Holiday Hearts (2019 TV Movie) User Reviews

Hearts at Christmas

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 2 February 2021]

Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace. There are a fair share of them though that are surprisingly above average and even good amidst the many average and less ones.

2019 was a very hit and miss and somewhat unimpressive year for Hallmark and their Christmas output. 'Holiday Hearts' to me, and many others it seems, managed to be one of the best from that year and actually among their best Christmas films in general. It's not a masterpiece by any stretch, then again is that expected from Hallmark, or flawless. But 'Holiday Hearts' does show that Hallmark do have a good film in them if given a chance and not taken too seriously.

Like other Hallmark Christmas films, 'Holiday Hearts' is a bit of a slow starter. Some of the dialogue in the early parts did make me cringe and the story didn't grab me straight away when it was very slight. Anybody expecting innovation are best looking elsewhere, as when it comes to the story it is one of those stories that you've seen in some shape or form in other Hallmark films.

While other Hallmark films fared worse, the music is on the intrusive side.

However, for me there was a lot to like about 'Holiday Hearts'. Ashley Williams is very photogenic and has a lot of charm to her, she is a lot better here than she was in 'Northern Lights of Christmas'. She doesn't overdo any mannerisms and she doesn't hold back. She has a suitably sympathetic but never on the wrong side of dull leading man in Paul Campbell. Both the characters were for me easy to connect to and grew in development, with any rushed or senseless motivations. Their chemistry comes over as genuine as well. Lisa Durupt is good fun in her role.

It pleases visually too, especially the appropriately festive locations that are not drably shot or too drab in colour scheme. Once 'Holiday Hearts' gets going and things get better, the dialogue is tighter and less stilted than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films and the cheese and sentiment isn't as much. The story is very predictable admittedly, but it still engaged me and was charming and heart-warming while not taking itself too seriously. It is not as slight as most Hallmark Christmas films too, again though once it gets going. The characters may be well worn cliches, but they came over to me as likeable enough and any negative character traits didn't come over as over the top like can be the case in Hallmark Christmas films. Actually cared for these characters, not the case with a lot of recently seen Christmas films.

Overall, worth seeing if not a must. 7/10

New take

[Jackbv123 · 8/10 · 24 November 2019]

On the one hand, this movie is like a check-off list of Christmas tropes. Snowmen. Cookie decorating.. Decorating the tree. Present shopping. A pending job that will take one of the leads very far away. Old flames where one left abruptly. A (different) loved one stranded far away. Even someone fell off a ladder. And so on. (At least it didn't have the we're-going-to-lose-the-family-business.)

On the other hand there are two aspects of the premise that combined are unusual. One, not quite so much by itself - a nervous event planner with her big opportunity, even if it is her parents inn. The unusual one (at least I don't remember many) is the leads being thrown together to take care of an unrelated little girl for several days and then doing Christmas traditions with her. What a great way to bring the leads together in close quarters.

When I saw Ashley Williams and Paul Campbell listed for this movie, I knew I wanted to see it. (Even though I usually watch all of Hallmark's premieres on either channel.) I love Williams' joy de vivre. She lights things up on the screen. Campbell is always solid. Of course they connect and the story gives them plenty of time to explore their relationship. And as usual with a child central to the story, the three also have chemistry together. Payton Lepinski is delightful.

Dialogue is lively but a little less than remarkable. Most of the movie looks like it is on sets, so it doesn't have the breathtaking scenery that some Hallmark movies do. There is one beautiful indoor scene. The soundtrack has decent Christmas music, some of which is generated within the story, but no performances.

There weren't any huge conflicts, unless you count Ben's pending job, or Peyton's stress over the party. There is a small touching event near the end, but it is totally predictable so it lacked a little kick in that regard.

Holiday Hearts

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 6/10 · 30 November 2019]

6/10 - light and fun Hallmark flick helped me get into the Christmas season

Sweet and simple holiday story

[Moonicas · 25 November 2020]

Characters in Holiday Hearts themselves do the same thing that creators of most Christmas movies do - cross off items from a checklist of Christmas related things (Christmas decoration, the tree, cookies, presents...). You won't find anything outstanding here, but it's a feel-good movie without unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. Ashley Williams is all smiles, and Paul and the little girl aren't bad either. Ideal when you're in the mood for simple and lighthearted holiday fun.

