Oh Christmas Tree! (2013 TV Movie) User Reviews

Fun, enjoyable Hallmark movie - but falls short of great

[gordonm888 · 6/10 · 27 November 2013]

Fir Crazy follows the character of Elise, played by Sarah Lockwood, who, through a series of circumstances, is cornered into a job she has hated all her life - selling Christmas trees in Manhattan for her parents' family business.

Soon Sarah encounters a nemesis -an elderly and unlikeable CEO of the nearby store who sees the sale of Christmas trees as a nuisance and wants to shut Sarah's business down. Also circling the tree lot is Darrin (Eric Johnson), a handsome young man who is apparently attracted to Sarah. Add a few colorful supporting characters and you have the basics for a Hallmark Christmas movie - romantic love and people being transformed by the spirit of Christmas!

And Fir Crazy carries off the Hallmark formula reasonably well. Its dialog is better than most movies of this type. It has spots of good acting, a couple of surprises, is well-paced and fun. I enjoyed watching it. But I never once felt choked up at the feel-good emotional climaxes (and I cry easily!) Maybe because the characters themselves never seemed to be very unhappy during the moments of greatest adversity; and if the characters don't seem to care then why should the audience?

Overall, I found Fir Crazy to be "good but not great." But though it fell short of great, I did think it was fun and a movie I would enjoy seeing again during the holiday season.

"Well that was mistletotally uncool."

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 14 November 2014]

Elise (Sarah Lancaster) grew up with her family's business of selling Christmas trees. So now she's anti-Christmas. Not sure I understand that part of the plot. My dad was a carpenter and I don't hate hammers. Anyway, when Elise's father breaks his foot, she agrees to help out with the business. She's not a happy camper already because she lost her job and was dumped by her boyfriend. So now she has to do her least favorite thing in the world and a struggle with a grinchy CEO out to get rid of her family's Christmas tree lot doesn't help matters. At least she meets a cute guy (Eric Johnson). Soon she's feeling the holiday spirit in spite of herself.

Sarah Lancaster is very pretty and charming. Her smile lights up the screen. She does a lot for the part, which isn't written as very likable in the earliest scenes of the movie. Derek McGrath and Lynne Griffin are her perfect parents. Greg Calderone is the likable cousin that helps her run the lot. It was nice to see Eric Johnson. I remember him from the first season of Smallville way back when. He's got a good chemistry with Sarah. Their first date was pretty cute. Colin Mochrie is great as the Scrooge-like villain who isn't as bad as he seems. This is an upbeat and surprisingly funny TV movie. There are many other likable characters throughout, such as the happy married couple she meets or the little kids, one of whom says "Maybe you have relationship issues." Seasonal romcoms are pretty much my favorite and this one's good. It's nothing challenging but that's okay with me. It's all about the smiles and this one gives them.

Surfaced to be likable.

[adoptshelterpetstoday · 5/10 · 12 December 2014]

Last year, Hallmark presented a new Christmas movie with a father selling Christmas trees on a NYC sidewalk...and he had a disgruntled son that ran away. I don't think that movie could have been made any worse! Watching it once was more than enough!...........With that awful movie and the increasing numbers of awful Christmas movies Hallmark has been presenting between last year and this year, (2014) "Fir Crazy" surfaced to be at least "likeable.".......It did not have anything enticing or special or magical. But with its 2 "Bah, humbug" characters, it remained focused on Christmas with a nice plot that flowed.....None of the players were annoying.......No blaring, annoying "background" music and/or singing to overwhelm the players' dialogue (as Hallmark Christmas movies are notorious for having). And I have watched this movie several times.

decent

[Kirpianuscus · 20 July 2018]

...or just nice. a film about Christmas trees. and about the people around them. not original, but comfortable. and seductive. and interesting crafted, with the image of young woman involved in the family business , the accepted homeless, the fragile love story and the sketch of Dickens-like Scrooge. without be impressive - it is only a Hallmark holiday film - it works in reasonable manner. and that is the significant good point.

I really liked this one

[samhamilton-56421 · 7/10 · 27 November 2021]

For a Hallmark movie, I think this one is pretty good, and I find myself rewatching it every year when it's on. Compared to a lot of the Hallmark movies out there, this one is surprisingly decently-written and acted, and has a good story that holds my interest, and has lots of feel-good moments. I also really like Sarah Lancaster from other shows (Chuck, namely), and I feel like she really carries the movie well. I think this one is definitely worth your time. "7" rating is in relation to other Hallmark movies.

I'm sorry I watched this

[shobbs-86081 · 6/10 · 3 December 2021]

Just a warning for anyone who thinks a 6.4 rating out of 10 means this is ok midrange Hallmark fare. Not really believable or entertaining or enjoyable enough to blow 2 hours on... Save yourself...

