ABOUT:
Despite constant threats from her ambitious neighbor, Kendall Riley fights heroically to save the family ranch.
In a surprising turn of events, Clint McCree, a Veterinarian and her neighbor’s son, arrives on the scene to deliver a calf from a cow having trouble giving birth. Gradually, a romance blossoms, until her neighbor’s henchmen scatter Kendall’s herd and she wonders if Clint’s concern is genuine or if he is part of his family’s effort to sabotage her land.
Filled with action, adventure, and emotion, this modern-day Western provides an engaging tribute to small towns, big dreams and the power of love. Stars Erin Cahill (Saving Grace, Red Widow, Sleepy Hollow), Nicholas Gonzalez (The Good Doctor, Walker Texas Ranger), A Martinez (Longmire, The Cowboys, Days of our Lives), and Lindsay Wagner (The Bionic Woman, Grey’s Anatomy)
I WAS SENT A COPY OF THIS MOVIE FOR MY PERSONAL REVIEW. I WAS NOT FINANCIALLY COMPENSATED, AND ALL OPINIONS ARE 100 PERCENT MINE.
First of all, I realize that we are now in January, and Christmas is but a distant memory for many of us. However, if you’re like me, you have many Christmas movies that you didn’t have time to see. And there’s something about watching a Christmas movie during the doldrums of January that just makes everything better. This is the perfect movie to extend the holiday season just a little bit longer. And in truth, Christmas is not the central figure in this movie. Yes, it plays an important part, but the story is about much more than hot cocoa, decking the halls, and exchanging Christmas presents. In fact, there is no snow in this movie because of where it takes place. This is an old-fashioned Western romance with Christmas elements and dynamic actors that tell a delightful story.
Many of the actors in this film are familiar to Hallmark (and other) viewers. Also, if you happened to catch The Legend of 5 Mile Cave earlier in 2019 (starring Jill Wagner and others), Producer Gary Wheeler is the director and producer of this film.
Erin Cahill is no stranger to Hallmark audiences. Just this past year, we saw her in Love, Fall & Order with Trevor Donovan. But throughout her career, she has been known and loved by Hallmark, Lifetime, and several major network show audiences. In truth, this is potentially my favorite character for her so far. She is so at-home on the ranch, and she is the consummate “girl next door” with a bit of fire!
(Don’t underestimate the power of an independent ranching woman like her!) Her character’s strength of purpose and indomitable perseverance add to her character’s overall persona. As Kendall Riley, she is fierce, loving, virtuous, and beautiful.
This leads us inexorably to her dashing co-star, Nicholas Gonzalez. To be honest, I only knew him from The Good Doctor, and to see him pop up as a romantic lead was a bit of a shock at first. But as Clint McGree, he is more handsome than I ever remember! He is very at-home in this role and in this environment which makes me want to see him in even more roles like this. I forgot about his character in The Good Doctor as I luxuriated in his charming persona. All too often, his doctor character on that show becomes the character who annoys you, but occasionally sets his arrogance aside and does the right thing.
He fully embraced and embodied this character, and I never once doubted his sincerity. His character is placed in an impossible situation in many ways, but his character rose to the occasion, not only to become the romantic veterinarian who sweeps Kendall off her feet, but also as the one who would fight for her honor and everything she believes in, no matter what comes against her.
Together, these two were the perfect pair. I have seen Erin opposite several great co-stars over the years, but I would venture to say that Nicholas is easily my favorite so far. Their chemistry was natural, effortless, and sweet. I wouldn’t mind seeing them opposite each other in the future. And both were at home out on the ranch! I couldn’t get over it!
As to Brick and Lillian McGree…
Can you even get more perfect than Lindsay Wagner and A Martinez?
More than likely, you are familiar with both powerhouse actors. Lindsay comes from The Bionic Woman as well as Hallmark in more recent years. And A is one whose lengthy, diverse career has spanned more decades and networks than I can detail here. Lindsay is the perfect mother/ex-wife who has come back home to celebrate what may be her and her son’s last Christmas with Brick.
And while she never stopped loving her ex-husband, she’s not about to make it easy for him as he continues to make decisions that place wedges further and further between the two of them. Her iron will and sweet disposition would be a challenge to portray if not undertaken by the amazing Lindsay, who plays her flawlessly.
As to Brick, well, he is the villain who has decided that if he can’t be happy, no one can be happy. However, so much of that apparent evil nature is just a cover-up for his true feelings. He is conflicted and troubled. However, this is a Christmas movie. Had someone with less acting chops than A played this role, I do believe it wouldn’t have been as believable. While some may complain that the transformation was too quick, I cite Ebenezer Scrooge as a perfect example that change can happen overnight.
Of course, what is a movie without its delightful supporting cast of characters? There are so many, but here are a few notables.
Dash Pomerantz and Dawntavia Pollard are such a darling pair as Marcus and Memphis respectively. They are Kendall’s best friends and helpers. And, it would appear, a potential romantic couple if Marcus can muster up the courage to make his feelings known. Both are new actors to me.
Dash is the ideal, cute friend/business aide to Kendall, and naturally, he is smitten with Memphis, the bodacious town gossip and hairstylist. I felt sometimes that Memphis was a bit overbearing, and I wondered if Dawntavia should have toned her down a bit.
But as the movie went on, I realized that was her character–bigger than life. And she was the perfect foil for the underrated Marcus, as played by Dash. I hope to see both of these actors in other productions in the future.
Also notable are Lance Nicholas as Gus (Memphis’ father and town mayor), Drew Waters as Hank (Brick’s henchman who appears to have no conscience whatsoever), and Danny Williams as Pete (the poor ranch-hand who only wants to earn an honest living to support his family).
Lance Nichols is not a stranger to the screen, and although I haven’t seen some of his best-loved works, I do recall him from various productions here and there. While his role is relatively small, it is humorous, and he plays Gus impeccably with that infectious smile of his. Of course, you do wonder what he really does all day…
I’ve seen Drew Waters in a handful of things over the years, but there is no doubt that this will be the most memorable. Playing a character with no redeeming virtues can be tough for any actor, but I would say Drew captured him well.
Danny Williams appears to be a newbie, but he really stood out to me on this film. I honestly hope to see him featured more prominently in the years to come.
So what do you say? Are you ready to check out this movie for yourself? Even though Christmas is over and we have to wait some three hundred plus days before it arrives again, this movie can help you bridge that gap. Moreover, this is easily the best non-Hallmark Christmas movie I saw for the 2019 season!
For more information, I invite you to check out the links below!
CHRISTMAS ON THE RANGE
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1 Comment
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It looks like a wonderful movie which I would enjoy watching.
