7.6 stars.
There is something special about this story and I was so glad for the opportunity to experience all the cast together. The leads (Chenoweth and Wolf) are very charismatic and work very well together. I swear she looks better with age, and he don't look so bad, if I say so myself. I didn't realize they are the same age.
What an ensemble, the singing, the music teacher (Chenoweth), her quirks, and being a perfectionist, but sweet and caring, and the love interest (Wolf) being such a neat guy in the office and with her, and at home as a unique and fun loving dad; even though he has been uptight since the wife died. And the son, a beautiful singer, and doesn't even realize it, and very easy to like in his role. The piano player is a naturally charismatic actor as well, and I am drinking in this team of performers, the whole movie is a choir in itself, so many moving parts, just a wonderful feeling.
There is not one specific aspect of this film that stands out as supernatural, although almost every part of it is excellent, so if you really want a top notch Christmas, music, teenagers singing, pulling at the heart strings, inspiring experience; then you must see this. There were a couple moments I cried hard and it hurt.
This caters to people my age, and it would be rated 8.0+ if not simply lacking a fully realized romance and more fantastic music. The music is a nice addition, but I was hoping for just a bit more in that department (I'm spoiled with musicals). In contrast, the lighting, and sound were phenomenal, especially the dialogue which always sounded full and clear, unlike so many Hallmark movies where they can't seem to capture anything outdoors. That was a breath of fresh air for once. In conclusion, although this movie fundamentally satisfying, I still need that additional pop, x-factor essence...
I will plan to watch this 3 times a decade.
There is something special about this story and I was so glad for the opportunity to experience all the cast together. The leads (Chenoweth and Wolf) are very charismatic and work very well together. I swear she looks better with age, and he don't look so bad, if I say so myself. I didn't realize they are the same age.
What an ensemble, the singing, the music teacher (Chenoweth), her quirks, and being a perfectionist, but sweet and caring, and the love interest (Wolf) being such a neat guy in the office and with her, and at home as a unique and fun loving dad; even though he has been uptight since the wife died. And the son, a beautiful singer, and doesn't even realize it, and very easy to like in his role. The piano player is a naturally charismatic actor as well, and I am drinking in this team of performers, the whole movie is a choir in itself, so many moving parts, just a wonderful feeling.
There is not one specific aspect of this film that stands out as supernatural, although almost every part of it is excellent, so if you really want a top notch Christmas, music, teenagers singing, pulling at the heart strings, inspiring experience; then you must see this. There were a couple moments I cried hard and it hurt.
This caters to people my age, and it would be rated 8.0+ if not simply lacking a fully realized romance and more fantastic music. The music is a nice addition, but I was hoping for just a bit more in that department (I'm spoiled with musicals). In contrast, the lighting, and sound were phenomenal, especially the dialogue which always sounded full and clear, unlike so many Hallmark movies where they can't seem to capture anything outdoors. That was a breath of fresh air for once. In conclusion, although this movie fundamentally satisfying, I still need that additional pop, x-factor essence...
I will plan to watch this 3 times a decade.