Window Wonderland (2013)

This has more depth and substance than your average Hallmark Christmas movie. The leads are well matched and Naomi Judd is a wonderful in her supporting role. And could it be that the female lead is named as a homage to Philip van Doren Stern, the writer of The Greatest Gift, the short story that was turned into an obscure little Christmas movie entitled, It's A Wonderful Life? It goes through the usual, slow coming together, then sudden falling out, and final happy ending of all Hallmark romantic movies. But, in this case whole is greater than the sum of its parts. My only criticism is the music. I found it too loud and intrusive, in parts. And not Christmasy enough. But that does not detract too much from this festive gem. Do watch it. You will not be disappointed.

The title for this film should be 'Don't try this at home' as mostly the story is implausible, but then, at the same time, possible. Whimsical is the best description, while being the reason it is so charming. For those expecting Happy Ever After, you won't be disappointed, but then it's a nice feeling to be left with.A young woman and man are put up against each other for the position of chief window dresser in a major department store. There's no point choosing whose side you're on because you just know that they'll end up being on the same side, in fact it would disappoint if they weren't. What's enjoyable about the film is the route chosen to get them there. There are surprises and smiles; that is if you allow the director to lay out the course without prejudgment or criticism.The he and she main actors are eminently likable and the characters they play suited to each other, while the supporting cast provide a varied selection to cuddle or curse. Like a stream, we know the course of travel, and when our little craft bumps into the river bank the supporting cast are there to push it off again. You might be surprised if you are surprised by the ending, but our hero and heroine seemed perfectly relaxed, perhaps having enjoyed the film as much as we did.Conclusion: 7.5 Xmas points, for a simple story that leaves you smiling.

There's an opening for Manhattan department store McGuire's windows display designer. Sloan Van Doren (Chyler Leigh) is serious and driven. She puts on a facade even with her rich boyfriend Kenneth Carlyle. She has the fake name and her mother Rita Dorentella (Naomi Judd) works as the bathroom attendant at the store. Her competition is the free-spirit Jake Dooley (Paul Campbell). His easy-going manners frustrates her. The janitor Mac sees their combative flirtatious relationship. One night, they get locked in the store together. She discovers that he has been spending the nights in the store. Their attraction grows as Kenneth's snobbish characteristics come out.This is a perfectly fine Hallmark Christmas romance. The fake NYC is obvious but it doesn't overwhelm. This stuff boils down to the leads. Leigh is perfectly charming and Campbell is a boyish rogue. They are sweet together. There is nothing surprising and nothing offensive. The store display window as a story element is passed its prime. The only display that actually hit is the family food fight. I like that they go overboard with the fight. Otherwise, this is what one expects from this type of movie with a couple of photogenic charming leads.

The only "wonder" about it, is: why was this lousy movie even made?If Hallmark's Christmas movie producers are vying to see who could come up with the worst movie, then I vote for this movie to being one of MANY that is strongly in the lead! When I saw the cheerful previews...and with the great title...I imagined that I would be seeing all kinds of wonderful window scenes...even with magical effects. Boy, was I wrong...very wrong!The lousy window presentations throughout were consistent with the entire movie being lousy throughout. The plot just dragged and dragged and dragged. The players and their lines were as dull as can be. Nothing cheerful or enticing about any of it.Naomi Judd's part was ridiculous!...actually, somewhat moronic. With her cheap appearance....and the scene with her in front of the store on the sidewalk...and the scene with the juvenile food fight, are the factors that contributed to that perception.