we’re sure to share lots of Christmas movies. If that doesn’t thrill ya’, they should only appear on the weekends. Or most of the time. Let’s jump right into the season’s first premiere, ‘Tis the Season for Love…
‘Tis the Season for Love (2015) Hallmark TV Film Review
In this quaint story, we meet small-town-girl turned New York Off-Broadway star Beth (Sarah Lancaster). When her latest play ends early, and her life (complete with a place on her bestie’s couch) is anything but how she imagines Beth is gifted ticket to return to her hometown over Christmas. Once home with the mother who raised her singlehandedly, Beth is awash in memories. Memories of the things she did with her best friends, including ex Barry (Andrew Francis) and his friend, Dean (Brendan Penny), in high school.
Memories of the choice she made to leave – and the consequences of leaving behind something precious. Most of all, she ponders the “what if’s.” What if she had stayed? What if she stays now… what if she is really missing out on her real dream?
I’m really impressed with this film. It may be the first of Hallmark’s 2015 Countdown to Christmas, but it should by no means be looped into a marginal standing. Penned by Nina Weinman (Lucky in Love), the script for this is really very inventive. The concept follows a similar path as say, Nicholas Cage’s Family Man or any of the countless other films that take this tract (including several of Hallmark’s), but this one doesn’t stay in an alternate universe pattern, which I much preferred. Instead the story gives us, and more importantly, its heroine glimpses of what might have been – what could still be.
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If you’ll allow, I now have a bit of a confession. This past fall I began watching Chuck (for the first time) which made seeing this all the more fun. Of course, Sarah is from the NBC comedy playing the titular character’s sister. Her personality as Beth is fun and of course, the sweet romance has a personality all its own – all of which is done up in traditional Hallmark style. A unique style we all know and love.
Considering the 15+ originals set to premiere this season (between Hallmark Channel and their sister network, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries), this is only the first in a string of what I’m willing to wager will be some amazing and appropriately festive TV programming coming our way.
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You can find ‘Tis the Season for Love digitally on Amazon Video
Photos: Hallmark / Crown Media Press
6 Comments
Great review, Rissi! Like you, I feel bittersweet about the fact that Christmas is around the corner. It's too soon, but I love that all the Hallmark movies are coming out! I will HAVE to watch this one, because I usually try to watch whatever Sarah Lancaster is in. I've adored her ever since Chuck. Isn't Chuck just so fun?! Anyways, this movie sounds great–thanks for the review! Can't wait to read more of your thoughts on the upcoming films!! :)
Thank you (as always) for reading, Bekah. I really enjoyed this one and am exited about some of the others too. I think I'm reviewing one of the movies premiering this weekend and of course lots of the future premieres too. Yep, I'm a bit of a Christmas movie nut. ;)
Chuck is fun! I certainly get a laugh out of every episode. It's funny, yet has a kind of "sweet" angle with the relationship Chuck has with his sister. So fun. :)
I only caught the first half of this one–because Food Network's "Holiday Baking Championship" premiered, and my mom and I have a standing date to watch it! I loved the first half, and I'm sure I'll be able to catch the rest on one of it's umpteen airings this season :-)
I also started watching Chuck this fall, and I'm in love.
I agree, Becky. This one will air a lot during the season! Hope you enjoy the rest of it. If ya' had to skip a date with Hallmark, Food Network is a pretty darn awesome reason. :)
I love Chuck too! It's super cute. :)
I just watched this one with one of my sisters yesterday and LOVED it!
So cute and cozy and aren't the twins simply adorable? And the romance; so sweet. :)
And I think I may have mentioned this before… but watching Hallmark Christmas movies is one of my new favorite things to do in keeping with this time of year and your reviews of them are just the icing (red and green of course. ;)) on the cake! So thank you for all the hard work you put into them. :)
Merry Christmas!
Yay! I'm glad you too enjoyed this one, Eowyn. And I agree. Cozy and cute perfectly describes this one. :)
Aw, thank you. I appreciate the kind words. Every year I debate reviewing these, wondering how well readers enjoy the barrage of Christmas films. But if my stats are to be trusted, they are usually some of the more popularly viewed posts during the month, so I hope that means, readers find them helpful. Thank you so much for commenting and being a reader. Always enjoy chatting about these cute flicks with fellow fans. :)