This is my 12th Hallmark Christmas movie of the 2020 season. Thus far, this one of the better films. I had been looking forward to seeing this one because I really enjoyed Katrina Law's performance in Snow Bride (another Hallmark Christmas movie from the 2013 season). I was not disappointed; her performance was good. Her co-lead, Carlo Marks, was not bad as well, though there was something about his expressions, at times, that was a little off. The supporting cast was great; the children all had good performances. The story was cute and the film provided a Christmas atmosphere, which I love about hallmark films. Overall, it is worth a watch this 2020 Christmas season; fans of Hallmark movies will not be disappointed.
43 Reviews
No family values? Did you watch this movie?
timhds15 December 2020
Nice story about family
Jackbv1239 November 2020
This movie has a lot of the usual Christmas themes and devices, but with a slightly different feel. The idea of a pair of people, slightly more than acquaintances, getting together to take care of a kid or kids who are not theirs for Christmas is not new. It's also not that common and this approach is unique. Once that is set, they do the usual Christmas movie things, but it's enjoyable. And three preteen kids are three times the fun. There's also a quietly presented backstory that adds a sentimental element.
Katrina Law, as Jessica Lew, and Carlo Marks as Max, have chemistry with each other and the kids. Law gives a slightly restrained performance while Marks at times seems to try too hard to be the fun uncle. Both of these are still appropriate for their characters. Steve Bacic tries to walk a fine line between the demanding responsible CEO and the understanding brother and his demeanor leans toward the former, but it's still appropriate for the character. All three child actors display just the right amount of cuteness without any overacting.
The story paints both Jessica and Max as almost superheroes, each in their own way. Law had some difficulty appearing humble without being disingenuous. Marks does a better job being the unappreciated brother trying to prove that he really has a place at the table.
As expected in a Hallmark Christmas movie, the end results are totally predictable. There were some sentimental moments. The obstacle is the same as in dozens of these movies. I really wasn't sure how it would be resolved but that wasn't too much of a surprise.
When it comes down to it, I enjoyed the movie. That was probably due mostly to the above mentioned chemistry of the five main players with a little help from a few little "ahh" moments.
Katrina Law, as Jessica Lew, and Carlo Marks as Max, have chemistry with each other and the kids. Law gives a slightly restrained performance while Marks at times seems to try too hard to be the fun uncle. Both of these are still appropriate for their characters. Steve Bacic tries to walk a fine line between the demanding responsible CEO and the understanding brother and his demeanor leans toward the former, but it's still appropriate for the character. All three child actors display just the right amount of cuteness without any overacting.
The story paints both Jessica and Max as almost superheroes, each in their own way. Law had some difficulty appearing humble without being disingenuous. Marks does a better job being the unappreciated brother trying to prove that he really has a place at the table.
As expected in a Hallmark Christmas movie, the end results are totally predictable. There were some sentimental moments. The obstacle is the same as in dozens of these movies. I really wasn't sure how it would be resolved but that wasn't too much of a surprise.
When it comes down to it, I enjoyed the movie. That was probably due mostly to the above mentioned chemistry of the five main players with a little help from a few little "ahh" moments.
A truly likeable movie
jenrn-097226 March 2021
I really enjoyed this movie. It was heartwarming and positive. Carlo Marks does a great job as the younger brother whose older brother thinks he's a goof, but he has matured and come into his own when no one was watching. The chemistry between the leads is believeable and they play off each other well - especially the scene where the housekeeper asks Max about his feelings for Jessica - he actually blushed. The kids were great - they really helped build the story, they make you root for them to be able to stay instead of going away to school, and they give the two leads their common ground. Katrina Law is wonderful as the caring lawyer and do-gooder who really wants to do right by the kids, but knows she isn't related to them, so can only help in the short-term. I liked this movie because there was no negative conflict or misunderstanding, no villain in the picture causing trouble. It was just a warm fuzzies, feel-good movie - perfect for the Christmas season. It is going to be one of my regular Christmas favorites....
Cute movie
dianamarinelli1 December 2020
A note to you self-righteous hypocrites who said this movie isn't family friendly.
roger561612 December 2020
I know this probably won't get posted, but family comes in all shapes and sizes. You think that a family consist of a mother and father, but what about widowed parents, because there is no mother or father, that doesn't make them a family. Obviously it does in your narrowed minded views. What about children raised by single parents, Just because their is a mother and a father that doesn't necessarily mean that their a "family" So, there a same- sex coupled portrayed in this movie, so what! Let he is who is without sin cast the first stone.
No one should be alone for Christmas.
cgvsluis9 June 2021
The youngest Darlington, Max, and the oldest's (Charles) soon to be former assistant extraordinaire (Jessica) volunteer to watch the three new wards of the Darlingtons instead of allowing them to be shipped off to boarding school for Christmas.
