User reviews

This Hallmark holiday film offers little in the way of surprising developments or surprising dialogue. Still, it follows some traditional Hallmark story lines.

Celeste (Tammin Sursok) looks forward to the annual Christmas trivia tournament at a local bar. She really wants her team to win, so when their ringer---a two-time Jeopardy champ---has other plans, she is despondent. The new offensive coordinator of the university's football team is added to the roster solely to meet the requirement of six players. Celeste harbors resentment toward the football team, because she feels it receives undue attention, whereas her department (Astronomy) and academics, in general, is underappreciated.

New team member Max (Brant Daugherty) turns out to be a nice guy, so he gradually grows on Celeste. As the tournament progresses, they share various experiences and she realizes he is more than a dumb jock.

Comedic chemistry between the two leads is adequate, but any romantic chemistry feels mostly manufactured. Two cleverness points for naming the female lead Celeste, which means "heavenly".

When students go home for Christmas break at a university in Vermont, those sad souls left behind (or just live there), participate in a 45-year tradition of Christmas trivia at Nick's Bar. Celeste (Tammin Sursok) is obsessed with winning the trivia tournament, but is thrown when her ringer bails and she's stuck with Max, a football coach (Brant Daugherty) as their sixth and required member of the trivia team.

Trivia is fun, but this movie was absurd and not in a funny, laugh at yourself way. There are some funny one-liners, but it's certainly not enough to carry the contrived story line that somehow tries to be funny and sincere, but fails at both.

One liners -I'm a football coach, not a wheel magician!" When he can't change a tire.

-"If you'd like, I'd be happy to share my syllabus..." Professor, keep your pants on. Really a dick joke?

-After asking a nun to be on the trivia team, the nun replies, "I will pray for you. Hard." Wow, the nun thinks you're silly.

-"Belay! You gotta Belay!" Best rock-climbing advice ever.

Goofy notes -A whole week of trivia nights is a bit much, even for die hard trivia buffs.

-This movie was filmed on location in Connecticut. Why was it placed in Vermont?

-Shouting your trivia answers in a crowded bar is a great way to lose to other people who can hear you.

-Everyone drinks different colorful holiday beverages - no one has any ice.

-The Stan trophy had to be worth at least $7, but no more.

-And who was Stan in the photo? They show him like an inside joke. Help us out.

-When they eat cookies, the sound department didn't add the ever-present crunch, like every other Hallmark movie. This is the right decision.

Measuring Christmas Magic: None, except the super meta final trivia category - Hallmark Christmas movies! Nice work there.

Cast Kudos: Brian McCarthy who plays Nick the Quiz Master. Nick dons a different holiday outfit each night, which helps show the different events, and is a nice running joke. Give Nick a movie.

Alternative Titles: The Greatest Trivia Tournament Ever; Trivia for the Lonely; Just go home for the Christmas holiday.

Aired on Hallmark on Nov 8, watched Nov. 9.

When students all flee an elite university in Vermont for winter break, the locals and faculty hunker down for their favorite time of year - the annual Christmas Bar Trivia Tournament. For Celeste (Sursok), a Type-A astronomy professor, this event combines the magic of Christmas with her greatest comfort in life: knowing the right answer. But when her colleague drops out of the tournament to do a month-long lecture tour in Asia, Celeste's team must adopt Max (Daugherty), the football team's new offensive coordinator. To Celeste, Max seems like nothing more than a grown-up class clown - though he brings an undeniable knowledge of sports trivia (a category their team has always fallen short in). Initial clashes between the two eventually turn into mutual appreciation as the team enjoys scavenger hunts on campus, decorating the international house with Christmas lights, baking Christmas cookies, and advancing toward the championship trivia game.

First off, this is the exact same formula as all Christmas and romance films, so don't expect anything new on that front. However, this film does have a very christmassy feel to it, with great decorations, great sets, great costumes and a general christmassy buzz about it. That alone makes it good to me because christmas films should primarily be about christmas, no matter what else is going on. And what else is going on? Well, nothing much. The behaviour of the actors is pretty much the same as a bunch of 12 year olds. If they are making films for an adult audience or a family, I'd expect some more mature scenes and lines. Also, the two leads have zero chemistry even when they actually kiss. Luckily, the lack of romance doesn't hurt it too much because as I said, it's got a great christmas vibe that carries it along no matter what.

I'd never watch it again but it was a great christmassy mood for an hour and a half so I gave it a 5 for that.

7.1 stars.

Not as bad as I thought it would be. The trivia aspect is literally the main theme of the story, so it threw me off as the film was about half way through and it was still about trivia. On the other hand, the lead male is really interesting in this, because he seems to play a nonchalant guy pretty well. He isn't the best actor for serious, and you'll see almost all of his roles are laid back, carefree characters. This is no different. The lead female is off balance at times, like she was unable to capture the personality of her character very well, but sometimes she was okay. The only negative was her negativity, which really pervaded the role, almost as if she was genuinely feeling morose while she acted the part.

