Movies that Deserved Better: 'A Biltomore Christmas' (2023)

         In 2023, Hallmark Channel released 'A Biltmore Christmas', which became a classic for the network but deserved a bigger reception due to the big screen quality of the proceedings. In the film, "A magical hourglass sends modern-day screenwriter Lucy Hardgrove to the set of the 1947 holiday movie classic "His Merry Wife!" However, before she can return to the present, Lucy must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever." The ensemble cast includes Kristoffer Polaha and Bethany Joy Lenz. It can currently be seen on Hallmark Channel, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Apple TV+. But what did the critics say? 

        Kristen Maldonado of Pop Culture Planet says, "A Biltmore Christmas! seamlessly weaves the glamour of old Hollywood into the world of Hallmark. The Biltmore Estate is a stunning backdrop, while the time travel aspect gives this film a wonderful balance of freshness and nostalgia." Adding, "While the end is a bit abrupt, this is definitely a stand out of the Hallmark holiday slate. I’d love to see a version of their black and white classic His Merry Wife! next!"

Photo by Toni Cuenca on Unsplash

       Maddy Casale of Decider praises the film, stating, "A Biltmore Christmas is a lot of fun! The movie felt like it flew by as we witnessed the many mishaps and entertaining moments that were a product of Lucy’s time traveling. Between the story, characters, and backdrop of the actual gorgeous Biltmore Estate, itself, this was a very unique kind of Hallmark movie that felt both nostalgic and current, and definitely seemed to be imbued with plenty of Christmas magic. The comedic moments hit throughout the film, but the romance between Lucy and Jack especially shines, as their different home times and backgrounds also kept me guessing and feeling invested over what the outcome of their relationship would be (and if you want to find out for yourself, you’re just going to have to watch the movie). The holiday season is often one where we feel the pull of the past while also making space for the new, and A Biltmore Christmas really seemed to understand all of this as it paid homage to old Hollywood and the famed Biltmore Estate while also delivering a clever and endearing finished product that feels very much of our present moment. There’s no shortage of holiday magic, self-aware cheesiness, and much merriness in A Biltmore Christmas, which makes it a pretty darn successful season movie in our book."