Trailer—One December Night

source: One December Night

This movie was different from the usual theme of a typical Hallmark movie and it was enjoyable . It was filmed mostly in Goshen NY which was great; my wife's chance to appear in it was washed out by a rainstorm which wasn't so great. The characters were named Bedford and Sullivan (and I too am a Sullivan ) so I was wondering if this has any resemblance to the intersection of Bedford and Sullivan in Brooklyn ( I too am from Brooklyn originally ) . Bedford and Sullivan was the address of Ebbets Field , home of the Brooklyn Dodgers . Just wondering if this was intentional or merely coincidence .

I've been a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies since they did few enough titles a year that they didn't all look the same. "One December Night," thankfully, doesn't follow the recent formula. I was curious to see how Peter Gallagher had matured; my image of him is from another favorite Christmas movie where he plays the immature brother, "While You Were Sleeping." Age has been kind to Gallagher, and his acting proved he's more than just a pretty face. While the plot still contains a few too many, "Will they or won't they?" (when we all know they will), it's nice to see a story that revolves around older actors in this bromance. The young folks in this case are the side story. While it's no "Christmas Card" or "Snow Bride," still, nice job Hallmark.

This is really well done mostly because the story is different and unique from the stable of Hallmark Christmas movies. There are no bake-offs, searches for the perfect Christmas tree, family businesses to be saved, or any other typical Hallmark dilemmas. It is about human relationships during the Christmas season as children of a Hall and Oates type music act find themselves thrown together as they work to re-unite their fathers, both of whom have personal issues that the children are unaware of. The writing, direction, and production values are rich and very professional. And the acting is top notch. Eloise Mumford and Brett Dalton are extremely effective as the children, as are Peter Gallagher and Bruce Campbell as the fathers. These four actors give realistic performances that are very natural and heartfelt. And all of the supporting players are very good, too, and have their moments to shine, particularly Jenna Stern as Mumford's employer and Jasmine Forsberg as an up-and-coming singer. Plus, there's Didi Conn, who is always a pleasure to see, and adds some nostalgia to the story. For a different but totally engaging new Hallmark movie this season, this is the one to watch.

Back, back, back, way back way back. It's a home run! Hallmark does it again. From perfect sets to slipping in the pre-1950s pick up trucks, Hallmark has a way of bringing back memories for the older viewers. I especially love it when they bring in actors and actresses that us old fogeys can relate to. DiDi was my favorite. I think the part I like best was that all of the players seem to have great chemistry with each other and again, were the perfect choice for their roles. You can thank casting for that. I do not work in the movie industry, and never have. I just appreciate a really good movie that just might make your eyes need windshield wipers and you feel your heart come a little closer to your mouth. This is one of those movies. This is what I like to call a one sit movie. You sit down, you watch a movie and never get up from your bed or couch. Thanks Hallmark. This is one of those movies I will enjoy watching the second time just as much as the first time and I still remember who won the game.

I really wanted to love this one given all the actors in it and the story but there were too many underlying issues for the aging fathers. I did not come away from this feeling very happy. I get the need to add some reality to Hallmark movies but this felt like a bit too much. I expect Hallmark Christmas movies to be uplifting and feel good. While this was a good movie, it was not very uplifting. That said, Peter Gallagher and Bruce Campbell were terrific, the love story between their kids was believable, and the song One December Night is still in my head. A wonderful treat to see Didi Conn as well. I will absolutely watch this again-just felt more Lifetime than Hallmark. And even Lifetime Christmas movies are more uplifting than this.

Subject matter aside, the story is well told. By adding authentic vocal harmony to his lead vocal, the movie allows Peter Gallagher to deliver a memorable musical performance. Kudos to the production unit.

It was refreshing to see some older actors get some front row roles in one of these holiday hallmark films. This was a reunion of a famous musical duo for a pre-Christmas live tv concert. Things aren't exactly as they seem it is also a story about Alzheimer's, being clean and sober, and reuniting families. As mentioned it was thrilling to see Didi Conn who played Frenchie in the original 1978 film, Grease. This was a little different than most of the holiday romances on Hallmark in that it focused less on the romance and more on reuniting these two former musical brothers.

Bruce Campbell and Peter Gallagher can do no wrong. The interaction between the two of them was great. They were actually just like brothers - conflict, bickering - just great! The secondary story about the young singer - not interesting. Yes - Eloise Mumford's character was a music/singer manager - but the focus on this singer wasn't really necessary (even as little story time devoted to her). The music manager issue could have been handled without the screen time given to her story. Solid performance by Eloise Mumford and Brett Dalton ... and what a treat to see DiDi Conn (Frenchie from Grease)! No one can mistake that voice...