But it's a somewhat entertaining movie for the supporting cast and the competition and how the relationship forms. Something was done right, not sure what, but I liked it enough for 7.1.

This is a typical Hallmark holiday movie but, unfortunately, lacking the excitement and warmth viewers expect. Brant Daugherty, who usually shines with charming characters that draw the audience in, doesn't get a role that lets him showcase his usual charisma. His characters in other films feel fully developed and engaging, but here, the story and chemistry just don't seem to come together.

The film lacks the heartwarming Christmas spirit that Hallmark movies are known for. The setting and holiday atmosphere feel more like background elements than integral parts of the story, making the film come off as if it was hurriedly put together to fill a seasonal slot. It's missing the kind of genuine moments that leave you with a smile and a feeling of holiday cheer.

Ultimately, Trivia at St. Nick's is watchable but not memorable, a disappointment for fans hoping to be drawn into a cozy, festive world. It's the sort of film you can have on in the background without missing much, rather than a holiday movie that leaves a lasting impression. Hallmark fans may still enjoy it, but it doesn't stand out as a new holiday favorite.

I don't know what the hate is. I loved this movie. The trivia was so clever and fun to play along with, especially the Hallmark movies in the end! I knew the answers! I thought it was great to see Brant in a different, more silly role. He's one of my favorite Hallmark actors and he never disappoints. And Tammin had a lot of funny moments too. It was a different movie for Hallmark and I appreciated that. Lots of little Easter eggs for the Hallmark fans in the trivia. I enjoyed the whole trivia team, especially the older couple. Lots of laugh out loud moments for me and my teenager. Loved watching it together.

Given the fact that I don't keep up with Christmas movies at all, then of course I was by no means familiar with this 2024 Hallmark movie from director Marlo Hunter. But I had the opportunity to sit down and watch it here in 2024, as part of my December month of Christmas movie marathon.

I have to be honest, though, and say that with it being a Hallmark movie, I was expecting to be in for the usual standard and generic sap that Hallmark Christmas movies tend to ooze with. But of course, as I was not familiar with the movie, then writers Christine Garver and Stephanie Jackson had every opportunity to impress, bedazzle and entertain me with their script.

The only face on the screen that I was familiar with was actor Willie C. Carpenter. I will say, however, that the acting performances in the movie were fair.

Sure, this was a watchable movie, but it just wasn't a movie that was capable of being outstanding in a vast ocean of similar movies. It was just simply too formulaic, generic and, well honestly, bland. But I am sure that there is a die-hard fan group out there that gobble up these sappy and generic Christmas movies by the dozens and enjoy every moment of it. If you enjoy sappy Christmas movies, by all means, give director

I have to admit that I found that the movie just didn't have that particular Christmas spirit or feeling to it, and as such it just failed to be an outstanding viewing experience.

"Trivia at St. Nick's" is by no means a Christmas classic. Nor is it a movie that I will ever return to watch a second time. Marlo Hunter's 2024 movie a chance.

My rating of "Trivia at St. Nick's" lands on a four out of ten stars.

Plot tropes that avoid the typical Hallmark romance cliches, especially the Christmas movie cliches, are welcome. No small towns threatened by developers. No old boyfriends suddenly appearing. No big city girl returning to her small town roots.

This story takes place on a college campus and the surrounding town, as several teams of six participate in a six-day pub trivia tournament.

The female lead starts out a bit too overbearing as anal retentive and too tightly wound/focused. She starts out with a big dislike for a coach on the school's football team, who--of course--winds up on her trivia team, against her wishes.

The story progresses well from there, and we enjoyed how their relationship grew, and also the scripted trivia competition. The only thing I wish they'd done is present more of the trivia questions. LOL We knew a lot of the answers ourselves. ;-)

One thing: They were a bit too impressed by a "two time Jeopardy Champion". Two day winners on Jeopardy are a dime a dozen. ;-)

I like the premise of TRIVIA AT ST. NICKS, An astronomy professor Celeste (Tammin Sursok) is setting her sights on being part of winning trivia team at the Christmas Bar Trivia Tournament at local joint, Nick's Bar. A team is assembled and each team member brings their special field of expertise. A trivia teammate drops out, leaving the team with no choice but to ask the University's Football team Offensive Coach, Max, (Brant Daugherty) as a replacement. The problem is Celeste loathes anything to do with football, so of course Max and Celeste clash. The question is can they put aside their differences to achieve their goal, and learn something about themselves and the other and even find romance in the process?

It appears Tammin Sursok tries to do her best imitation of Candace Cameron Bure and FAILS and I've seen Brant Daughtery in other movies and he's been very good, but in this movie he seems to be doing a POOR imitation of Tom Hanks. The movie is boring and even MORE predictable than usual for a Hallmark movie. Also, some of the supporting cast members need acting lessons. One of the subplots is the wife of the a married couple on the team is keeping a surprise from her husband, only Celeste knows her secret. It was almost like the script writer forgot about the subplot, so the surprise was revealed at the most inopportune time just to wrap the loose ends, that's how bad the plot is. In keeping with the spirit of the movie, What Hallmark movie is one I won't be watching again? ANSWER Trivia At St. Nick's!

