Image: GAC Family Media
A Kindhearted Christmas Plot Summary
A woman enjoys covertly giving gifts to needy members of her community and appreciates the anonymity until she meets a handsome journalist who might expose her.
Starring: Jennie Garth and Cameron Mathison
My movie grade: C+
Imagine If the News Focused on Uplifting Stories
This movie is a great reminder that it is better to give than to receive. When we have the resources to help someone who needs it, our generosity can have a profound impact. Scott Morris (Mathison) is a journalist assigned to reporting on the Secret Santa in Coopersville, and one reason he loves the job is this: "People need to see there's good in the world." If you watch the news, you'd think evil reigns, so human-interest stories showing the kindness of others is very inspirational.
One relatable moment is when Jamie (Garth) meets Scott for the first time. Having watched him every day for years on Wake Up Upstate, she feels like she knows him. Who do you see on TV frequently who now seems like part of your own family?
The cast consists of all Hallmark people! Jennie Garth, Cameron Mathison, Emily Tennant (Kylie), Blair Penner (David), Bronwen Smith (Colleen), and Mark Brandon (mayor).
Jennie Garth Bombs
Jennie Garth is pretty awful in this movie--a very odd duck. Her voice is high and airy, and she acts too dingy to ever attract someone who has managed to stay unattached for such a long time. She has a deer-in-the-headlights look the entire movie and generates zero onscreen charisma. A better leading lady for this movie would have been the co-star, Emily Tennant, though Mathison would have been too old for her.
Jamie mentions often how her niece, Kylie, is like her sister. In real life, there is a 19-year age gap. Kylie would be more of a daughter figure.
Attempts at comedy in many scenes fall flat.
The script is very similar to Hallmark's The Angel Tree--a movie about an anonymous person granting wishes in a town, though it includes a writer rather than a journalist trying to uncover the mystery.
The movie is also unrelatable because the unending generosity springs from one person's pocketbook. Most of us viewers can't imagine having enough money to make so many miracles happen in one season. We'd love to, but our budgets are limited.
Is A Kindhearted Christmas Worth Your Time?
No
Cameron Mathison fans might find him too irresistible to pass by and feel compelled to watch this movie, while others will love all feel-good Christmas movies regardless of their quality. If you fall within this category, you will undoubtedly find something to enjoy about the story.
For the rest of you who don't want to waste your time watching a semi-crappy movie when you have better ones on your DVR, you won't regret skipping this one.
#AKindheartedChristmas
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