A Christmas movie that takes its characters overseas, Joyeax Noel misses some of the charm as last year’s film led by its star.
Joyeux Noel (2023) Hallmark Christmas Movie Review
Travelling to France may not have been in her original Christmas plans, but that’s what copy editor Lea (Jaicy Elliot) does. Drawn into the history of a romantic piece of art, she along with an annoying reporter are sent to France. Their task is to uncover the history behind this painting. Thing is, Lea thinks she can handle this by herself, only with Mark (Brant Daugherty) along for the journey, these adversary colleagues will have to find a way to work together or risk losing the unexpected story behind the art.
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In last year’s Countdown to Christmas lineup, Jaicy Elliot made her Christmas movie debut with My Southern Family Christmas. In the film she plays a woman who, unknown to him, reconnects with her biological dad. It was one of the films I didn’t expect to enjoy and did. This tries to recapture that same warmth, but I don’t think it manages this. The likeability isn’t quite the same, whether it’s the story or cast, I’m not sure, but it lacks some of the charm. The setting helps because it takes place in a quaint little French village. This encourages a dreamy quality as Lea has hopes of finding this love story.
“That’s the thing about love. It’s not just a fairytale or something you build up in your head. It can be. But it’s the magic of reality that makes it work.”
Relating to this, I think Lea is a little too much of a dreamer in that she fantasizes about the romance of her future life. She does challenge her belief and trusts in what can be good about reality, which I respect. The film still has plenty of décor, too, regardless of the setting. It’s sure to be something that will enchant anyone wanting something cute.
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Content: nothing to note that isn’t the usual TV-G rating. There is some kissing.
Photos: Hallmark Channel / Crown Media Press