The kids are very quiet and well behaved...missing their aunt Matilda and stressed over the changes in their life. The kids all end up wanting to sleep together in their dad's old room on their first night.
"Max always was a free spirit, but his heart's as big as Kansas, and his energy is boundless...always was."
The story is really about making Christmas special for three kids who lost their parents and ultimately bringing one whole family together over Christmas.
One fun and very sweet activity that they do with the kids is decorate a tree outside with homemade ornaments that animals can eat.
While helping the kids enjoy their Christmas holiday, Max and Jessica get to know each other and ultimately fall in love.
"Christmas has a way of bringing up a lot of memories."
"You should do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, not to brag about it."
I love seeing people make their first list and being willing to give someone a second chance.
This was not your typical Hallmark Christmas movie. It was a sweet feel good movie. It seemed natural and well meaning with its happily ever after.
This is a great holiday film that I think everyone but the grinch will enjoy.
The kids are very quiet and well behaved...missing their aunt Matilda and stressed over the changes in their life. The kids all end up wanting to sleep together in their dad's old room on their first night.
"Max always was a free spirit, but his heart's as big as Kansas, and his energy is boundless...always was."
The story is really about making Christmas special for three kids who lost their parents and ultimately bringing one whole family together over Christmas.
One fun and very sweet activity that they do with the kids is decorate a tree outside with homemade ornaments that animals can eat.
While helping the kids enjoy their Christmas holiday, Max and Jessica get to know each other and ultimately fall in love.
"Christmas has a way of bringing up a lot of memories."
"You should do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, not to brag about it."
I love seeing people make their first list and being willing to give someone a second chance.
This was not your typical Hallmark Christmas movie. It was a sweet feel good movie. It seemed natural and well meaning with its happily ever after.
This is a great holiday film that I think everyone but the grinch will enjoy.
Tell it like it is
stdperth22 February 2021
This movie is well-scripted, well-acted and a great addition to the list of holiday films. It may be difficult for some parents to explain some of the things that the kids see. Don't let that stop you. The kids can see worse on the evening news.
What they will see is family LOVE and how LOVE changes both adults and children when given time to work its magic.
What they will see is family LOVE and how LOVE changes both adults and children when given time to work its magic.
Cute!
smky-4499814 December 2020
Feel Good Movie
dr-8061315 November 2020
standard holiday cheer
fmwongmd26 December 2020
Cowards
chefeduardo4 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is a great Hallmark movie. Great chemistry between Max and Jess. Katrina(Jess) is wonderful, and so is Carlo(Max).
For all of you that gave this movie a low rating because of the LGBTQ+ relationship that was a minor story line...PUT YOUR NAME ON IT! Tell us that you didn't like it because Jess' best friend is gay and has a crush on the café owner, and then they end up together. If you can't, or won't, you are cowards.
For all of you that gave this movie a low rating because of the LGBTQ+ relationship that was a minor story line...PUT YOUR NAME ON IT! Tell us that you didn't like it because Jess' best friend is gay and has a crush on the café owner, and then they end up together. If you can't, or won't, you are cowards.
Those voices!
kas-8054117 December 2021
Do American movie-makers forget that their films are distributed worldwide?
This movie was spoiled for me when I had difficulty understanding what Katrina Law and many of her female co-stars were saying.
This happens regularly in US 'made for TV' movies. I rarely have a problem with male stars, but the females often have terrible voices or talk so fast that their words become jumbled and difficult to decipher.
This movie was spoiled for me when I had difficulty understanding what Katrina Law and many of her female co-stars were saying.
This happens regularly in US 'made for TV' movies. I rarely have a problem with male stars, but the females often have terrible voices or talk so fast that their words become jumbled and difficult to decipher.
Another distracting side story
sailingStu11 November 2020
Once again Hallmark wasted a nice effort by the main characters with a distracting side story that added nothing to the movie. Otherwise the plot was good and the children were cute. I have liked Katrina Law since Snow Bride and was glad to see her cast again.
10 for a HALLMARK movie
rebecca-gzym7 December 2021
Not the status quo Hallmark movie. A believable plot, no "big misunderstanding" plot twist, likable characters. I really like Katrina Law, she's a doll and I thought the lead's chemistry was fine. It was really enjoyable...and a lesbian side story. Bravo Hallmark...I guarantee you weren't receiving any of your own cards about that subject, but just know that most of us are happy about it!
