ricoroark
Loved the movie. Story was terrific. Actors were very good. Gwen, the personal shopper was beyond great. I got totally got lost in the story and fell in love with Gwen, too. I feel like she changed me just by my watching the movie. She cares so much for everyone else and tries to please them. Makes me want to do that, too.This is one of those very rare special movies that changes you. I've seen it four times now, and I'll watch it again and again. It's the epitome of why I love Hallmark movies. Just pure clean fun.
tomgoblin-44620
Writing skill, casting and chemistry between the main characters (with efforts from the supporting cast) make or break these generally formulaic Lifetime/Hallmark holiday films.It is very interesting to me that many of these efforts, with similar small budgets, vary so widely in quality.This recent made for TV production clearly didn't have the budget of the long ago big studio holiday films. Once upon a time, these had "A" list stars and the very best supporting actors in Hollywood. But, after all this is a made for TV production. So, direct comparisons are unfair.My opinion is that the writers are not so much mediocre as...restrained.However, mix some charisma and a little chemistry and reasonably witty writing together and you get a watchable story.This one does better than average. It shows off Meredith Hagner at her best (perhaps by pushing other characters into a vanilla background).This seems to be a "hallmark" of the Hallmark films. The female protagonist gets the lion's share of the story and the rest of the cast (with a few exceptions) fades into the scenery very quickly.That would be the big diff between the holiday films of the past and those of the Hallmark channel. These current supporting actors are short-changed both in screen time and vibrancy of characterization.Having said that, this is one of the better attempts.
mclellandjohn
At a time of the year when we are inundated with made for TV movies, this one stands out superbly. The characters are real,approachable and the chemistry between them is terrific. Meredith Hagler as Gwen and Anthony Bolgnese as Owen are outstanding. The supporting cast is great and the movie is excellently paced. The music score is understated and as such is very effective in reflecting the emotional intent of the film. The cinematography is transparent and easy on the eyes. There are no holes in the plot,and the dialogue never becomes pandering or overly sentimental. On the contrary, there are enough witty and clever lines to warm even the most jaded and cynical among us. Even though the the movie proceeds to a predictable conclusion, it's one you find yourself hoping for ! A joy to behold, A Gift Wrapped Christmas is now a permanent addition to my Holiday viewing schedule.
rebekahrox
I gave this one a "10" on my special scale for Hallmark movies. This one is set apart by the writing, the enjoyable characters, and most especially, the casting. There are probably 5 or 6 basic plots for these things. This one is the closed down/sad widower with a child who needs our heroine (Gwen) to reawaken him and save his relationship with his kid. No the plot is not original, but I judge the good writing in the little details. The relationship between our heroine's sister (the wonderful Beverley Mitchell-so glad to see her again!) and her husband was fleshed out and added to the enjoyment. The appearance of the Mom at the end was a nice touch and added to the depth (don't laugh) of the story. Gwen was cute, funny, charming, quirky, and so very likable. The actress was another Meg Ryan at the height of her romantic comedy powers. She was an absolute delight. Don't ever change. The Dad was handsome and appealing, making his journey from cold and hostile to warm and open fun to watch. The villainess was very scary. What more could one ask for? Great Chemistry between the two leads, that's what. And yes, it delivers there as well.
AD
