Christmas movies that take a unique route are always entertainment that makes you feel happy. In many ways, Road to Christmas has unique markers, and it’s this that makes it smile inducing.
Road to Christmas (2018) Hallmark Review
Though it precludes her from her family’s Christmas celebrations, LA producer, Maggie Baker (Jessy Schram) loves her job. She loves it because her boss, lifestyle pro, Julia Wise (Teryl Rothery) treats her entire staff as it they’re family. No one holds family to a greater importance than Julia. This is why when her annual Christmas show changes the format and decides to tape live, Julia decides to bring in an extra set of hands.
For two years Danny Wise (Chad Michael Murray) produced his mother’s Christmas show. He does a good job with it too, until he sees how it affects his brothers. Now he’s moved on to a job that moves him from place to place, until this Christmas. This year as a favor to his mother, he agrees to co-produce the show. A change that leaves Maggie confused, but intrigued!
In the larger scope of the Hallmark originals, this probably isn’t my favorite, however it is charming. It’s also one of the more unique premises I’ve seen. From little things (like a map mockup to depict the character’s travels) to the script, it’s a nice ‘road’ to travel.
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What makes it most fun is the chance to see Chad Michael Murray in something again. For those of you who watched all the teen romance flicks (like this girl), you might know him from A Cinderella Story. Or if you aren’t like me, you may know him from One Tree Hill, a show I never watched. Jessy is also a familiar face not just to Hallmark Channel (The Birthday Wish, Royal New Year’s Eve), but also to TV addicts from Once Upon a Time. Alongside them many familiar and new faces make up the supporting cast, which means this group is fabulous! road to christmas
Road to Christmas: 'A Unique Road Trip Holiday Romance,' a #hallmark channel original starring #ChadMichaelMurray! Click To TweetThe story deals with subjects I don’t typically see in Hallmark films (a city girl who stays this way or adoption). It’s these themes that help the story shine brightest. Normally I don’t like road trip stories, but something about this one is different. The story isn’t so much about the “getting there” (the car trip) as it is a journey for the characters (emotionally). The places this journey takes them is always a fun stop, which means this is the best kind of road trip! We get to skip the boring parts (aka the driving) that always accompanies a road trip.
Road to Christmas has some imperfections, but is again another winning Hallmark. The romance doesn’t feel quite as organic in this one, but is still a part of the narrative. The importance of family is what’s really driven home and of course, there are new characters to fall in love with.
Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media Press
I found this movie to be charming too and I enjoyed the format. While I wasn’t “wowed” by the chemistry and the romance, I found it entertaining and likeable enough to watch again. I’m a fan of Chad Michael Murray too (especially from A Cinderella Story). I’m pretty sure I was goofy smiling when he winked at the heroine…details… ;)