Oct 25

Oct 25 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Window Wonderland'

With a pair of great lead characters and a lighthearted script, the delightful 'Window Wonderland' (now streaming on Hallmark Movies Now) is the sharpest and most endearing romantic comedy in the 'Countdown to Christmas' library of holiday movies.

In short: Workplace rivals Sloan (Chyler Leigh, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’) and Jake (Paul Campbell, ‘A Godwink Christmas’) compete for a coveted window decorating position during the holiday season at a Manhattan department store. Also stars Naomi Judd, Terence Kelly and Cameron Mathison ('Home and Family' co-host).

My 10 favorite Hallmark Channel 'Countdown to Christmas' movies of all-time

The chemistry between co-leads Leigh and Campbell and a playful script are the strengths of this Hallmark Channel gem. Their back-and-forth actually has some crackle and pop, as their characters actually feel genuinely adversarial as they compete for a top job. It's a bristling banter that is good-natured but barbed, without feeling forced or artificial.

Thankfully, the movie isn't content just leaving the two leads as just a pair of competitors succumbing to the opposites attract rule. And as the movie progresses, 'Wonderland' drops little hints that there's more to the carefree Jake and focused Sloan than just two co-workers vying for the same dream job. Because the plot - two people competing for the same job - is fairly linear, 'Wonderland' surprises because it adds depth to Sloan and Jake, making them true co-leads playing characters with interesting depth in a story that unexpectedly has a lot to say about being honest with one's self.

The movie's charm comes in the short, fleeting moments generously sprinkled throughout 'Wonderland' wherein characters share seemingly inconsequential moments that establish homey, familial relationships. The moments are so quick and innocuous that it would have been easy just to cut out moments like describing what "Tur-Dunkin" is (they're not talking about a traditional third bird roast) or the charm of celebrating "Christmas Eve Eve." Electing not to cut these moments is why 'Wonderland' has a unique zest and unexpected warmth. Despite being one of the rare Hallmark Channel films set in the big city, the movie is infused with a sincere familiarity much more in line with the movies set in small mountain towns.

Some Hallmark movies are overtly saccharine, relying on affected humor that feels clunky, comes off as sitcom-like, and often times falls flat. 'Wonderland' is a legit comedy that finds humor that is completely character-based, allowing Campbell's whip-smart delivery and Leigh's talent for dropping a sharp zing to capture a breezy and lively tone.

Final verdict: This 'Countdown to Christmas' flick chooses to entertain rather than just warm the heart - and 'Wonderland' still finds a rather sweet story about self-confidence and being confident in one's own skin.