I'm sorry, but this felt as if it had been written by a group 16 year olds who couldn't agree on which direction the plot should take. Normally I'd rate anything with Tyler Hynes in it a 9 or 10, but this just was not a fitting vehicle for his talent. His part could have been played by anyone. What a waste of talent. The movie itself was slow, rambling and muddled and not worth the watch for me - though I did watch till the end hoping there'd be some redeeming quality, some epiphany or...something. The characters were lukewarm at best and unlikeable at the worst - not enough interest in any of them to care what happened. Guess I expect Hallmark to raise the bar for Christmas but not this time.
48 Reviews
Very Disappointing
tuffybellsmom6 November 2023
Tyler Haynes and Janel Parrish are of my favorite Hallmark actors and I looked forward to seeing them together in this movie. Unfortunately, I was sadly disappointed. After seeing this movie, I'm actually surprised that with their talent, they even agreed to do the movie. The storyline was a little immature as were the characters in the movie. I kept watching, hoping that it would improve, but, that didn't happen. I watched until the very end and then I deleted the movie from my saved list, it definitely wasn't worth watching again. I hope Hallmark realizes that they have some very talented actors and starts giving them parts more suited to their abilities.
Tyler Hynes is smooth as always, but the female characters were problematic
MichaelByTheSea6 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The premise of two best friends who are attracted to the same man seemed like it might be interesting, but there were too many awkward and cringey moments, especially in the first half of this movie. The two smart, accomplished, attractive 35 year old women were repeatedly made to look like silly middle school girls whenever their old crush showed up (while he was as smooth as silk). It was insulting.
There was also not enough time to properly address the many competing plot issues (planning the next phase of the Best Pal app, parental abandonment, parental death, stressful family visits, setting boundaries with parents, learning not to live in the past, overcoming past insecurities, being honest with others, reassessing career goals, redefining the BFFs' friendship, and their old crush triangle). And romance really wasn't at the heart of this movie. It was more about the extraordinarily deep friendship between Liz and Naomi and whether and how that would change.
On a more positive note, even though Hallmark movies are always predictable, I was surprised by who ended up with whom (I thought "the other one" had more chemistry). Heck, I even wondered if the two women were going to realize they were in love with each other and move in together (although one of the main themes of the movie involved them becoming less co-dependent).
Tyler Hynes is one of the most likeable actors on the Hallmark roster and he's usually given roles that play to his strengths. Here, he's effortlessly charming playing Chris Silver, an ex-Marine, with a Master's in Literature, who teaches English at his hometown high school; the same school where he was the hockey team captain, school President, and Jingle Ball King. The girls who were lucky enough to date him were said to have been "Chris'd", hence the groan inducing title of this movie. And yet despite all his accomplishments, including his service to our country, he feels as if he hadn't amounted to much (I did wonder why he was in Westin).
Naomi, played by Janel Parrish and Liz, played by Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes (a talented and intriguing actress who is new to me) were and are best friends who never "fit in" back in high school. But 17 years later, they're featured on the covers of magazines and in the Wall Street Journal after developing an app to find friends called "Best Pal." They're so joined at the hip that they own side by side condos somewhere near Silicon Valley in Northern California.
Liz and Naomi return home to visit their mothers and basked in the adulation of "the popular group" that previously excluded them. It's difficult to envision how that group had been the most popular but their yearbook photos are effectively juxtaposed with their current appearances. Neither Naomi, Liz, or Chris are married or dating. There are no pesky ex spouses and no exes whatsoever to deal with. And no one's dating history is mentioned. Everyone is basically a clean slate. No baggage despite being 35. Chris has been all over the world but, for reasons never discussed, and without any mention of any local family members, or other deep ties to the area, he returns to a tiny town called "Weston". Why?
It's also not clear where Weston is located. Although Liz and Naomi went to Iowa State, and there is a "Weston" in Iowa, that Weston only has 138 people. And yet one (or both) of the two successful Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are encouraged to move back to that tiny town. The only parts of Weston we see are the insides of homes, the high school, a couple of shops, and the only bar in town. Usually, when Hallmark trots out the "Big City bad, Small Town good" trope, there's at least an attempt to make the small town charming and appealing. I didn't see anything that would make Weston an appealing place to live.
I did get a chuckle at the name of a local cafe. "Pretty Baked" is slang for being very high on pot.
