The Christmas Card (2006)
The premise of Hallmark’s The Christmas Card is so touching and intriguing, but the actual movie is quite a letdown. Through her church, a woman writes a letter to a random soldier in Afghanistan, and when he returns stateside, he looks her up to thank her for keeping him afloat. Set during Christmas, what could go wrong?
I’ve never seen a movie with equally low-energy leading actors. Both Alice Evans and John Newton seemed as though they’d rather be doing anything else than acting in this Hallmark movie. Alice acted like she couldn’t stand her costars, and John seemed like he was making the movie because he lost a bet with a friend. I know this sounds harsh, but trust me. Ed Asner had more sparks flying with his wife Lois Nettleton than the younger folks did, and far more energy, too!
In addition to the lack of chemistry, energy, and desire to propel the story forward, there was a highlighted part of the plot that really bothered me. Peter Jason plays Uncle Richard. His character is responsible for his sister meeting the love of her life, he’s devoted to his niece, has worked at the lumber mill ever since he was eighteen, and brings an armload of Christmas presents to his sister’s house in the morning. How is he treated? He’s constantly insulted, teased, ignored, and disrespected. He’s never consulted for work decisions; and the family doesn’t thank him for his gifts or even open them, but instead rush out of the house for an unrelated activity. How is this promoting Christmas cheer or goodwill towards man?
Thankfully, Hallmark produces several military Christmas flicks every year, so there are plenty more to choose from if you don’t like The Christmas Card. Try Operation Christmas, Holiday for Heroes, or A Veteran’s Christmas.
More Christmas movies here!
I’ve never seen a movie with equally low-energy leading actors. Both Alice Evans and John Newton seemed as though they’d rather be doing anything else than acting in this Hallmark movie. Alice acted like she couldn’t stand her costars, and John seemed like he was making the movie because he lost a bet with a friend. I know this sounds harsh, but trust me. Ed Asner had more sparks flying with his wife Lois Nettleton than the younger folks did, and far more energy, too!
In addition to the lack of chemistry, energy, and desire to propel the story forward, there was a highlighted part of the plot that really bothered me. Peter Jason plays Uncle Richard. His character is responsible for his sister meeting the love of her life, he’s devoted to his niece, has worked at the lumber mill ever since he was eighteen, and brings an armload of Christmas presents to his sister’s house in the morning. How is he treated? He’s constantly insulted, teased, ignored, and disrespected. He’s never consulted for work decisions; and the family doesn’t thank him for his gifts or even open them, but instead rush out of the house for an unrelated activity. How is this promoting Christmas cheer or goodwill towards man?
Thankfully, Hallmark produces several military Christmas flicks every year, so there are plenty more to choose from if you don’t like The Christmas Card. Try Operation Christmas, Holiday for Heroes, or A Veteran’s Christmas.
More Christmas movies here!