Christmas at Pemberley Manor (2018 TV Movie) User Reviews

Not a strong start for the season, but I liked it.

[MIssM19 · 6/10 · 31 October 2018]

This movie has everything: loud music (my biggest problem of them all), fake snow, an empty luggage, an empty coffee mug, a lead assuming something he shouldn't and a "magical" Santa fixing the lead's problem. There, you have a Hallmark movie.

While I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either.

I liked William's character, there was character development in there, which is almost enough for me. I'm not sure about Elizabeth's character: I understand her motivation thoughout the movie but I couldn't connect with her. I felt she was off. The chemistry was there, maybe not as strong as I would have liked it to be. I also found Jane and Travis adorable (predictable from the first moment) so points for that. Other than this pair, William was the best part of the movie, in my opinion.

As a whole it was enjoyable, not strong enough to start the season, but I didn't hate it and I actually enjoyed it.

Rady Keeps it Alive

[kaitlinrief · 6/10 · 10 December 2018]

I love a good Pride and Predjudice take any time, and I wanted to love this movie. Fact is, the lead was just miscast. Jessica comes off fake, over acted, and without even a shred of what the Elizabeth Bennet character is known for. Rady on the other hand, is phenomenal as the Darcy image. He is the only reason I finished the film. The storyline is your run-of-the-mill Hallmark -- heartwarming, happy ending and cheerful. But sadly, the female lead takes what could have been a winning Hallmark film down to the bottom of the list.

good story, but.....

[linda-plant2 · 7/10 · 23 July 2019]

Oh dear, Jessica Lowndes, never heard of her or seen her before, but her acting skills are clearly overshadowed by obvious 'work' she's had done to her face, which is hard to look away from. Does anyone really have such feline eyes naturally ? and why do Hallmark make their lead actresses wear such awful long curl extensions ? they're a bit last season here in the UK.

Cant complain about Michael Rady, an understated actor if ever there was one. The storyline was ok, but I think its the second one with the D'Arcy /Bennet theme - the last one involved dog shows I believe.

Okay

[Christmas-Reviewer · 6/10 · 19 November 2018]

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

Review Date 8/18/2018

As Christmas approaches, Elizabeth Bennett (Lowndes), a New York event planner, is sent to a quaint, small town to organize their holiday festival. When she arrives, she finds William Darcy (Rady), a high-profile billionaire lacking in holiday spirit, in the process of selling the charming estate she hoped to use as a venue. Determined to make her event a success, Elizabeth persuades the reluctant Darcy to let her hold the festival on the historical estate once known for its holiday cheer.

Not great but worth watching!

Not bad

[ambie719 · 7/10 · 20 November 2018]

I love Michael Rady but of his recent Hallmark Christmas movies this is my least favorite. The story is blah and I don't know why but I have a really hard time enjoying movies with Jessica Lowndes, theres just something about her that rubs me the wrong way.

Liked it more than I thought..

[kz917-1 · 6/10 · 18 February 2019]

Hallmark attempts to take Pride & Prejudice and squash it into a Hallmark Christmas movie. Kind of like putting a square peg into a round hole...

Unless is some way, shape, or form it works!

I actually found this to be enjoyable despite my initial thoughts going in.

Cute!

No chemistry

[pspitnale-120-725930 · 3/10 · 29 October 2018]

Which makes sense as their was not a line of believable dialogue. I mean, it's a Hallmark Christmas movie - it's got it's own genre almost. This was more boring & formulaic than most. Can there ever be one of these WITHOUT a holiday festival/fair/ball? It's been done to death. Hallmark writers, gotta change things up!

Surprised me

[Jackbv123 · 8/10 · 28 October 2018]

I am not a fan of Jessica Lowndes. In fact. of the half dozen or more Halmark regular leading ladies, she is my least favorite. But she can sure sing. Holy Night a cappella is not easy but she nailed it. And she was probably well cast for this part.

The movie was charming. The plot was enough to keep it interesting. I can't say I thought the ending was on par with the rest of the movie, but it still came through in the manor the viewer would expect.

Early in the move, the dialogue was excellent as Lowndes and Rady sparred and then softened toward one another. My favorite part of movies like this is where the leads develop their relationship and this movie did it well. They had chemistry even if Rady played a stiff businessman and Lowndes has never been the best actress in the Hallmark regulars.

I liked the way the rival was just as good a guy as the lead, all the way through the movie.

