There is nothing about this movie that isn't just another Hallmark standard formula but Brooke D'Orsay makes up for it with her charm. She and Daniel Lissing play off of each well which makes what could be a boring movie legitimately enjoyable.
31 Reviews
Classic corporate owner son wants to automate
Sir-Fred12 November 2018
Lissing and D'Orsay are the glue that holds together a story that has been told umpteen times. I struggled with some scenes such as the incompetence of the corporate guy (Lissing) in squeezing a tube of frosting. But smiles and laughs of Lissing and D'Orsay brighten many scenes. A six rating is probably generous...but those smiles...
Lovely Christmas
TheLittleSongbird22 June 2021
Nobody should watch Hallmark films with massively high expectations, their Christmas output particularly. If a Hallmark fan or wanting to see as many Christmas films as possible, expectations would understandably be higher. They are very formulaic with most of them being more of the same narratively and structurally, apart from sporadic attempts at changes of pace like this film. Some are above average and more, others are average and less.
'Christmas in Love' is one of the above average and more ones, and as far as 2018 Hallmark Christmas films go it is also one of the better ones in my view and proof that Hallmark can do good stuff. Which was actually evident well before seeing 'Christmas in Love'. It may not be exceptional or have much special to it, but it is a lot better than the rating (indicative of it being a middling effort) suggests in my view and better than a good deal of Hallmark Christmas films rated higher.
Brooke D'Orsay and Daniel Lissing are major selling points for seeing the film and their performances are among the best aspects. Both of them are immensely charming and very committed emotionally in roles that suit them beautifully and play to their strengths. D'Orsay especially. Really liked their chemistry too, which develops realistically and has a lot of honesty and heart. The rest of the cast are also good and it does help that the characters have personality and don't have exaggerated flaws (a pet peeve of mine and has been regrettably mentioned more than once with it being a common problem in Hallmark's films).
Furthermore, 'Christmas in Love' looks good. Especially the scenery, lovely festive locations attractively and it is never drably or garishly shot. The direction is sympathetic but not routine. Although the story is not perfect, it has a light hearted charm and a warm feel good centre without corn or over-sentiment creeping in.
It is at the same time quite formulaic, meaning that there are no surprises and a deja vu feeling throughout. The final third particularly is very same old and contrived, especially the misunderstanding.
Everything felt too neatly solved and unrealistically so considering the conflict that the misunderstanding caused. Some of the music felt intrusive.
On the whole, not great but a pleasant watch. 7/10.
'Christmas in Love' is one of the above average and more ones, and as far as 2018 Hallmark Christmas films go it is also one of the better ones in my view and proof that Hallmark can do good stuff. Which was actually evident well before seeing 'Christmas in Love'. It may not be exceptional or have much special to it, but it is a lot better than the rating (indicative of it being a middling effort) suggests in my view and better than a good deal of Hallmark Christmas films rated higher.
Brooke D'Orsay and Daniel Lissing are major selling points for seeing the film and their performances are among the best aspects. Both of them are immensely charming and very committed emotionally in roles that suit them beautifully and play to their strengths. D'Orsay especially. Really liked their chemistry too, which develops realistically and has a lot of honesty and heart. The rest of the cast are also good and it does help that the characters have personality and don't have exaggerated flaws (a pet peeve of mine and has been regrettably mentioned more than once with it being a common problem in Hallmark's films).
Furthermore, 'Christmas in Love' looks good. Especially the scenery, lovely festive locations attractively and it is never drably or garishly shot. The direction is sympathetic but not routine. Although the story is not perfect, it has a light hearted charm and a warm feel good centre without corn or over-sentiment creeping in.
It is at the same time quite formulaic, meaning that there are no surprises and a deja vu feeling throughout. The final third particularly is very same old and contrived, especially the misunderstanding.
Everything felt too neatly solved and unrealistically so considering the conflict that the misunderstanding caused. Some of the music felt intrusive.
On the whole, not great but a pleasant watch. 7/10.
Not too unlike "A Holiday for Love"
arathia14 March 2019
Very similar or maybe they use they same theme a lot. Corporate guy comes to small homey town to change things in a company and falls for the worker of said company as well as falls in love with the people of the town. Like recycling of a story with a few small changes.