The storyline involving the family Christmas card that excluded Liz was ridiculous. It's 2023. You can literally create photo cards in a day. Or you can skip the photo and go with a holiday design.
I also didn't get the vegan/pescatarian lines or the mom who was packing to move to a new home she hadn't even picked out.
This was written by Joie Botkin who wrote the far better "3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost" and "Her Pen Pal" (one of my favorite Hallmark movies). There were some good scenes, but the infantalizing of two successful 35 year old women really annoyed me. And I really think they had more chemistry with each other than with Chris.
There was also not enough time to properly address the many competing plot issues (planning the next phase of the Best Pal app, parental abandonment, parental death, stressful family visits, setting boundaries with parents, learning not to live in the past, overcoming past insecurities, being honest with others, reassessing career goals, redefining the BFFs' friendship, and their old crush triangle). And romance really wasn't at the heart of this movie. It was more about the extraordinarily deep friendship between Liz and Naomi and whether and how that would change.
On a more positive note, even though Hallmark movies are always predictable, I was surprised by who ended up with whom (I thought "the other one" had more chemistry). Heck, I even wondered if the two women were going to realize they were in love with each other and move in together (although one of the main themes of the movie involved them becoming less co-dependent).
Tyler Hynes is one of the most likeable actors on the Hallmark roster and he's usually given roles that play to his strengths. Here, he's effortlessly charming playing Chris Silver, an ex-Marine, with a Master's in Literature, who teaches English at his hometown high school; the same school where he was the hockey team captain, school President, and Jingle Ball King. The girls who were lucky enough to date him were said to have been "Chris'd", hence the groan inducing title of this movie. And yet despite all his accomplishments, including his service to our country, he feels as if he hadn't amounted to much (I did wonder why he was in Westin).
Naomi, played by Janel Parrish and Liz, played by Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes (a talented and intriguing actress who is new to me) were and are best friends who never "fit in" back in high school. But 17 years later, they're featured on the covers of magazines and in the Wall Street Journal after developing an app to find friends called "Best Pal." They're so joined at the hip that they own side by side condos somewhere near Silicon Valley in Northern California.
Liz and Naomi return home to visit their mothers and basked in the adulation of "the popular group" that previously excluded them. It's difficult to envision how that group had been the most popular but their yearbook photos are effectively juxtaposed with their current appearances. Neither Naomi, Liz, or Chris are married or dating. There are no pesky ex spouses and no exes whatsoever to deal with. And no one's dating history is mentioned. Everyone is basically a clean slate. No baggage despite being 35. Chris has been all over the world but, for reasons never discussed, and without any mention of any local family members, or other deep ties to the area, he returns to a tiny town called "Weston". Why?
It's also not clear where Weston is located. Although Liz and Naomi went to Iowa State, and there is a "Weston" in Iowa, that Weston only has 138 people. And yet one (or both) of the two successful Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are encouraged to move back to that tiny town. The only parts of Weston we see are the insides of homes, the high school, a couple of shops, and the only bar in town. Usually, when Hallmark trots out the "Big City bad, Small Town good" trope, there's at least an attempt to make the small town charming and appealing. I didn't see anything that would make Weston an appealing place to live.
I did get a chuckle at the name of a local cafe. "Pretty Baked" is slang for being very high on pot.
The storyline involving the family Christmas card that excluded Liz was ridiculous. It's 2023. You can literally create photo cards in a day. Or you can skip the photo and go with a holiday design.
I also didn't get the vegan/pescatarian lines or the mom who was packing to move to a new home she hadn't even picked out.
This was written by Joie Botkin who wrote the far better "3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost" and "Her Pen Pal" (one of my favorite Hallmark movies). There were some good scenes, but the infantalizing of two successful 35 year old women really annoyed me. And I really think they had more chemistry with each other than with Chris.
Disappointing
kaya-544795 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I Was kinda hoping with new actresses this would have an updated plot, and it does but it's terrible. I don't know why a hallmark Christmas movie would have a guy come between close friends, then have him chose the one with who he had no chemistry. Maybe it was a casting issue, (but the new actress pascall is good! ) I do enjoy a nod To high school but this was just frustrating and depressing and I'm just of the feeling that hallmark Christmas movies should be feel good, happy movies. This was Just not uplifting or fun to watch, so unless you like being disappointed avoid this one. But hoping we see the new actress again.
