Checkin' It Twice

This movie is probably typical Hallmark fare if you've never been to Idaho Falls, but as someone who grew up there (and someone who's watched plenty of Hallmark movies), I gotta say that this movie exemplifies what people don't like about the genre. They make Idaho Falls look like a blend of Jackson Hole and Park City with the giant hockey arena and people who have a guest house. Neither of those things exist in IF (except maybe at Frank Vandersloot's house). If you're gonna set a movie in a real place, don't just throw a dart at a map-use its actual character. If you set a movie in New York City, you don't keep referring to a Griffith Park; that's essentially the setting sin this movie makes, the kind that fully takes you out of it. If they set this in a fake place, most of that problem takes care of itself. Also, for all the Idahoans out there, can we learn to say Boise correctly? Pretty please?

It was a little slow to start and the first hour had hardly any Christmas action/activities. Kevin just didn't seem to have his heart in this movie where as Kim was bubbly and bright and definitely had sympathy for her with user boyfriend stealing her real estate clients and not really caring for her needs. I did However like Grandma and her eggnog scene and in the stands at the Hockey game, She was a scene stealer. The scenes with the kids hockey team were cute, and Kevin didn't seem too awkward with them eventhough he towered over them some kids can find It daunting as kid actors doing sports scenes. It was a pretty predictable ending as well.

For me, this movie was unexpected. A bit different from the usual, which made me want to immediately watch it again to see what I missed. Tender and sweet, yet with very funny moments. The goofy family was delightful and relatable. Romance shown differently, with the conflict being within each character; not between the characters. Love how the individual storylines weaved together. The cast was lovely, the scenery beautiful, shot from many locations, the facial expressions were the best. Love how the beginning and end cab scenes book ended the movie, and how the Actors handled those scenes! Great chemistry between the leads, and hope to see them paired together again. If you want to watch a movie that does not gut punch you and leaves you with warm feelings, this is the movie to watch!

Super cute, def usual predictable Hallmark fare. But it caught my attention that the main character says 5th Avenue isn't real. I replayed the scene because I did not believe I heard that correctly. I think all the folks who live and work and own shops on 5th Avenue might be surprised to learn it doesn't exist. WWTT??

I very much enjoyed that so many of the characters looked less than shiny perfect, like normal humans. Hair was imperfect, makeup was light, and there was some nice humor. Also the sequin Santa hat one of the guys wore was EVERYTHING. Also nice to see a China pattern besides Old Country Roses used.

Journeyman hockey player Scott meets Ashley in the airport for their "meet cute". They both flew into Idaho Falls, Idaho which happens to be Ashley's hometown and Scott's new home as he has been traded to the local hockey team...the Fighting Trouts! Scott's frustrated because he really wants to be called up the the NHL, but keeps getting passed over for younger and faster kids. He is in his thirties and trying to come to grips with his dream being unattainable.

His real goal is to be as good as his father a Hall of Fame hockey player, who was too busy playing to be a father to his son and considers his team his family instead of his actual family.

At home, after having her real estate parter and boyfriend betray her and steal her client, Ashley begins to realize how great it is to be in her home town with her warm and loving family and friends.

Hockey, Christmas cider, more hockey, and fishing for plastic fish...this was an adorable holiday romance. I loved the focus on family and it's value. Kim Matula (Ashley) and Kevin McGarry (Scott) were wonderful together. The humor was great and I really appreciated the taxi cab callback at the end.

I highly recommend this Hallmark Holiday Romance to my fellow romantics, especially to those like me who like hockey!