5.6 stars.
I tried to get through 'Christmas by the Book' without taking into account the reviews I've read so far. As I go through my watching experience, I notice that it's more than the acting, and the sluggish pace that creates a rift between my duty and my desire to continue to the end. I feel it is my duty to complete this film because I've watched so many Hallmark films at this point, well over 400, I'll have to count someday... There's only been three or four i did not watch to the final credits. I have no wish for this to be one of those rare exceptions to the rule.
My desire to continue is waning ever so rapidly, but I have an obligation to provide myself the opportunity to judge the film by the sum of its parts and not solely the entertainment value, or lack thereof. The final product is only a fragment of what any romance should be. There is no theme, there is no lesson learned, there is no story.
I enjoy the lead female's screen presence, but there are few other redeeming qualities to be found. The music is decent I suppose. The dialogue is slightly above average. Otherwise it's a mess.
I tried to get through 'Christmas by the Book' without taking into account the reviews I've read so far. As I go through my watching experience, I notice that it's more than the acting, and the sluggish pace that creates a rift between my duty and my desire to continue to the end. I feel it is my duty to complete this film because I've watched so many Hallmark films at this point, well over 400, I'll have to count someday... There's only been three or four i did not watch to the final credits. I have no wish for this to be one of those rare exceptions to the rule.
My desire to continue is waning ever so rapidly, but I have an obligation to provide myself the opportunity to judge the film by the sum of its parts and not solely the entertainment value, or lack thereof. The final product is only a fragment of what any romance should be. There is no theme, there is no lesson learned, there is no story.
I enjoy the lead female's screen presence, but there are few other redeeming qualities to be found. The music is decent I suppose. The dialogue is slightly above average. Otherwise it's a mess.