OMG- wear a headnet already!
marshatosh27 November 2018
I love the two lead actors! They're cute together, and bubbly, and make an overused storyline seem not quite so overused. But it really, Really, REALLY bothered me that she set foot into the food processing area several times with her long flowing hair possibly shedding all over the baked goods!!! Very unhygienic and against code, probably. Why can't these holiday movies actually show proper procedures around food stuffs.
Tired of the poor details.
eb99921 December 2018
I really want to love Hallmark's Christmas films, but the phony and/or cheap details ruin them. The real plus in this film was the actors especially Brooke D'Orsay. So I rated this film with a six. But... the phony details ruin so much of the story and they are as follows:
1. Nobody ever looks really cold; and they never wear real coats. They also never wear warm hats...or gloves...or boots! Also we never see the misty breath which is the hallmark (ha, ha) of freezing temps. 2. There are little patches of snow around, but if you look in the background, you'll see plenty of deciduous trees, full of green leaves. These should be stripped bare! 3. The sun is WRONG! It has this intense brightness that is only seen in the summer. 4. Ms. D'Orsay runs around the bakery with flowing long hair. NOooo! She should be wearing the same head gear as the workers - or at least be wearing her hair up!
This lack of authenticity ruins the film for me. Instead of enjoying the show, I'm nitpicking every small mistake! And every year, I find myself watching fewer Christmas movies and enjoying the ones I watch less!
1. Nobody ever looks really cold; and they never wear real coats. They also never wear warm hats...or gloves...or boots! Also we never see the misty breath which is the hallmark (ha, ha) of freezing temps. 2. There are little patches of snow around, but if you look in the background, you'll see plenty of deciduous trees, full of green leaves. These should be stripped bare! 3. The sun is WRONG! It has this intense brightness that is only seen in the summer. 4. Ms. D'Orsay runs around the bakery with flowing long hair. NOooo! She should be wearing the same head gear as the workers - or at least be wearing her hair up!
This lack of authenticity ruins the film for me. Instead of enjoying the show, I'm nitpicking every small mistake! And every year, I find myself watching fewer Christmas movies and enjoying the ones I watch less!
Daniel Lissing...
kz917-126 November 2018
Let's be honest I watched this movie to see Daniel Lissing!
Typical plot points...
Baking!
Incoming CEO wanting to get in touch with the "people".
With holding identity.
Someone in need of Christmas Spirit.
This one checks all the boxes.
Bonus points for the several smoldering kisses!
Enjoyable..
Typical plot points...
Baking!
Incoming CEO wanting to get in touch with the "people".
With holding identity.
Someone in need of Christmas Spirit.
This one checks all the boxes.
Bonus points for the several smoldering kisses!
Enjoyable..
Brooke
Jackbv12312 November 2018
I know I'm prejudiced. There is something about the bright shining face and happy spirit that Brooke D'Orsay does so well. It's hard not to get drawn into that spirit when she has as much screen time as she does in this movie. Add Hallmark favorite Daniel Lissing and you have a winning combination. Give them plenty of screen time together and it's a winner.
There are only so many ways a plot like this can go. I thought there was a nice tiny twist with the rival. The way the Secret/Lie was discovered was totally natural, not forced. On the slightly negative side, Hallmark movie writers have a tendency to make it sound like the star's money making talent can be turned into gold, but if you watch many of these movies, that's not unusual.
There are only so many ways a plot like this can go. I thought there was a nice tiny twist with the rival. The way the Secret/Lie was discovered was totally natural, not forced. On the slightly negative side, Hallmark movie writers have a tendency to make it sound like the star's money making talent can be turned into gold, but if you watch many of these movies, that's not unusual.
Cast
judyharl21 July 2020
Love Brook D'Orsay not a fan of Daniel Lissing too structured always plays too classy.love Mary-Margaret Homes other casting not familiar with.
Charming small town.
The man playing Daniel Lissing's dad so caring nothing like his son who wants to automate.Brooke's dad in movie so caring also .
