I struggled to get through the first thirty minutes or so, I am afraid. And it wasn't until the last thirty that I started to truly engage with the story, engage with the performances. At face value, the story is a warm and sweet one. With a city neighborhood as the backdrop, the movie gives you a bit of a sense of Harlem during the holiday season (I've been told). And, as another reviewer has pointed out, inner-city settings in Hallmark movies are rare. The story revolves around Jazmin (played by Olivia Washington), a successful corporate fixer who returns to Harlem for Christmas (the neighborhood where she grew up) after a bit of a talking to by Mama Belle (played Tina Lifford), as she puts it, 'I don't want any more dried fruit baskets. I want to see you'. When Mama Belle is injured in a yoga accident, Jazmin decides to stay longer and takes over the block's annual Christmas Jamboree. However, there is one catch, she has to co-chair the event with her old best friend Caleb (played by Will Adams). And so, our romance begins, as we watch the two prepare for this community holiday event, all the while reconnecting and maybe, just maybe, falling in love. The script was decent. The writer (and director), I thought, did a good job of setting the scene (e.g., the opening scene thru the neighborhood) and portraying a sense of community spirit. The dialogue too, especially between Mama Belle and Jazmin, felt real, authentic. One problem with the story, with the script, however, is the balance between drama, comedy, and romance is a bit off in some parts of the film. These elements should reinforce each other, reinforce the overarching narrative of the story, and this is not always the case here. Another issue is the acting. Overall, it is a mixed bag. I had a difficult time connecting with Washington's performance. She has several noticeably awkward scenes, particularly early on in the movie, which made her performance difficult to engage with, I felt. Don't get me wrong, she does have some good scenes, particularly in the second half of the film. Indeed, her performance in the latter half is strong. Similarly, Adam's performance took a while to grow on me. Unfortunately, the chemistry between the two was not very convincing. Simply put: their romance never really developed on-screen. I did not feel it, especially their kiss at the end. This is partly due to the script, as another reviewer suggests, and partly due to the acting, of course. What stood out for me, and what arguably kept this one afloat, was the performance of Lifford. She was absolutely delightful in her role as Mama Belle. Finally, the movie does instill a bit of Christmas spirit and holiday cheer. There are some fun and festive scenes, including the Christmas Jamboree. And you got to love the Christmas sweaters. What's up with the soundtrack? The music for much of the first hour is a bit odd, and distracting at times. All in all, 'A Holiday in Harlem' is a decent Hallmark Christmas movie, a warm story with some unexceptional acting.
17 Reviews
I give it a year!
adamjohns-4257527 October 2022
A Holiday In Harlem (2021) -
It was a simple film, but not overly exciting and the romance wasn't really at the forefront, with the focus on the jamboree instead.
Will Adams in the lead male role was cute and I felt that he was too good for the lead female, Olivia Washington's character, who still had a lot to learn even at the end, but nobody gave a bad performance.
As Christmas films go, it was pleasant and it definitely tried to incorporate something new, with Basketball and Poetry elements that had a seasonal twist, but it was all quite simplified.
I would probably say that this was a middle of the road effort. There wasn't a magic sparkle, but there was also no sickly sweet child or daft elf to spoil it either.
5/10.
It was a simple film, but not overly exciting and the romance wasn't really at the forefront, with the focus on the jamboree instead.
Will Adams in the lead male role was cute and I felt that he was too good for the lead female, Olivia Washington's character, who still had a lot to learn even at the end, but nobody gave a bad performance.
As Christmas films go, it was pleasant and it definitely tried to incorporate something new, with Basketball and Poetry elements that had a seasonal twist, but it was all quite simplified.
I would probably say that this was a middle of the road effort. There wasn't a magic sparkle, but there was also no sickly sweet child or daft elf to spoil it either.
5/10.
