Candace Cameron Bure is always a fan favorite on the Hallmark Channel, which is why her Christmas movie is one to anticipate. This year, not unlike prior years, her movie re-spins a beloved classic.
If I Only Had Christmas (2020) Hallmark TV Film Review
Hard work has placed publicist Darcy Gale (Bure) on the verge of a possible promotion. When she is again passed over, she looks to landing a new client in William Austin, a mysterious businessman in need a publicity firm. When this doesn’t go precisely as planned, she instead ends up working with Glenn Goodman (Warren Christie) and the company’s charity foundation, Emerald Education Trust.
Together with Glenn, and a team of unique talent, they set out to put together an event with a feeling of home and warmth.
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Despite having this on my DVR for a while now, I didn’t watch this title because I like to save some I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy for that close-to-Christmas feeling. If I Only Had Christmas promised to, at the very least, be a traditional two hours of cheer. This is precisely what this title is. Between that and its familiar cast, there’s goodness to be found in so much of this script.
What’s even more fun is thinking of this as another of Bure’s Christmas re-tellings. Her first being A Christmas Carol (A Shoe Addict’s Christmas); and now this mirrors elements of Wizard of Oz. I didn’t know exactly how well I’d enjoy this one, but then I also didn’t anticipate liking ‘Shoe Addict,’ so I should know better. Here we have recognizable Wizard of Oz throwbacks without being impossible to buy; there’s the famous arm-in-arm shot, the ruby slippers, and of course, the names. There’s a “break up” moment, but thankfully it’s not overly hostile (because the actors GET it), and is offset by the darn fun meet-cute. In the end, as a production, this is a good one.
Even better than seeing Candace Cameron Bure return is Warren Christie, who is a favorite from the now “ancient” Hallmark Christmas title It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year. He’s been in a few other of the network’s films over the years, but no as a regular leading man. It’s fun not just to see him back, but to see a new Bure pairing with someone not normally on the network (same is true of her last-year-movie co-star). Those who like the actors or just sweet Christmas movies in general will again discover another Christmas movies to cheer on.
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Content: this one is a clean romance title
Photos: Hallmark / Crown Media Productions