Meh

[ssc7 · 6/10 · 6 December 2019]

I absolutely adored Paul Campbell in Windiw Wonderland, but it seems like since then his Christmas characters have been so dull. This one is no exception. He seems bored, just going through the motions. No heart to this one, was it the writing or him. The story isn't too bad in this one, didn't care for the little girl actress either, a bit inexperienced and rushed. But the 2019 Hallmark Christmas movies have been overall a disappointment, this falls in that category. Bring the spark back Paul or skip the holiday movies.

Tired of the over use of the term "Holiday Party"

[reaganjagger · 7/10 · 12 December 2020]

I really enjoy Hallmark movies but I fear that they have now fallen into the virtue signaling, politically correct trap. Why do the current crop pf Christmas movies use the terms holiday party and holidays?

Open Your Heart to Christmas

[parksidedrive · 9/10 · 24 November 2019]

Peyton Canaday (Ashley Williams) is an accountant who wants to demonstrate her extended talents as an event planner at her parents inn. Enter Dr. Ben Tyler (Paul Campbell) a beau from her past. A child by the name of Lily indirectly helps them find out what is really important during the holidays and the other 364 days of the year.

Williams lights up the screen and Campbell is just as infectious to watch. They make this holiday movie a good one to watch.

Bring out the hot cocoa and cookies this one will leave you with a smile and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Holiday Hearts

[riding_on_faith_forever · 6/10 · 2 December 2021]

I do enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies. Yes, they tend to have similar themes and topics...what do you expect, there's tons of them?! That being said...I really wish they would do 2 things in their movies. 1. When they have musicians playing in the scene...ACTUALLY DO!!!! Don't fake it! It's obvious when you are using real or fake musicians in background scenes! 2. Please consult actual medical personnel for certain things. If someone actually had ACL surgery, they wouldn't be sent home in a silly ace type wrap on their knee!!! They would've had a knee immobilizer!!! The details matter! It makes for a stronger movie and more believability.

Loved it!

[dtassell-27431 · 10/10 · 2 December 2019]

Holiday Hearts may be your typical Hallmark fair but Ashley Williams and her infectious smile and laughter make anything she's in fun and heartwarming. Then add Paul Campbell and it's twice as good. Loved this story. It was fun to watch. I would watch again.

Will they get a second chance at love?

[MickyG333 · 7/10 · 28 November 2022]

6.9 stars

Ashley Williams as Peyton is probably the best female suited for this role. It's a very upbeat smiley sort of over-the-top positive female character that could only be accomplished by her screen charm and energy.

Paul Campbell plays a good doctor interpretation as well. He's sorta nerdy and clueless. I enjoy his acting style, offbeat, kinda awkward, but present and even insightful in a way. Hard to describe, but he has many sides to his presentation of this character.

She professed her attraction to him 10 years ago, but it was not reciprocated, partly due to his spaced-out situation of studying to be a doctor, and the inconvenience it presented. Now he has new plans, a new job offer in Honduras. He is a capable physician, esteemed by his peers. She is very busy planning a Christmas event at her parents' inn. She has been doing the accounting for them, but has always wanted to be an event planner. This is her chance to shine.

They are babysitting their good friend's 10-12 year old daughter Lily for a week while he's in surgery. He fell off a ladder while putting up lights for Christmas. Unfortunately his wife, her mother, passed away a couple years ago and isn't around to take care of Lily while he's in the hospital.

This is the perfect opportunity for our leads to rekindle the lost connection as they share Christmas preparations with this special little girl.

It all culminates with her dad coming home, and they all end up at the Christmas party/event at the inn. Will our leads fully revitalize what they previously lost? He has already informed her of the job offer, which she has acknowledged, but they still get pretty close during the Christmas week.

How does it end, will he accept the job? No spoilers here.

The triple h-gene...you know, Ho Ho Ho!

[cgvsluis · 4/10 · 3 January 2021]

"Looked like he was running from something." "What?" "...like a female reindeer who was trying to tell him she had feelings for him or something."