Neighborhood joy
TheLittleSongbird17 December 2021
Did like the premise, more so than most of the premises for this year's Hallmark Christmas output. Always hope that good premises are done justice and given good execution, and there are times where that is gotten and other times where the potential is wasted. Also instances where the premise doesn't appeal but the execution pleasantly surprised me. Hallmark's 2021 films had all three extremes, and all three extremes were obvious in the Christmas block.
'A Holiday in Harlem' doesn't waste its potential, but it also could have done a good deal more with it. Really did appreciate that it tried to do something different, but there are times where different doesn't always come off and it's executed unevenly in 'A Holiday in Harlem'. An example of a film that doesn't start off particularly good, but gets better if stuck with, which is a disappointment after three very impressive Christmas films from Hallmark in a row.
To me, 'A Holiday in Harlem' started off rocky with it taking too long to set up and some very awkward dialogue. Some of the editing seemed rushed looking and sloppy.
Did find too Olivia Washington and Will Adams rather stiff to begin with, particularly Washington who had too much of a fish out of water quality early on. Also thought there could have been more consistent chemistry, which isn't there at first and wouldn't even have been believable as a friendship. What would have helped though was if the relationship between them was developed more and didn't play as much second fiddle to the community stuff.
This sounds as if this reviewer thought 'A Holiday in Harlem' was bad. Not at all, actually thought that there were a lot of good things. Just thought that other 2021 Hallmark Christmas films were better and executed individual components more consistently. Both Washington and Adams improve from the middle act onwards, when the material becomes more natural and has more fun and heart. The supporting turns are very good on the whole, with a delightful Tina Lifford (classy, well meaning and fun) stealing the film. The chemistry also improves drastically, despite it never developing enough as a romance, but it's the heart warming community spirit feel that comes off best in the character interaction.
While not liking the editing sometimes, the film does look quite nice visually otherwise. Especially the colourful festive decor and the scenery. The music is also pleasant and fits nicely. The script gets a lot better later and sounds a lot less awkward and Lifford's dialogue brightens the spirits. The story likewise vastly improves, at its best in the heart warming last act (the section where most Hallmark films are at their weakest) and with the colourful Jamboree. It's light hearted and sincere and doesn't take itself over seriously, plus because of the different setting and scenario it is a lot less predictable than usual. The characters on the whole are easy to get behind and the community spirit really charms.
In summary, not great but worthwhile and worth sticking with if unsure initially. 6/10.
'A Holiday in Harlem' doesn't waste its potential, but it also could have done a good deal more with it. Really did appreciate that it tried to do something different, but there are times where different doesn't always come off and it's executed unevenly in 'A Holiday in Harlem'. An example of a film that doesn't start off particularly good, but gets better if stuck with, which is a disappointment after three very impressive Christmas films from Hallmark in a row.
To me, 'A Holiday in Harlem' started off rocky with it taking too long to set up and some very awkward dialogue. Some of the editing seemed rushed looking and sloppy.
Did find too Olivia Washington and Will Adams rather stiff to begin with, particularly Washington who had too much of a fish out of water quality early on. Also thought there could have been more consistent chemistry, which isn't there at first and wouldn't even have been believable as a friendship. What would have helped though was if the relationship between them was developed more and didn't play as much second fiddle to the community stuff.
This sounds as if this reviewer thought 'A Holiday in Harlem' was bad. Not at all, actually thought that there were a lot of good things. Just thought that other 2021 Hallmark Christmas films were better and executed individual components more consistently. Both Washington and Adams improve from the middle act onwards, when the material becomes more natural and has more fun and heart. The supporting turns are very good on the whole, with a delightful Tina Lifford (classy, well meaning and fun) stealing the film. The chemistry also improves drastically, despite it never developing enough as a romance, but it's the heart warming community spirit feel that comes off best in the character interaction.
