SparkMore n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

filippaberry84 I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Stephan Hammond It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Billy Ollie Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

karenthomas-83065 I'm honestly shocked this movie managed to squeeze two hours on this ridiculous plot and complete lack of chemistry? After the town Santa (who really isn't Santa but it's the family business???) breaks his arm Christmas-crazed Jessica makes it her mission to spend the rest of the movie trying to force Santa's son, Ben, to take his place. I agree with another reviewer, all of this plot is based on Ben not being able to give up 2 hours of his life to help out?I had so many moments in between being completely bored when I was left scratching my head. Like why is Jessica texting Ben's dad the entire drive from Boston and when they arrive he asks if HIS PARENTS know if he's there? He can't call his own parents? Ok. On the unnecessary drive back to Boston (to waste...I mean fill more time) they just happen to need to get out of the storm near Jessica's "friends" house? More questions...this friend doesn't care that they're just crashing in and spending the night? Or that Jessica just helps herself to the kitchen to make eggnog? Fast forward more boring stuff like Ben forcing Jessica to own up to not really being happy she took over her grandparents/parents year-round Christmas shop. Somehow, these two fall in love, or in like given the lack of chemistry. He ends up playing Santa, although he's 30-ish? No, the glasses don't make him look any older. They kiss, it's boring, the end. Hallmark do me a favor and pull this out of rotation.

PossibleOptimism I watch a lot of Hallmark movies, something many men probably can relate to as their girlfriends or wives consume the coziest holiday movies. This one wasn't too bad, for a Hallmark. Brace yourself for recycled story-lines, Christmasy cliches, and a whole lot of fake snow. The basis of this story centers around Santa (who's not the real Santa but does sport the rotundness) who breaks his arm and gets the Christmas crazy blonde to convince his son (definitely not real Santa) to replace him in the parade. But there are a few bumps along that road all leading up to a sweet conclusion---that everyone knew was coming. Hallmark happy endings and all that. Hey, Hallmark, here's an idea: next time try for something a little less trite? One of my biggest problems is the lack of creativity in these story-lines. Is anyone considering that Santa is an old tradition which may have a shelf life? I think there is opportunity here to dive into a deeper story around the cheery old man in the fading suit. Before he turns into a diabetic cookie monster... So if Santa's role can be filled by younger men, what's left for all the old guys to do who have dodged the razor for so long (in order to support festive facial hair)? It may or may not be a serious question.

Jack Vasen Almost everything in this movie seemed forced, or put differently too much by the formula. The concept itself was a stretch. Who cares who sits in the sleigh in a town parade? Certainly there would be a few reasonable candidates as long as it's not Clint. I think Clint was a combination of an attempt at humor, and justification for needing Ben so badly. Neither of these totally succeeded.Other things were forced as well. The theme seemed to be Follow Your Heart, which is so well-worn in Christmas stories. It was a little overplayed. I venture that most people have occupations that are not their dream in life, but then the purpose of these movies is to distract us from reality.Even the climax, just before the ending was forced. I won't say what it was. Jodie Sweetin was OK. Eric Winter was a little better, but the romance wasn't fireworks worthy. Jay Brazeau was also good as the mentor for aspiring Santas.Just a totally side comment that applies to almost all of these Christmas movies. The directors just don't seem to understand winter conditions, especially sunlight. It's 5:30 in the morning in Massachusetts and its' broad daylight - no not in late December. People walk around in winter climates with snow on the ground or falling from the sky, but coats wide open and scarves that don't cover anything. People leave their front doors wide open for extended periods during a snowstorm. Anyone who lives there wouldn't do these things. (But then so many of these movies are shot in warm weather and the actors are sweating.)There were some tender moments, even the ending to a certain extent. There was a great deal of Christmas spirit and a passable romance. If you like the usual fair of Hallmark Christmas, you may enjoy this.

mrlanceb This film follows a typical Hallmark movie plot, which is "The Big Christmas Event Is In Jeopardy." There is a sub-plot of "Let's See If Two Strangers In A Fix Fall In Love."Jodie Sweetin plays Grace, who lives happily in a small town running her deceased parents' year-round Christmas store. Grace also organizes the annual Christmas Parade, which has become so good that a big city TV show wants to televise it this year. The Santa who always heads the parade makes Santa his family business, and plays the perfect St. Nick. Unfortunately, a mishap occurs and Original Santa is suddenly out of commission. A local casting call for a replacement fails miserably. The TV spot is on the line, as well as the town's economic resurgence everyone was hoping for. Original Santa reveals that his son, Ben, is trained in the family Santa business and perhaps might fill in. Ben, however, is now a freelance writer in not-so-far Boston. He flatly turns down the request. Somehow the family business is a bit of bitter baggage for Ben, who prefers to be a reindeer's behind instead of letting a one- time Santa gig interfere with his independence. Unfortunately the movie drags viewers through Grace's Herculean efforts to bring Ben back to his hometown and convince him to take two hours out of his busy schedule to save the day. Ben and Grace seem to hit it off as the big Santa-less event approaches. Ben is a young super- looks guy who has no resemblance to a traditional Santa, so, again, why all the effort to recruit him for TV? There is a scene where he demonstrates his Santa-like persona to some children; somehow that is supposed to reinforce why Grace wants him to be The Big Red One. It falls short. After all, the job consists only of waving at fans for one parade. As it becomes apparent to anyone not in the movie that there is absolutely no logical reason for Ben's continued refusal, it becomes a lesson in not letting civic charity get in the way of your selfish aspirations. Ben even tries to convince Grace that she must be unhappy carrying on her family legacy, and should bust out of the joint.If you want to sit through this to see how it all plays out, be my guest. Jodie is an excellent actress. The movie is beautifully filmed. The music is better then the typical annoying cues in many Hallmark movies that lamely attempt to supplement strained humor. Accordingly, I gave it three stars instead of none. Be forewarned, though; this is about as dumb as plot conflicts get.