Can Friendship Endure?
atlasmb6 November 2023
Best friends and successful business partners, Liz (Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes) and Naomi (Janel Parrish), return to their hometown for the holidays, where they run into former high school crush, Chris (Tyler Hynes). Back in the day, they were not on his radar, but now they actually get to know him, and they find him charming. He initiates spending more time together, which fans the flames of ardor, possibly leading to conflict between the two best friends.
While the women deal with old feelings from high school and feel friction from their mothers, they reassess their own relationship.
The strong point of this film is the believable relationship between its two female stars. This is a buddy film of sorts, so thankfully their chemistry is strong. In addition, both of them are excellent actresses with the ability to handle both comedy and drama.
Tyler Hynes is a Hallmark stalwart. Here he gives his usually-dependable performance, though the film focuses more on the females.
While the women deal with old feelings from high school and feel friction from their mothers, they reassess their own relationship.
The strong point of this film is the believable relationship between its two female stars. This is a buddy film of sorts, so thankfully their chemistry is strong. In addition, both of them are excellent actresses with the ability to handle both comedy and drama.
Tyler Hynes is a Hallmark stalwart. Here he gives his usually-dependable performance, though the film focuses more on the females.
So, that was bad.
MIssM195 November 2023
Naomi and Liz have been friends forever, they studied together, live together, work together. They do everything together. They are going home for the holidays where they encounter old high school classmates and among them is Chris, their old crush.
This movie barely had any romance in it. You go into it thinking that this is a love triangle, and he has to decide at the end. And it is, for about 4 scenes but a choice is quickly made. However, this situation carries our leads into uncomfortable moments, making them re think about past choices.
I personally didn't like it that much. I know these situations happen but it wasn't what I was expecting. I want to watch people fall in love, not two friends fighting and questioning the other. There clearly are a lot of unresolved issues.
This also had people who peaked in high school and kind of lived in the past and those are the worst kind of people.
Tyler's character could have easily been removed from this script (and I'm not even going to talk about the fish thing). Is this the only Christmas movie he will be in this year?
I know I push for more diverse plots but this is not what I was talking about. There were a lot of wrong things with the characters AND the plot.
You know what would have make more sense at this point? The girls ending up with each other.
This movie barely had any romance in it. You go into it thinking that this is a love triangle, and he has to decide at the end. And it is, for about 4 scenes but a choice is quickly made. However, this situation carries our leads into uncomfortable moments, making them re think about past choices.
I personally didn't like it that much. I know these situations happen but it wasn't what I was expecting. I want to watch people fall in love, not two friends fighting and questioning the other. There clearly are a lot of unresolved issues.
This also had people who peaked in high school and kind of lived in the past and those are the worst kind of people.
Tyler's character could have easily been removed from this script (and I'm not even going to talk about the fish thing). Is this the only Christmas movie he will be in this year?
I know I push for more diverse plots but this is not what I was talking about. There were a lot of wrong things with the characters AND the plot.
You know what would have make more sense at this point? The girls ending up with each other.
Not Typical But Funny
PeterMovie616 November 2023
This is not a typical Hallmark Christmas movie. It is, however, funny. The characters are immature and self centered without the more normal over the top "proof" of immaturity, shallowness and self absorption. They are presented in a "stupid" manner, which is not a failure of the script writing, but it is deliberate. It is comical as it was intended to be. There is no heart warming lesson (or a tying together of the story lines), no typified misunderstanding that gets rectified nor an engagement ring on Christmas Eve. It's comical as we both laugh at the characters and empathize with them. I enjoyed its edge of humor.
Points for Tyler Hynes
cawolfe-5222511 November 2023
Five points for Tyler Hynes, one point for the rest. I will watch anything with Tyler Hynes in it but I probably won't watch this again. I like both of the female leads also but this was an embarrassment to them and an insult to women. They acted like two middle school students with a crush on the star athlete. Women, especially thirtyish successful business women do not act like that. The script must have been written as a school project. Or maybe it was in the direction. The second half was better than the first but that didn't save it. Too bad. The premise was interesting but something went very wrong.
What the heck was that?
caseybones6 November 2023
Man, so that was SO bad.
Hallmark was apparently trying for somethind different but it looked like a bunch of writers tossed partial scripts in a hat and then tried to put them together. Plus borrowing from Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion.
