A Cookie Cutter Christmas

I'm an avid follower of When Calls the Heart, so if Erin Krakow is starring I will most likely tune in. That said both female lead characters were pretty unlikable sparring for the attention of the new single dad in town. Towards the end one of the characters has absolutely despicable morals for a teacher. Cute but lacking in wholesome Hallmark values..

I am assuming this was written by someone who has never actually advanced beyond 8th grade or assumes no one in the audience has. In fact, if you made the leads 14 years old, it still isn't believable. There is little chemistry and two women who have no idea how to read any situation. If I were left alone with either of the two female leads, I would be hard pressed not to resort to violence to escape. The idea that people leave their children in their charge is laughable. I love most of the Hallmark Christmas movies but this one is just awful

I am a sucker for Christmas movies! Christmas is my favorite time of year, watching all the holiday movies and hot chocolate. But I was wondering does anyone know the name of the book she was reading to the little girl when they were sitting on the couch after making the gingerbread cookies? Sounds like a book my kids would like me to read to them. The actress is one of my favorites she is amazing in all of her movies. I think the movie has a good story and a lot of Christmas spirit. I know everyone has different preferences but I don't see I need to get all nasty a bash the movie. I can't wait to watch it this year. There are plenty of others they run in the ground. I would rather see this one more than those.

There is one scene in this movie that makes it worth watching despite its problems. Or better yet, when it comes up again on TV, fast forward to around the last 45 minutes.

Two elementary school teachers have been engaged in a rivalry since childhood when one horned in on the other's song solo. Whatever one does, the other one has to better it. Each cannot stand the other to be in the spotlight. It's fairly harmless until a handsome widower with a daughter comes to town. The story is mostly told through Erin Krakow's character, so we know that she is the one we are supposed to root for with the actresses trademark sweet, gentle, sincere demeanor. Despite her questionable behavior throughout, we know she is a good person at heart. Her rival is effectively played by Miranda Frigon best known for playing the grumpy police chief in the Aurora Teagarden mysteries.

Skipping to the scene in question. Miranda has invited all of the festival (there's a festival) volunteers to a party at her home and is forced to invite Erin ("Your invitation will be *shoved* in your In-box") Miranda is very proud of her singing ability and announces that she is going to favor the group with her solo rendition of Silent Night, snagging the handsome widower to accompany her on the piano. She has no shame, but as soon as she starts singing Erin starts sneaking up to her side as if she is under the Confundus charm and joins in. I'm like, "Oh no she is not going to...." But she did! Silent Night gets louder and louder as the two try to drown each other out, to the total befuddlement of all the guests, and the horror of Erin's mother. When they get to the last line "When Chri-ist was born", "Christ" comes out so loudly and aggressively as each of them vie for supremacy, that it's almost sacrilegious. Then Miranda ends with a pose like she is the Madonna cradling Baby Jesus in her arms. It is the most irreverent and intentionally funniest performance I have ever scene in a Hallmark movie.

It provides the turning point in Erin's journey. She walks out of the party with her deer-in-the-headlights look thoroughly shocked at her own behavior. She has finally gone too far. After some skullduggery on Miranda's part to get through, the two former friends make up, and Erin gets her man.

Hallmark bills Christmas movies as romantic comedies. While many try hard at romance, most do not on the comedy aspect. What I liked about this movie is the rivalry between the teaches actually gave the movie a comedic aspect through out. I also enjoy a Hallmark style battle between the virtuous hero and the G rated vixen for the heart of the prince.

Now that being said you have to tolerate the usual Hallmark plot themes. An insignificant event or contest (in this case cookie baking) is made much more important and convoluted than needed. The father, usually, is a wonderful kind person whose career focuses on philantrapy, and has a great kid who tries to play matchmaker.

As a fan of the genre though I must say this is one of my favorites and enjoyable each time I see it.