Have said many times about my love of Christmas and getting a lot of pleasure out of in particular watching films, cartoons and specials during this period, something that most years has been much needed. Wanted to see some more festive films that were more recent, lower in budget and were not childhood favourites, so in a way to broaden my horizons. The idea of the film did sound unusual and quite out there, but it was fascinating at the same time.

What a very lovely surprise 'Christmas Around the Corner' turned out to be. It does a lot right and avoids, or at least to me it did, most of the traps that Christmas films with similar basic plotlines or follow a certain formula often do. Just to say, on a brief side note, that it does perplex me as to why the same sex couple has garnered so much attention here and so heavily criticised in a way that comes close to being on the bigoted side. This is probably coming from somebody easily pleased, but it wasn't a problem for me and it didn't ruin the film.

'Christmas Around the Corner' is predictable, no doubt about it, with an ending that can be seen a mile away and story elements seen many times before.

Really though, to me there was very little wrong (the only other problem being some of the dialogue being on the contrived and cheesy side). Of the recently seen Christmas films from recent years with similar plots and similar budgets, 'Christmas Around the Corner' is easily one of the best ones.

It looks lovely, with scenery that captures the festive spirit very well pleasingly shot. The soundtrack also adds a lot to the atmosphere and is easy to remember. The script mixes amusing comedy, sweet romance and not too sentimental drama with ease and good balance, having personality too.

The story is predictable but also very charming, easy to engage with and heart-warming. Any tensions never got too dark or complicated and there wasn't anything that felt aimless. The characters were more likeable and interesting than most similar characters and are further advantaged by strong performances from particularly Alexandra Breckenridge and Jane Alexander and warm and never stiff chemistry between the actors.

Overall, surprisingly very well done. 8/10

Workaholic NYC business woman goes to a struggling Vermont town and tries to help business wise. The bookstore (again!) is struggling and the Christmas festival has been cancelled. She is met by resistance from the grumpy towns folk.

Alexandra Breckinridge, really stunning in AHS s1 makes a welcome Hallmark addition. Her hair here is lighter and doesn't suit her as well as the dark hair she had in AHS. Also when she pulls back her hair it makes her face look too full - better when it's down.

The movie was well done with a good story and good acting. Yes it's sappy. The premise is ridiculous. Some of the circumstances are too. But that's true to some extent of most of the Christmas Rom/Coms.

The premise may be crazy, but it's also unusual. In some ways it is a twist on the dying dinosaur-business premise. Some of the usual consequences of this premise develop but the story is still fresh.

Much of the charm of this movie is Alexandra Breckenridge who plays the dynamic and extraordinary Claire. Claire starts out with a business disaster and looks for a break (she really flees her real life),but she quickly dives into the small town situation and makes an impact. Meanwhile, Jamie Spilchuk does a great job as Andrew who presents a counterpoint to Claire's enthusiasm. They start out as not so much antagonistic but more a case of coexisting with each other. They play off one another perfectly with both romantic tension and humor.

A few reviewers referred to this as a Hallmark movie. I'm pretty sure it's not. MarVista (according to Wikipedia) is more closely associated with Lifetime, which is where I saw this movie. Hallmark is not yet to the point of being politically correct as far as LGBT themes and they may never be. While the movie is definitely a sappy romance, it definitely has the Lifetime flavor to it in several ways, not just the one.