The Heiress of Christmas

The Christmas Heiress (2023) -

There was not a snowflakes chance in Hell that I was ever going to believe that Loryn (Katerina Maria) could be redeemed from the awful character she was as the film started out and I did not care even slightly to see how they might try and humble her as things progressed. I was not going to sit through something so obviously dire and unrealistic.

I got as far as her being sent outside to build a gingerbread house (How is that a retail activity?) and decided that she was nowhere near good enough for Aidan (David Pinard), who while not exactly the typical handsome, was actually way too nice for her and would not deserve any version of her that she might turn out to be, regardless of epiphanies and a stint at her Grandma's flagship store to teach her the ways of business and stop her being such a leach on the families finances.

It was also clear from the start that the film was done on the cheap.

I only got as far as I did because I was using the remote control to weigh wrapping paper down whilst cutting sellotape.

Just awful.

Unscored as Unfinished.

This is Reel One Entertainment Christmas 2023 season TV movie. It's pretty good compared to their overall mediocre Christmas 2022 season. Actually with some proper writing (later about it) it could be easily above average, and one of the better ROE one.

Technically, it's pretty good especially compared to the technical train wrecks from the previous season. The only issue, and it's not the big one is a obvious fake location. Yes, it was shot in Hamilton, Canada pretending to be Chicago, but the used stock footage was in lower range. Music score was nice, and no loud background music when cast talk/speak, no bad cuts, lightning or makeups, it was shot in the winter and not summer or autumn like so many Hallmark Christmas TV movies. One big plus for cool wardrobes. I really liked them.

I never watched Katerina Maria, the main lead. I would say the more movie went, she was better and better. David Pinard is a regular ROE supporting actor. I think he was pretty good as he was written very well. This is exactly how I would do in his place. I'm positively shocked how he was realistic even the first half of the movie is basically comedy. Their chemistry wasn't the best, but neither was non existent - enough to be believable. The supporting cast is fine, and they fit well in the overall story.

Writing and directing are all over the place. Act I is bad which is a never good sign in ROE TV movie as it always means overall bad movie incoming. However the more time passed, it became much better and around half I would rate it as above average (7*). Even bad start was actually later explained why was like that. Unfortunately, it didn't take long, and around the 2/3 of the movie Freda and 10,000 tea happened.

That moment completely destroyed pacing and believability in the movie. I'm going to blame director as if even writer wrote that, it is simply mind blowing how it wasn't changed. It's like a bad "it's over 9000!" Vegeta DBZ meme. Just why?! I understand that something bad has to happen so the main lead can finally shine, it's natural progression of the story, but not in that absurd and unrealistic way. Sure, movie was well after that (it transitioned into drama), but still, it ruined it.

If 10,000 didn't happen, and with a bit better Act I, I would rate it as above average (7*), but subverted expectations don't fly for me.

And obligatory don't watch trailer as it's the ROE one and for some unknown reason(s) it shows almost whole movie compressed.

Well worth the wait. Have been anticipating this film since the trailer was released earlier this year. This movie did not disappoint. The storyline is well written and produced with the right actors and actresses. The costumes and set are well designed and high quality. I love the Character Loryn with her well acted rich kid attitude and her brilliant facial expressions. The character Loryn was well conducted and thought out by the writer, producer, and of course the actress. I look forward to more movies in the future by this team, especially with Katerina Maria in the future. You will not be disappointed with this movie.

The Heiress of Christmas was one of the first Christmas movies I watched ever last year, and this festive season, I rewatched it. This movie is one of the three that got me into watching Christmas films. It was fun, funny, and sweet. I really enjoy this genre, where an irritating, spoiled character gradually transforms into a kind, warm-hearted person over the course of the story. I particularly liked the chemistry between Loryn and Aidan. Maybe Aidan was a bit too nice and patient with Loryn-I couldn't be that forgiving in real life! :) The supporting characters, like Helen, Sophie, and Aunt Phyliss, were also fantastic.

There are many types of movies, and Christmas movies are in a category of their own. You can't compare them with other genres, just as you wouldn't compare marshmallows, maple syrup, apples, and steak. When I watch a Christmas movie (my favorites come from Reel One, Hallmark, or MarVista), I press a button in my head, unplug from the real world, and simply enjoy the sugar-coated stories, (fake) snow-covered sceneries, familiar and fresh faces, and the inevitable happy ending. :) If I were to make a top 15 list (and yes, I think it's about time I did), The Heiress of Christmas would definitely be on it.

I do not watch Christmas movies much, since I usually find them quite boring, but this one is something else. I just could not stop laughing. I find it a very well written and executed movie, and the acting is superb. I really loved the story and the acting. Production is superb. I just could not wait to find out what was happening next. Very entertaining. And Katerina Maria did an amazing job portraying a spoiled girl! And it was really nice to see such a beautiful actress, having so much fun while acting in a movie.

I enjoyed this movie so much, that I think I will start watching more Christmas movies in the future.