Summary
This one is a fun Christmas watch for all the girlies who love love stories. Get your snacks, coffee, and blanket, and cuddle up as you enjoy this festive movie. You won’t be disappointed if you take the film as lightly as intended.
There’s something special about the number 3. Hi, I’m Naomi Mairs. You may remember my critique from such film reviews as Our Little Secret and That Christmas. (I hope you understand my obscure reference.)
I have been writing about festive movies for Ready Steady Cut this Christmastime to spark some cheer, joy, and festive feelings in my life.
I apprehensively sat at my desk with my Starbies (for those who do not know, this is a nickname for Starbucks) to watch and write about ‘Twas the Text Before Christmas. The last two dwindled my Christmas Spirit.
My Christmas flame sparkled when I watched the trailer for ‘Twas the Text Before Christmas. I was excited about a corny, cheesy Christmas movie. Paradoxically, though, I was scared. I didn’t want any modern-day BS about texting and phones.
The movie did not disappoint. Don’t let the title fool you.
Primarily set in the all too familiar location of Hartford, Connecticut (Home to the famous Richard and Emily Gilmore), a family gains a new member of their little clan.
An unknown, unexpected, and accidental text message enters Addie’s (Merritt Patterson) life. Following this meet-cute movie moment, Addie and Nana (Jayne Eastwood) form a friendship. The holiday season is approaching, and Addie is alone for Christmas. Nana offers her a warm, generous Christmas meal with her family—the kind of kindness the world needs if you ask me.
Long story short – ‘Twas the Text Before Christmas is a romantic Christmas film about the development of the bond between Addie and James (Trevor Donovan – SnowComing).
If you’ve read my review of That Christmas, you’ll know that I stated that these movies are my kind of Christmas movies. There’s kindness, love, community, and all things Christmassy.
The ending is predictable yet excitingly anticipated.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s not perfect. And it doesn’t add any new value or perspective to the hundreds of other movies that are the same. It’s just a sweet, innocent, and pure joy to watch.
I particularly liked James’ character in this movie. The writers have some beautiful values and intentions portrayed throughout the story. His sentimental gifts to Addie were sweet, admirable, and “faith-filling.” Yes, it is worth creating a new word.
I had a few criticisms; one main ick I had to move past autistically wasn’t fun. We’ll start with the autistic freakout I had – in one scene between Addie and Nana, they were drinking out of dirty, empty cups.
Small, I know, but I was still stuck and a little grossed out by this. We’re used to movies using empty cups, but please don’t show me the grimy stains on the inside! My stomach doesn’t like that!
‘Twas the Text Before Christmas is an enjoyable and heartwarming film, as long as you can get over the hump of the bad acting.
Then again, in these movies, do we expect any more? Probably not. This, however, was easy for me to move on from – I’m not fussy or picky when it comes to Hallmark Movies.
My last criticism was the use of unimaginable title screens used throughout. These were used to announce the day or display the passing of another year.
Necessary for the story but poorly done. And if I’m being honest, they bother me purely because the picture looks VERY SIMILAR to photos I’ve seen used in Canva.
I’m not going to dwell on the negative, though – I’m happy to have found a Christmas movie I’ve enjoyed this year. There’s something special about the number 3. The third time’s the charm.
