Cranberry Christmas brings Hallmark veteran Nikki DeLoach back in her latest Christmas film, along with Benjamin Ayres — not that he is a stranger to Hallmark movies either. Both DeLoach and Ayres play a couple, Dawn and Gabe, who run a Christmas festival/business together called Cranberry Lane. While they may seem like the perfect couple, behind closed doors, they are on the verge of separating, with Gabe wanting to leave the business and start his own, while Dawn is being offered the chance to take Cranberry Lane to the small screen with her own TV show. With differing opinions on how to handle everything, Gabe and Dawn must decide the best course of action to take when it comes to their marriage — all while they are on camera. No problem, right?
As a whole, I thought this film lacked energy — and Christmas. Yes, it was there, but more so in the background and that’s not what I tune into these movies for. I want Christmas upfront and center. Nevertheless, there are still moments within the film that you’ll enjoy, such as the festival itself. Between chopping down their Christmas tree and drinking some good hot chocolate, Cranberry Christmas delivers on some holiday movie must-haves. If it’s weren’t for the pretty Christmas lights and notorious Christmas baking, I wouldn’t have enjoyed this film half as much.
The one thing I did like about this film is probably the last thing that most people would expect — Gabe and Dawn’s separation. Now, don’t look at me like that — I’m not a Grinch. What I mean is that I liked that this wasn’t another girl-meets-boy (or vice versa) scenario where they fall in love and that’s that. This story actually showed a couple that was struggling in their marriage, but who also wanted the best for one another. Not only that, but they also showed them try to work it out like mature adults. How many stories show that kind of story? Kudos to Hallmark!
Cranberry Christmas definitely directs its story towards Gabe and Dawn’s relationship, but in the end, that’s what makes this movie so refreshing. While it’s not something I’m keen to watch a lot, it’s also not one that I’m going to outright reject either. Nikki DeLoach and Benjamin Ayres do a great job with their characters and had me rooting for them the entire time. When it comes to DeLoach, whether she’s obsessed with turtle doves (from her Hallmark movie last year, Two Turtle Doves) or just living on Cranberry Lane, she will always get me to tune in at least once to any Hallmark movie she’s in. Wouldn't you agree?
I’m curious to know what you thought about this film! Let me know in the comments below!
***I do not own this photo.
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