'Jolly Good Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: The 2022 Hallmark Countdown to Christmas block was a very mixed bag at best, though better than the Christmas Movies and Mysteries one. Of the previous Countdown to Christmas films, there were a couple of good ones such as 'A Kismet Christmas' but also a couple of disappointing ones such as 'A Cozy Christmas Inn'. Did like the concept for 'Jolly Good Christmas', so there was potential.

Potential that was thankfully lived up to. Not only is 'Jolly Good Christmas' easily the best of the 2022 Countdown to Christmas films up to this point it is also one of the best of the entire block. Also consider it one of the best 2022 Hallmark films, not just the Christmas ones (probably the first above good one) but overall. Was really pleasantly surprised how good it was and recommend it without hesitation.

Bad things: Getting the not so good things out of the way (bear in mind my couple of criticisms may be interpreted as nit-picky), the ending for my tastes was a little too rushes and tidy. Which is not uncommon for Hallmark, and was one of the more frequent issues this year for them.

Also thought that the music at points was a little too loud and intrusive.

Good things: However, everything else in 'Jolly Good Christmas' is good to great. It is elevated hugely by the charming and likeable lead performances of Will Kemp and Reshma Shetty, it is nice too to see non-Hallmark regulars in the lead roles once in a while and this is proof that non-Hallmark regulars are capable of good performances. Their chemistry is very witty and sweet, never coming over as strained and it is used just right. The supporting cast are very solid in roles that could have been too stock but just about weren't.

Furthermore, it is well made, with it being slickly shot and clearly loving the lovely location. Never did the editing come over as choppy. As well as the script, a high point is the script, which sparkles in wit, with the plentiful comedy never feeling forced and the less comedic parts not falling into over sentimentality. The story is pure light hearted fun and is full of charm and warm heart, it didn't feel dull and despite having typical elements and tropes it felt surprisingly fresh.

Closing thoughts: Overall, a jolly good time.

8/10.

Very much enjoyed this movie. Production value was very good, as were the actors - who were refreshing for their maturity.

Yes, we've seen the personal shopper storyline before. But this one was done well.

It also was delightful to see how ethnic Indians are integrated into British society; what coould be more British than owning a pub?

I loved the British scenery, and the reference to the King tells me this was filmed later in the year - or the producers took the time to update one scene.

The true test is how many times I'd watch this again. I could probably watch this 5 times or so, hence it rates an 8.

Favorite scene with

Anji Patel (Reshma Shetty) - She and David Hilariously Running from the Department Store Security after being Accused of Shoplifting a Necklace and Blending In to the The Great Christmas Pudding Race to Lose them. Reshma Shetty is my New Favorite Hallmark Channel Movie Heroine! She is So Dang Adorable and Beautiful. And I Love Will Kemp (David Burnside)! He is So Dang Hot! I Love the Chemistry between them! BTW, I Loved this Movie! I Loved that it had A Lot of Comedy in it! And I Loved that it had A Lot of Heart.

Set in England. London at Christmas Time seems So Beautiful and So Magical.