While not liking the editing sometimes, the film does look quite nice visually otherwise. Especially the colourful festive decor and the scenery. The music is also pleasant and fits nicely. The script gets a lot better later and sounds a lot less awkward and Lifford's dialogue brightens the spirits. The story likewise vastly improves, at its best in the heart warming last act (the section where most Hallmark films are at their weakest) and with the colourful Jamboree. It's light hearted and sincere and doesn't take itself over seriously, plus because of the different setting and scenario it is a lot less predictable than usual. The characters on the whole are easy to get behind and the community spirit really charms.
In summary, not great but worthwhile and worth sticking with if unsure initially. 6/10.
Love the acting
txharrington24 November 2021
Different is good
Jackbv12316 November 2021
There are so many versions of a Christmas Jamboree in these movies. And the leading lady was dealing with a promotion for her job. But neither was quite the usual we expect.
The Jamboree had some different festivities than the typical. I loved the basketball thing with Santa. There were other things.
And instead of the usual idea of a promotion or else, this time, the lead was ready to pass on a promotion with no contigencies.
It was a very nice story showing some customs we don't usually see on Hallmark and a budding but rekindled romance. I wish I could say there was more chemistry between Olivia Washington and Will Adams. It was building, but there were so many other things and relationships going on that the romance didn't get as much screen time as I'd like.
I didn't get Jazmin at first, but as we see her backstory it makes more sense. What didn't make sense is that this big time "fixer" seemed to accomplish things more through luck and generosity of others than her own skill. I don't see how a good "fixer" can do well without starting out with better team dynamics. Jazmin took a long time to adapt to her team.
The Jamboree had some different festivities than the typical. I loved the basketball thing with Santa. There were other things.
And instead of the usual idea of a promotion or else, this time, the lead was ready to pass on a promotion with no contigencies.
It was a very nice story showing some customs we don't usually see on Hallmark and a budding but rekindled romance. I wish I could say there was more chemistry between Olivia Washington and Will Adams. It was building, but there were so many other things and relationships going on that the romance didn't get as much screen time as I'd like.
I didn't get Jazmin at first, but as we see her backstory it makes more sense. What didn't make sense is that this big time "fixer" seemed to accomplish things more through luck and generosity of others than her own skill. I don't see how a good "fixer" can do well without starting out with better team dynamics. Jazmin took a long time to adapt to her team.
Wrong Tone
athompsonblue28 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
They made this another light-toned Hallmark romance and family film. But the subject matter kind of called for a heavier drama. Jazmin's been ghosting her family, and has difficulty forming permanent friendships, because of her upbringing in three households. Then she's thrown the curveball of her parents getting back together. I'm not saying I wanted to see a bunch of yelling and screaming, but I do think this belongs in a drama.
Maybe it's because I'm an introvert with social phobia, but I just didn't care about what the people were fussing over. Changes to traditional festivities? Okay. No big deal.
If the male lead had something to get off his chest, then he should have done it near the start. Then Jaz and I could spend the whole movie warming up to him again. The way he yelled at her so late in the film was almost like a villainous heel turn. Where did that come from?! The way he talks to her is uncalled for. He even tries to gaslight her over the block party that he was previously supporting, and that everyone was onboard with. He gives a lame apology later, but I no longer wanted them to end up together. She could do better.
Maybe it's because I'm an introvert with social phobia, but I just didn't care about what the people were fussing over. Changes to traditional festivities? Okay. No big deal.
If the male lead had something to get off his chest, then he should have done it near the start. Then Jaz and I could spend the whole movie warming up to him again. The way he yelled at her so late in the film was almost like a villainous heel turn. Where did that come from?! The way he talks to her is uncalled for. He even tries to gaslight her over the block party that he was previously supporting, and that everyone was onboard with. He gives a lame apology later, but I no longer wanted them to end up together. She could do better.
I'm sorry, I tried to like this but...
shobbs-8608120 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was warm and sweet and Hallmark but the romance just didn't work... too much animosity, water under the bridge, and two leads who didn't need to be together (& really couldn't be). Try again Hallmark, with 2 more compatible leads?
