The Mistletoe Promise

Yes, the plot is different than the book, but for me that's a good thing. The movie tells the story of two very awkward, lonely people who find each other and create a safe space for themselves as they make peace with who they are. While not as "deep" as the book, it's far more approachable for the majority of people, and is 100 percent certain not to traumatize you in what you thought was the middle of a pleasant Christmas story (which happens to some people with the book, as you can see when you check it out on Goodreads). If you're a fan of the book, this probably isn't for you. But if you like sweet, heartfelt Christmas movies, please give it a try.

This. Genuinely. Is the worst Christmas movie I've ever watched. I can't fathom how it has a rating of 6.7/10. The acting is fine mostly but the scripting is so atrocious and the directing is worse. Hard to credit. The finale that everyone knows is coming is an enormous anti-climax because the film does such a poor job of building the foundations throughout. My wife and I did get great enjoyment from rewinding the worst parts and laughing however so that is fun.

This particular Hallmark movie is a cut above the rest. It is well directed, well cast, well acted and well written ... It's a unique premise, from a book I believe, and it's a delight to have something very different to watch unfold for a change. All the characters are very likable and there's a sweet chemistry between the two lead actors that makes them even more believable. The storyline and the couples' interactions aren't forced (as they so often are in a Hallmark movie)... and while they try to stay true to their "Promise" they don't seem pressured to perform a "dating" dance that would take them beyond its limits so it all feels very real. Two people, unable to enjoy Christmas for their own reasons, meet and form a contract (a Promise) to help each other get through the difficult holiday period and each help the other achieve their goal. I really enjoy Hallmark movies but lately their themes have been getting extremely repetitive and the characters and interactions predictable. Not this one ... I really wasn't sure how it was going to work out in the end and I cared. It does seem mandatory that "figgy pudding" is mentioned or sung about in every Hallmark Christmas movie and, in this one aspect, The Mistletoe Promise is no exception. Otherwise it truly is and well worth watching.

It was a cute movie. Not a huge fan of Jamie King but it was still cute. Wishing the ending showed Nick helping her with the contract between her and her ex.

Hallmark films these types of movies - year in and year out - and promises that you will get what you expect. Cute actors, predictable plots, no great special effects (SPOILER ALERT- filmed in British Columbia -Vancouver specifically- a city that doesn't get snow) - so the special effects here is fake snow everywhere. If you want drama - go elsewhere-if you want a watchable hour and a half - well, that is what Hallmark offers. And delivers! I look forward to each year's Christmas fare,and really have never been disappointed, this is my official precursor to the Christmas season. I think that Hallmark has a formula - that works- taking actors - that are usually the number three or four spot (the odd time number two) - on a list of performers in any given TV show,sometimes movies - and giving them a main - co-number one position in their movies. I always just seem to remember the actors and ALWAYS come here to IMDb and look up where I have seen them before. To me - all part of the Hallmark experience.

I watch this movie over and over, year after year. If I see it listed to broadcast, I get excited. The premise has been used a few times, but somehow this one feels a little different. It is a straightforward story. I've seen this movie enough I can't objectively say if there are any surprises, but I don't really think so, at least not big ones. That doesn't matter. This is a case where the actors are what makes it. I will say that I think the bit with the Reindeer report plays out a little uniquely. I've seen Luke MacFarlane a few times now and those movies are usually good. He delivers a solid performance in this one. He and Jaime King definitely have chemistry. But watching Jaime King again for I don't know how many times, I am more impressed than ever. She is perfectly cast for this movie. Elise isn't an ice queen, but you might think so at first glance and King plays the dichotomy perfectly. She shows the hidden depth of feeling. She shows a wounded woman falling in love and trying not to hope that this time things will go right. It's a contract and Elise holds rigidly to it, yet doesn't. I often say in reviews that what makes a good movie in this genre is having plenty of screens time for the leads to build their relationship and this movie does that generously. Christmas romance movies are a guilty pleasure and this one fits my taste buds perfectly. About the movie vs the book: I didn't realize there was a book until after I had seen the movie twice at least and written the review above. I saw a review mentioning the book, so I found it and read it. The movie and the book are as different as can be. If you change the names of the characters and the contract, it could be said that this movie is not really based on the book at all. The contract is similar, but so are the premises of so many Christmas movies. The contract in the book is not initiated in the same was as the movie. Other characters in the book are nothing like the ones in the movie. Elise is not as confident, but she is also scarred, probably more than the movie Elise. Situations are different and events are different. The book is also great. But It has a much more serious side to it and the climax is touching.