Hallmark Is On A Roll
musicalfreakgurl2 December 2020
So this is second Christmas movie I've watched this year by Hallmark that tis hitting all the marks! Like Five Star Christmas, this one has a phenomenal cast that has tremendous chemistry that you can feel throughout the entire thing. The two leads really support the rest of the cast. It's sweet in a family tidings kind of way. If Hallmark keeps this up it will be a record set for them, one that's been a long time coming! I recommend watching.
Christmas with the Darlings
JoBloTheMovieCritic29 November 2020
A Wonderful Hallmark Annual Christmas Gift
videonutz24 July 2021
This Movie is Truly a Wonderful Annual Christmas Gift from Hallmark. It is, unquestionably, one of their very Best Family Friendly Christmas Movies. The Entire Cast is Perfect for their Individual Roles and the Chemistry between them is Absolutely Amazing.
Carlo Marks is Wonderful as Max and is Full of Surprises and Katrina Law gives an Equally Fabulous Performance as Jessica Lew a Smart, Compassionate and Caring Love Interest.
Even the Three Children, who are Central Characters in the Films Plot, are Absolutely Adorable as Mature and Well Behaved Youngsters despite experiencing a somewhat Challenging and Constantly Changing Environment. This is Not one of Hallmark's Typical RomCom Holiday Movies.
This is a Wonderful Story of how a Loving and Caring Family join Together to Successfully Resolve a Family Crisis during the Holiday Season. This is Definitely a Film that Thanks to Hallmark the Entire Family will want to Watch and Enjoy Together over and over again during Each Holiday Season.
Carlo Marks is Wonderful as Max and is Full of Surprises and Katrina Law gives an Equally Fabulous Performance as Jessica Lew a Smart, Compassionate and Caring Love Interest.
Even the Three Children, who are Central Characters in the Films Plot, are Absolutely Adorable as Mature and Well Behaved Youngsters despite experiencing a somewhat Challenging and Constantly Changing Environment. This is Not one of Hallmark's Typical RomCom Holiday Movies.
This is a Wonderful Story of how a Loving and Caring Family join Together to Successfully Resolve a Family Crisis during the Holiday Season. This is Definitely a Film that Thanks to Hallmark the Entire Family will want to Watch and Enjoy Together over and over again during Each Holiday Season.
A good story but the movie missed the mark
mvisser-483844 January 2021
This movie had a good story but it just didn't come across well. The beginning was slow and I almost turned it off. However I did continue and it did get better. However Max and Jess had known each other for two years, so the idea that they knew nothing about each other and changed from what seemed like complete strangers to working together cooperatively seems improbable, at best. How did Max change so fast from being out on the ski slopes and away from the business to a caring adult with donations to the community? And no one knew? This is hard to swallow.
The children were far too well behaved especially since they had lost their parents, been shipped around the world and were heading to boarding school. Would there not be a bit of acting out? Of course, there should have been.
Jess's dress that she wore to the party looked terrible. The turquoise colour did not suit her and the dress didn't seem to fit her properly. What happened to the costume designer?
The children received sweaters as present right off the plane which seemed odd and even odder when they looked and handed them back. Then, lo and behold, the sweaters showed up at the end of the movie. Really? That didn't fit the ending for me at all.
The children were far too well behaved especially since they had lost their parents, been shipped around the world and were heading to boarding school. Would there not be a bit of acting out? Of course, there should have been.
Jess's dress that she wore to the party looked terrible. The turquoise colour did not suit her and the dress didn't seem to fit her properly. What happened to the costume designer?
The children received sweaters as present right off the plane which seemed odd and even odder when they looked and handed them back. Then, lo and behold, the sweaters showed up at the end of the movie. Really? That didn't fit the ending for me at all.
All the feels
vwvoyager15 November 2020
Hits all the right notes, the chemistry with the two main characters was fantastic, and the kids were great. Not the typical boy meets girl plot, and found myself tearing up in spots. Very well rounded story, my fave so far
It didn't click
glenno-4245325 November 2020
I really like these actors. I have enjoyed their work on other shows, like Arrow. But in these performances, they just seemed to be looking past each other. There was no spark. Too bad.
And although the kids were wonderful, I think part of the problem was the fact that the story and the script itself just fell flat.
Disappointing really.
And although the kids were wonderful, I think part of the problem was the fact that the story and the script itself just fell flat.
Disappointing really.
A darling Christmas
TheLittleSongbird22 March 2022
Throughout my whole Christmas film completest quest undertaken since late 2019, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Hallmark's output. There was however always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with enough of Hallmark's output but not all.
'Christmas with the Darlings' is not a Christmas classic, but seeing it the amount of effort that went into it was more than evident throughout. Hallmark's Christmas output has been very variable, the best ones being surprisingly well done and the worst being terrible. 2020 was an uneven year for Hallmark when it comes to their Christmas films, with the best being very good and the worst being weak but not terrible, and 'Christmas with the Darlings' is easily one of the best. Along with 'Five Star Christmas' and 'Cranberry Christmas'.