Rating: On the 0-Christmas scale this gets "Mac N Cheese"
realmenlovehallmark5 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The claim that Hallmark simply regurgitates plots is in for a treat. Big city girl goes back to rural America to rekindle an old love flame this is NOT! No Ma'am, this flick goes straight to the big city and takes place in Harlem (actually filmed in Connecticut).
My problem with this movie is not the cast. It isn't even the plot. It's just that it feels really awkward to have Hallmark make a Christmas movie about the plight of inner city Harlem. The recipe that Hallmark uses is Granny's old recipe. And with Granny's old recipe, why mess with it? You don't! Ever! Hallmark is trying to be something it's not here...plain and simple. And it's meatloaf you don't want to eat....
The cast has some adorable moments, but the film editing was sub-par and distracting.
I'm just glad grandma, Mama Belle, hurt her Achilles tendon at the hands of the powerful executive, Jazmin. This required said Jazmin to stay in town to help throw the Christmas Jamboree. And who does she have to to work with? It just so happens *spoiler alert* that it is her old best friend Caleb.
Granny Mama Belle prods Jazmin on the feelings of the heart, and a battle with the head commences. Will Jazmin take the promotion as "Vice President of North America"? Or will she follow her heart and end up with Caleb?
Honestly, apart from the weirdness of Hallmark being in Harlem, this wasn't the worst flick in the world...I just won't watch it again.
My problem with this movie is not the cast. It isn't even the plot. It's just that it feels really awkward to have Hallmark make a Christmas movie about the plight of inner city Harlem. The recipe that Hallmark uses is Granny's old recipe. And with Granny's old recipe, why mess with it? You don't! Ever! Hallmark is trying to be something it's not here...plain and simple. And it's meatloaf you don't want to eat....
The cast has some adorable moments, but the film editing was sub-par and distracting.
I'm just glad grandma, Mama Belle, hurt her Achilles tendon at the hands of the powerful executive, Jazmin. This required said Jazmin to stay in town to help throw the Christmas Jamboree. And who does she have to to work with? It just so happens *spoiler alert* that it is her old best friend Caleb.
Granny Mama Belle prods Jazmin on the feelings of the heart, and a battle with the head commences. Will Jazmin take the promotion as "Vice President of North America"? Or will she follow her heart and end up with Caleb?
Honestly, apart from the weirdness of Hallmark being in Harlem, this wasn't the worst flick in the world...I just won't watch it again.
This Christmas Jamboree Needed More Sweetness, Light, Love, Understanding And Warmth.
P3n-E-W1s38 December 2022
Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Christmas In New York AKA A Holiday In Harlem.
Story: 1.25/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.25/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.25/2
Total 6.00/10
This seasonal love story is your basic awakening tale. Jazmin has a stable job and hasn't returned home in years because of her memories and the feelings they stoke. However, this year she's forced back by her Grandma and a little guilt trip (ain't Granny's masters of that psychological art). Because of an accident Jazmin causes, Granny's laid up and can't arrange the annual Christmas Jamboree, so guilt-ridden Jaz steps up to the plate. Little does she know that this Christmastime, her gift, will be the opening of her eyes, soul, and heart. The writer does a fair job of intertwining a few storylines. However, there are a couple of missed opportunities to add extra depth to this tale. The main one is the recoupling of Jaz's parents. After years of suffering through their separation, where Granny's house was the drop-off and pickup point for Jazmin during the annual Chrimbo kiddie shuffle, they have now gotten back together, once again forgetting there's a third member of their family. This plot line would've been marvellous to show the trials and tribulations that kids go through. Sadly, the writer glosses over it, and everything is Christmas Magicked away into Happily Ever After Land. They still could've had the same outcome but with more potency embedded into the matter, making for a more powerful story - something outstanding. But that's the sad thing about this picture: Everything is average and rehashed, and oftentimes feels that way. Even the direction, while decent, isn't outstanding, and the film, as it stands, could've benefited from more light-heartedness and heartwarming Christmasness.
