Nov 23

Nov 23 'Miracles of Christmas' movie review: 'Holiday Hearts'

Three of the best actors in the Hallmark Channel troupe of familiar faces make “Holiday Hearts” (premiering Nov. 23 as part of the Hallmark Channel's Miracles of Christmas) a warm and lovely Christmas romance.

In short: While planning an annual Christmas party, Peyton (Ashley Williams) helps former flame Ben (Paul Campbell) to care for Lily, a friend's daughter.

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Christmas movies focused on "holiday traditions" is yet another Hallmark Channel sub-genre. And the tantalizing promise of "Hearts" to explore Lily's traditions while Peyton creates new traditions is lovely hook. Unfortunately "Hearts" only dips its toes into these alluring themes.

Peyton and Ben are brought back into each other's lives after a friend asks them to watch Lily - the young daughter of Patsy, their mutual friend who passed away. Lily ropes Peyton and Ben into her family's Christmas traditions, most of which were established by Patsy. Meanwhile Peyton has taken the reins of her family's Christmas party - but she's struggling to find her vision for the town's beloved annual festivity. The missed opportunity of "Hearts" is fully exploring the meaning of holiday traditions established by a loved one who passed away - a way for Peyton, Ben and Lily to connect to Patsy. And how those traditions could inform Peyton's search for her own vision.

Williams brings her trademark infectious joy to "Hearts." Her smile lights up every scene she's in (as usual) - but what makes Williams a wonderful part of the Hallmark troupe is her ability to effuse holiday cheer, as well as an undercurrent of genuine, understated poignance.

"Hearts" is a sweet reunion romance for Peyton and Ben - but it stumbles on its basic plot point. Peyton is planning the town's big Christmas Eve party - an event that the town is talking about and even gets front page coverage in the local newspaper. So it's kind of a big deal -- except that Peyton spends most of her time making cookies and decorating with Ben and Lily. The movies clearly establishes that there's just a few days left before Christmas Eve, yet Peyton ... is woefully behind on the party planning. Hallmark movies sometimes play fast and loose with plot logic, but its a bit of a stretch to watch Peyton do almost no party planning to all the party planning at once. Early on, “Hearts” alludes to a mysterious reason why Peyton and Ben abruptly fell out of each other’s lives — but the reveal is a bit underwhelming.

Lisa Durupt ("Reunited at Christmas") rounds out the cast, starring as Peyton's sister Olivia, whose husband may not be home for Christmas. She's such an empathetic voice and sounding board for Peyton's uncertainties. Durupt once again proves her strength as a wonderful supporting player - one can only hope she will soon lead a Hallmark holiday movie of her own.

Final verdict: "Hearts" is buoyed by three strong performances that play in the realm of Christmas traditions, but misses out on the chance to explore what traditions mean to them.