Family for Christmas (2015)

This movie places an importance on family over career, and apparently that's controversial and offensive nowadays. This movie was a little dull, but overall a great family movie. I was actually surprised that a movie describes 'being a mom' as more important than financial success. As far as everyone calling this sexist, the husband and wife both sacrifice a high end lifestyle for their family. The parents are great with their kids, overall a loving family. (Spoiler) I also liked that she couldn't 'undo' her decisions, but was just given the choice to change her future instead of her past. Honestly I think the show would've been a bit better if she took the job and was able to have a successful career and a family, there are many amazing people who can do both, and it's very admirable. But I don't think it's 'bad' that she only chose her family and gave up the career, since being a good parent is the most important job imo. it just would have been a better story if she had both

Lacey Chabert, Hallmark's second darling of Christmas, stars in the fun, well-acted film Family for Christmas. The beginning will probably make the romantics in the audience reach for their hankies: Lacey and her boyfriend Tyron Leitso are parting ways at the airport because she has a six-month internship in San Francisco. They vow to wait for each other, but then a title card displays the dreaded words "ten years later" and Lacey's a famous news anchor with no romantic attachments. So sad! Then again, the movie's just started, so dry those tears and get ready for some holiday magic. She starts thinking of her old flame, wondering what would have happened if they'd held on a little tighter all those years ago. The next morning, she wakes up married to him, in a suburban house with two children and a dog! Lacey is so funny in this film, letting audiences know she's out of her element without being annoying or unlikable. She tries to cope with her new life as a housewife, and along the way she starts to fall in love with Tyron all over again. He's a particularly likable love interest, a perfect blend of a romantic lead and a dad and husband. Together, Lacey and Tyron have a comfortable yet exciting chemistry together.Family for Christmas is one of the better films to come out of the Hallmark channel, because not only is the story accessible rather than silly, but the acting is very good. The characters aren't one-dimensional, so the audience can really get invested in the movie, rather than just concentrate on their popcorn. While the ending is bittersweet, the overall film is very enjoyable. Add it to your yearly line-up of Christmas movies; I did!

Has to be my least favorite Hallmark movie ever. The best thing about this movie is that Candace Cameron Bure wasn't in it. So tired of seeing her in so many Hallmark movies, I can't keep her characters straight. But back to this movie, talk about an husband who doesn't support his wife. Didn't see any chemistry between husband and wife. Kids were cute enough. Would have liked to see a bigger supporting cast, friends that were fun to be around. I would love to see more movies with Alicia Witt in them. Someone mentioned having a Hallmark Christmas movie channel and I'd love that. And does everyone have to have 10 lines in their reviews? I've see many reviews with a lot less.

This movie was beyond disappointing and I usually love Hallmark movies; but the patriarchal messaging behind the movie was just insulting. Basically the movie is about a successful TV news reporter who gets a chance to see what life with the her boyfriend could have been if she hadn't taken a job offer in San Fran. So she wakes up with a husband and two kids and she's a stay at home mom. I am not saying there is anything wrong with this life but she seems basically miserable the whole time and out of place and then she gets an opportunity to get a job, a job she loves mind you, and her husband basically guilts her into turning it down. The whole movies just feels forced as if they are pushing being a stay at home mom and nothing more and being at home to cook dinner, god forbid you order a pizza, for you family and take your kids to school, and baking cookies all day. If that's you thing, go ahead, but if that's what you don't want to do and be, you can work and be a good mom. But the movie basically crushes her and insinuates she doesn't care about her family when an opportunity for a job that she loves and is passionate about comes along. It's 2015. Get with the times.All in all, I was disappointed and insulted watching this.