SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Steineded How sad is this?

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Jack Vasen The personal shopper premise isn't unique, but I think it makes a very good vehicle for a Christmas story with a lot of possibilities. As usual with romantic Christmas stories, we have a pretty good idea where we will end up.I really liked the scene where Victoria gave Gwen a very specific request that she said was from Charlie - very mean girl.My only complaint, I thought the ending was abrupt and besides that lacked sparkle.For me, an actress like Meredith Hagner really makes a movie like this for me. It puts me in the Christmas spirit because she is so positive. Yet there was a scene (you'll know it when you get there) where her lips smiled but her face cried. I had to rewind and watch it again. Besides that she had such great chemistry with Travis Milne and Anthony Bolognese. The boy was so cute. As I already suggested, Anna Van Hooft was a great cruel current girlfriend.Was it sappy? Yes. There was lots of syrup from beginning to end. Just the way I want a Christmas romance.

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.

Christmas-Reviewer Personal shopper Gwen's new client Charlie is a workaholic, single father. Charlie likes things very simple, black suits, basic ties and thinks a mug is a perfect Christmas gift. The assistant however is almost like a hippie. Because "A Gift Wrapped Christmas" managed to focus in on one of the most frequently frustrating aspects of celebrating the holiday: shopping for Christmas gifts. Gwen (Meredith Hagner) is the perfect personal shopper, and she manages to always find exactly what her clients need.RELATED: 'SNOW-M-G': 'Northpole: Open for Christmas' is a 'dazzy' of a Christmas movieOf course over the course of "A Gift Wrapped Christmas," Gwen learns how to not just buy the perfect thing, but look for love. But when the

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.