The female leads (in their 30's) blathered on and on like 13 year olds and acted like them as well. The high school gang schtick was cringe-worthy with charicatures of every type of "never grew up" character. The mothers were both over-the-top caricatures of weird moms as well.
Why everyone was supposedly gaga over Chris is a mystery based on how Tyler portrayed him; he totally phoned in the role. What the whole "I am a vegan" bit was pointless and stupid.
There was no chemistry at all between Chris and the ultimate choice. And Hallmark had the chance to do something different and interesting - ditch the romance and have the two friends part company but remain single - but, as always, Hallmark never fails to disappoint. Gotta have the female paired up because, in Hallmarkia, single women are faiures in life without a man to lean on.
Hallmark was apparently trying for somethind different but it looked like a bunch of writers tossed partial scripts in a hat and then tried to put them together. Plus borrowing from Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion.
The female leads (in their 30's) blathered on and on like 13 year olds and acted like them as well. The high school gang schtick was cringe-worthy with charicatures of every type of "never grew up" character. The mothers were both over-the-top caricatures of weird moms as well.
Why everyone was supposedly gaga over Chris is a mystery based on how Tyler portrayed him; he totally phoned in the role. What the whole "I am a vegan" bit was pointless and stupid.
There was no chemistry at all between Chris and the ultimate choice. And Hallmark had the chance to do something different and interesting - ditch the romance and have the two friends part company but remain single - but, as always, Hallmark never fails to disappoint. Gotta have the female paired up because, in Hallmarkia, single women are faiures in life without a man to lean on.
Chris me quick!
adamjohns-4257528 January 2024
Never Been Chris'd (2023) -
The two lead girls, Naomi (Janel Parrish) and Liz (Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes) were a bit much right from the start, as were Chris' friend group and all of the parents.
Naomi and Liz got progressively worse as the film moved on and I couldn't work out how Chris (Tyler Hynes) would ever fall for either of them. He was far too cool a character to be involved with any of the rest of them. But thank God for him, because we all know that I wouldn't have made it to the end of this film without Tyler's charming good looks and cheeky suaveness. Ultimately he was far too talented to be in this film surrounded by such terrible co-stars too. He was so effortless compared to everyone else's forced enthusiasm and extreme deliveries. They were all "On" all of the time and what I believe the kids call "Extra" and not in a good way.
I definitely thought about turning it off whenever Tyler wasn't on screen.
In the beginning I kept expecting some magic wish granting old lady to appear and give the girls a chance to go back in time and change things, because it seemed to be going that way, so it was a surprise that it ended up being just a constant stream of reuniting with people from high school when the two girls went home (To their small town) for Christmas whilst hoping to hear whether their app would get funding.
I did however like the fact that for the most part it was unclear who the gorgeous Chris would end up with and I was actually hoping that he would turn out to be gay so that the story would be all about the girls friendship being tested instead, just for something brand new from this genre. Although I did appreciate that this was a differently styled storyline anyway.
I also liked the inclusion of Hannukkah celebrations which wasn't forced and explained some of the festival's details and actually helped to make the film more festive and Christmassy somehow, with a generally warm and family orientated vibe of celebration and food.
The two ladies faced some decisions about their future as the film progressed and what they would do about their mutual attraction to Chris. This caused some obvious friction, but actually made the film less silly, because they were finally behaving like adults.
I enjoyed the general premise, but I felt that it could have been delivered a lot better and that some tweaks might have made the story even more solid, but in the end it was Tyler that saved it, because I would never have stuck all the way through it for just the giggly girls.
5.59/10.
The two lead girls, Naomi (Janel Parrish) and Liz (Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes) were a bit much right from the start, as were Chris' friend group and all of the parents.
Naomi and Liz got progressively worse as the film moved on and I couldn't work out how Chris (Tyler Hynes) would ever fall for either of them. He was far too cool a character to be involved with any of the rest of them. But thank God for him, because we all know that I wouldn't have made it to the end of this film without Tyler's charming good looks and cheeky suaveness. Ultimately he was far too talented to be in this film surrounded by such terrible co-stars too. He was so effortless compared to everyone else's forced enthusiasm and extreme deliveries. They were all "On" all of the time and what I believe the kids call "Extra" and not in a good way.
I definitely thought about turning it off whenever Tyler wasn't on screen.
