User reviews

There is not much to add that has not already been said by others. This movie is bland and the chemistry is lacking between the two leads. It really wasn't clear who the lead male, Ted, liked. Ted's girlfriend/exgirlfriend was a confusing character because she seemed to vacillate between low-grade evil to manipulative to confused but good-hearted. I would compare this film to flavorless cotton candy, it didn't provide enjoyment but wasn't particularly offensive.

Would have been a great story if Joanne and Val fell in love. Ted who?? Dell who??? I don't know them.

This expert's advice is ridiculous. That's why I'm guessing this is satire. If you don't laugh at the situation, you have to hate it. There were some funny moments and dialogue.

Ted didn't seem real to me. His girlfriend breaks up with him over the phone over love principles that he obviously considers lame, yet he agrees to let Joanna teach him how to live by those principles. Really?

A fake boyfriend/fiancee is a fairly common premise and the celebrity angle has also been done, but this movie throws in some interesting angles when Ted's girlfriend (ex?) shows up and Joanna and her patron's son become friendly. The results of these developments add some spice to the story. And towards the end, things get messy, even if everything ends up about where you expect it.

5.6 stars.

I tried to get through 'Christmas by the Book' without taking into account the reviews I've read so far. As I go through my watching experience, I notice that it's more than the acting, and the sluggish pace that creates a rift between my duty and my desire to continue to the end. I feel it is my duty to complete this film because I've watched so many Hallmark films at this point, well over 400, I'll have to count someday... There's only been three or four i did not watch to the final credits. I have no wish for this to be one of those rare exceptions to the rule.

My desire to continue is waning ever so rapidly, but I have an obligation to provide myself the opportunity to judge the film by the sum of its parts and not solely the entertainment value, or lack thereof. The final product is only a fragment of what any romance should be. There is no theme, there is no lesson learned, there is no story.

I enjoy the lead female's screen presence, but there are few other redeeming qualities to be found. The music is decent I suppose. The dialogue is slightly above average. Otherwise it's a mess.