I enjoyed Holiday In Harlem, but it's not a movie I'd revisit soon. As such, I'd only recommend it for viewing whenever your Christmas Movie watchlist is exhausted.
Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.
Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.
Story: 1.25/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.25/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.25/2
Total 6.00/10
This seasonal love story is your basic awakening tale. Jazmin has a stable job and hasn't returned home in years because of her memories and the feelings they stoke. However, this year she's forced back by her Grandma and a little guilt trip (ain't Granny's masters of that psychological art). Because of an accident Jazmin causes, Granny's laid up and can't arrange the annual Christmas Jamboree, so guilt-ridden Jaz steps up to the plate. Little does she know that this Christmastime, her gift, will be the opening of her eyes, soul, and heart. The writer does a fair job of intertwining a few storylines. However, there are a couple of missed opportunities to add extra depth to this tale. The main one is the recoupling of Jaz's parents. After years of suffering through their separation, where Granny's house was the drop-off and pickup point for Jazmin during the annual Chrimbo kiddie shuffle, they have now gotten back together, once again forgetting there's a third member of their family. This plot line would've been marvellous to show the trials and tribulations that kids go through. Sadly, the writer glosses over it, and everything is Christmas Magicked away into Happily Ever After Land. They still could've had the same outcome but with more potency embedded into the matter, making for a more powerful story - something outstanding. But that's the sad thing about this picture: Everything is average and rehashed, and oftentimes feels that way. Even the direction, while decent, isn't outstanding, and the film, as it stands, could've benefited from more light-heartedness and heartwarming Christmasness.
I enjoyed Holiday In Harlem, but it's not a movie I'd revisit soon. As such, I'd only recommend it for viewing whenever your Christmas Movie watchlist is exhausted.
Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.
Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.
Fantastic!
LittleRedGoddess21 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Hallmark has had some really good movies this year and this is one of the best. The whole cast was great as was the setting. Jazmin was the type of character you really sympathized with. You understood how hard it was to come home after having a kind of rough time as a child dealing with her parents divorce.
Caleb and Jazmin were a very sweet couple and I always love a friends to lovers storyline. I also really loved both of the couple's families.
Caleb and Jazmin were a very sweet couple and I always love a friends to lovers storyline. I also really loved both of the couple's families.
I had high hopes for this...
editing_budgie22 November 2021
The editing ruined it. Just terrible.
Great performances ruined by sloppy qork in the edit room.
The editing ruined it. Just terrible.
Great performances ruined by sloppy qork in the edit room.
Great performances ruined by sloppy qork in the edit room.
Great performances ruined by sloppy qork in the edit room.
The editing ruined it. Just terrible.
Great performances ruined by sloppy qork in the edit room.
Great performances ruined by sloppy qork in the edit room.
A Romantic Christmas Novel on the Screen!
bknb0215 November 2021
What a sweet Christmas show! I can see this will be a new classic!
The acting is all good and with the usual relaxed Christmas pacing with an above average relatability with the characters.
It was different for me seeing the usually dominant and elegant Tina Lifford portraying the grandmother matriarch. She did get to bring her assertive presence to the role though!
The romantic couple were cute and I guess it's better that they seemed to have no chemistry at the start. I thought oh no! This is a miss! But they grew on me as they seemed to grow on each other. I liked Jaz's dismissiveness! He guy I love with her was a real PITA and she handled it appropriately as a woman should Imo. Good back bone! No spoiler here!
I would imagine everyone will enjoy this new Christmas show!
The acting is all good and with the usual relaxed Christmas pacing with an above average relatability with the characters.
It was different for me seeing the usually dominant and elegant Tina Lifford portraying the grandmother matriarch. She did get to bring her assertive presence to the role though!