In the beginning I kept expecting some magic wish granting old lady to appear and give the girls a chance to go back in time and change things, because it seemed to be going that way, so it was a surprise that it ended up being just a constant stream of reuniting with people from high school when the two girls went home (To their small town) for Christmas whilst hoping to hear whether their app would get funding.
I did however like the fact that for the most part it was unclear who the gorgeous Chris would end up with and I was actually hoping that he would turn out to be gay so that the story would be all about the girls friendship being tested instead, just for something brand new from this genre. Although I did appreciate that this was a differently styled storyline anyway.
I also liked the inclusion of Hannukkah celebrations which wasn't forced and explained some of the festival's details and actually helped to make the film more festive and Christmassy somehow, with a generally warm and family orientated vibe of celebration and food.
The two ladies faced some decisions about their future as the film progressed and what they would do about their mutual attraction to Chris. This caused some obvious friction, but actually made the film less silly, because they were finally behaving like adults.
I enjoyed the general premise, but I felt that it could have been delivered a lot better and that some tweaks might have made the story even more solid, but in the end it was Tyler that saved it, because I would never have stuck all the way through it for just the giggly girls.
5.59/10.
The WORST Hallmark movie yet!
darlene-162276 November 2023
I absolutely love Tyler Hynes and couldn't wait to see this! Now I wonder why he would take this role in such an awfully scripted movie? His acting was fine, but watching supposed 35-year-olds act like 13-year olds - no,worse than 13-year-olds - was painful. (Seriously, hiding behind a clothing rack because your high school crush walks into the store, and then explaining your odd behavior by saying you were playing a game??) The only redeeming factor was that Hallmark hasn't started making threescore part if the plot, because I seriously worried if it was headed that direction. I'll take reruns of It Was Always You any day if this is all Hallmark can come up for new movies.
Wanted to love it so badly
RenT-830655 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the commercials, I was excited this would be the first Hallmark movie of the season I actually enjoyed. Sadly, it does leave a bit to be desired.
I have enjoyed just about every movie Tyler stars in and expected this to be no exception. Janel was fantastic in Holly and Ivy, so I was excited to see these two pair together. The beginning and end of the movie are the most notable and why I'm giving 7 stars. Lots of humor and best friend antics which made the movie quite enjoyable. The movie takes a sharp detour, however, once it is established which leading lady Chris will end up with. From there, sadly, there is about an hour of the movie spent watching the two girlfriends, whose best friendship has been built over many years, slowly start to fall apart.
Of course, being Hallmark, the two best friends come back together in the end, but the movie runs out of time to establish a real romance between Chris and Naomi, while also leaving many open ended stories. Perhaps they are setting up a part two? What's going to happen with the couple and their long distance relationship? Please don't tell me she's planning to move back to her small town in order to be with a guy. On top of that, why can't the two girls build another version of their company where they do all the things that they want to do without the funding that they need? This is typically how Hallmark solves the problem. Everything magically wraps up with a pretty bow and they magically get the best option possible.
The things I dislike most about this movie were the over the top characters who spend the entire movie having obviously peaked in high school. These are the saddest people in real life. High school is not the end all be all and if after 17 years, you are still the class clown, the party animal, most popular, and most athletic, having never left your hometown what have you actually achieved in life? Also, whoever cast the most athletic "cheerleader" who seems to have simply gained weight and "lives in Chicago" missed the mark on casting. She's a total b from beginning to end, unlikable, and someone needs to tell her she's definitely not all that.
While I deleted this from my DVR, and continue to look for any 2023 Hallmark movie to add to my collection, I don't hate this one. Overall, the new plot is refreshing, there's a lot to laugh at, and if it comes on again I would watch it. Here's to hoping Santa Summit comes through. Expectations are low.
I have enjoyed just about every movie Tyler stars in and expected this to be no exception. Janel was fantastic in Holly and Ivy, so I was excited to see these two pair together. The beginning and end of the movie are the most notable and why I'm giving 7 stars. Lots of humor and best friend antics which made the movie quite enjoyable. The movie takes a sharp detour, however, once it is established which leading lady Chris will end up with. From there, sadly, there is about an hour of the movie spent watching the two girlfriends, whose best friendship has been built over many years, slowly start to fall apart.