Not good chemistry with 2 leads
Okay Not Great
Christmas-Reviewer16 July 2019
Review Date 7/16/2019
Ellie Hartman is an aspiring crafter working in her small town's bakery making famous Christmas Kringles. When the new, big-city CEO Nick Carlingson visits the bakery, he arrives filled with modernization ideas destined to lay off many employees. During his visit, Ellie is to teach Nick how to make a Kringle, and determined to show him it's the people who make the business a success, not machines. Nick meets more of the employees and townspeople, visits the food bank and begins to see all the kindness that is shared, and he begins to soften - though not convinced automation isn't better.
The film is nothing special. Its okay but by once you go to sleep you will forget this film.
Ellie Hartman is an aspiring crafter working in her small town's bakery making famous Christmas Kringles. When the new, big-city CEO Nick Carlingson visits the bakery, he arrives filled with modernization ideas destined to lay off many employees. During his visit, Ellie is to teach Nick how to make a Kringle, and determined to show him it's the people who make the business a success, not machines. Nick meets more of the employees and townspeople, visits the food bank and begins to see all the kindness that is shared, and he begins to soften - though not convinced automation isn't better.
The film is nothing special. Its okay but by once you go to sleep you will forget this film.
Nice story
Becky14519 December 2019
I would watch anything with Brooke in it. She's a natural and you feel like she's kind of just being herself. A genuinely sweet lady.
Now with that said, the storyline had a few, nice differences from the typical Hallmark norm but some of the usual things were annoying. There's always that misunderstanding at the end that needs to be cleared up. When the guy makes an attempt twice to clear it up nobody will let him speak. He's also not so desperate to clear the air and just blurt out that they are wrong and explain why. He just kind of says OK and turns around and leaves. Twice. I mean, seriously? This is not real life and it just kills what was such a great story. They could've found a happy heartwarming way to end it with him coming to her and explaining why he was not going to make the changes he thought he would and tell her that was all because of her warm spirit and everything she taught him. That he learned a new life lesson. Instead the writers think it's fun to have this happy build up and then they tear it down and then all is happy again. Its not fun. It's just silly Hallmark.
I do recommend the movie but be forewarned the typical Hallmark cheese is at the end. Interior decorations were once again a little overdone. I would watch it again and I'm on the fence as to whether or not I would seek it out and record it. Brooke is the main reason I would watch again.
Now with that said, the storyline had a few, nice differences from the typical Hallmark norm but some of the usual things were annoying. There's always that misunderstanding at the end that needs to be cleared up. When the guy makes an attempt twice to clear it up nobody will let him speak. He's also not so desperate to clear the air and just blurt out that they are wrong and explain why. He just kind of says OK and turns around and leaves. Twice. I mean, seriously? This is not real life and it just kills what was such a great story. They could've found a happy heartwarming way to end it with him coming to her and explaining why he was not going to make the changes he thought he would and tell her that was all because of her warm spirit and everything she taught him. That he learned a new life lesson. Instead the writers think it's fun to have this happy build up and then they tear it down and then all is happy again. Its not fun. It's just silly Hallmark.
I do recommend the movie but be forewarned the typical Hallmark cheese is at the end. Interior decorations were once again a little overdone. I would watch it again and I'm on the fence as to whether or not I would seek it out and record it. Brooke is the main reason I would watch again.
Why does she go in the food prep room with no hair net?
beachy-3843122 July 2019
Because movie makers are more interested in pretty than accuracy. As a retired firefighter, I hate movies or TV shows that show all fire sprinkler heads going off at once. That is NOT how they work, but it makes the scene funny. I had property owners not want to install sprinkler systems because they did not want all heads going off at once if there was a fire. I wonder how many people have been killed or property damaged because of these shows? So just keep these in mind when you are watching that next movie or TV show. What you are watching is probably not realistic, just artistic.
cover your damn hair..
kness231 December 2018
Christmas in Love
JoBloTheMovieCritic20 July 2019
Where is the 2nd movie?
mhcreamer4 August 2019
Christmas in Love was a great feel-good show. It showed people helping people less fortunate than them and blessing them as result!
My only regret is this was Part 1 of a 2 part movie and I have yet to find Christmas in Love Part 2 🙄 can anyone help me with my dilemma? I would appreciate it.
My only regret is this was Part 1 of a 2 part movie and I have yet to find Christmas in Love Part 2 🙄 can anyone help me with my dilemma? I would appreciate it.
