'Long Lost Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Was generally not particularly impressed by the previous 2022 Hallmark Christmas Movies and Mysteries films, the best being the promising 'We Need a Little Christmas' and there was a lot good about 'Our Italian Christmas Memories'. 'Christmas Bedtime Stories' and particularly 'Maple Valley Christmas' were very bad. As said elsewhere, Hallmark have succeeded in the past with producing quieter more serious films.

'Long Lost Christmas' is by far the best 2022 Hallmark Christmas Movies and Mysteries film up to this point and one of the best of what continued to be a very variable seasonal block. 'Long Lost Christmas' is a beautiful film and in the better half of Hallmark's 2022 Hallmark output, as well as proof of Taylor Cole (personally find her on the take and leave side) being capable of giving a good performance with good material.

Bad things: It is not quite perfect. The pace is a little too slow to begin with.

One reaction to a major revelation leading into the conflict didn't really ring true, seeming at odds at what is revealed, and came slightly out of nowhere. Maybe the music could have been toned down at times.

Good things: However, 'Long Lost Christmas' is beautifully acted. Cole's performance is very charming and heartfelt, she has a good deal of warmth and there is none of the ice queen persona that is present in some of her roles. Benjamin Ayres' character is somewhat a cipher, but one that Ayres brings a lot of subtle charisma and easy-going charm to him.

The supporting cast are strong, Jacqueline Ann Stuart bringing a lot of class. The characters are relatable and sympathetic and the relationships are written in a way that's affecting and easy to relate to. That between Cole's character and the daughter in particular.

Moreover, it is pleasingly shot with lovely scenery. The music is still pleasant enough and the direction is accommodating without losing momentum. The script is thought provoking and doesn't go overboard on the schmaltz (meaning not too frequent or too heavy). The story is quiet and reflective and has a lot of poignant emotional impact, it isn't too predictable and is honest and charming. Did tear up at the ending.

Closing thoughts: Overall, beautiful.

8/10.

This is the story of an adult only child named Haley. She lost her father 6 months ago in Hallmark's increasingly morbid agenda of killing off parents. Her mother, Patricia, is not handling the loss well. She has hidden herself away, holed up at home reading books.

Haley learns that her mom, Patricia, who was in a group home as a child actually had an older brother who she was separated from. Haley then begins a search for her long lost uncle. She discovers a potential uncle just 30 miles away and visits his small business under the guise of potentially renting something for a family reunion. First she meets his business partner, Blake who is played by Benjamin Ayres.

Blake and Haley slowly start falling in love as Haley tries to chip away information from the gruff and private Gordon to determine if he is her uncle. In the process she learns Gordon is a widower and has a daughter who makes amazing wood furniture named Brianna. Brianna and Haley partner to decorate a show home for charity...and then Haley finds out Gordon isn't her uncle, or is he?

This is another in the increasingly sad storylines about death and loss that Hallmark is bringing to the screen. This one does have a happy ending and a somewhat positive message about giving back to the community.

I really like Benjamin Ayres and I think he is very natural in this role. Ok film if you can handle the sad story arcs.

Taylor Cole has never been a huge favorite with me but in the past year or two, she has really grown on me. She is very beautiful but does best playing more down-to-earth family-oriented characters. In some roles, her beauty is a almost little off-putting. And she finally settled on a hairstyle that works. This quiet well-paced story really worked for me.

Haley finds out that her mother, who was adopted, had a brother from whom she was separated as a child. Her mother, beautifully played by Jacqueline Ann Steuart, has been sad and reclusive since the death of her husband. As the perfect Christmas gift for her mom, she decides to see if she can find this mysterious brother. With the help of a friend, she narrows the possibilities down to a builder of mountain cabins in Colorado. She goes to visit and meet him to see if he could possibly be her long-lost uncle. Is he or isn't he? Of course we know he is, because otherwise why are we there for an hour and a half? But why is he being so secretive and denying his past?

Benjamin Ayers, who plays a protégé of the possible uncle, and Taylor made a good couple. She needs a strong-looking male lead, and Benjamin fits the bill. The romance seemed right and definitely added to the story. The actor who played her uncle had a strong impact as well. He had a lot of charisma. The other aspects that really added to the story were Haley's friendship with the uncle's daughter, her mother's personal journey back home, and Taylor's career-defining interior design project and its setbacks and successes.

Finally, I do want to give Hallmark props for doing away with the bottomless suitcase. Taylor plans only an overnight trip to Colorado and packed accordingly. In the past, regardless of only bringing minimal luggage for a trip, the leading lady pulls out outfit after outfit with different bulky and matching coats out of the magical suitcase. In this one, Taylor actually wears the same sweater two days in a row and makes a point of having to go shopping for more clothes when her trip is extended. Proof positive that Hallmark reads their reviews, as this phenomenon has been a favorite topic with Hallmark commenters for quite some time. The more I think about it, such an issue is made of her not having enough clothes that I think Hallmark is indulging in a little self-deprecating inside humor. Well Played.