Have never expected much originality from Hallmark, and attempts at doing something different were quite rare. 'Christmas with the Darlings' is not much of an exception, with the story being yet another variation on a very familiar and still done to death (for Hallmark) formula. So story-wise it is rather predictable with some slow spots here and there.
Perhaps the ending is a touch on the pat side, common with Hallmark. And maybe Carlo Marks occasionally tries too hard, giving too much with his facial expressions at times.
But really there is very little wrong here. Regarding the side story, to me it was not a distraction at all and was tastefully done, relatable (being somebody with a sister in a very happy same sex marriage) and refreshing. At the same time, it actually could have been more fleshed out or at least there could have been more of it.
A lot is done extremely well. Katrina Law gives a performance of admirable restraint and perky energy while Marks is on the whole funny and charming. Their chemistry is very warm and genuine, which carries over in the chemistry between everybody else. The children are also acted beautifully, not a bland or annoying one among them, and their personalities are individual. The supporting cast are also very good, while the film is very tastefully directed.
Moreover, the production values still manage to be great, one of the best looking Hallmark festive films of that year. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Most of the soundtrack is nostalgic and appealing to listen to, capturing the festive spirit well. Hallmark had a real habit of over-scoring their films but that's not as much the case here. The script just about avoids being corny and saccharine, both of which are common for Hallmark, and the story is mostly very engaging, easy to be uplifted by and heart-warming. The family values are handled with honesty and so relatably and this film absolutely is family friendly, being about family with different kinds of relationships. Did like the characters too and they came over as more real than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films.
Concluding, really liked it on the whole. 8/10.
'Christmas with the Darlings' is not a Christmas classic, but seeing it the amount of effort that went into it was more than evident throughout. Hallmark's Christmas output has been very variable, the best ones being surprisingly well done and the worst being terrible. 2020 was an uneven year for Hallmark when it comes to their Christmas films, with the best being very good and the worst being weak but not terrible, and 'Christmas with the Darlings' is easily one of the best. Along with 'Five Star Christmas' and 'Cranberry Christmas'.
Have never expected much originality from Hallmark, and attempts at doing something different were quite rare. 'Christmas with the Darlings' is not much of an exception, with the story being yet another variation on a very familiar and still done to death (for Hallmark) formula. So story-wise it is rather predictable with some slow spots here and there.
Perhaps the ending is a touch on the pat side, common with Hallmark. And maybe Carlo Marks occasionally tries too hard, giving too much with his facial expressions at times.
But really there is very little wrong here. Regarding the side story, to me it was not a distraction at all and was tastefully done, relatable (being somebody with a sister in a very happy same sex marriage) and refreshing. At the same time, it actually could have been more fleshed out or at least there could have been more of it.
A lot is done extremely well. Katrina Law gives a performance of admirable restraint and perky energy while Marks is on the whole funny and charming. Their chemistry is very warm and genuine, which carries over in the chemistry between everybody else. The children are also acted beautifully, not a bland or annoying one among them, and their personalities are individual. The supporting cast are also very good, while the film is very tastefully directed.
Moreover, the production values still manage to be great, one of the best looking Hallmark festive films of that year. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Most of the soundtrack is nostalgic and appealing to listen to, capturing the festive spirit well. Hallmark had a real habit of over-scoring their films but that's not as much the case here. The script just about avoids being corny and saccharine, both of which are common for Hallmark, and the story is mostly very engaging, easy to be uplifted by and heart-warming. The family values are handled with honesty and so relatably and this film absolutely is family friendly, being about family with different kinds of relationships. Did like the characters too and they came over as more real than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films.
Concluding, really liked it on the whole. 8/10.
Another 2020 Hallmark Dud
ssc712 November 2020
I really wanted to like this as it's right up my alley with kids, Katrina Law, a little bit different, but was so disappointed with this. The main couple had zero chemistry, it drug on in many places, and for once I didn't care for Katrina's performance. I loved in in all the other Hallmark Christmas movies, but she looked like she didn't even want to be there. Very flat, zero emotion, and not the performance we're used too. Like the difference to the same-o storyline just no follow through.
Confused about one thing.
kquinn-0538312 November 2020
Such a Wonderful Movie
derkman-9268111 November 2020
This is probably one of my favorite HM Christmas Movies I have ever seen. Not the cliche "woman gives up her career for small town hunk" This movie spoke about family and love. The cast was great and I love seeing the diversity in characters. Keep up the great holiday movies HM!
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