A soldier serving in Afghanistan receives a Christmas card from a woman living in California. While on leave he visits her small town and wins over her family, but will he tell her the real reason he's there?
Plot and other info!
“The Christmas Card is the story of Cody Cullen (John Newton), a career soldier who is deeply touched by an anonymous holiday card he receives while serving in Afghanistan. When he returns to the United States, he treks to the picturesque California town of Nevada City, from which the card originated. He soon meets and unexpectedly falls in love with Faith (Alice Evans), the woman who sent the card – and is practically accepted as a new member of the family by her parents (Asner and Lois Nettleton). But there’s one major roadblock to happily-ever-after: The girl has a boyfriend who moves fast to propose once Cody is in the picture. Will Faith accept? Or is the soldier a soul mate who rescues Faith in the nick of time?
Released in 2006, The Christmas Card was filmed in Nevada City, California and stars Edward Asner, Alice Evans, and John Newton.
My thoughts
Confession, I've seen this movie at least twenty times!
Does that mean it's a wonderful, can't miss film? Nope!
This movie has so much wrong with it. The acting is awful, the dialogue is awkward, and at times the editing is choppy. And yet, I still love it!
Every time I watch this movie I find something else that doesn't quite make sense and I just find myself laughing hysterically.
That said, there are quite a few good things about the movie.
The story itself I find to be endearing and I love how welcoming Faith and her family are to Cody.
Faith is in a long term, long distance relationship with a big city wine distributer named Paul. We immediately know that Paul isn't the one for her but I do wonder how these two complete opposites even met to begin with. Doesn't quite make sense.
The movie is filled with lots of lingering looks between Cody and Faith. We get a lovely, tension filled slow dance between our leads that's abruptly interrupted by a rightfully jealous Paul.
One of my favorite parts of the movie has Cody and Faith selling Christmas trees. They seem to genuinely be having fun together and it might be the only time we see Cody smile in the entire film!
In a small change from the typical Hallmark movie, our lead actors share a pretty steamy kiss before the end of the film!
I also enjoyed Faith's dad scheming to get her together with Cody. Super cute!
Best part of the movie? Bill! The customer at the diner who watches Faith eat food that isn't hers and looks on amused instead of saying anything!
What was that?!
Within the span of what must be just a few days, Cody has looked at his Christmas card so much that it is literally falling apart! I can't imagine how many times he had to pull it out of his pocket and open it for it it to be in that condition so quickly.
When Cody arrives at the diner towards the beginning of the film he orders a very specific meal without ever looking at the menu. Immediately after ordering he walks to the restroom. I don't think the bathroom door has closed before the waitress places his plate of food down on the counter for him! In what world does a restaurant serve food that quickly?!
There are so many other situations in this movie that don't add up, but I'll stop here!
Most memorable line
"Soldiers bond with one another. They become a band of brothers and sisters, a family. Their job is to defend and come back home to those who are waiting for them. What you need is someone to come back to."
Cringiest line
"Cody, this is my somewhat attractive daughter Faith."
Final rating
It's cheesy, the writing is horrible, the acting isn't much better and yet, I love this movie. It's definitely one of my guilty pleasures!
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 3.5
What did you think of "The Christmas Card"? Leave a comment below!
Vickie Thompson
You’re so right! Regardless it’s my favorite Hallmark movie. Not just Christmas but all time favorite Hallmark movie. I recorded it back in the day so when I’m feeling down I can watch something that makes me happy.
Jenny
Thanks for your comment Vickie! It's definitely one of my favorites and I watch it pretty regularly too!!!
Chrissy
Writing could have been better. But the lead actress was horrible, she looked like she'd never been in front of a camera before and looked scared and timid when she was suppose to react to anything. The boyfriend, could they get a more awkward guy to play it? I think it would of been a better movie with those two replaced with actual good actors.
Marty
What is the name of the song they slow-danced to in the movie?
J Williams
I saw this movie on TV and was able to really enjoy it, due to it having Closed Caption. Be prepared for anyone with a hearing disability, that if you purchase the movie, it DOES NOT have Closed Caption. It is sad when people with hearing disabilities are not considered. People with a hearing disability still would like to enjoy this movie.