I'm probably in error on this one
MickyG33316 January 2023
7.4 stars.
This has a feel good quality more than most in that it's mainly for the Christmas hope and joy. That is the sole reason for a 7.4 rating. What we have in this film is a good message which is mainly about honesty. The other traits encouraged are the importance of joy, following your dreams, and good honest hard work.
The film contains romance, and the leads are very charismatic and gorgeous, however what is lacking is tension, expectation, buildup, and raw emotion. I felt this was a bit more on the cookie cutter side and less the emotional and pure romantic side. I don't know if it's simply my mood, or the x-factor is just lacking somehow. I feel as if I'm wrong, because it seems like I should give this a 8.0 or higher, but I just wasn't deeply moved or affected by the love. Brooke D'Orsay is wonderful, easy to love, and her character is deserving of our sympathy. I was engaged with her presentation. Daniel Lissing is also good, although there aren't many expressions coming from him, so I'm a bit curious as to what the hoopla is all about. I think it's because he's a 10/10 on the smoking hot meter. Ok, that's fine, and so I'll defer my rating on this movie to those who idolize him.
This has a feel good quality more than most in that it's mainly for the Christmas hope and joy. That is the sole reason for a 7.4 rating. What we have in this film is a good message which is mainly about honesty. The other traits encouraged are the importance of joy, following your dreams, and good honest hard work.
The film contains romance, and the leads are very charismatic and gorgeous, however what is lacking is tension, expectation, buildup, and raw emotion. I felt this was a bit more on the cookie cutter side and less the emotional and pure romantic side. I don't know if it's simply my mood, or the x-factor is just lacking somehow. I feel as if I'm wrong, because it seems like I should give this a 8.0 or higher, but I just wasn't deeply moved or affected by the love. Brooke D'Orsay is wonderful, easy to love, and her character is deserving of our sympathy. I was engaged with her presentation. Daniel Lissing is also good, although there aren't many expressions coming from him, so I'm a bit curious as to what the hoopla is all about. I think it's because he's a 10/10 on the smoking hot meter. Ok, that's fine, and so I'll defer my rating on this movie to those who idolize him.
Seen it before
herrcarter-9216111 May 2023
It seems like the whole trope of the son of the evil corporation's president masquerading as a normal dude and falling in love with the girl whose company he's going to wreck has been done to death. We've seen it all before. The 2 leads seemed to have good chemistry, and Brooke D'Orsay especially was extremely likable, so that seemed to compensate for the cliched storyline.
I'm not a huge fan of these stories where a small company is resisting automation to save the jobs of their employees. The whole idea is kind of stupid. Only in a Hallmark movie does it make sense not to modernize your company with automation. Companies that fail to do so are quickly put out of business by their competition, putting all of their employees out of work, not just those replaced by machines. This movie makes a better case than most for not replacing humans with machines. The Kringles in this movie seem to be something that a human would have to make. It would be hard for a machine to do it. But honestly, why would the employees in this movie be so hell-bent on keeping a job making those pastries? What a mind-numbingly boring job! Maybe a few of them could invest in education or training to be able to get a better job than as a working stiff in a baked goods factory. Just saying.
Otherwise, this movie is harmless fluff. Something you'll be entertained by for 90 minutes, but will soon forget afterwards.
I'm not a huge fan of these stories where a small company is resisting automation to save the jobs of their employees. The whole idea is kind of stupid. Only in a Hallmark movie does it make sense not to modernize your company with automation. Companies that fail to do so are quickly put out of business by their competition, putting all of their employees out of work, not just those replaced by machines. This movie makes a better case than most for not replacing humans with machines. The Kringles in this movie seem to be something that a human would have to make. It would be hard for a machine to do it. But honestly, why would the employees in this movie be so hell-bent on keeping a job making those pastries? What a mind-numbingly boring job! Maybe a few of them could invest in education or training to be able to get a better job than as a working stiff in a baked goods factory. Just saying.
Otherwise, this movie is harmless fluff. Something you'll be entertained by for 90 minutes, but will soon forget afterwards.
