Christmas Tree Lane

source: Christmas Tree Lane

This movie was pleasant and watchable but really nothing more. Alicia Witt and Andrew Walker are old pros at this point, but because Walker's Nate is sympathetic to Meg's cause (saving Christmas Tree Lane from demolition), there is very little conflict or tension. As a result, the movie starts to drag. Definitely not a bad movie though. I just needed a little something more.

Andrew Walker is one of my favorites when it comes to Hallmark Christmas movies but Alicia Witt is my least favorite, but I decided to give it a go anyway because I generally enjoy almost all Hallmark Christmas movies and I was bored. It didn't even cure my boredom. There was ZERO chemistry between the two, they are nothing but awkward together. Even the story was old hat. It's a giant NOPE for me.

In other user reviews a number of people commented on the good chemistry between the leads and a roughly equal number felt there was little or no chemistry. Put me down firmly on the side of *good* chemistry, supported by a charming, cheerful, positive plot that is thoughtfully structured and nicely developed. Every year there always seems to be at least one Hallmark movie where some treasured institution or tradition is about to be sold/converted/demolished, etc. In 2020 there are at least two: this one and "Christmas by Starlight", another good movie that I also enjoyed. Even though "Starlight" has a full point higher user rating, I liked "Christmas Tree Lane" better. I think it is one of the best of this genre that I have seen over the years.

Loved the message of this movie that traditions as well as old buildings and history are worth saving. I am so tired of this new disposable culture who likes to say that they are green but then has to have everything new. The male lead, Nate, was fantastic and too good to be true. Beautiful Christmas tree lane in historic downtown Chicago. We really should be preserving history and learning from our past.

6/10 - Alicia Witt and Andrew Walker's latest holiday flick is just fine

Nothing original about this movie, 5 minutes in you could tell what was going to happen. Very little chemistry between walker and witt. Not a big fan of witt anyways but I feel like she was exceptionally bad in this one.

Embarrassed for Alicia Wit. Her singing was awful. No chemistry between leads.

As much as I love both leads in this film, they are not two that I would put together and I think the film ends up being a bit middling, because the chemistry is not there, but it is a nice enough story. How do you save a whole street that is due to be demolished? You put on a Christmas show of course, but what happens when the new hot guy in town turns out to be working for the developers? Andrew W Walker is lovely here, but Alicia Witt is just a bit wrong in her part.

Hallmark needs to stop letting its performers get involved in the creative side of the brand. This one, which is based on a story by Alicia Witt, is dreadful. The story is dumb and is just an excuse for Alicia Witt to sing a song at the end. She's a really good singer, but jeez, just make a Christmas special, will ya? Andrew Walker's character had no real purpose other than to woo Alicia. And I never felt the chemistry between them. If you like predictable movies filled with every trope imaginable, you'll probably like this one. But your life will not be incomplete if you miss it.