Of course, being Hallmark, the two best friends come back together in the end, but the movie runs out of time to establish a real romance between Chris and Naomi, while also leaving many open ended stories. Perhaps they are setting up a part two? What's going to happen with the couple and their long distance relationship? Please don't tell me she's planning to move back to her small town in order to be with a guy. On top of that, why can't the two girls build another version of their company where they do all the things that they want to do without the funding that they need? This is typically how Hallmark solves the problem. Everything magically wraps up with a pretty bow and they magically get the best option possible.
The things I dislike most about this movie were the over the top characters who spend the entire movie having obviously peaked in high school. These are the saddest people in real life. High school is not the end all be all and if after 17 years, you are still the class clown, the party animal, most popular, and most athletic, having never left your hometown what have you actually achieved in life? Also, whoever cast the most athletic "cheerleader" who seems to have simply gained weight and "lives in Chicago" missed the mark on casting. She's a total b from beginning to end, unlikable, and someone needs to tell her she's definitely not all that.
While I deleted this from my DVR, and continue to look for any 2023 Hallmark movie to add to my collection, I don't hate this one. Overall, the new plot is refreshing, there's a lot to laugh at, and if it comes on again I would watch it. Here's to hoping Santa Summit comes through. Expectations are low.
Two hours we will never get back
jbstad6 November 2023
Disappointing waste of one of the best actors (It Was Always You -Tyler Hynes) in this juvenile, ridiculous, petulant movie about 30 somethings acting like16 year olds. The characters were without honesty and there was little to relate to or sympathize with, other than they had to act in this movie. Worse than high school, it felt more junior high school. A script without heart or soul. Even the romance, and I use the term loosely, was empty and unbelievable. Whoever greenlit this has no idea why viewers watch Hallmark. It is not for juvenile and silly. So far the new batch of Christmas movies are mostly unwatchable, unreal, and under par.
Don't waste your time with this one.
malachite-784325 November 2023
This was so boring that I could barely pay attention. I don't know why Tyler Hines was even in it, except maybe to get us to watch it. His role seemed forced and didn't really fit.
Because it was basically about these two girls that I never really cared about at all. Not their friendship, not their history, and not their present.
And once again, what they showed us this movie was going to be about, never really materialized. Just like a movie with Alison Sweeney, about a card, which was about other characters that I also never cared about. It's the classic bait and switch.
So, I could barely give this movie a three. Even two seems too much.
It's a boring snooze that I will not watch again.
Because it was basically about these two girls that I never really cared about at all. Not their friendship, not their history, and not their present.
And once again, what they showed us this movie was going to be about, never really materialized. Just like a movie with Alison Sweeney, about a card, which was about other characters that I also never cared about. It's the classic bait and switch.
So, I could barely give this movie a three. Even two seems too much.
It's a boring snooze that I will not watch again.
Would've loved this movie if it had a different ending
szfrfqgfm24 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In short, i was hoping for a best friend story and i got a really stupid romance. I never write movie reviews but this one was so bad I just had to.
I watched the whole thing because I was so positive that Chris was just a gold digger. I thought it would end with both women getting played and realizing their high school crush doesn't mean anything anymore and they'd leave his ass in the dust. Nope. He just went for the first one who admitted they had a crush on him and she was all in. He was a creepy guy who lied about being vegan (and for why???). Zero character development there and he acted like a teen who still needed to prove himself to everyone. And Liz and Naomi also acted like teens when they were around him, giggling and acting stupid. Both daydreamed about him and got jealous whenever he gave one more attention than the other. Btw, he absolutely was flirting with both of them the entire movie. It was so cringey, but would've been fine if it ended with him being the bad guy!
The two besties also said some terrible things to each other and the fight was not resolved. They gave a half assed apology and everything was perfect again.
Would not recommend anyone watching this. Such a waste of time.
I watched the whole thing because I was so positive that Chris was just a gold digger. I thought it would end with both women getting played and realizing their high school crush doesn't mean anything anymore and they'd leave his ass in the dust. Nope. He just went for the first one who admitted they had a crush on him and she was all in. He was a creepy guy who lied about being vegan (and for why???). Zero character development there and he acted like a teen who still needed to prove himself to everyone. And Liz and Naomi also acted like teens when they were around him, giggling and acting stupid. Both daydreamed about him and got jealous whenever he gave one more attention than the other. Btw, he absolutely was flirting with both of them the entire movie. It was so cringey, but would've been fine if it ended with him being the bad guy!