Cute Adaptation

[purely-greene · 7/10 · 26 November 2019]

It's a Hallmark Christmas movie, folks - don't have blockbuster expectations.

As someone who has seen every P&P adaptation ever, it's cute - just relax and enjoy. Darcy is handsome and charming, Elizabeth is sweet - just enjoy for what it is, and don't expect a FULLY adapted story. There is no time for that; again: it's HALLMARK.

Just enjoy! I have pretty high standards, and still had an enjoyable two hours (with commercials).

A Disappointment

[mcmiller53 · 2/10 · 28 October 2018]

Such possibilities wasted in this TV movie. They had: a great setting in the manor and grounds, almost real looking snow, a nod to Jane Austen, and Christmas. What could go wrong?

The leaden performance by the lead actors was the major problem. Lowndes can barely raise an emotion with credibility and the valley girl inflections are unbearable to listen to. She never was able to relax in the role and make me care. And her shining moment, which is singing, was off key.

Then, our "Mr. Darcy", Michael Rady, tries to bring a smoldering elegance but what you get is a monotonous and wooden affair. So, I never ever felt a spark between these two.

The best couple in the show were the underlings, Travis and Jane. Charming couple who actually act and are believable together. They even have something in common (a desire to commitment in their work with little acknowledgement)!

So, one star for the setting and one for the supporting actors.

The rest? A complete bore by even the worst Hallmark Movie standards. Watched once. Never again. Unless the two good actors show up in something else (Maddie McCormick/Ben Estus), that is.

Not "Pride and Prejudice"

[ronbokirk · 8/10 · 29 October 2018]

The Hallmark promos for this movie led me to believe it was a new take on "Pride and Prejudice". The only thing they had in common was the use of a couple of names. It was a good story and Jessica Lownes showed us once again the talent that makes her a Hallmark favorite. The villain was overplayed which hurt the story. The leads had good chemistry together, slowly starting to have feelings for the other, but The writing fell short,and the music was too loud. my score 8

Digging Christmas out of a hole!

[adamjohns-42575 · 6/10 · 17 December 2020]

What is it that's so charming about Michael Rady? Even as a high powered and driven executive he has a charisma and appeal that you can't help falling for. I think this is key to the success of these films. If you're not into the leads, then why would you care what happens to them. That's exactly how I felt about "Twilight". If he'd been staked or if she'd been drained of blood it would have at least made the film interesting, but I didn't care if they fell in love or got hit by a bus. Jessica Lowndes isn't really my type, but she's not so Kristin Stewart that I don't want her blossoming love to succeed either.

And it's a lovely romance too, still following the same plan as the others of the genre, but there's just something about it. Maybe the film is just made better?

The film is good and worth a watch, but the real question about it, is not who will get together with whom, but is Christopher actually Father Christmas?

Still Waiting for Pemberley

[WineAndCheesy · 4/10 · 29 October 2018]

As far as Hallmark Christmas movies go, this was one of the worst ones I've seen yet from them. (A Princess for Christmas 2011 still takes the prize.) This movie had so much hype, being the first of the new "Countdown to Christmas" season. As someone raised on the 1995 Pride & Prejudice (Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle), drooling over the grounds of Pemberley and the Pemberley mansion, when the camera showed this new "Pemberley Manor" it was as if someone tricked me with a poop flavored jelly bean. I was expecting something yummy, but was left betrayed and disappointed. The discouraging mirage continued. This movie lacked any chemistry. I like Michael Rady, and Jessica Lowndes is still growing on me, but together, they were unconvincing and awkward. Michael Rady should have talked to Colin Firth about how to be "Mr. Darcy."

Overall, there was nothing Pride & Prejudice or Pemberley about this movie, it lacked chemistry, and was stupidly predictable.

Like they say, missed potential.

[Lily-32 · 6/10 · 15 October 2023]

I applaud Jessica Loundes for trying to step out of her type casting. Unfortunately this one didn't land well. I'd like to see her take her craft more seriously by getting a voice and diction coach to help her develop the power of tone and cadence. As another said, the valley girl voice was an issue. It tended to quickly pull me out of what could've been an endearing character. However, that was only one issue. Her character was a little too Mary Sue as well. She doesn't really grow as she doesn't see her hypocrisy and projection when she yells at Darcy for his behavior but plays the martyr when it comes to her own boss. More than once I sort of wondered if she wrote the script for herself. Just a vibe even if not true. Honestly I was a bit disappointed as Rick Garman usually writes very well. He's got a long list of films that I just adore. Perhaps what he wrote really was fine and her portrayal just didn't fit well?