Festive romance.

[adamjohns-42575 · 6/10 · 3 November 2020]

You start the film thinking that she is way too nice to be with that guy and then when she meets a new one, you start to think that he's way too good for her. She's a bit wrapped up in herself, but throughout the film she grows and maybe in the end you can see that they are a good match. I personally still think he could do better.

The story is the standard narrative for most of the made for TV movies that I've seen. Girl meets boy, they date, there's some confusion as to whether they should be together and then it ultimately ends up that they do get together as you would expect from any romance, but this is set at Christmas.

Colin Mockery, famous for his shenanigans on "Whose Line Is It Anyway" shows us that he's not always fun and games playing the bad guy in this one, but will he find his Christmas spirit before the end of the film or will the family tree business end up going bust? And what will happen to the hot cousin Shane and the Homeless Guy?

One of the things that annoyed me about this film, which happens in a lot of the festive ones is the superfluous characters that don't add anything to the story and are played way over the top. The particular example here is the Barista at the coffee shop, who is played for laughs in a film that's generally played straight. If he hadn't hammed it up, he could have been a good inclusion, but I could easily have done without him, without it effecting the story.

It's a typical feel good film for the season and although it's not the best example of the genre it doesn't disappoint or make you feel sick from the saccharin either.

Crazy Christmas

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 17 March 2020]

Was a bit conflicted on whether to see 'Fir Crazy' (aka 'Oh Christmas Tree'), seen as part of a recent Christmas film quest started towards the end of last year and the reviewing is still ongoing and will be for a while yet. It sounded cute and heart-warming on paper and have seen a fair share of pleasant, inoffensive festive diversions recently. At the same time, it did not sound much different story-wise from other festive films, so there was the worry as to whether the film was going to feel stale and too safe.

It managed to be pretty much all of the above, indicative of me having something of a mixed view on the film (or slightly above that). It is a pleasant watch and does nothing to offend. A lot is done well here. Not much is particularly distinguished at the same time and there is not an awful lot special, so not a "head over heels in love" sort of film. While not doing anything particularly awfully, while there are flaws here other films do them a lot worse.

The good things will be started off with. The production values are pleasing on the eye, the scenery has an authentic Christmassy feel and the photography doesn't try to do too much while not being claustrophobic. The soundtrack is also suitably festive without being overpowering in volume or over-utilised.

Parts are amusing, parts are cute without being sugary and its good intentions are appreciated. There is a lot of charm here too. The characters are lacking in depth, but nobody irritates and they at least engaged. The acting is better than average, with Sarah Lancaster being an amiable lead. Colin Mochrie also makes a game effort as the "villain of the piece" and Eric Johnson likewise with the too little he has.

Now onto the negatives. The story is predictable and has nothing to set it apart, just being your standard Hallmark Christmas film. Some of it felt choppy, some dramatic transitions being abrupt. Too many of the character relationships are rushed and underdeveloped, making changes of heart too out of left field. Not just the central romance, which is particularly standard and could have done with more consistent chemistry too.

But particularly the Gary's Scrooge-like change of heart, the outcome almost feeling too out of nowhere when you don't really remember the stuff before it. Some of the dialogue can be cheesy and awkward and the ending did strike me as too convenient and too neatly wrapped up.

All in all, watchable but nothing special. 5/10

Enjoyable

[Christmas-Reviewer · 8/10 · 8 August 2016]

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I WATCH EACH ONE WITH AN OPEN MIND.

Last night I could not sleep. So I put on this film and I was delighted that I did! What I watched was this film called "Fir Crazy" and it is available on DVD on Amazon but on Amazon the film is re-titled "Oh Christmas Tree". In this film A Busy career woman Elise MacReynolds (Sarah Lancaster) has no time or desire to take part in Christmas festivities. However, a few twists of fate land Elise in the middle of her worst nightmare: unemployed, newly single, and running her family's Christmas tree lot for the dreaded holiday season. As the de facto representative of her family's business, Elise must navigate a contentious relationship with the lot's new landlord, Gary Dixon (Colin Mochrie), who thinks the MacReynolds' lot is hurting his business and wants them gone...fast. But, things are looking a little brighter as the newly single Elise has a budding relationship with Darren (Eric Johnson), one of her customers.

The film is a typical "Holiday" film from Hallmark and that is fine by me. If you are looking for a "Family Safe" film then you won't go wrong here! Boys will be bored but the film works. When the film was over I was smiling.

This was actually good...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 12 December 2021]

I had the opportunity to sit down and watch the 2013 Christmas movie "Fir Crazy" (aka "Oh Christmas Tree") here in 2021. I hadn't even heard about the movie, but since I am on a Christmas movie binge this year, I opted to sit down and watch this movie from writers Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy.

