Hallmark Brings a Gift and Coal

         On November 21, 2024 and November 23, 2024, Hallmark Channel premiered two movies that received polar opposite reactions from critics, 'A Novel Noel' and Three Wiser Men and a Boy'. Having personally watched both, I agreed with the critics on both, even though 'A Novel Noel' had the stronger performances in my opinion. 

Credit: @2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Allister Foster

        In 'A Novel Noel', "A NYC book editor takes on a temporary gig running a Maine bookstore. Battling with the owners' son, she rediscovers her passion for nurturing creativity." The ensemble cast includes Brendan Penny and Julie Gonzalo. Maddy Casale of Decider writes, "Julie Gonzalo gives a committed and emotionally open performance as Harper. She’s got an easy charm as Harper that makes you root for her." Adding, "As charming and cute as I find any independent bookstore, including The Book Cabinet, that same charm doesn’t seem to extend to the rest of A Novel Noel. While Julie Gonzalo does her best to carry the film, Harper’s romance with Sawyer doesn’t make for the most riveting or romantic viewing. I’m sorry, but she gives him so much more than he ever gives her. I mean, for Christmas, she got his manuscript PUBLISHED, while all he got her was… an impersonal necklace from the same market he goes to every year. Look, I know that many of us enjoy a good enemies or rivals-to-lovers story (myself included!) but having characters argue and disagree doesn’t automatically equate to romantic tension. In fact, many of those exchanges just made Sawyer come off as a bit of a snob or immature compared to Harper. You’re too good for him, girl! And when he continually teasingly calls you “city girl,” it isn’t as cute as he thinks it is! A Novel Noel also has a bit of an issue with showing versus telling, doing so much more of the latter that it can be hard to fully buy into some of what the movie is selling. For example, we’re told that Sawyer is this gifted writer, but never hear any of his actual work. We just get a brief shot of him clickity-clacking away on a laptop with a focused look on his face and have to assume he’s penning the next great American novel. I’m sure you did, Sawyer, I’m sure you did."

Credit: @2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

        In 'Three Wiser Men and a Boy', "The Brenner brothers are back and putting on a holiday pageant for young Thomas, while trying to cope with life's curveballs, including their mom's new boyfriend." The ensemble cast includes Andrew W. Walker, Paul Campbell, and Tyler Hynes. Fortunately, this film received rave reviews from critics, much like the first film in the series that united the three Hallmark fan favorites in one film for the first time. Movieguide writes, "THREE WISER MEN AND A BOY is a hilarious Christmas comedy on the Hallmark Channel. A sequel to THREE WISER MEN AND A BABY, the movie follows three brothers, Luke, Stephan and Taylor. They work to help Luke’s son put on a school Christmas play. Complicating matters is their mother’s new boyfriend, Roy, a pastor. The brothers aren’t taking it well. They resent Roy for invading their family’s Christmas traditions. Producing the Christmas play develops some big problems. A small school fire endangers the whole production. Can the brothers save the play and figure out how to coexist with their mom’s boyfriend in time for Christmas? THREE WISER MEN AND A BOY has high production values. The script is funny and heartfelt. The three lead actors give wonderful comedic performances. THREE WISER MEN AND A BOY has a strong moral worldview with positive references to Christmas. It stresses kindness, strong relationships with family and friends, and forgiveness. THREE WISER MEN AND A BOY has no violence, foul language or crude content. So, it’s suitable for nearly all ages." Adding, "The three lead actors, Andrew W. Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell, deliver perfect comical performances. The movie’s humor is balanced with its emotional message of appreciating family, new and old, showing kindness, and forgiving other people."