She wasn't terrible but I think she could've done better and perhaps she was miscast without more work.

I like Michael Rady as usual. I think he did well in playing a quieter version of his roles, the careful and distant business man who is slowly drawn out of his seclusion. His portrayal of his growing attraction to Elizabeth helped make her a bit more likable. But that chemistry was still lacking between the two. He wasn't perfect but still more enjoyable and believable.

I'll admit it's all grown on me a bit but often I'll skip the less palatable parts upon rewatching.

I loved the supporting cast. The dialogue could've used a bit more work.

Not a total bomb. Good enough but I'll always wish for somethings to be different.

Good Wholesome Movie

[ebwaibel · 7/10 · 29 October 2018]

Hardly seems fair to pan a movie because Hallmark plays the background music too loud. I do agree that is a problem across the board on all networks, which is annoying. We totally enjoyed Christmas at Pemberley Manor and put on the close captioning so we didn't miss a word. Keep up making family friendly films, Hallmark and please turn down the background music.

Oh boy this is bad

[MickyG333 · 6/10 · 16 January 2023]

6.2 stars.

Not even Jessica Lowndes could breathe life into this film. It's about a professional woman and her scrooge adjacent boss who sends her to a town to do some festival or something. I actually don't remember exactly what she was supposed to do there. She meets up with the mayor to help plan this event. She dated the mayor for a very short while back in college. The man who owns the Pemberley manor is a very rich and renowned man who is coming to town. She falls in love with him eventually.

This story is fragmented and distorted every which way. There is no cohesiveness to the storyline, the scenes are broken up from one to the next, we don't know exactly what, who, why, or where things are going to end up, and frankly we just don't care. I was lost about a third of the way in, and I didn't mind much. I left the movie running on my TV in the background while I did some minor errands, and did not miss out one bit. I really love Lowndes she is in my top three Hallmark females, and she was not able to bring about any sort of value to this lifeless film. Oh well.

Don't waste your time. No really, don't. I love you Jessica! I'm so sorry sweetheart. Like you echoed, something about love is never really far away... Merry Christmas to you. :)

Sometimes things are so bad you need to speak up

[wagdiddy · 2/10 · 18 November 2018]

I love most of the Christmas Hallmark movies. Every now and then, one of them is a dud. Christmas at Pemberley Manor was a dud for me.

Jessica Lowndes (main character Elizabeth Bennet) is not easy to watch nor listen to. She's not totally unattractive but if you look at her for too long, you start to get uneasy. I look away for a second and then I'm ok, but when you couple that with her annoyingly monotone and very fast speaking voice, I just couldn't handle it. Every line she delivered was in exactly the same tone, speed (too fast!), cadence, and expression. I think she maybe should be "behind the scenes" like her character in the movie preferred to be. Maybe she needs more acting classes?? Maybe acting isn't her thing? It's not for everyone.

I liked Michael Rady. I'd love to see him in more roles with better actresses. He was very believable and likable and easy on the eyes. I think he can easily become the number one Hallmark Hearthrob.

The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy seemed very unnatural. The dialogue was stilted and forced and almost high-school level---way too silly for a couple obviously in their mid 30s.

The story was the typical Hallmark plot. We always enjoy predicting the outcome and we are usually right. The movies always have the Love Interest, the Supportive Best Friend, the Evil Boss, a Helpful Assistant, and there's always a festival of some sort. This one was no different, but I WAS surprised by what Kristopher turned out to be; none of us saw that twist coming. That definitely turned on the ridiculous radar. Nothing wrong with that, but there was nothing else indicating that this was going to be a "magical" movie so it seemed a bit jarring and out of place.

The house they used for Pemberley Manor was gorgeous. What a stunning piece of architecture. It's a house made for Christmas.

Thank you for the effort, Hallmark. I appreciate it. This one missed the mark for me, however.

New Hallmark holiday favourite

[bugzz-26565 · 9/10 · 23 November 2018]

I loved this movie. Of the 15 hallmark movies I've watched this year, it was my favourite. I hope it comes back for years to come. Michael Rady has a way of pulling off a very formal speech and making it believable and not awkward at all. I thought the chemistry was believable, and not awkward at all. Great cast, good story (for a Hallmark movie).

