How to Fall in Love by the Holidays

Good movie!

Good movie!

Good movie!

Great actors, very Christmassy set design, interesting story about slightly older than usual characters but... The fake snow is so fake, to the point of being comical and ruining 'the 4th wall'. They paid so much attention to detail that they even got the characters' knees wet during the snowball fight, but it was all ruined by bouncy, cottonwool (more likely polyester ;)) light and bouncy snowmen. And then later you could see in the background that the snow patches were just white, fluffy polyester fabric. About halfway through the movie, I couldn't focus on the plot or the interactions anymore, just watching the set and picking the funny moments there.

Adequate if you need something in the background whilst you do a couple of hours of ironing, or filing, or painting. There are some plot holes but the storyline is predictable. Although she has covered a number of roles over the decades, Terri Hatcher never really gets out of second gear (in line with the rest of the cast, it must be said). There is also the matter of how big an age gap is too big? I do not address this at any particular actor (using the generic non-gender job title). In olden days, this would be in the "straight to video" category. Now in 2023, we have "Great Movies Christmas Channel" instead. Same outcome.

As other productions have proved, the dating/work premise works fine, but this incarnation refreshingly focuses on 50+ leads making a great change from the ubiquitous 'must-find-love-by-35' movies. Even the subtly festive soundtrack provides a holiday from the often bop-til-you-drop Christmas carols found in many movies. Yet there is still plenty for all generations with the young nephew, almost-graduating niece, younger sister / half sister / colleagues. The main tension is caused by juggling life and work, and getting the balance wrong at times - something that is hard to get right in most stages of life. The variety of actors makes this a very long term rewatchable movie as viewers will identify with different characters at different ages and won't grow out of it like the way too many young(ish)-love offerings in this genre.

I started watching this movie with high expectations because Teri Hatcher brings me so many good memories from her days as Lois in Lois and Clark. Unfortunately, this movie is very boring, has no soul, and the protagonists have no chemistry whatsoever. I do not know why, but the role didn't suit Teri at all (she seemed forced) Her on screen partner looked too young to play her love interest, and both of their parts were lukewarm and bland. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the role of her sister, who did a much better job than Teri bringing her part to life. I also enjoyed the part of the nephew played by a very talented young boy. The movie would have benefited from more interaction between the protagonists, the sister, and the young boy which were the best parts since the romance was not there. I cringed when the man and boy need a place to stay, and the sister offers them her house, but the protagonist didn't like the idea and looks even upset (how on Earth would she have been upset when she's supposed to like him and has the chance to be close to him) In the end, every conflict got solved in a matter of five minutes, they kiss (with no passion at all) and lived happily ever after as in every predictable Christmas rom com ever made. It honestly took me like 4 times to be able to finish watching this. Teri is a talented actress, but I felt this was not her cup of tea. I feel sorry to say this, but unfortunately she hasn't aged well, and the rom com leading lady doesn't suit her anymore. She needs strong roles, and maybe a screen partner with more chemistry, and who looks a little older to make it credible.

"How to Fall in Love for the Holidays" (2023) - a title that sounds like it was churned out of a Christmas rom-com generator, and trust me, the plot isn't far behind. This film, in its attempt to sprinkle a little holiday cheer, follows the story of a writer-turned-CEO of a lifestyle brand (because, why not?), who's tasked with the hilariously cliché mission of finding love by Christmas to save her company. Why her love life is the linchpin in a business deal is beyond me, but hey, it's Christmas in movieland! Our protagonist pairs up with a photographer who's as charming as he is handsome (a prerequisite in this genre), and what follows is a series of predictable yet oddly comforting escapades. The film is like that one Christmas sweater you have - slightly itchy, not particularly stylish, but you wear it every year because it's familiar and warm. The actors do their best with a script that feels like it's been passed down the Hallmark assembly line, delivering performances that are as endearing as they are forgettable. What makes "How to Fall in Love for the Holidays" stand out - in a sea of similar films - is, well, not much. It's the cinematic equivalent of a gingerbread latte; you know exactly what you're getting, it's sweet, not particularly good for you, but it's comforting in its consistency. The film doesn't break new ground, but it doesn't completely fall through the ice either. It's the kind of movie you half-watch while wrapping presents, and that's perfectly okay. Three stars for being the holiday comfort food of cinema - not great, not terrible, just pleasantly middle-of-the-road.

It's by Reel entertainment, and theirmovies are notoriously garbage. If I see the movie is by REEL I stopped watching I've yet to watch any of them by that production company that are worth watching. They usually have second rate actresses and actors and unbelievably stupid plots. I think they made on the cheap and it shows granted there are Hallmark movies that are garbage as well but there's also a number of them that are very well done. I for one boycott all Reel entertainment movies. It's not even worth it to watch it for the scenery. Anyhow, that's just my honest, true opinion of movies by this company.

This badly plotted/written and lamely acted movie is SO symptomatic of Hallmark's current Christmas movie offerings, being not just utterly predictable (okay, they always have been!) but also totally lacking in fun and the sparkle of the season. Everything these days has to be so serious, with flawed leading characters grappling with problems which are then solved simplistically in the last five minutes after the most contrived of crises. Whatever happened to a good, simple story told without resorting to in-your-face moralising and cheesy philosophy of life quips? When did humor and a light touch get completely thrown out the window? To see what I'm getting at, watch the 2008 film "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" with Henry Winkler. That is what Hallmark did back in the early days, i.e. Great straightforward tales told with wit, nothing too heavy and a touch of Christmas magic.