This couple instantly seemed to fit with one another and our child star, Peyton, steels the show. The Christmas Eve theme seems to come organically. Filled with fun Christmas activities...some with a little twist, like a snowman doing a handstand. Filled with Christmas decorations...and monster trees (I am guessing from Balsam Hill).

Basic story is about Peyton, who works for her family's inn as an accountant, but would like to become the event planner so she takes on the planning of this year's 25th anniversary Christmas Eve Ball, which is the talk of the town. With all the pressure she is 5 days from the event and does not yet have a theme. While running errands she sees a reindeer and runs in to her old flame, dr. Ben. Dr. Ben is on the eve of heading to Honduras for a job interview with a three year contract. They both end up thrown together looking after their collective best friend's daughter, Lily, because her father has an accident and needs knee surgery. Together they try to make Christmas special for Lily and thus find Christmas and each other...not to mention Peyton's Theme.

Best line of the film, "snowflakes are kisses from heaven"- Lily.

Loved it!!

[fholt-27944 · 10/10 · 3 December 2019]

Loved every thing about this movie! ! Thumbs up Hallmark! Lisa Durupt play's such a great supporting roll. Isn't it time to make her the star of her own Hallmark movie!?!

I love Paul Campbell but...

[smithduke · 6/10 · 13 August 2023]

I mostly review Hallmark, GAC, UPTV, Lifetime, etc. Movies. The movies that get low ratings are the ones I enjoy the most. I'm not generally that picky. After all, these are made for TV movies. Holiday Hearts has fairly good IMDB ratings for this type of movie. Still, I found it to be boring, despite the interesting storyline.

Peyton and Dr. Ben, who have been friends since grade school, care for their friend's daughter Lily for several days while her father recuperates from surgery on his knee. They stay with Lily during this time. Lily has a list of holiday activities, a tradition her deceased mother has passed on, and Peyton and Dr. Ben promise to follow through with. After Lily's father recovers, Ben, a doctor, plans on going to Honduras to work with a humanitarian group.

There was too much decorating, shopping, craft-making, and party planning, especially in the beginning. Paul Campbell's character seemed disinterested, and the relationship with Peyton needed more chemistry and development.

This is not a movie I will rewatch.

Annoying

[lyndavanleeuwen · 5/10 · 25 November 2020]

For some reason I find Ashley Williams constant toothy smile annoying!! Her lower teeth are part of her expression every time she speaks! It makes everything appear SO insincere! I just can't view her as real with that overwhelming toothy show constantly on display! Next complaint: Doesn't anyone reside in a home that isn't mansion-sized!?! Every single hallmark Christmas movie takes place in a millionaires property! Couldn't anyone live in a normal-sized home?!? Next: Why does everyone wear high-heeled shoes in supposed wintry weather!? Do they all need to dress like the Drumplethinskin family!?

Lovely...ingredients

[Kirpianuscus · 29 November 2020]

Many motives to love it. For story, party, romance and two ex school mates together, under the looks of a girl and her Miranda. A book about Humphrey and the first Christmas party of a inn after 25 years of precious tradition. A earm film. Yes, a Halmark one. But a very, very, very nice one.

The epitome of Christmas!

[Becky145 · 10/10 · 5 June 2020]

For me, this movie was just pure Christmas. The whole thing was sweet and filled with Holiday joy. No fighting. No business on the brink of failure. No competition. No stress. No misunderstandings. Just people enjoying the holiday and connecting with each other. This is now in my top 5, maybe even top 3 Hallmark Xmas movies. The only thing thing I could fault is the heavy decorations but honestly in this movie, I LOVED it!!!! It worked and it was beautiful! I had this on my DVR from a May 21, 2020 air date. It is 2 weeks later, June 4 and if you look at the news of today, this was just what I needed today. Thank you for this wonderful, endearing Christmas movie! I don't know how I missed this last year but I will watch every year!

Very Christmassy

[MIssM19 · 8/10 · 27 March 2020]

Peyton and Ben, childhood friends, are reunited when they have to take care of their friend's daughter Lily, while he is in the hospital. All three of them spend time together while doing Lily's family Christmas traditions.

