Actually liked the idea of the story, which had a setting that set itself apart from a lot of Hallmark's festive efforts. Even if it still sounded formulaic, which is pretty much what one expects from Hallmark anyway. The title was quite cute, refraining too much from being too cheesy like film titles from Hallmark can be in game attempts to be cute and catchy. Still saw the film for completest sake and as someone who has never immediately written a Hallmark Christmas film off, enough of their stuff is watchable.
There is plenty of films of theirs that are average and below. While not one of their worst, 'A Rose for Christmas' is one of them. In no way is it a masterpiece, with too many major flaws. It also isn't an abomination either, as there are a few good things. Not one of Hallmark's best by any stretch from that year or overall, but also not one of their worst on both counts. 'A Rose for Christmas' was hardly doomed from the start, but the potential it had is not lived up to unfortunately.
It does have good things. It looks pleasant and professional enough visually. The scenery is particularly lovely. Did like everything to do with the float preparation, which was interesting and charming and never forced and that it isn't focused on too much was appreciated.
Marc Bendavid is an amiable male lead, while Michael Kopsa is touching and his story has a good deal of heart.
However, there are many major flaws with 'A Rose for Christmas' which stops it from blossoming. A big weak link is Rachel Boston, have liked her in other things but she didn't work for me here. To me she over-compensates and her delivery all round lacked any kind of shade or subtlety. Really didn't like her character either, too abrasive and selfish and she doesn't treat others well, she also never really grows as a character. There is no chemistry at all between Boston and Bendavid, with a completely underdeveloped, rushed and abruptly introduced (late in) romance.
Furthermore, the script is cheesily awkward, treacly and even repetitive. There is an awful lot of bickering and it got too much and very old fast. It made me struggle to care for the lead characters with that amount of negative energy. Of the characters, the only one to be interesting or connect with her was the father. The story is dully paced, very thin with an over-stretched-feeling middle act and no surprises at all. Emotionally, it is very bland as well, the charm is not there, it takes itself too seriously and the only heart comes from the father.
All in all, lacklustre. 4/10.