Christmas sat Pemberley Manor

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 6/10 · 20 July 2019]

6/10 - good Christmas flick that was slightly ruined by the whole Santa lives in the town element

Disappointed

[sn0ogums · 1/10 · 11 November 2018]

I was so looking forward to this. I love Michael Rady (although I'm not too crazy about the girl). But I didn't get the plot. I just couldn't get what it was all about. And the music was too loud! It's on during the dialogue too! It drove me nuts and took away from the enjoyment of the movie.

Christmas At Pemberely Manor 2018

[Kmn918 · 10/10 · 25 December 2018]

This was my favorite Christmas movie of Hallmark this year!!! Michael Rady was perfect as William Darcy! His chemistry with Jessica Lowndes as Elizabeth was perfect.

Surprisingly good...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 5 December 2021]

Well, the cover for this 2018 Hallmark Christmas movie titled "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" wasn't exactly the most of interesting or inspiring covers, so I was a little bit reluctant about sitting down to watch this movie from director Colin Theys.

However, with "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" being a movie that I hadn't already seen, and this being December and all, of course I opted to sit down and watch it. And I certainly don't regret doing so, as "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" was one of the more interesting and entertaining of Christmas movies that I have sat through here in 2021 so far.

The storyline told in "Christmas at Pemberley Manor", as written by Rick Garman, was actually interesting. Sure, it had some contents of the obligatory Christmas cheese and sappy romance, as much of these Christmas movies tend to have, but the underlaying storyline was one with a proper heart and it was actually rather enjoyable to watch.

The acting performances in "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" were good, and it was a cast ensemble of all unfamiliar faces to me. And that is something that I enjoy in movies, so that definitely counted for something. Jessica Lowndes and Michael Rady definitely carried the movie quite well.

If you are into Christmas movies, and find yourself with the opportunity to watch "Christmas at Pemberley Manor", do it. I was genuinely entertained by this movie.

My rating of "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Runt of the litter

[tim-783 · 1/10 · 30 October 2018]

Hallmark commissioned 22 new Christmas movies for 2018. This was the first to air - a full two months before Xmas. I'm guessing it was shown first because - after viewing it - the powers that be saw this as a very weak effort.

I'm troubled by what passes for a Christmas movie these days. The bar is so low. Apparently, all you need is some attractive actors, a Christmas tree and a happy ending and your OK. The modern Christmas movie is like porn for the sentimental.

I'll just address two ways "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" fails.

The movie is about a Christmas festival in a small town. It's a big deal - the whole town comes. There are a few scenes when everyone at the festival gathers round for a song or a reading of a poem. The camera pans over the massive crowd - of about 20. It is difficult to believe that Christmas has been saved for an entire town when 20 show up. I guess the budget could afford no more. Just sad production.

A more fundamental failure is the writing. We meet the protagonists early on. He is a handsome billionaire workaholic who has returned to the home of his childhood Christmases, to spend the holidays alone. She is the perky event planner in charge of the Christmas festival. Now, anyone who has seen more than two Christmas movies knows they are going to be in love by the time it ends. Romantic comedies (and their Christmas variant) have this in common. We all know where we are going to end up. The task for all involved is to make the journey interesting.

What is required to make the story funny, memorable or even watchable are some obstacles in the road, on the way to getting to the end. The obstacles to the inevitable romantic ending in "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" are so slight as to be absent. They are like 20-year-old speed bumps in a parking lot - you no longer even notice they are there.

Every story requires, in some manner, the resolution of conflict. Effectively, "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" has no conflict. Atrocious writing.

All of the ingredients were available to make "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" a decent effort. The finished work says nobody really tried.

Ultimately a good message

[renda-622-974225 · 7/10 · 1 January 2023]

Although the story is a typical Hallmark theme, it was fun to watch Jessica Lowndes and Michael Rady shine in their roles in which they overcome past hurts and experiences and transition from cold, business people to soft, compassionate people.

Also the glaring drama of demanding bosses, hopefully helps people realize that working for that kind of boss isn't worth it. You're worth more than that! Find another job!

The message of rising above fear and discomfort, and instead do things for the good of the community, was lovely. Love, sacrifice, and compassion for others is part of the true Christmas story, which is the love of the Father because of His compassion for His people and the gift of His Son, the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Michael Rady makes it watchable

[manfredpeter-09628 · 7/10 · 22 July 2020]

Jessica Lowndes pretty good at playing stupid characters but I just can't watch. So annoying. She should be retired. I guess I started review last time this was on. On this viewing, I'm taken in by Michael Radys performance. He actually can sell being attracted to Jessica Lowndes. Pretty impressive. Wish we could see more of him.