I like both Ashley Williams and Paul Campbell. Ashley lights up every scene she is in with that beautiful smile of hers. I truly enjoy watching her. I like Paul. I have seen him before. There was good chemistry, the kind of friends chemistry, not the romantic one. But, hey, i'll take it.

April is just around the corner and still months away from Christmas, this really makes you feel how magical that time of the year is. Maybe more than other Hallmark movies i've seen lately. I love when they have to go though a list of to-do before-event.

I'm glad that for once it was the guy who had to make decision whether to take the job or not. They always have the women choosing between love and career. So, kudos for that. I'm glad I watched this. A must watch for any time of the year, not just december.

Average holiday movie.

[doctorsmoothlove · 4/10 · 16 November 2020]

Sometimes when watching a made-for-tv Christmas film, I think of how much better it could be if it weren't limited by its network and limited capacity. These are not films that have the ability to inspire your imagination. They instead exist within a cultural vacuum; a past that never actually happened. They attempt to use culture to tell a story that lacks any real humanism. They are as fake as the Christmas elements they usurp for their purpose as cinema junk food.

Such is "Holiday Hearts." The film begins within a narrative interlude in the lives of Ashley Williams and Paul Campbell as Peyton and Ben. They have some past with each other in which she fell in love with him. He rejected her to move away from their community. Now, he has returned again for a few days at Christmas to babysit a friend's daughter.

The plot hits all the familiar motifs of the Hallmark Channel. The characters decorate a Christmas tree, bake cookies, and walk down snowy streets. What is lacking is any real sense of responsibility on the film to make Ben atone for his emotional manipulation of Ashley. She still harbors feelings for him as evidenced by Ashley William's good facial cues. Yet he continues to invite her to spend time with him and the child he is babysitting. Worse yet the child joins in with the film's mistreatment of Peyton.

It's all the more surprising that Peyton manages to plan a Christmas Eve party with all the drama in her personal life. The film's focus on this is to its benefit. It is the only part of the film in which she has agency. This is completely undone when Ben decides he wants to be with her and she accepts his advances. I was rooting for her to just move on from him.

The film is better shot than many of the Hallmark Channel's output. The scenes in the dining hall where the party is being planned serve a symbolic purpose until Peyton can think of a topic for the party. Once she does, the camera enters the room from the perspective of a guest to see the beautiful display put together in just a few days.

"Holiday Hearts" is a competent genre film for those interested in holiday junk. It's as hollow and meaningless as they usually are. I think I need to keep away from these films for a while to stimulate my imagination again.

heartwarming Christmas movie

[momof3boysj · 10/10 · 7 December 2019]

Wonderful adaptation of the book. The movie keeps the heart of the story intact.

Fantastic acting, remarkable sets, and beautiful music combined with a heartwarming story perfect for the Christmas season draws one in. Add the romance, complete with a black moment and romantic gesture, it keeps it all flowing with a sweet and touching plot. The best of everything.

Want to watch a really stupid movie?

[robertsmithmullins · 1/10 · 5 January 2020]

An event planner couldn't figure out a theme for a huge Christmas party but just in the nic of time came up with WINTER WONDERLAND... a room filled with crappy fake Christmas trees and some lights. The whole thing is terrible.

Cast

[judyharl · 10/10 · 19 July 2020]

Love Ashley Williams and Paul Campbell great chemistry.beautiful movie scenes are great

Books from hallmark movies

[delbertlisa · 20 January 2020]

I loved the movie as always. I also wish that Humphrey the Swimming Reindeer was a real book.

Such a lovely Christmasy movie

[silverchic-28140 · 10/10 · 10 March 2023]

I absolutely love Ashley Williams and Paul Campbell, and I totally love them together in this movie. It's so heartwarming and happy and I love how they come together to help out their good friends little girl. Today is March 10, 2023 and I am watching it again because I love it so much. It's always Christmas time in our home lol. I would say that the majority of Hallmark Christmas movies are pretty freaking awesome. Most of them, it's the same old, same old story, girl, meets boy, girl already has a boyfriend or fiancé, but falls in love with the new guy because she realizes her current boyfriend/fiancé is not the right person for her. With his movies, a bit different than that and I love it.