Hallmark Channel Expands Holiday Offerings with New Movie
As Christmas draws near, Hallmark Channel is rolling out even more holiday-themed content. The newest addition, She Is Making a List, features fan favorites Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker. In this romantic comedy, they portray a naughty-or-nice list inspector and a single dad who unexpectedly become entangled through their work. The big question is: do these two have enough spark to make this film a memorable Christmas hit, or will it fall short on the holiday streaming radar? Let’s dig in.
Key Details: Santa Claus has always had his “naughty” and “nice” lists, right? While in the past, elves would personally keep an eye on children to label them accordingly, today’s technology has streamlined the process. After outsourcing to the Naughty or Nice Group, Rudolph (Steve Bacich) oversees a team that assesses kids globally within 72 hours, based on certain metrics. With two decades of experience, Isabelle (Lacey Chabert) stands out as one of the top inspectors. She’s adept at blending into the background, which helps her monitor children unnoticed. In contrast, her charming competitor, Giuseppe (Alessandro Miró), thrives on reading people, putting them both in a tight race for promotion.
However, Isabelle’s next assignment turns out to be quite the challenge. Though aided by her dedicated new assistant, Heidi (Ouriza Tronco), she feels tempted to bend the rules when her investigation of 11-year-old Charlie Duncan (Cadence Compton) brings her closer to Jason (Andrew Walker), Charlie’s attractive, caring father. Jason’s invitation for a date complicates things; as Isabelle tries to learn more about Charlie, she finds herself drawn to Jason, leading to inner conflict. Charlie, who has always been well-behaved but struggled after losing his mother, presents Isabelle with a moral dilemma. Though she recognizes the good in him, the rigid guidelines of her job make it tough to act on her instinct. The deeper Isabelle delves into this mission, the more she reevaluates her beliefs about work and purpose, convinced this Christmas will leave a lasting mark.
Similar Movies: She Is Making a List brings to mind other films about Santa’s lists, such as Naughty or Nice? and Santa Claus 2. Also, Hallmark enthusiasts might recall My Secret Valentine, which starred the same lead pair as love interests in a different setting.
Standout Performance: Lacey Chabert consistently delivers, no matter the role. She might be one of the few list inspectors portrayed in film or TV, yet she brings her characteristic charm to the character, enhancing what might otherwise be a bland script.
Notable Dialogue: A funny moment occurs when Rudolph suggests to Isabelle, upon her arrival, that the staff needs some discipline due to break abuses. His quirky yet serious tone adds a light-hearted touch to the script.
Family Traditions: Each year, Jason and Charlie, along with his late wife, would hunt for the ugliest tree they could find to proudly display at home for Christmas.
Title Significance: The title is a playful nod to the classic Christmas song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” aptly aligning with the film’s central theme.
Final Thoughts: While Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker showcase their talents, their chemistry fails to elevate She Is Making a List. The film’s script lacks coherence and humor, making it challenging to stay fully engaged. Though the dedication of the actors is evident, the story doesn’t quite manage to captivate viewers or distinguish itself from the plethora of holiday films available. Isabelle, with her unconventional job, is meant to stand out, but I found it difficult to connect with her character. Even though Chabert injects warmth into Isabelle, the material still limits what the cast can achieve. For some fans, seeing the pair together will be enough, but others might feel the film lacks the expected festive charm.
Recommendation: If you’re a fan of Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker, you might want to give it a watch just for their performances. But if you’re not particularly inclined toward them or Hallmark, She Is Making a List may not warrant your attention this holiday season, and it could be better to skip it.
How to Watch She Is Making a List
The only way to catch Hallmark Channel live without cable is through a live TV streaming service like DIRECTV, which offers a five-day free trial to start. They provide flexible subscription options for various genres, allowing you to select a plan that meets your needs and budget, beginning at $49.99 monthly.
