CHARMING CHRISTMAS – Rossman’s department store prepares for the Christmas season, but its employees are not quite in the holiday spirit. The no-nonsense manager, Meredith, is busy with the store’s possible expansion for her parents Cheryl and Harold, the store decorator, Jessie, is focused on her son, and former Broadway dancer Olivia misses her life in New York City. When the handsome Nick comes to work as Santa Claus, though, he spreads holiday joy to Rossman’s, makes Christmas wishes come true, and even brings holiday romance to Meredith. The mysterious Nick has a secret or two in his sack of holiday cheer – could Nick be the real St. Nick?

First of all, permit me to say that this is the first of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas films that I truly got excited about. Actually, when I realized the premise of the film, I cringed and thought, “Another Santa Claus fairy tale film?” But let me say that this film delightfully proved any of my preconceived notions wrong. The story is clever, enchanting, and heartwarming, and the cast is impeccable. If you have grown weary of the predictable story lines that leave little room for sweet surprise, this is one that will engender a smile and remind you of the virtuous things in this world (as well as what is genuinely important in life). Although much of the story is what would be expected from a Hallmark Christmas film, this is a film that will entrance everyone in your family to the extreme. In fact, it is safe to say that there absolutely is something for everyone in this film. Whether you are six or one hundred six, I believe everyone can find a reason to enjoy this most charming of Christmas films.

Photo: Bruce Gray, Catherine McNally Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

As the parents of Meredith who are attempting to make the right decision for their future and the future of their store, Bruce and Catherine make the ideal couple.   Although I am not certain I have seen Catherine before (I may have without realizing it), I am certain I have seen Bruce as his resume is lengthy and full of works I recognize. These two are no strangers to the screen, and it is a pleasure to see the effortless way their fit into their roles.

Photo: Bruce Gray, Catherine McNally Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

As Harold and Cheryl Rossman, these two don’t ever force their way into the story line. They are a solid fixture in the film, and Meredith (played by Julie Benz whom I will review a bit later) constantly has their best interest in mind. Their performances are entirely authentic, and I never questioned who they were or what they wanted. And together, they are exactly what you desire from an elderly couple who is looking to retire and only wants the best for their only daughter.

Photo: Ashley Leggat Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

As Jessie, the devoted single mother who simply wants the absolute best for her son, Ashley portrays her character without a glitch.  I was thrilled to recognize Ashley from the Good Witch franchise, and here her character absolutely tugs the heart of anyone whose love for a child has caused his/her own dreams to take a backseat to what is best for the child.  Ashley so invests herself in this character that I found myself sympathizing with her more than once.

Photo: Ashley Leggat Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

Seeing Jessie’s interactions with her son is a vivid reminder of the supreme joy of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of a child.  Through a potentially frightening moment of time, Jessie is taught a lesson that only her son could teach her. Withdrawing from life and people is never the answer. In fact, in so doing, one’s life will be insufficient to provide the expected elation that comes with experiencing a life of devoted friendship and family.  Ashley adds incredible authenticity to this role as only she can, and it is her character that provides the highly dramatic moments in this story–a skillful addition to a Hallmark Christmas movie that might otherwise be deprived of any veritable emotional depth.

Vanessa Matsui as Olivia

Though an unfamiliar actress to me, Vanessa plays one of my favorite characters in the film.  As Olivia, the former Broadway dancer, she is the character who causes me to recall me what is significant in life.  I could identify with this character’s artistic temperament (music, drama, and writing are passions of mine), and I know exactly what it is like to be forced to choose between what appears to be the right decision on the surface and what is the best decision in actuality–especially when a dream is redirected. I was genuinely warmed by Vanessa’s characterization, and the connection she makes with her character rings true.

Photo: David Sutcliffe as Nick, Julie Benz as Meredith  Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

Of course, there is never any doubt that the central focus of the film is this couple–Nick and Meredith as portrayed by David and Julie.  Julie is a new preferred actress of mine as I have seen a considerable amount of her works (and most recently saw her in Sole Custody, a new favorite of mine), but David is an unknown to me.  As the principal couple, chemistry is something about which I am always vigilant, and there is no doubt that the chemistry between these two can be described as magical.

Photo: Julie Benz, David Sutcliffe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

After all, what could be more romantic than a carriage/sleigh ride in the gently falling snow?

Photo: Julie Benz, David Sutcliffe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

Although Julie’s character struggles against what she feels for this unusual man who identifies himself as Nick, she succumbs to his charms before she even discerns what is happening, hence the “magical” chemistry.  Whenever these two are together on-screen, the atmosphere is electric, fervent, and just delectable.  And in these scenes, the romance just thrills me to the core. I definitely adore this couple together.

Photo: David Sutcliffe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

It always takes a special actor to portray jolly, old St. Nick, and David is unquestionably one who can do that effortlessly. While as Nick he is strikingly handsome, he is equally believable as the jovial Father Christmas. Again, there is an enchanting quality about this character and the way David characterizes him.

Photo: David Sutcliffe Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Steve Wilkie

As Nick, the audience never questions his kindness, attentiveness, and involvement in every story. David has infused a special quality into this character that causes the viewers to conclude that everything will work out as intended.  While a myriad of actors could have played this role with equal prowess, I think Hallmark was wise in selecting David who is able to dexterously inject both roles (Nick and Santa) with credibility and genuine heart.

Photo: Julie Benz Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Steve Wilkie

Although the entire cast is immaculately cast, the fact that Hallmark chose the versatile Julie Benz to play Meredith was possibly their most intelligent casting decision.  Julie brings an extraordinary amount of talent and experience to this role, and I was completely captivated with her whenever she was on the screen.  She is able to bring the savviness and caution of the business world to this role with uncanny validity.  In fact, in the beginning, it is clear that Meredith has lost her joi de vivre (if she ever had it to begin with), and she is suspicious of Nick’s exact motivation. And playing Mrs. Claus? Oh, that is something to which this gal is violently opposed. That is for those who have small minds, but because her parents implore her to do so, she does it to placate them.

Photo: Julie Benz Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

Little does Meredith know that she is about to have the kind of Christmas she never knew she wanted. As Julie infuses her character with charm, wonder, and childlike joy as she discovers the true meaning of Christmas for the first time ever, she is able to endow her character a certain vulnerability that is not overdone nor counterfeit. It is Julie’s expertise that makes the character of Meredith so utterly believable and lovable.  Even though this film may be considered lightweight by some, Julie delivers the best of herself to this multifaceted character (which is why her character resonates with the audience on every level).

Photo: David Sutcliffe, Julie Benz, Bruce Gray, Catherine McNally Credit: Copyright 2015 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Brooke Palmer

At the heart of this film are these four individuals, and together, they are a formidable force in this whimsical tale. They play off each other expertly, and without this core group, the film would never be as charming as it is. Of course, the Mrs. Claus outfit is deemed as magical, but is that really what is going on here? Possibly there is another explanation for the unfolding of the fascinating chain of events.  But then again, if Nick is who says he is, maybe magic is the word this holiday season. Regardless of what you believe, this superior cast has delivered a practically perfect offering (the film ends far too soon), and it is one that will resonate with the entire family. Don’t be put off by the “magical” element because after all, isn’t Christmas supposed to be a special time when miracles can and will occur?

For more information:

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/charming-christmas

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