It was saddening for me to not like 'A Christmas Carousel' more. Hallmark did do some surprisingly very well done films in 2020, which one doesn't expect from a company that usually works to tight deadlines and low budgets and then with the pandemic on top, with some of the best coming from the Christmas block. Have seen some of Rachel Boston's other work and have liked her in other things. Also did like the concept and thought it quite charming potentially.
'A Christmas Carousel' unfortunately turned out to be rather bland and charmless and even Boston can't redeem it. 2020 did see some good Hallmark Christmas films, actually thought the Christmas batch was a lot better than expected on the whole, but there were also some misfires. Of which 'A Christmas Carousel' is one of them, and one of the worst. If there is a contender for the worst 2020 Hallmark Christmas film, this would be a strong contender, or at least the blandest.
There are a few redeeming qualities. It is a nice looking film, with very attractive and at its best magical scenery that really does give off a festive vibe. Complemented beautifully by the photography.
Did think the film started off decently and that Neal Blesdoe had a nice charismatic charm.
However, the rest of the acting is at best bland and nobody looks as though they disappeared into the roles and instead looking as if they had just about memorised the script. This is including Boston, who comes over as rather cold and uptight. She and Blesdoe generate very little chemistry together in a severely undercooked in writing relationship, and none of the characters came over as interesting or likeable. Boston's character's arrogance was taken to extremes for example.
Furthermore, the story is very atmospherically bland and very unengaging from doing absolutely nothing new with familiar ground, so it all feels tired. Pace wise, the film drags quite a bit. The script is awkward and goes overboard on the corn and schmaltz. Absolutely agree regarding the ending, which is horrendously cheesy and is not even entertaining enough for unintentional laughter. There is not much memorable about the music, which is very typical Hallmark in tone and could have been used with more subtlety. The far too sugary sweet mutilation of one of the most beautiful carols ever written was unforgivable.
Concluding, pretty weak. 3/10.
'A Christmas Carousel' unfortunately turned out to be rather bland and charmless and even Boston can't redeem it. 2020 did see some good Hallmark Christmas films, actually thought the Christmas batch was a lot better than expected on the whole, but there were also some misfires. Of which 'A Christmas Carousel' is one of them, and one of the worst. If there is a contender for the worst 2020 Hallmark Christmas film, this would be a strong contender, or at least the blandest.
There are a few redeeming qualities. It is a nice looking film, with very attractive and at its best magical scenery that really does give off a festive vibe. Complemented beautifully by the photography.
Did think the film started off decently and that Neal Blesdoe had a nice charismatic charm.
However, the rest of the acting is at best bland and nobody looks as though they disappeared into the roles and instead looking as if they had just about memorised the script. This is including Boston, who comes over as rather cold and uptight. She and Blesdoe generate very little chemistry together in a severely undercooked in writing relationship, and none of the characters came over as interesting or likeable. Boston's character's arrogance was taken to extremes for example.
Furthermore, the story is very atmospherically bland and very unengaging from doing absolutely nothing new with familiar ground, so it all feels tired. Pace wise, the film drags quite a bit. The script is awkward and goes overboard on the corn and schmaltz. Absolutely agree regarding the ending, which is horrendously cheesy and is not even entertaining enough for unintentional laughter. There is not much memorable about the music, which is very typical Hallmark in tone and could have been used with more subtlety. The far too sugary sweet mutilation of one of the most beautiful carols ever written was unforgivable.
Concluding, pretty weak. 3/10.