It was a good idea for something different at Hallmark, but......... The competitiveness and stubbornness of the leading lady was too much for me. If I had been part of that group, I would have quit the team and went elsewhere. None of the other team members spoke up and let her have her way. Everyone was rolling their eyes and twiddling their thumbs. After all, one of the team members said it's just a game. I myself have no patience for that kind of conduct. And i'm only 40 minutes in. I'm undecided if I'm going to finish it off. Maybe if I let it run through, it will have a better ending than a beginning. I'll update my review after that.

Brant Daugherty and Tammin Sursok, who play Celeste and Max, have wonderful chemistry together. They initially meet and don't hit it off...the astronomy teacher vs the football coach until Celeste's trivia team, The Quizmas Elves, is desperate for a sixth and with his sports knowledge and team building expertise, Max is the perfect fit.

Celeste has the need to study and get everything right while Max is more go with the flow, enjoy the process...but both want to win in the end. They especially want to beat the young whippersnappers "we came to sleigh". The competition is for bragging rights and the beloved "Stan" trophy. After some initial struggles, Max kind of takes over with some team building exercises that end up giving them the competitive edge in trivia, in addition to being fun. The whole process has Celeste reevaluating her process and well...Max

I loved the Christmas activities....and the "It's a Wonderful Life" references. This was fun, funny and had some decent writing. The first kiss needed a little work...but the rest was a Christmas romantic's dream. I highly recommend.

Hallmark has tanked! So shocked at the amount of cringe and nonsensical aspects of this movie, Oh my word, my son's 6th grade drama department could pull off a better background set than this movie did! The fake facade of the college was laughable. Most pathetic background of a school that I've ever seen. The football player from Hungary blows my mind! How unrealistic for a European to be playing American football at a New England prep college, and even his accent was over the top and vague

The main girl, who my daughter recognized from Hannah Montana, is trying so hard to be Candace Cameron Bure,

Terrible annoying characters. That trophy, the "Stan" literally looks like it came from a landfill.

Why would a trivia competition take 6 nights? The TA was a deadbeat and totally lame. Killed the joyful Christmas vibe. The weirdest scene was when the main characters mother weirdly kisses the older professor at the end, and suddenly another member of the trivia team blurts out that she's pregnant.

Lastly, I've never in my life seen a grown man scream his head off after winning a Christmas trivia game, you're telling me that he's supposed to be a football coach? His yelling was dumb. I was stunned when a scene that took place outside of the characters house, featured the most obvious cheesy and low budget green screen! It just highlighted what a pathetic low budget movie this is.

I'm only watching great American family channel from now on, hallmark is dead to me and this was the final straw!

The story and performances are average. The sound engineering is terrible, with fluctuating volumes of speech and soundtrack making it impossible to set a comfortable listening level without having to constantly adjust up and down. It was initially so annoying that we came close to stop watching. From blaring music to hushed whispers, some of the dialogue is even missed. Unlike some Hallmark rom-coms, this will not be one we will watch again. The unique hook in this movie are the actual trivia contests. Viewers can play along and perhaps learn from some actual Christmas trivia questions and answers.

The male lead seems effeminate, thus not believable in the role, so I couldn't watch all the way through.

Hallmark, you've done it again. How can all those resources just be wasted like that all for sake of a preferential hiring. If you put people in roles they can't play, it disrupts the vibe of the movie.

The characters were pretty unlikable at times, not much of any depth, and there were effeminate men in the wrong roles, and why was the male lead so childish?

The story seems more original than other hallmark movies but does feature cliches and some cardboard acting at times. The sound does seem unbalanced through some parts, as another reviewer mentioned.

Apparently "Trivia at St. Nick's" is a "Pretty Little Liars" reunion, with two of the stars of that show, Australia's Tammin Sursok and frequent Hallmark leading man Brant Daugherty starring as the movie's central couple.

I'm sure "Pretty Little Liars" was fine, but as an Aussie, I remember Tammin from playing Dani on "Home & Away". Like many other residents of Summer Bay, she has gone on to bigger and better things.

Anyway, this movie - an alleged comedy about two opposites on the same team at a legendary bar Christmas trivia tournament at a Vermont college town, with Sursok as an astronomy professor and Daugherty a football coach - wasn't great. I prefer the more serious Hallmark movies.

However, if you watch a lot of these movies, there's a section of the trivia contest devoted to Hallmark festive titles. See how many you can guess.

Not really worth your time. Definitely the weakest of Hallmark's 2024 offering, so far.

'Trivia at St. Nick's' is a rough one. Not good!

Naturally, I don't expect much from these tele festive flicks. Still, there is still a level to reach and I don't personally believe this one hits any sort of positive standing. I'll give it minor credit for having a clear concept, as opposed to the usual flat out romance with minimal other plot points.

However, that's all the praise I have. The acting is probably its weakest element, neither of the two leads are all that watchable and the support cast don't stand out behind them. You need a bit of chemistry between those front and centre, but I didn't sense anything with these two sadly.