At least one Christmas movie a year is always so charming as to remind me why I have fondness for Christmas movies. This year, Love at the Thanksgiving Parade wins the pick for “new favorite.”
Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (2012) Hallmark TV Film Review
Emily Jones (Autumn Reeser) loves her life. Every day she goes to a job she loves, and sneaks in Skype time with her marine biologist almost-fiancé, Brian. A Chicago native and cop’s daughter, Emily thrives on being the best at her job as a parade coordinator, and it seems nothing can ruin her happiness. At leant not until Henry Williams (Antonio Cupo) comes along.
Henry’s job is to keep the city from losing revenue, and he and Emily are about to be paired off as working colleagues. A challenge since they share a less-than-cordial first encounter.
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To be honest, I really like this movie from the opening so I suppose now I’ll ramble about the “why” behind this. Judging by its seasonal genre, I’m not sure when the last time was that I fell head over heels for a Christmas flick. Certainly up until now nothing tops the sweet stories of The Christmas Card or A Princess for Christmas however this film holds its own. Without feeling rushed, this one has a nice pace and the progression seems very “easy”; both for the story and the characters.
This script is fantastic. It adds in some unique quirks that blends the worlds of contemporary and vintage and fortunately this vision works. Many of the scenes put us in mind of the 40’s/50’s era with Emily’s taste for vintage fashion, and her determination that books are far more original than a download (see, this girl is awesome), which works as a lead in to the characters. They are so delightful… and fun… and special.
Antonio Cupo’s wealthy businessman persona is convincing, though I’d not seen him in anything before, yet do enjoy as a leading man (he reminds of a young Peter Gallagher). Autumn pulls off a beautiful vintage look with snazzy style. Oh, and these two are also adorable together (did I already mention this?). They make fighting fun with plenty of sparks. Also sweet is the time Henry takes to help Emily overcome some of her fears.
The conflicting personalities (modern vs. the old soul) is also something that adds a memorable cute kind of “flirting.” While the (happy end) conclusion may be one of those things that viewers don’t easily accept, I find it nothing but cute. It has a special kind of genuine hard to find, and that’s why this one dazzles with personality.
‘Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade’: Hallmark's Charming Vintage Romance. See Autumn Reeser in this lovely 2012 @HallmarkChannel original. #Hallmarkies #CleanRomance #Romance #Movies Click To TweetCONTENT: This one is a “clean” romance; there’s nothing I can think of to note.
Photos: Hallmark / Crown Media Productions
Oh I want to see this!!!!!!!
…I think you'd really enjoy it, Juju. Soooo sweet! :)
Oh, my goodness; this is one of my family's (the girls of the family that is) favorite Hallmark movies! It is hilarious and Henry is soooo handsome!
My mom and sisters say that I dress like Emily.
Neat! This film is definitely one of Hallmark's best, Livia. So cute and happy-go-luck plus the actors create FAB chemistry and that's important in a movie.
Aw, that's fun! Emily does have great taste so that's a nice compliment. :)
I adore this one! Oh gosh…..need to rewatch it. Probably tonight which I think is fitting!
*HIGH FIVE*
Yes, perfect choice for this night-before-Thanksgiving, Ella. Hope you enjoyed – it's definitely one I'm going to relish re-watching each year. So sweet – and these two actors? They were delightful together. :)
Happy Thanksgiving! :)