Brooke was so annoying!
jasminechai1726 January 2019
I found there was no chemistry between Daniel and Brooke and she was so annoying, such a shallow person and she was to "up" all of the time, like a Miss USA Beauty Pageant contestant, how is she even a relatable heroine to Hallmark viewers? This was definitely a terrible movie and I had to turn it off, even with Daniel Lissing in it. Hallmark needs to cast him with a compatible actress where they exhibit good chemistry!!
Loved this movie.
caryohkey21 November 2018
A Christmas Favorite of mine
Pete-Claus30 December 2020
I've thought about this film a number of times since I first saw it. That qualifies it to be on my IMDB "Christmas Movie Favorites" list.
I consider this to be a "Hidden Gem" - a lower-rated or lesser known movie that I believe is much better than the overall numerical IMDB Rating would lead you to expect.
I consider this to be a "Hidden Gem" - a lower-rated or lesser known movie that I believe is much better than the overall numerical IMDB Rating would lead you to expect.
No Chemistry
ssbestill27 October 2020
It could have been better if the leading actress follow the rules as well.
ramsgate-5737628 November 2022
It could have been better if everyone goes into the clean room of bakery (production room) with full gowning boots and gloves, hair covers. Which they were doing, except the leading female actress. Her hair is always down in the clean room, she wears an apron on her street clothes instead of full gown. The scene doesn't make sense. Don't they have a consultant from real bakery or food industry advising them that Brooke D'Orsay needs to tie her hair and put a cover on it too?
Lately noticing most of the Hallmark movies involves with cooking, baking, restaurant doesn't seem care how the leading female actresses don't follow the kitchen rules.
Lately noticing most of the Hallmark movies involves with cooking, baking, restaurant doesn't seem care how the leading female actresses don't follow the kitchen rules.
Lacked that Christmas Magic We Love. Good Movie. Great Cast.
gehewe12 January 2019
My wife summed it up pretty well "This movie didn't have it". She fell asleep both times we watched it. We only got half-way the first time. We watched it again from the beginning and it is a good movie. How can you more delightful actors than Brooke D'Orsay and Daniel Lissing. Their screen presence was amazing and the movie featured the two of them throughout which is what made it good. There was no real excitement in the story and that made it a bit dull. The title did not match the movie. Maybe "Christmas Circle" to emphasize the wreaths Ellie makes. Christmas in Love might have been an OK title, if it had taken place in Love, Missouri. We look forward to seeing these actors next year.
Not my guy.
adamjohns-425752 December 2022
Christmas In Love (2018) -
I did not like Daniel Lissing in the role of Nick to start with, he wasn't even that nice to look at. Although Brooke D'Orsay as Ellie didn't exactly react well to him.
I don't think he really grew on me that much as it progressed either, but I didn't mind them getting together at the very end. It was a bit touch and go whether I would watch it all the way through at all though, because he just gave me the creeps.
I would definitely have preferred it for Ellie to get back with her ex instead. Jamie Spilchuk in the role of Carl wasn't exactly what you would call gorgeous, but there was a charm about him and he seemed like a much nicer character than Nick.
The film had some lovely Christmassy moments and ideas. I also liked the fact that it showed a corporate man who actually had a clue about looking after his staff properly and seeing them as more than numbers, with the character of Mr Carlingson (Nick's Dad). The fight tends to be the other way around in most of these films.
There were some elements that were hard to believe, but as a whole, it wasn't a bad film, I just didn't really like Nick.
4.25/10.
I did not like Daniel Lissing in the role of Nick to start with, he wasn't even that nice to look at. Although Brooke D'Orsay as Ellie didn't exactly react well to him.
I don't think he really grew on me that much as it progressed either, but I didn't mind them getting together at the very end. It was a bit touch and go whether I would watch it all the way through at all though, because he just gave me the creeps.
I would definitely have preferred it for Ellie to get back with her ex instead. Jamie Spilchuk in the role of Carl wasn't exactly what you would call gorgeous, but there was a charm about him and he seemed like a much nicer character than Nick.
The film had some lovely Christmassy moments and ideas. I also liked the fact that it showed a corporate man who actually had a clue about looking after his staff properly and seeing them as more than numbers, with the character of Mr Carlingson (Nick's Dad). The fight tends to be the other way around in most of these films.
There were some elements that were hard to believe, but as a whole, it wasn't a bad film, I just didn't really like Nick.
4.25/10.
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