If I had to guess I’d say Never Been Chris’d isn’t a fan favorite of 2023. But then given the movies that standout to me usually aren’t, this shouldn’t surprise me.
Never Been Chris’d (2023) Hallmark TV Film Review
Heading home for Christmas isn’t exactly at the top of the list for Liz (Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes). But when her best friend and business partner Naomi (Janel Parrish) has plans to return to their hometown for the Christmas season to visit her mother, Liz tags along. Even though she doesn’t get along with her mom, Liz still spends time with her, as well as her stepfather and talented baby sister. What the girls don’t expect is reliving their high school days through their former peers.
The person who flusters them most is Chris Silver (Tyler Hynes). Sharing a crush on Chris in high school, just like every other girl, the girls unexpectedly find old unfulfilled ideas creep into their lives, which may reveal something new for the future.
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‘NEVER BEEN CHRIS’D’: A CHRISTMAS MOVIE THAT IS HALLMARK CREATIVE. #TylerHynes stars in this (#Hallmark) unique comedy in the 2023 #ChristmasMovie lineup! #JanelParrish #ChristmasMovies #CountdowntoChristmas #Romance Click To Tweet
This is one of the films I was anticipating even early on when I read about the 2023 lineup. Partly because Tyler Hynes was the leading man and secondly because of the plot. For the network, the story did sound more creative and it turns out it is. It’s also a story I’m 90-some percent sure most people didn’t care for. Irrespective, I’m being the rebel (again) to say that Never Been Chris’d is quite cute.
It’s imperfect (like all movies) and will make you guess about what’s going on. The script “plays” a bit because it has a need to do this in order to keep us guessing. With exception to perhaps one scene, it’s done well and keeps us curious. Plus, those who pay attention to details will see it’s not being a “player” in way that makes someone unlikable. I like the cast, and same as is true of most of her movies, Janel plays her role really well. Everyone is cute together and I like the interactions between them all. Plus if you like strong friendships, you’ll enjoy Liz and Naomi together.
Festive still, including plenty of lights and trees, the film is, first and foremost more unique, which I appreciate. Never Been Chris’d does take some risks and for the most part, this does pay off.
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Content: There’s some kissing and lots of crush conversation. There’s also a love triangle thing that some won’t care for. Other than this, the TV-G rating for Never Been Chris’d is standard.
Photos: Hallmark Media / Crown Media