Well, as it happens then "Fir Crazy" was actually a surprisingly good Christmas movie. Sure, this is not going to become a Christmas classic in my household, but still it was an enjoyable and watchable movie. So director Craig Pryce definitely did something right with the script and bringing the story to life on the screen.

The storyline told in "Fir Crazy" does have elements of the traditional sappy romantic Christmas movies that come at you in abundance every year, but actually "Fir Crazy" was more than just your run-of-the-mill romantic Christmas movie. Writers Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy managed to give the story heart and spirit, and it definitely was something that spruced up the movie.

Now, I can't claim to be familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, but I will say that lead actress Sarah Lancaster (playing Elise MacReynolds) actually carried the movie phenomenally well. I can't really say the same for lead actor Eric Johnson (playing Darren Foster), as his performance was sort of bland and mediocre, and he didn't have much charisma on the screen. The movie did have Colin Mochrie (playing Gary Dixon) on the cast list, in a Scrooge-inspired role, and he nailed that with perfection and definitely added a lot to the movie with his performance.

I enjoyed "Fir Crazy" because it was more than just another sappy and cheesy romantic Christmas movie. So if you enjoy Christmas movies that offers more than just your average girl dislikes boy, but has to work together for a mutual Christmas goal and ends up in love type of movie, then give "Fir Crazy" a chance.

My rating of "Fir Crazy" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Not Crazy About This One

[boblipton · 5/10 · 25 November 2013]

Sarah Lancaster always hated the hard working conditions of running a Christmas tree lot during the holidays in Manhattan. However, when she loses her job she has to lend a hand to the family business. When Scrooge-like Colin Mochrie takes over the store, the seasonal lot has always been in front of and decides to get rid of it, Sarah and an unlikely assortment of employees, as well as potential boyfriend Eric Johnson, have a fight on their hands.

While I am fond of several of the actors involved, particularly Mr. Mochrie (from his appearances on WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY?), the plot is a little too neat and the writing a bit abrupt, particularly the inevitable transformation of Mochrie from nasty to nice. The visuals are fine and Miss Lancaster looks great in a fir-green top for the final scene, but this Hallmark TV romantic comedy is not a particularly distinguished effort, even by the standards of other Hallmark romcoms.

Christmas Magic- Fir Crazy on Hallmark

[kindle-872-387466 · 10/10 · 16 December 2013]

*Written by LaurenMorgan@TheGuiltyKitty*

Elise MacRenyolds is a driven career woman who works in marketing and has no time for Christmas. After losing her job, she is forced to work in the city with her family selling Christmas Trees while she waits to hear from her headhunter about a new job. With her world turned upside down, Elise is forced back into the Spirit of Christmas and soon starts to find the true meaning of the Holidays. While finding her way back to Christmas, Elise meets a bunch of other characters who can use some Christmas cheer.

This is a wonderful, fast paced holiday film. The story of Elise is cute, charming, and sprinkled with holiday cheer. As Elise finds her way into the Christmas Spirit, the joy she shares with others has an infectious ripple effect that becomes her saving grace.

Image (5 Paws) – The cover is really precious depicting the main characters meeting and growing closer. I thought the cover image was a perfect fit and really cute.

The character of Elise starts out as a Christmas Scrooge and turns into a wonderful, heartwarming character. The love interest Darren is down to earth and is the perfect embodiment of a leading man. The real scrooge of the film, Mr. Nixon, turns out to be a heartbroken man who finds his way through the holidays.

Colin Mochrie a Scrooge?

[Jackbv123 · 5/10 · 3 November 2017]

HAPPY Holidays. Tis the season to be JOLLY. It's the most WONDERFUL time of the year. Really? Fully the first 1/3rd of this movie (commercial TV screen time 41 minutes) was a total downer. One bad thing after another. Pile on Elise. And there was more of it later in the movie.

Meanwhile, it really didn't seem like Elise and Darren spent much time together, and certainly not much alone time. Even then I would say the chemistry was just average. A lot of the screen time was either the unhappy corporate world, or grumpy Gary, or the tree lot.

Sarah Lancaster has a nice smile that she showed off plenty, but beyond that, she wasn't charismatic or energetic. Eric Johnson did the best he could with the screen time he had.

My point is this. It's clearly a Christmas movie and a romance one also. So it would be nice if the bulk of the movie was one or both, with a heavy dose leaning toward the romance side. That was not even close to how it worked out.

There is a really sweet scene when Elise delivers the tree to the pregnant couple. The couple describes their happiest Christmas moments and it definitely lightens things up. I found it to be the best scene in the movie.

