Image: Great American Media
A Lot Like Christmas Plot Summary
A woman's Christmas tree farm must learn to compete against a big box chain store that threatens her family's livelihood when it begins selling trees too.
Starring: Maggie Lawson and Christopher Russell
My movie grade: A
Christopher Russell's Best Role
Christopher Russell has appeared in several Hallmark movies, but he's usually stereotyped as a handsome hunk who just stands around looking HOT. It never seems to matter to Hallmark whether he has the best script or not, as long viewers swoon when he appears on screen.
GAF actually taps into his skill set and allows Russell to show us what he can do.
Russell plays Clay, a very competitive marketing executive for a large corporation. His job is to make Harvest Garden Supply (HGS) thrive in a small town known for only supporting local, small businesses. Residents don't trust big chains, so they initially avoid patronizing HGS. To win them over, Clay engages in relationship building. He gets to know the people, the vibe of the town, and shows kindness to everyone he meets. He also assesses his competition, the Roberts' Farm, and offers incentives that are too good to pass up, like significantly cheaper Christmas trees, a lighted path to the store, and sponsoring an ice-skating event in the square.
Even though Jessica Roberts is his main competitor, both she and Clay share a spark that can't be denied. Clay challenges Jessica, and it's gratifying for her to learn what she's capable of accomplishing, even though Clay always seems to stay one step ahead of her. The two of them learn how to separate what is business from what is personal, and it works for them.
Clay evolves throughout the movie and learns good business isn't just about winning--it's about the people he's serving.
A Lot Like Christmas proves to viewers that Russell is more than just a handsome face.
The Ending Isn't Easily Predictable
Romcoms are always predictable. Viewers know the guy will always get the girl, and whatever issue is creating conflict will be happily resolved.
While A Lot Like Christmas doesn't deviate from the comfortable formula, the ending isn't quite as obvious as usual, which is a nice change. As you're watching, you wonder if Jessica is going to lose the farm. Maybe it's time for her to put her talents to a better use. She could follow Clay back to the city and pursue a new dream. The movie could also follow the typical direction of the farm being saved at the last minute and Clay deciding to relocate to the small town of Hudson Springs. As you watch, you're just not certain how GAF is going to spin it, but rest assured, everything works out!
More Than Just Familiar Faces
If you took a shot for every Hallmark face you see in a GAF movie, you'd get tipsy pretty fast. In A Lot Like Christmas, you'll recognize more than faces. GAF includes a red truck in this one, just like Hallmark!
In addition to the red truck, Russell, and Lawson, you'll also see Frances Flanagan (Jessica's mom, Annie), Ian Collins (Xavier), Brenda Crichlow (Mayor), and Dolores Drake (Dottie)--all supporting actors you've seen many times on Hallmark Channel. Seeing them makes GAF feel even more like home!
Share a Line Your Parents Always Told You
Clay tells Jessica that his father always instructed his kids with these words:
Money isn't everything. It's the only thing.
Don't we all have our parents' words still echoing in our memories? In the comment section, share a piece of advice or a line your parents repeated over and over throughout your childhood.
A Lot Like Christmas has all the feels. You'll love it!
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