Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy

It's got the small town who loves Christmas. It's got romance. It's got people who don't know what they want to do with their lives. And it's got an unusually high level of ethnic diversity (for Vermont!) This movie's best feature was the time capsule and everything that comes out of it. Worth a watch for this alone!!

Although this is a generically enjoyable Christmas film, I think it helps if you have seen the two other 'Christmas In Evergreen' films that go before it as a lot of the characters and the situation have already been quite obviously established. They don't effect the storyline as such, but you might come away thinking "Huh? What was that all about when they did that/said that?"

I'm not sure I would put the two leads together, I didn't really believe their romance. I did however like the idea of a time capsule lost for decades, but the execution was a bit much.

I like this little town of Evergreen and I can see it making a good TV series, but it would have to be a bit extreme to be maintained for very long, with lots of other wacky ideas like the time capsule.

It will be interesting to see what the fourth instalment will have in store and whether Ryan and Zoe will ever be there to celebrate again?

Personally was not the biggest of fans of the previous two 'Christmas in Evergreen' films, which is not going to be popular opinion. They are certainly not terrible, but neither are they great in my view. Hallmark did far worse than the whole 'Christmas in Evergreen' series, but they also did better. While not being that excited over the premise, the cast consisting of some Hallmark regulars have been good in other things and Hallmark have done some surprisingly decent sequels.

'Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy' is a decent follow up and of the three films in the series at this point it gets my vote as the best of the three. It is not one of the best Hallmark Christmas films, but it is also far from being one of the worst. 'Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy' is a pleasant and more than serviceable enough diversion and has a lot to like, providing that you don't expect too much, but it doesn't fit my definition of great.

It has more good than bad though. The production values are attractive, especially the scenery which is quite picturesque. Some of the soundtrack is pleasantly nostalgic and is less overscored than most Hallmark Christmas films. The Carrie Underwood song was a nice touch. The script once it finds its groove is sweet and light-hearted, it also flows well. The story isn't perfect, but it has a warm heart, doesn't take itself too seriously and has a genuine charm to it. The idea is a great one and it's not wasted or confused (the film could have done more with it though).

Did feel that generally the characters were worth engaging with and caring about, good to see lead characters that had personality while not having negative traits overdone. Have seen the latter happening a lot recently and it is annoying and alienating when it happens. The acting is better than average, with both leads Maggie Lawson and Paul Greene being likeable (particularly Greene). Good to see the film attempt, and succeed, with continuity by having Ashley Williams and Jill Wagner in supporting roles. Rukiya Bernard has fun with her role without overdoing it.

However, the film does get off to a somewhat dull and routine start complete with too much forced dialogue. Would have liked more chemistry between the leads, it is there and they look at ease with each at least but it doesn't fully connect or feel fully fleshed out and the same goes with the relationship development.

While liking enough of the story, it's not flawlessly executed with the final third having too many conveniences and recycled cliches. The ending felt too neat and hasty.

Overall, not great but decent. 6/10.

This is a Hallmark Christmas movie. do son't expect it to be brilliant or amazing. It is what it is.

It looks like a Christmas card and it plays like a Christmas card.

The writer - in spite of what others have said about him here - does a good job with the storyline. In fact, for a second, if you didn't know it was Hallmark, you might think, from the start, that it's a horror movie with a mirthful beginning. Yes, it's that cheerful. You might even wonder, "Is everyone in this town a ghost ?" Catch my drift? Happily, it's a happy film, designed for happy people at a happy time of the year.

The acting is okay. I mean, you can see the actors acting, but that's what you get for a small budget and a heavily family-oriented holiday thing.

For my money, however, the only actor of note here is Patty McCormack who plays the part of the librarian or historian or whatever. Patty is a great actress - THE BAD SEED - 1956- greatest performance by a child actor ever - nominated for an Oscar. Remember her? In my opinion, she is the most under-used actress in history, but you can see her old movie star class -- even in this.

The thing that bugs me is that the writer is accused of making a mistake about the writer of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. In fact, it's included as a "goof" in the summary when there is no goof whatsoever. Allow me to explain.

In one early scene, a man is reading the Dickens classic to children in a library. Then, when one of the actors walks in on the reading, Patty McCormack's character, referring to the book being read, says, "Not one of my favorite Christmas stories, but it is a crowd-pleaser. Louisa Mae Alcott's is much better."

That is all she says. Nowhere is it implied that someone other than Charles Dickens wrote the classic novel. A CHRISTMAS CAROL. She simply says that it is not one of HER favorite Christmas STORIES. Some reviewers said that the writer or editor or even the actors should have noticed this goof -- but it is not a goof. Besides that, I know Patty McCormack. I have worked with her. If anyone would have made note of a goof, it would have been Patty. She is a very intelligent woman.

In conclusion, the movie is okay, but some of the reviews are really uninformed. Did these people listen to the dialogue? Doesn't sound like.

David Damien Mattia

Remember as a kid or parent of young ones--Christmas felt magical! This is how Evergreen feels! It's just a magical time. Brings all good people together with "comfort and joy" and surprises and love. Paul Greene, I could watch every week! The array of the cast is heart-warming and thoughtful! Merry Christmas in Evergreen! (Yes, I didn't get the reference line, at the end, stating "did you know she also wrote 'A Christmas Carol', referring to Louisa May Alcott. Could someone explain. Still love this presentation!!)