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Chateau Christmas – Hallmark Channel – Starring Merritt Patterson (The Royals) and Luke Macfarlane (Brothers and Sisters) – Written by Nicole Baxter and Directed by Michael Robison
I just know when I see Luke Macfarlane in anything, my heart will be happy. The first time I saw him on screen was as Kevin Walker’s (Matthew Rhys) better half Scotty Wandall on Brothers and Sisters. Ever since his magical run as Scotty, I have been a fan and as such, he is one of my favorite Hallmark leading men (and yes, I love you too Paul Campbell). Part of it is my unhealthy love for him as an actor and also because Macfarlane can play opposite a rubber tree plant and have chemistry with it. This time is different. And not because of Macfarlane because I think he was trying to do the best he can with what he had to work with. It’s just that Chateau Christmas, while sweet, didn’t ooze the romance or even storyline to keep me captivated or wanting to watch it again and again. Let’s do a quick recap and then get into the issues with this movie.
Hallmark’s third Christmas movie premiere tells the story of a gifted and world famous pianist Margot Hammond (Patterson) whose concert was unexpectedly canceled freeing her up to spend time with her family at Chateau Newhaus resort for Christmas. Little does she know, her friend from college Adam (Jesse Hutch) is the event director at The Chateau and has hired their other friend from college Jackson Lewis (Macfarlane), who happens to be Margot’s ex (of course he is), as the director of the Chateau’s Christmas Concert. When the main featured player is out of the concert, Jackson has to scramble to figure this out. Especially since he is up for the chair of the music department at the college where he teaches and one of the people deciding his future will be there to watch the show. Well thank goodness he has the YoYo Ma of pianists staying at the Chateau to bail him out of this conundrum! But just having a choir and Margot isn’t enough. Oh no. If they can get the Lafayette Quartet to play with them, then the show will be complete. One problem, the quartet broke up (and one member is deceased leaving them a trio). If Margot and Jackson can reunite the “quartet” they will agree to play in the concert. I think you know what happens. However, when they are practicing, it just isn’t the same without their cellist. But guess what? Jackson happens to be a phenomial cellist so he decides to perform with the trio making them an official quartet again. Side note, Margot has been losing her passion in her music and it was on full display when she played her last two concerts and critic Evelyn March (Patricia Cullen) gave her two horrendous reviews. Needless to say when Evelyn just so happens to be at the Chateau for the holidays with her husband, she will be watching and reviewing Margot’s appearance. Margot’s ready to jump out of her skin because while upset at the reviews, she more upset Evelyn astutely pointed out her shortcomings in her recent performances. She’s been trying to find that magical spark and just hasn’t been able to…until now. The concert is a huge success, Margot shines better than ever, and Margot and Jackson get back together and try to give their relationship another shot.
I went into this really expecting to love this. It has Luke. It has the lovely Merritt Patterson. It has a music storyline. But it just fell, flat. I also thought certain points were just a bit odd. First and foremost, name one famous pianist. Can’t do it? Neither can I. I couldn’t even name a famous pianist with whom to compare her. I had to use a famous cellist to make my point. Well, Margot is walking around town like she’s Paul McCartney. And it’s not her attitude I’m referring to. It’s the fact that people at the Chateau recognize her. Sam Bennet from the Lafayette Quartet said, “you’re THE Margot Hammond????” Ok MAYBE being in the music business, you would recognize this woman. But how many every day people in this town know a famous pianist? Am I wrong on this? I just found that a bit bizarre.
I didn’t feel anything between Jackson and Margot. I said before, Luke Macfarlane has chemistry with everyone and everything. So I was stunned feeling nothing between these two. I mean look at the promo picture. They look so stiff and look as if they can’t wait to be done with this photo shoot, this movie, this anything to do with each other. I can see this being the last picture they took after hundreds where the photographer probably said to them, “Luke, Merritt. I beg of you. We have to get one picture where you appear to like each other. Merrit, stand near Luke. Luke, put your arm around her. Ok, guess what, this is the last picture we will ever take of you guys!” Then snap. Finally getting one where they are smiling the best they can. It almost makes you wonder, does Hallmark do chemistry reads/tests? I mean this is HALLMARK. There has to be feelings and emotions, especially with the leads who are falling in love or re-falling in love. Maybe a chemistry test may not be the worst thing before a holiday romantic movie.
The storyline was also very uninspired. There’s a concert, all this world famous talent happens to be in the same town at the same time Jackson needs to pull this off, and that’s it. The writers try to put some angst in here with Margot struggling with her recent emotionless playing. But it never felt real to me because she has a very pleasant but even keeled disposition. She doesn’t remind me of the type to have a ton of emotion behind her music to begin with so I’d be dying to see her “lifeless” performances vs. this concert. My guess, not so different. She also didn’t feel that torn up about it to me. I got a very, “yeah it sucks but whatever” from her character. I wasn’t getting a ton of warm and fuzzies with her family either. The only exception was her sister. I thought that was the best dynamic of the movie. Along with Jackson and Adam. When her sister was all snarky when she met Evelyn, I was loving that because that’s exactly how your sister would react to meeting the woman who’s been making your baby sister a nervous wreck. So A+ to Patterson and Julia Benson for that connection.
Rating: 3 out of 10
Re- Watch Chances: Not a chance
What did you think? I’m a little disappointed. Three movies into the 2020 Christmas season and only one good movie with re-watch ability. I know, I know. I’m being way too critical this early on. We’re only the first weekend into a LONG stretch but I hope these start picking up the pace soon. I have a feeling, that’s going to come next weekend as I can’t wait for One Royal Holiday and Holly & Ivy. Think I’ll need some tissues for Holly & Ivy!
All I Do Is Stream 