‘A Christmas Love Story’ Inspires Something Really Beautiful

Alongside their cheerful romantic comedy “Countdown to Christmas” originals, each Christmas, Hallmark also produces one ‘Hall of Fame’ production. Over the years, they’ve featured many a recognizable name, and this year’s, A Christmas Love Story, is no different.

Christmas Love Story (2019) Hallmark Review

Life for Katherine Clark (Kristin Chenoweth) is good. She’s a music teacher which suits her a great deal more than her life as a former Broadway sensation and writer, and as the Christmas season approaches, she again makes ready to put on a seasonal program with her talented choir students. The choir they form is not just something Katherine is proud of, but also passionate about. When one of her students is unable to perform, it leaves them with a hole, which introduces her to Danny Scanton (Kevin Quinn).

Talented beyond what he believes of himself, Katherine is determined to see Danny perform in their choir, but there’s a snag. His father believes his son wants to apply to business school, and as such, he needs to be preparing for the applications. But what Greg (Scott Wolf) doesn’t know is that his son just may have dreams beyond an ordinary education.

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For as long back as I can remember, the movies that fall under the ‘Hall of Fame’ umbrella have been something my family looks forward to. Back when they aired on network TV (CBS as I remember), it was a three times a year “event” at my house that would bring us around the TV on Sunday nights to enjoy the latest Hallmark had to offer. Among these, there are several Christmas movies, most of which I still consider favorites.

This is the 2019 presentation, and while it is good, I don’t feel like it’s one of the “best of the best.” There’s much to be praised for certain like the acting, production quality, and it’s just fun knowing the director is Eric Close. The quality of this film is quite good, and yet still manages to sneak in all of those Christmas movie tropes (baking, tree décor, snowstorm, pretty formal wear, etc.). There’s lots of beautiful scenes (emotionally, and visually), and a lovely sequence at the end that makes you happy with the lovely music it makes.

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Then there are the actors, all of whom turn in wonderful performances. Kristin Chenoweth, best known as a Broadway star, is marvelous, as always. For film, I think this is the most emotional I’ve seen her character require, and she does it with a genuine ease. Everyone else is equally good including Scott Wolf (who is currently in the CW’s Nancy Drew) and the entire supporting cast, which also includes Eric Close; Kristin Chenoweth also pulls double duty in this as a producer, too.

I really have nothing to complain about as regards this one, it’s just not quite on the same feels playing field for me as nostalgic favorites like A Season for Miracles or Fallen Angel. Still, I can see myself re-watching Christmas Love Story in future years, and do think it’s a lovely way to spend the evening.

Photos: Hallmark / Crown Media Press