The romantic couple were cute and I guess it's better that they seemed to have no chemistry at the start. I thought oh no! This is a miss! But they grew on me as they seemed to grow on each other. I liked Jaz's dismissiveness! He guy I love with her was a real PITA and she handled it appropriately as a woman should Imo. Good back bone! No spoiler here!
I would imagine everyone will enjoy this new Christmas show!
A Home Run
spikeluvr15 November 2021
Hallmark has had a winning streak this year with Mrs Miracle and now this. They often show people who live in the city traveling back to a hometown for Christmas but they rarely show Christmas in a city neighborhood. I have no idea if Harlem or any neighborhood in New York is a close knit place but this is what I'd like to think they have. The relationships seemed real and the chemistry was great. The two leads were wonderful and their emotions seemed real. Tina Lifford has always been one of my favorite television actresses and her Mama Belle character was delightful. I loved the storyline of the divorced parents and how and why they did things the way they did. All in all a real home run for Hallmark.
Change of pace
kmossh1 December 2021
Jazmin Carter (Olivia Washington)
aab87426 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Favorite scene with
Jazmin Carter (Olivia Washington) - Blackmailing Sam into Deleting his Social Media Post and then being Forced to taste Lots of Dishes for the Christmas Eve Dinner. BTW #1, Olivia Washington (Jazmin Carter) Rocks!!! Love Her!!! BTW #2, I Loved this movie!
Jazmin Carter (Olivia Washington) - Blackmailing Sam into Deleting his Social Media Post and then being Forced to taste Lots of Dishes for the Christmas Eve Dinner. BTW #1, Olivia Washington (Jazmin Carter) Rocks!!! Love Her!!! BTW #2, I Loved this movie!
wardrobe - Clothing for Jazmine Character
gpetty-9117922 December 2021
Hallmark formula with authentic flair
anicho01-944-81253910 December 2023
Although this is the standard workaholic businesswoman returns home to contribute to the local Christmas festival, the script, writing, acting and Harlem location fleshes out the template and makes it more realistic.
Jazmin might be the standard business woman who businesses, but her fear of commitment due to traumatic parental relationships grounds the character. Caleb might be the standard hot guy in flannel who works with wood, but restoring vintage homes in Harlem is a believable business. Additionally, the actor's vulnerability and true desire for Jazmin made me cheer for the relationship. Honestly, he put more heat into his looks than I do into my chili. I can't say enough positive things about the relationship, but maybe that's also because the script was written by a woman.
As a bonus, the neighborhood cast of characters were utterly believable. There's always the negative knowing Nellie and the doubting Tom, but they helped ground Jazmin without going over the top into cartoon villains.
This was a good script. It showed African American culture without reducing us to impoverished stereotypes. It also showcased Harlem without portraying it as big city evil.
Hallmark has really increased its offerings / scripts and this is a great example. Don't just watch it because you're a person of color, watch it because you love holiday flicks. This is a great example of where the Hallmark formula can excel when you ground it believably.
Jazmin might be the standard business woman who businesses, but her fear of commitment due to traumatic parental relationships grounds the character. Caleb might be the standard hot guy in flannel who works with wood, but restoring vintage homes in Harlem is a believable business. Additionally, the actor's vulnerability and true desire for Jazmin made me cheer for the relationship. Honestly, he put more heat into his looks than I do into my chili. I can't say enough positive things about the relationship, but maybe that's also because the script was written by a woman.
As a bonus, the neighborhood cast of characters were utterly believable. There's always the negative knowing Nellie and the doubting Tom, but they helped ground Jazmin without going over the top into cartoon villains.
This was a good script. It showed African American culture without reducing us to impoverished stereotypes. It also showcased Harlem without portraying it as big city evil.
Hallmark has really increased its offerings / scripts and this is a great example. Don't just watch it because you're a person of color, watch it because you love holiday flicks. This is a great example of where the Hallmark formula can excel when you ground it believably.
See also
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