88 reviews
Not Quite There
Sweet movie, but lacking in more story, and the biggest problem was definitely the military issues. As my husband said, "If this was a drinking game to drink whenever you find an error, you'd be on the floor before the movie was done." He was in the Army & Air Force for 20 years, and is a military history aficionado. Even I noticed that there was too much long hair and facial hair for any of the US military. My husband noticed too many points to mention, (or completely understand) including all of the military vehicles with civilian plates. Please hire someone to get these things correct! My husband, along with several other US Vets are available!
"Time is our most precious gift of all"
Taylor and Luke meet while he is dressed as Santa and she is mourning a loved one. They talk, he even sends a gift and they dont see each other until the next year.
This movie is about a long distance relationship that is 3 years in the making (I think that is a first for Hallmark). It's definitely not what we are used to.
I thought the movie was quite heartwarming, there were moments between the characters that I felt I was intruding. You can feel how much Kevin and Kayla adore each other and they were happy to be there together.
Now, on the other hand, it is quite slow and there were moments that bored me. I'm not that happy with the ending either. It felt rushed. I thought it was heading in another direction. I also had questions, are civilians allowed there? Is this relationship doomed? They have barely spent time together, physically. What about his career?
Anyway, A+ for the effort Hallmark. But not the biggest fan. However, I would love to see more of Kevin and Kayla together, specially Kayla as a lead.
This movie is about a long distance relationship that is 3 years in the making (I think that is a first for Hallmark). It's definitely not what we are used to.
I thought the movie was quite heartwarming, there were moments between the characters that I felt I was intruding. You can feel how much Kevin and Kayla adore each other and they were happy to be there together.
Now, on the other hand, it is quite slow and there were moments that bored me. I'm not that happy with the ending either. It felt rushed. I thought it was heading in another direction. I also had questions, are civilians allowed there? Is this relationship doomed? They have barely spent time together, physically. What about his career?
Anyway, A+ for the effort Hallmark. But not the biggest fan. However, I would love to see more of Kevin and Kayla together, specially Kayla as a lead.
Should Have Had Army Consultant!
Ok, except for haircuts, uniforms and flying fiancés into remote dangerous areas. Not Army-realistic😩 not believable if you ever served! Leads attraction seemed real!
- frankjmonaco-44745
- Jul 11, 2022
- Permalink
It was cute
The movie was good and thought it was cute. The military aspect as way off though. The hair was too long, lapel rifles crooked, etc. If they're going to use the military in a story line at least make sure things look more put together.
- lilysmommy-17963
- Jul 25, 2022
- Permalink
Spoilers
Feel Good Christmas movie
Lots of chemistry and a really sweet story told in this family friendly Holiday movie.
Reminds us of the many sacrifices that our Military personnel and their families make all of the time and especially at Christmas.
Reminds us of the many sacrifices that our Military personnel and their families make all of the time and especially at Christmas.
Good Story - Sloppy Soldiers
- garysteinweg
- Jul 11, 2022
- Permalink
Love It Anyway
My husband proudly served in the United States Army and we are a patriotic family. I really enjoyed, "My Grown-up Christmas List." In fact, it's in my top two movies so far this season. I looked past the errors made regarding military protocol because the storyline, acting and chemistry made me happy. I also like that it was filmed in the winter, so the weather wasn't faked. The times of separation between Taylor and Luke got to me as well. We appreciate that our military was honored by the characters and always watch the Hallmark movies that do so. I'd love to see more with Kevin and Kayla. They have great chemistry and make a wonderful couple.
- thave-31768
- Dec 16, 2022
- Permalink
you've seen it all before, but ....
This is a prime example of how Hallmark re-hashes the same old plot lines in some of their new Christmas movies.
There's really nothing here that you haven't seen done before, but the saving grace is that it is so well acted by the cast, particularly the leads. Kayla Wallace and Kevin McGarry are very good as a woman who has lost her Christmas spirit and the military man she becomes involved with. Together, they elevate the script so much so that you can't help being entertained by this endearing, yet often told, story. Plus, it really is winter - there is no fake snow here so the cinematography is very attractive at times. It looks and feels real. All in all, it's worth watching.
