The one mostly uncommon aspect of this movie is the instrumental performances of Christmas music with a classical flavor. Much of the rest of the story is the usual stuff revolving around the lead characters' quest for musicians to fill slots for a big concert.
As for developments in the plot, most of them were telegraphed taking away much of the surprise. I thought the movie tried too hard at times and overplayed some things where a little more subtlety might have worked better. One example is the repeated influence of the critic, Evelyn.
By now, Merritt Patterson is one of Hallmark's veterans, at age 30. She is talented and beautiful with eyes that capture the viewers' attention. Luke MacFarlane, at age 40, is equally a Hallmark veteran. I wish I thought their chemistry was great, but I'd give it more of a C grade. Margot, Patterson's character, is supposed to be a reserved professional concert performer and that's what we get - reserved.
One aspect which I thought was quite striking was Patterson's dress for the concert. It fit the tone perfectly. It was classically beautiful.
BTW observation: I would be curious to know if any of the actors contributed with the instruments they appeared to play. I don't expect so, but I would be pleasantly surprised if they did.
PS after second viewing - for me this movie fails the test - do I want to watch it over and over. After second time through, despite my like for both leads, I have no desire to watch this again.
As for developments in the plot, most of them were telegraphed taking away much of the surprise. I thought the movie tried too hard at times and overplayed some things where a little more subtlety might have worked better. One example is the repeated influence of the critic, Evelyn.
By now, Merritt Patterson is one of Hallmark's veterans, at age 30. She is talented and beautiful with eyes that capture the viewers' attention. Luke MacFarlane, at age 40, is equally a Hallmark veteran. I wish I thought their chemistry was great, but I'd give it more of a C grade. Margot, Patterson's character, is supposed to be a reserved professional concert performer and that's what we get - reserved.
One aspect which I thought was quite striking was Patterson's dress for the concert. It fit the tone perfectly. It was classically beautiful.
BTW observation: I would be curious to know if any of the actors contributed with the instruments they appeared to play. I don't expect so, but I would be pleasantly surprised if they did.
PS after second viewing - for me this movie fails the test - do I want to watch it over and over. After second time through, despite my like for both leads, I have no desire to watch this again.