Christmas films can go either way, which has been my experience watching overtime primarily the festive output of Lifetime and Hallmark for curiosity sake. They can either be well-meaning, charming, warm-hearted and don't feel too heavy. Or they can be too over-sentimental, cheesy, contrived and bland. There have been many films of theirs that have fallen in both camps and in the camp where there is a bit of both. Saw 'The Christmas Card' because of my love of the holiday, because the premise sounded lovely and Edward Asner is always worthwhile.
Just like he is here. 'The Christmas Card' though does have many great things besides him. While it may not be a great film or a perfect one, of the festive films seen recently 'The Christmas Card' is one of the best and definitely in the former category of well meaning, charming, warm hearted and not feeling too heavy. If asked whether it is worth watching, my answer would definitely be yes without a shadow of a doubt without being completely esctatic about it.
'The Christmas Card' could have been better though. Ben Weber for my tastes is too wooden.
It also starts off on the slow side.
Once 'The Christmas Card' gets going though, it is a lovely film through and through. It is very professionally filmed and the locations are beautiful to look at. The music has presence but is not too loud or constant, melodramatic excess is definitely not a problem here. The direction is skillful enough while suitably understated. The script is very well meaning and doesn't take itself too seriously or get too treacly, while never treating things as a joke.
Story is heart-warming and moving, with more depth and seriousness than the usual Christmas-centric film. Without being too sentimentalised or heavy. The characters are worth caring about and the chemistry between them is natural. Lois Nettleton gives a sincere performance and Alice Evans and John Newton charm in their roles. Best of all is Asner, who plays his role with a heartfelt twinkle.
Lovely film all in all. 8/10.
Just like he is here. 'The Christmas Card' though does have many great things besides him. While it may not be a great film or a perfect one, of the festive films seen recently 'The Christmas Card' is one of the best and definitely in the former category of well meaning, charming, warm hearted and not feeling too heavy. If asked whether it is worth watching, my answer would definitely be yes without a shadow of a doubt without being completely esctatic about it.
'The Christmas Card' could have been better though. Ben Weber for my tastes is too wooden.
It also starts off on the slow side.
Once 'The Christmas Card' gets going though, it is a lovely film through and through. It is very professionally filmed and the locations are beautiful to look at. The music has presence but is not too loud or constant, melodramatic excess is definitely not a problem here. The direction is skillful enough while suitably understated. The script is very well meaning and doesn't take itself too seriously or get too treacly, while never treating things as a joke.
Story is heart-warming and moving, with more depth and seriousness than the usual Christmas-centric film. Without being too sentimentalised or heavy. The characters are worth caring about and the chemistry between them is natural. Lois Nettleton gives a sincere performance and Alice Evans and John Newton charm in their roles. Best of all is Asner, who plays his role with a heartfelt twinkle.
Lovely film all in all. 8/10.