Christmas with Holly (2012)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

I'll tell you why so serious

Absolutely Fantastic

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

If I could, I'd give this movie a 10-plus vote! In a word, it's *MAGICAL*.I bought the DVD and I watch it from time to time *throughout the year*! (most frequently during the winter holiday season).This is a truly uplifting, *feel good* movie.I loved and understood how Holly bonded with her Uncle Alex. Growing up, Alex had apparently been picked on and made fun of (presumably because he was an extremely bright science nerd), which made him feel like an outsider. Holly was only 6 when she lost her mother, stopped talking, and in her grief withdrew from those around her and became an outsider.So, it's not surprising that when Holly begins to speak again and she's asked which of the three Nagel brothers is her "favorite uncle", she looks at each of them carefully, then breaks out into a smile and declares "Uncle Alex" !! I also liked how the initially cantankerous relationships among the three Nagel brothers gradually evolved into kindness, understanding and respect.Scott, who owns his own construction company and is juggling his job with remodeling his own house, starts out as grouchy and gruff. Alex seems to be a perpetual student, working on a Dissertation in marine biology, funded by academic grants. Mark, the youngest of the three, co-owns the local coffee house in Friday Harbor and is Holly's legal guardian -- but as Cara, Mark's business partner, points out -- Mark is "more than that".There are so many heart-warming scenes throughout this movie, but one of my favorite moments is a funny one -- it's the scene on the staircase in Scott's house when Alex and Holly are sitting next to each and he turns to Holly and says "don't go in my room" !! The look on Holly's face is priceless!

The opening scene with the bride left at the altar was unnecessary and appeared to be way out of place; it gives you a false impression of what the movie's plot will be. Fortunately, the direction the movie takes is much better than what you'd expect from the awkward opening.The back story of the young mother who recently passed away, on the other hand, would have been useful but that's the omitted story you only learn bits of from dialog. Her daughter Holly in the grief of her loss, shut down and became non-verbal. Custody of the child was given to the youngest of her three uncles as per her mother's will.The highlight is the acting of the twin sisters who play Holly; very sweet and the character is very sympathetic. The struggles her guardian uncle is facing in learning "on the job" to raise her work well in the story. The constant arguing of the uncles was somewhat annoying, but those issues are resolved and the story ends up being stronger for it. Finally, there is a romance that develops involving the shop owner (the abandoned bride) and the couple interact well together.The fact it's set at Christmas time is a superfluous throw-away. This story could have been set with any backdrop. The interaction of the characters works well, and although the plot doesn't have much dramatic conflict, there are some scenes that are very heartwarming to see, mostly those that feature Holly.

I have read other reviews posted, saying it was sappy with uninteresting characters and I say, NOT! If you are the type of person who attends film festivals and thrives on subtitles, maybe so. If you just need a plain old fashioned heart warming tale, this is it! Needless to say, I purchased it for my collection. I am a hopeless romantic and I love Christmas, so this was a given. I think it is a wonderful story of love lost and love found, of family trials and the enduring spirit of a families ties. I say give it a chance and you will not leave without shedding a tear or bursting out in joyous laughter. I have five brothers, so the brother scenes are a hoot! Break out the popcorn and tissues!

I watched this movie on TV when it came out, and came away with rather mixed feelings. On the plus side, most of the characters are likable, and the message about the importance of family is good. On the other hand, there isn't much of a plot, and except for a few moments the movie isn't very interesting. Hallmark has produced excellent movies in the past, such as the year-round "Front of the Class," but "Christmas with Holly" isn't one of them.There are three characters - Mark, Holly, and Maggie - Who are facing different challenges. Mark has suddenly become the guardian of the young Holly, who lost her mom three months ago. Holly is so upset about the loss of her mom that she won't speak, causing additional trouble for Mark. Maggie was planning on getting married, but her fiancé never showed up at the wedding. All these characters move to the small town of Friday Harbor, WA to start new lives. Maggie opens a new toy store, which is discovered by Holly right away. Mark starts to slowly build a connection with Maggie, but is still in a relationship with someone else - This relationship goes downhill because his girlfriend doesn't like the fact that Holly is now in the picture, and is not happy when she finds out that Mark has made a new friend in town. All three main characters come together at the end of the story, but the ending is not certain (Holly is speaking again, but you can make up your own story as to what eventually happens with Mark and Maggie).