The two besties also said some terrible things to each other and the fight was not resolved. They gave a half assed apology and everything was perfect again.
Would not recommend anyone watching this. Such a waste of time.
Is Chris Vegan?
jamiewest-910056 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Do you think the main character was vegan? Maybe that was the joke? But wow that was getting old quick; every scene that mentioned food he had to say he was vegan but yet he would eat latkes, cheese and then turned out to be a pescatarian? Just say he was a vegetarian, makes no sense.
I LOVE both Tyler and Janelle but this movie was just out there. It made Tyler's character seem like he wanted a best friend threesome the whole time. I loved the friendship between the two women but the love triangle was very cringe. I truly hope we get a better Christmas movie out of all of these actors this year. They are better than this.
I LOVE both Tyler and Janelle but this movie was just out there. It made Tyler's character seem like he wanted a best friend threesome the whole time. I loved the friendship between the two women but the love triangle was very cringe. I truly hope we get a better Christmas movie out of all of these actors this year. They are better than this.
Not at all what I expected
volttrsvc6 November 2023
I have never written a review, but I chose to with this because it was so disappointing. The two lead actresses weren't bad, but their story was the most interesting part and I actually was hoping Liz and Chris would end up together. I couldn't get into the storyline they came up with at all. I agree with another reviewer that they wasted the talent of Tyler Hynes. Anybody could have played that part. I like to watch these movies to relax and not watch filth in a romance. I don't feel like there was any romance in this. I couldn't care less if they got together and as a matter of fact, I hoped they wouldn't because there was more chemistry with the other leading actress. It could have been great. The lead actresses were good. The plot not so much. It just wasn't very good, sadly. I expected to love it. Disappointed in the writers. And why did they not use the talent they were given here??
Tyler Hynes Comedic Timing Shines
skmrcz9 November 2023
Really loved this movie! Lots of truth in how things from high school can follow you into adulthood. I thought how the relationships played out were realistic and funny just like life can be!!
One of my favorite scenes was the Never Have I Ever one... Pascal was so funny .. just like her imagining kissing Chris.. had me laughing !
Congratulations to all involved!
I will be watching this again, can not get enough of Tyler Hynes eating the salmon scene it was hilariously funny!
Tyler's comic timing is off the charts in this movie His facial expressions are perfection!
If you want a laugh with a little high school reunion mixed in watch this movie!
One of my favorite scenes was the Never Have I Ever one... Pascal was so funny .. just like her imagining kissing Chris.. had me laughing !
Congratulations to all involved!
I will be watching this again, can not get enough of Tyler Hynes eating the salmon scene it was hilariously funny!
Tyler's comic timing is off the charts in this movie His facial expressions are perfection!
If you want a laugh with a little high school reunion mixed in watch this movie!
Funny title but movie is a fail
hallmarkmov5 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There were a million commercials about this movie and I hoped it wouldn't be disappointed but here I am wishing I got the last two hours back. I am convinced someone thought of the title and they said great now put together a random movie about it. It reminded me of last year's class reunion Christmas movie where the concept of fears you had in highschool come back as adults for a weird class reunion that happens at Christmas time. The two best friends were odd and didn't seem to be really friends and more like two codependent people who had a very hard time going off on their own. There were forced moments, a lot of cool guy smouldering, and some really mean comments towards parents who care about their spoiled kids. I thought both characters were very rude to their parents who just wanted to be in their lives. There were moments where they overstepped but it was exaggerated with any plot line. Just like the reunion movie this did not feel like a Christmas or holiday movie. Not worth your time.
Why is he lying about being a vegan?
mkehippo26 December 2023
This was THE worst movie ever. First premise was stupid and male lead was terrible actor. Every review talks about how great an actor Tyler Hynes is but he totally phoned it in. So wooden, was actually cringeworthy. And what's with the vegan storyline. That just didn't seem to be applicable. Did AI write this? I'm sorry. There's no way that the brainiac girl suddenly wants to hang with the popular kids that ignored her 17 years earlier. She's better than that. This friendship didn't make sense. I kept expecting it to be some odd prank played in the successful girls. And again the vegan story line while he's sneaking fish. Who does that!!!!!
