A Hallmark movie that doesn't really look or feel like a Hallmark movie.
Hallmark veteran Luke Macfarlane and the gorgeous Italia Ricci are fantastic as, respectively, the son of Santa Claus (Chris, of course) taking over the family business, so to speak, and Avery, an aspiring TV local host at Channel 71 in Dayton, Ohio, who is looking for her one big break. Turns out, she thinks she has caught the so-called Santa Crook breaking into her house - the scenes where Chris has to do his present delivery thing with his hands tied together are some of the best in the movie. It's a case of mistaken identity, though, which soon gets cleared up and what starts as an uneasy alliance becomes something much more. There were some twists and turns I just didn't expect to find in a Hallmark movie - very refreshing.
The chemistry between Ricci and Macfarlane is fantastic, and a well-written script that is actually funny (unlike, say, Haul Out the Holly or it's sequel) and suits the comedic chops of both actors. The best Hallmark work for both actors, if you ask me.
Fun stuff.
Hallmark veteran Luke Macfarlane and the gorgeous Italia Ricci are fantastic as, respectively, the son of Santa Claus (Chris, of course) taking over the family business, so to speak, and Avery, an aspiring TV local host at Channel 71 in Dayton, Ohio, who is looking for her one big break. Turns out, she thinks she has caught the so-called Santa Crook breaking into her house - the scenes where Chris has to do his present delivery thing with his hands tied together are some of the best in the movie. It's a case of mistaken identity, though, which soon gets cleared up and what starts as an uneasy alliance becomes something much more. There were some twists and turns I just didn't expect to find in a Hallmark movie - very refreshing.
The chemistry between Ricci and Macfarlane is fantastic, and a well-written script that is actually funny (unlike, say, Haul Out the Holly or it's sequel) and suits the comedic chops of both actors. The best Hallmark work for both actors, if you ask me.
Fun stuff.