Oh Christmas Tree

[Prismark10 · 3/10 · 21 November 2018]

Fir Crazy sees Elise (Sarah Lockwood) from her high powered executive job in a sports shoe company just before Christmas. She also gets dumped by her shallow boyfriend.

While looking for another vacancy, she helps out her father who has injured his foot to sell Christmas trees in Manhattan with her cousin. It is a family business but Elise has never been keen in selling Christmas trees from childhood.

The new boss of the store whose lot Elise sells the trees from is a grinch and wants Elise and her trees out of there. Every time Elise approaches him, a calamity takes place making the boss even more irate.

It really is a case of Elise and her cousin selling enough trees before Christmas as the boss plans to get rid off the lot. Elise is also attracted by a customer who does a lot for charity.

Elise comes across as someone out of her depth as both as a marketing executive and selling trees. It is all a little bit unbelievable.

Even as someone who is a left leaning liberal, I cannot help raising an eyebrow at the subtext of these Hallmark Christmas films that city corporations are bad. Elise's firm fires her just before Christmas. The new owner of the store is scrooge like. Even when Elise gets a job interview with another firm, it is only because they want her to spill the secrets of the rival firm she used to work for.

Fir Crazy May Be A Christmas Movie You Should be Crazy Fir

[gehewe · 8/10 · 19 February 2017]

Sarah Lancaster (as Elise) was the main character, she was in every scene and it was an enjoyable movie. The movie kept me fairly engaged the whole time. My wife did not enjoy the movie as much, but she was tired and to get the full value of the movie you had to stay alert. The best part of the movie was the story of how a couple valued their ornaments which were gotten at gift shops and how they represented times in their relationship. Elise liked this and when she received one such ornament at the end- it was perfect. I enjoyed seeing Derek McGrath as Elise dad (Dr Hebert on DOC) and loved how he would comment when Elise and her mom would talk about him like he wasn't there. Overall they did a good job and the story is taking place in New York City.

Nice Film

[Sober-Friend · 8/10 · 30 March 2018]

This film is about a woman who doesn't have happy memories of Christmas. Her childhood was spent on a tree lot in a New York Winter selling trees with her parents. Years later she finds herself back on the lot selling the trees for her parents after she loses her job.

Now the more things change the more they stay the same but this time she has to fight the owner of the store her tree lot is on because he thinks the lot is harming his business.

Cute story. Well meaning. Very Enjoyable.

Well worth watching

[chriscandy-93511 · 9/10 · 18 March 2018]

Elise is a woman is fired from her job & loses her boyfriend on the same day. At the same time it happens to be Christmas and this woman must work at her family "Christmas Lot". Now Elise detest this lot because she spent her childhood at this lot but she needs to be there this year because her dad broke his foot.

Also this happens to be a new owner of the business next door and he "Hates the Christmas Lot" more than Elsie. What happens over the course of the film is "Christmas magic".

This one is for adults but is family safe. However the target auidence is women but men will like this one.

Above Average

Merry Christmas

I think it would be fun working a Christmas Tree Lot

[loriwallace-93796 · 8/10 · 22 May 2019]

A woman in advertising finds herself unemployed and dumped on the same day. She ends up working on her family own Christmas Tree Lot after her dad can't run it and her mom must take care of him. However she has bad memories of the lot and really doesn't want to be there.

At the same time she is working the lot she looking for a new job. She also meets a man who is seems to be buying lots of trees.

This is AN ABOVE AVERAGE HALLMARK MOVIE. It is heartwarming. Its also not as cliche ridden as most of there films tend to be.

Whoo hoo...Colin Mochrie!

[geisesanja · 8/10 · 18 December 2019]

Of course it's not perfect. None of these movies are. But it was worth watching just to see Colin Mochrie of Drew Carey's 'Who's Line Is it Anyway?" fame, try to play a bad guy. Well, of course by the end of the movie, you find out why he has that nasty old chip on his shoulder and it's all a happy ending for everyone. The rest of the cast is pretty or cute or whatever they need to be. If for no other reason, watch it for Colin!

And now for something completely different

[splashpont · 10/10 · 13 December 2021]

Watching this movie in 2021, once notices uniqueness: a double-dose of Scrooge-like characters, the quieter tone of carols (no blaring music competing with dialogue), the "mean and evil city" embraced (rather than to be fled), the romance aspect almost being secondary.

There's a little more angst than usual; a little less comedy as well. It's a different take on the Hallmark Christmas movie genre, especially in how it continues to evolve.

Touching movie.

[wkozak221 · 8/10 · 14 November 2021]

This is all my opinion. I like this movie. I do have a big problem with Canada pretending to be the U. S. A. In every movie. The script and cast are above average. There are a lot of funny scenes. Especially, the ones involving Gary. They are great. Should make a sequel.