There's really nothing here that you haven't seen done before, but the saving grace is that it is so well acted by the cast, particularly the leads. Kayla Wallace and Kevin McGarry are very good as a woman who has lost her Christmas spirit and the military man she becomes involved with. Together, they elevate the script so much so that you can't help being entertained by this endearing, yet often told, story. Plus, it really is winter - there is no fake snow here so the cinematography is very attractive at times. It looks and feels real. All in all, it's worth watching.
- montgomerysue
- Nov 21, 2022
- Permalink
They didn't get the basics right
If you're going to do a movie based on the US military at least have the actors look and act the part. The star says he's a Captain of Infantry. Captains haven't looked like he did since Vietnam when guys tried to look like civilians. I watched 15 minutes and gave up. Just could not get past the optics.
Come on Hallmark. At least require the actors to look the part. For what they're paid it's not asking all that much to get a haircut.
Come on Hallmark. At least require the actors to look the part. For what they're paid it's not asking all that much to get a haircut.
The best Hallmark movie in a long time!
This movie was phenomenal! From the emotion, to the story, to the wonderful performances of Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace, this one has it all! I loved the deep, heartfelt conversations and the beautiful scenery as well. The story also breaks the cookie cutter formula of typical movies in the same genre, which is so refreshing! I would highly recommend. It's one of a kind and well done all around!
- theheartieobserver
- Jul 9, 2022
- Permalink
Other reviews are too flowing, but still a good outing.
- mccabe-shannon
- Jul 10, 2022
- Permalink
So many strange errors
Glaring military errors from the inappropriate "military" hair, to improper uniforming, to the absurd flying a fiance to a top-secret location. If Hallmark is making these military-based movies to honor troops, this one was an unfortunate disservice. Poor Kayla's costumes were also awful and ill-fitting. I normally enjoy a sweet romantic story as well as these two actors, but this did not showcase their talents and screamed low budget.
So-So Hallmark Movie
First, I love Hallmark Christmas movies. This attempt was a miss. Story is a little far-fetched but acceptable because it's Hallmark.
What does stand out as a glaring mistake: The long hair for the military is way off. The low, low cleavage of the wedding dress was a "what was I thinking" dress faux pas.
Movie had some laughs for all the wrong reasons.
Better luck next time, Hallmark.
What does stand out as a glaring mistake: The long hair for the military is way off. The low, low cleavage of the wedding dress was a "what was I thinking" dress faux pas.
Movie had some laughs for all the wrong reasons.
Better luck next time, Hallmark.
- parksidedrive
- Jul 9, 2022
- Permalink
Great scify, rom-com, campy, drinking game movie
- scottdavort
- Jul 9, 2022
- Permalink
Better than Expected
So much negative press about HC, recently. I enjoy XMAS in July, with oh so predictable movie plot lines but this one was different. It enjoyable & fun to watch. I appreciated that it wasn't the same old actors. They can stay @ GAC😀
Heartwarming
This had to be the best Hallmark / Christmas movie I've watched this year Kevin and Kayla have so much chemistry this movie was touching and romantic definitely one of those movies more than once.
- jeffrapage-92221
- Jul 10, 2022
- Permalink
Great cast, boring story, military haircut unbelievable
True and Genuine Chemistry on Display
Honestly, I was Anxious to Watch this Film for a Very Unusual Reason. Knowing that Kayla and Kevin are an Actual Couple, I wanted to Check Out their On Screen Chemistry. I had Already Watched them in " Feeling Butterflies " and was Unfortunately Surprisingly Disappointed.
Thankfully, This Time They Did Not Disappoint!
They were Absolutely Magnificent. Their Prior Film " Butterflies " Must have Been Filmed at the Very Beginning of their Real Personal Relationship, because the Difference was Like Night and Day. I Believe that the Word " Wow " Best Describes it! Overall, I would Rate the Film as a 7/8 because I found the Necessary Constant Time Shifts Distracting. They Definitely Affected the Flow of the Film's Romantic Storyline. Therefore, I would Apply the Following Overall Rating: Couple Chemistry 10, Romance Story 10, and Production Quality 7.
