Hallmark movies are a corny Christmas staple, and have been nationally heralded for decades, and although they’re not everyone’s cup of hot cocoa, it’s impossible to deny their lasting cultural impact. Widely beloved for their relatability and playful storylines, the brand is named appropriately; these movies are true hallmarks of every holiday season. Usually filming one to four movies per year and running about 40 on their channel over the course of the holiday, Hallmark has an almost overwhelming catalogue for viewers to choose from. Classically predictable plots involving returning home for the holidays, rekindling past relationships, and reluctantly taking over charming family businesses have earned them the reputation of heartwarming consistency. 

However, audiences commonly forget about Hallmark’s unique array of creative ideas. Their content covers a variety of subject matter, including everything from maritime adventures (Christmas Sail, 2021) to a holiday identity swap between estranged twins (Switched for Christmas, 2017). With something for everyone, part of Hallmark’s charm comes from its applicability to many viewers and situations, even settings not often present in holiday content. Although most Montanans enjoy how our beautiful state can slip to the wayside in media (staying as secluded as possible), it’s not uncommon to want to see a Western-themed movie or two come Christmas time. Luckily for us, Hallmark is no stranger to Montana-centric holiday films, having released one movie that was set in our magnificent state, along with another from a similarly warmly cheesy company, Lifetime. Christmas in Montana (2019) and Lifetime’s Mistletoe in Montana (2021) are the perfect opportunities to enjoy some sentimental Montana cheer. I’ve taken it upon myself to watch both movies to give you my thoughts on these fun-filled tales of Montana holidays, so that you can discover the whole family’s new favorite yuletide film.  

Movie #1:
Christmas in Montana 
 
Summary:  
Christmas in Montana stars Sara, a widowed financial advisor from Los Angeles who is tasked with traveling to the Carson family ranch in Big Fork, Montana to ensure that they can pay off a loan to cover losses from a recent drought. With her phone-obsessed daughter Chloe in tow, the two meet stubborn but charismatic rancher Travis Carson at a local holiday market. Sara and Travis have immediate chemistry, but vastly different priorities. While Sara wants to work tirelessly to find ways to make the ranch profitable, Travis prefers to involve her in Montana holiday traditions; her efforts at financial advising dissolving into decorating their barn, attending the Carson family Christmas bonfire, and visiting the ranch’s free Christmas tree farm. Amidst the yuletide bustle, the pair struggles to find a solution for the ranch’s fiscal struggles that doesn’t involve letting any of the hired help go, while also attempting to navigate their blossoming romantic attraction under the time limit of Sara’s stay in Montana.  

My Thoughts:
As a viewer of many Hallmark movies, Christmas in Montana exceeded my expectations. While a romance storyline is a staple of any Hallmark film, this movie also includes the touching relationship between Sara and her daughter as the two rediscover the magic of Christmas after the passing of Chloe’s father. Christmas in Montana was more multi-faceted than expected, and moving in a variety of ways.  

Accuracy to Montana Christmases:  
Much to her annoyance, Travis, a Montana local, consistently attempts to convert cosmopolitan Sara to a slower pace of life, which he calls “Montana time.” Greeting each passerby by name as he walks down the street, and offering free services to fellow townspeople whenever he can, Travis embodies the caring and generous nature of many Montanans, particularly around the holidays.  

Would I watch it again next year? 
If we are lucky enough to have Hallmark run Christmas in Montana on their channel in the coming years, I would happily rewatch this quirky western classic.  

Favorite quote: 
“That’s what’s great about life here, connecting with people. You know, sitting together, talking. We take our time and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.” 

Final rating: 
8/10 
 

Movie #2:
Mistletoe in Montana 
 
Summary:  
In Mistletoe in Montana, independent, spirited cowgirl Merry and her widowed father, Stan, welcome single dad Mark, his two children, Becca and Timmy, and their nanny, Debbie to their ranch for a Christmas getaway. While awkward ranch cook Jasper immediately hits it off with Debbie, Merry and Mark find that they have a difficult time understanding each other. Mark, a software engineer from Los Angeles (whose unique accent leads me to believe he might hail from the U.K.) doesn’t see how Merry could lead a fulfilling life never leaving Paradise Ranch, and Merry is bothered by his closed-mindedness. However, Mark gradually comes to see the value in the simple, connected life enjoyed by Merry and her father through a whirlwind of holiday activities; the pair ride horses, engage in a spirited baking competition between Mark’s gingerbread French toast and Merry’s S’more variation, enjoy a festive square dancing session, and prepare for the upcoming Christmas parade (that Merry so generously signed the family up for without consulting them). However, what seems like the making of a beautiful romance is complicated, as Mark and his family are set to leave the ranch on Christmas Day. Mark and Merry struggle to navigate their feelings for one another amidst what could be their impending separation, while doing their best to enjoy the Christmas season to its fullest.  

My Thoughts: 
It appears that storylines for Montana holidays are few and far between in the Hallmark and Lifetime universes. The parallels between this movie and Christmas in Montana were numerous, and both would likely have been more enjoyable if not watched within the same day. Still, the predictability is charming, and the film certainly got me in the holiday spirit. However, the two leads were exceptionally devoid of chemistry, and the romance between them was often difficult to sit through. Their montages of forced eye contact backed by pop music were something I would have to skip if watched again.  

Accuracy to Montana Christmases:  
My biggest qualm with this movie is the lack of snow. Amidst green grasses and fall leaves, Merry diligently tends to what appears to be one acre of pasture while the city slicker characters complain about the cold in light jackets and flannels. Though some characters make damage-control references to that year’s unseasonable warmth, their efforts do very little to restore the absent winter atmosphere. About 30 minutes before the film’s end, we see the movie’s only snow squall, the severity of which greatly worries the ranch’s inhabitants, though the slowly falling flakes never cover more than an inch of the ground. Nonetheless, Mark and Merry find themselves stranded in a secluded barn while trying to rescue lost cattle from the perilous conditions, though the grass still peeks through the apparently un-traversable ground. Montana locals and tourists alike prize Christmases here for the snowy winter wonderlands they become, something this movie missed the mark on (although they try to make up for it with the inclusion of Paradise Ranch’s strange affinity for extravagantly decorated holiday barns).  
Would I watch it again next year? 
Although Mistletoe in Montana was a fun watch, it doesn’t seem like the kind of movie that requires multiple viewings to fully appreciate its complexities. I expect I’ll move on from it in the coming seasons.  

Favorite quote: 
“I always say when you find true love, run to it. Preferably on a horse.” 

Final rating: 
4/10