Hallmark have varied massively when it comes to their Christmas films, but have been pleasantly surprised by some of those from 2020, considering that any films were even made during these circumstances that year by them was something of a miracle. Other than Hallmark completest sake and that they have done some good and more Christmas films and films in general, my main reason for watching this was the always worth watching Lacey Chabert (one of the most popular Hallmark actresses for good reason).
'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' impressed me on the whole. It is not quite one of the very best 2020 Hallmark films, Christmas and overall, it is in the better end. 'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' is flawed in terms of story (then again that is not uncommon for Hallmark, but this time it's relatively different reasons than most),but the performances and atmosphere in particular more than made up for any misgivings. It is certainly in my mind a good representation of what Chabert's appeal is.
It isn't perfect by all means. The ending agreed is much too rushed and reliant on too neat coincidence and while being usually a non-fan of open-ended endings, this is agreed a case of it being a better way to end if included.
Did think too that it is a bit of a slow starter and some of the dialogue has degrees of awkwardness.
However, a lot works very well. Chabert is her usual perky, charming self and Stephen Huszar is a subtly easy going leading man. Their chemistry is understated but natural and genuine, which is more than good enough for me when watching a Hallmark film (as long as there is some form of chemistry that makes me happy). Lini Evans is solid support and it was interesting seeing Peter Kelamis in a non-voice acting role.
Furthermore, the film pleases visually, lovely festive locations attractively and never drably or garishly shot. The music isn't as intrusive as it tends to be with Hallmark while the direction gets the job done well. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow when it becomes more settled. The story is not too heavy while taking itself seriously and is both warm-hearted and has a light touch when necessary, the gentle charm and sincere sweetness more than ideal. The mystery element while not innovative is intriguing and investable, the twist did surprise.
Overall, solidly executed effort. 7/10.
Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas
2020
Action / Romance
Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas
2020
Action / Romance
Plot summary
Ben, a Wall Streeter, purchased the Snowfall Inn in Bevington NY in a quest to regain some happiness in life following a breakup, the inn, where he and his family stayed every Christmas since he was a child, the last place he felt truly happy. It's the Christmas season, the first time the inn has had substantial business since he took over, which if it doesn't continue means this move would have failed. It comes to light shortly after their arrival that many guests over the holidays received their prepaid stay at the inn not from who they initially believed but seemingly from the same unknown person for an equally unknown reason, they having no known connection to each other. Recently widowed Jasper, a musician, thought it was a gift from his wife for what was supposed to be their final Christmas together. Recently divorced third grade teacher Karen thought that she had won the vacation in a sweepstakes, timely as this is her first Christmas without her husband whose family with who she would have normally spent the holidays. Los Angeles-based Owen believed the vacation was a gift from his brother who would have known that he was looking for something special to do with his teenage daughter Cassidy in wanting to connect with her in he having joint custody with Cassidy's mother, his now ex-wife. But the most inquisitive of the recipients is Seattle-based lawyer Sarah, who believed the vacation was a gift from her company in knowing that she needed some time for herself as she took family leave to deal with her recently deceased lawyer mother's estate in Brooklyn, which included completing her few unfinished cases. As Sarah goes on a quest to discover who sent the gifts with Ben's help, all the recipients may believe the gifts were fate - especially Sarah and Ben who start to fall for each other in both their times of need - regardless of the original intention of the gift giver.
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Coming home
A pleasant and gentle rhythm to this Christmas movie...
I enjoyed this Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original Christmas movie. It had a pleasant and gentle rhythm to it, I felt. I enjoyed the mystery in this one; i.e., trying to figure out who brought these strangers together to the Inn, and how thru this process of trying to figure this out, they connected and bonded with each other. The atmosphere at the Inn was quite cosy and festive, which added to the warm and gentle feel of the movie. I agree with other reviewers on here, the ending seemed rushed; unfortunately, it was a bit of a letdown. As another reviewer said, "here is an idea, leave the mystery unresolved". For this one, I agree. It would have worked better to leave it to the imagination. Leaving this aside, what made the movie work, of course, was the acting. Overall, it was very good. Lacey Chabert (playing Sarah),a Hallmark regular, was fantastic in this role. She usually has impressive performances in this genre of film (which of course is why Hallmark keeps renewing her contract). Stephen Huszar (playing Ben) had both a strong and tender presence on screen, I thought, which worked well with Chabert's performance. Indeed, the chemistry between the two was subtle, yet, I felt it worked well in this one. The supporting cast, overall, had a great performance. What stood out to me was the role of Jasper, played by Leon. He had a very convincing performance; too bad we did not get to hear him sing more. The scenery, props, and sets were well-polished and festive (as I noted above about the Inn). Where can I get that Christmas chess set? I want one. No complaints about the music or music editing; the latter has been an issue for some, e.g., Lifetime Christmas movies this season. All in all, this is a lovely Christmas movie (though, a disappointing ending). It is a nice new edition to Hallmark's 2020 Christmas movie lineup.
Heartwarming story of Christmas
I really liked the whole cast of this movie. It's really a diverse group that have assembled to have Christmas together. We get to see Sarah (Lacey) unravel the mystery of why they are all in this lodge for Christmas. Without spoiling, it's a very nice story that warms the heart!!