You' ll Love Watching this Film because the Two Stars Obviously Love Each Other, and Loved Filming it. The Way that they Look, Talk and Act, when they are Together, Is Romance Personified.
Thankfully, This Time They Did Not Disappoint!
They were Absolutely Magnificent. Their Prior Film " Butterflies " Must have Been Filmed at the Very Beginning of their Real Personal Relationship, because the Difference was Like Night and Day. I Believe that the Word " Wow " Best Describes it! Overall, I would Rate the Film as a 7/8 because I found the Necessary Constant Time Shifts Distracting. They Definitely Affected the Flow of the Film's Romantic Storyline. Therefore, I would Apply the Following Overall Rating: Couple Chemistry 10, Romance Story 10, and Production Quality 7.
You' ll Love Watching this Film because the Two Stars Obviously Love Each Other, and Loved Filming it. The Way that they Look, Talk and Act, when they are Together, Is Romance Personified.
A few things spoiled this movie for me.
- BellaGrace1
- Jul 9, 2022
- Permalink
Hallmark screws up again
- caseybones
- Jul 10, 2022
- Permalink
What a beautiful, heartfelt movie!!!
Great story, a little slow
Overall the movie was good. The first hour was slow-moving, but I appreciated the evolution of their relationship. We have dear friends in the military, and the holidays are extremely tough for their families, especially if they can't be together. I wouldn't watch it again, but I didn't dislike it either. I prefer more humor, and the military inaccuracies were noticeable, but the storyline was believable.
- therusticapothecary
- Jul 11, 2022
- Permalink
Slow Movie
- pattersonjamie-12079
- Jul 9, 2022
- Permalink
Two realistic people acting out an unrealistic script
7.1 stars.
There is a great chemistry between these two actors, but they did not get to explore it enough. The romantic scenes were very nice, and actually quite realistic, they didn't waste any time setting up his laid back flirtations and her reciprocations. She made the first real move to hold his hand, and soon they are proclaiming their love for each other. He goes oversees, now the second year in a row they are apart.
It's a long distance romance movie, and while the acting was expertly done, the script didn't leave us any room to enjoy a real romantic relationship. It's way too much anticipation, and hoping they will be together at long last, and not getting to realize it for the potentially great love story it might have been.
I know he's a heartthrob, I've seen him in various films. She is new for me, but she's absolutely adorable.
She seems a bit juvenile and reticent at first, but skillfully matures in the relationship. I was impressed by her adaptability.
Also there is a strange pacing to it, the romantic gestures happen so quickly and naturally, yet the rest of the events move in slow motion. What happened to the Christmas spirit and the Charles Dickens angles? They seemed to fade away.
It appears an unorthodox formula was used in this film, which I have to admit I somewhat enjoyed even though it was difficult at times to relate to the inevitable interpretation of a splintered story.
There is a great chemistry between these two actors, but they did not get to explore it enough. The romantic scenes were very nice, and actually quite realistic, they didn't waste any time setting up his laid back flirtations and her reciprocations. She made the first real move to hold his hand, and soon they are proclaiming their love for each other. He goes oversees, now the second year in a row they are apart.
It's a long distance romance movie, and while the acting was expertly done, the script didn't leave us any room to enjoy a real romantic relationship. It's way too much anticipation, and hoping they will be together at long last, and not getting to realize it for the potentially great love story it might have been.
I know he's a heartthrob, I've seen him in various films. She is new for me, but she's absolutely adorable.
She seems a bit juvenile and reticent at first, but skillfully matures in the relationship. I was impressed by her adaptability.
Also there is a strange pacing to it, the romantic gestures happen so quickly and naturally, yet the rest of the events move in slow motion. What happened to the Christmas spirit and the Charles Dickens angles? They seemed to fade away.
It appears an unorthodox formula was used in this film, which I have to admit I somewhat enjoyed even though it was difficult at times to relate to the inevitable interpretation of a splintered story.