Hynes Shines but story stinks!
krazykoala-593696 November 2023
This movie was a big disappointment for Tyler Hynes fans. He did his best as usual but the storyline stunk! I'm not a fan of the actress that played Naomi anyhow. I watch everything with Tyler Hynes in it so they had me watching it regardless. I just think his talents were wasted on this piece of fluff that was more a teeny plot than an adult thing. Tyler Hynes is Tyler Hynes so you had me regardless of how bad it was. The two girls act like they are still in high school and Tyler's character was the exact opposite of his high school character. Who came up with this fluff?
I just hope his next project will showcase his talents better and have a little more umph to the plot! Love you, Tyler!
I just hope his next project will showcase his talents better and have a little more umph to the plot! Love you, Tyler!
Unpleasant disjointed plot
nkbannon-679105 November 2023
What a disappointment. This movie had an ill conceived plot and no chemistry between the actors. None of the characters is charming. Even halfway through it's still unclear who we should be routing for. This Lead male actor usually is fun in Hallmark movies but here his portrayal is wooden. You don't want either woman to end up with him! I also strongly disliked the underlying premise of rivalry between women friends over this MEH guy. Painful to watch. I Missed the usual Hallmark portrayal of warmth and support. Skip this one! No romance or holiday good cheer in this movie. Overall, a downer.
Confusing movie
rhonnie-431395 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I was looking forward to watching this movie because the previews made it seem like lighthearted comedy. It started that way and was really enjoyable. Then halfway through it became a drama about abandonment. At first I thought it would revert back to a comedy. But it never did. So I found the rest of the movie confusing.
Needless to say, the ending was not great because of the new serious plot. I was disappointed with the changes to the two friends' relationship and really found the romance between the one friend and the guy totally unbelievable. I thought he had better chemistry with the other friend. I rated it based on the first half and will not watch it again.
Needless to say, the ending was not great because of the new serious plot. I was disappointed with the changes to the two friends' relationship and really found the romance between the one friend and the guy totally unbelievable. I thought he had better chemistry with the other friend. I rated it based on the first half and will not watch it again.
Millennial Christmas HS Reunion/A Christmas Throuple
LeoMarvin885 November 2023
I really enjoyed this movie, it was fun and nostalgic. It felt like it had more meat to the story than your average G-rated holiday movie. I appreciate the touches of realness in terms of dealing with family members and found family.
I very much was rooting for this to actually be a throuple. The real chemistry, in my opinion, was with the besties Liz and Naomi. I admit I was hoping they would end up together. I felt some serious queer coding at the Hanukkah party and they were each wearing half of a pants suit.
Also, Chris is a low key villain here. He's totally playing both ladies. Not cool.
For me the worst part of the movie is all the vegan stuff. Sorry to my fellow millennials, but I'm a Dairytarian so the idea of vegan eggnog, hot cocoa and cheese bummed me out.
I very much was rooting for this to actually be a throuple. The real chemistry, in my opinion, was with the besties Liz and Naomi. I admit I was hoping they would end up together. I felt some serious queer coding at the Hanukkah party and they were each wearing half of a pants suit.
Also, Chris is a low key villain here. He's totally playing both ladies. Not cool.
For me the worst part of the movie is all the vegan stuff. Sorry to my fellow millennials, but I'm a Dairytarian so the idea of vegan eggnog, hot cocoa and cheese bummed me out.
The Worst Hallmark Movie Ever. Don't Walk. Run!
sbradfor-863-21523827 November 2023
This is the worst Hallmark movie I have ever seen and that is saying something because there's a lot of bad Hallmark movies. Yes, there are plenty of good Hallmark movies too, but certainly not this one. If you like reliving High School in the most shallow way possible then this is the movie for you. If that kind of thing makes you cringe then you're going to hate this film possibly as much as I did. There are really two stories going on here. First, there is the Friendship story between the two leading ladies. Neither one of them shows much in the way of acting. I would describe their acting in this film as cringe-worthy. Now possibly they can act and it's just horrible, horrible writing but I'm not sure. The male lead I refer to as mumbles because that's pretty much all he does all the time. I had to turn subtitles on to figure out what he was saying. All he does is speak in a monotone all the time. It's annoying. Could there be a more boring part? The second theme of this movie has a slight love story to it but even that is botched. In true Hallmark style everything is rushed at the end and figured out within the last 7 minutes. Thank God this one is over. 2 hours of my life wasted and painful. Avoid it all costs. Slow water torture would have been more pleasant.
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